HomeMy WebLinkAboutAttachment K- Public Comments Correspondence1
Alfonso S. Hernandez
From:Lourdes Almazan <rsenio@msn.com>
Sent:Tuesday, November 28, 2023 10:38 PM
To:Alfonso S. Hernandez
Subject:Foster Bridge and Bluff Residential Project
To whom it may concern,
We are the Almazan family living in the island next to the proposed project and we’d like to share our opinion and
concerns on the matter. We have lived on Glencliff Drive for the past 27 years and have enjoyed living in this small
quaint neighborhood and want to keep it that way. We believe the amount of homes planned to be built is excessive for
the small piece of land. This will greatly increase rush hour traffic, which is already bad. The plan is for a gated
community, which means we won’t have access to it but they will have access to our streets and leave their excess
vehicles in front of our homes. The average three bedroom home has about three to four vehicles. We very much doubt
this new community will have enough parking space for their residents. Everyone knows people use their garages for
storage rather than their cars, so where do you think these new residents are going to park? Even if restrictions are
imposed they eventually end up in nearby streets. We have seen this happen in too many neighborhoods. We hope the
city of Downey takes our concerns seriously when making a decision and protects the quality of life we have here rather
than the monetary gain for the city.
Sincerely,
Javier and Maria Almazan
Sent from my iPad
Attachment K
February 21, 2024
TO: Downey Planning Commission
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, Ca 90240
From: Melissa Covarrubias
7318 Finevale Drive
Downey, CA 90240
RE: Opposition to Proposed Development on Former Church Lot at 7360 Foster
Bridge Boulevard
Dear Members of the Downey Planning Commission,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed project that aims to
construct 33 units on the former church lot located 7360 Foster Bridge Boulevard,
Downey, CA. While I understand the importance of urban development, I believe this
particular proposal raises significant concerns that warrant careful reconsideration.
The conversion of the former church lot into a residential complex of such scale may
have detrimental effects on the surrounding community.
The traffic as a result of this development is extremely concerning. The area already
suffers from severe congestion during the morning and evening rush hours as the
Foster Bridge and Suva Street Bridge is the only route from this area into the city.
The bridge is a two-lane road not rated for this volume of traffic, the wear and tear
of the infrastructure is not factored into this project. The noise and light pollution
coming from this development will negatively impact the quality of life of the adjacent
neighborhood. The City of Downey prides itself in providing a peaceful and serene
living environment for its residents and a development of this size will eliminate that
for tbd residents of the area known as "The Island."
I urge the Planning Commission to consider alternative development plans that
respect the existing community and address the concerns of the local residents. I
kindly request that you take into account the voice of the community members who
will be directly impacted by this development. It is essential to ensure that any
proposed changes align with the values and needs of the residents who call this
neighborhood home.
Attachment K
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that the Planning Commission will
carefully weigh the potential consequences of this project and make decisions that
prioritize the well-being and cohesion of our community.
Sincerely ,
/74/, UM d',J/dIll IEt
Melissa Covarrubias
Attachment K
March 6, 2024
To: City of Downey Planning Department
I am writing regarding the The Lord's Grace Church and the potential
building of the townhomes by the Olson Company, I am a resident of the
Island and the TLG church is directly behind my home. For the past
several months my neighbors and I have been visited by the public
relations representative, Diane Ripley, of the Olson Company. Our homes
were focused upon because we are within 750 ft.of the potential
construction. We were informed that the new townhomes were planning to
be 3 stories (which included a garage), would be close to our property line,
and would have windows overlooking our 5 to 6 ft. fences. She informed
us that the Olson company wanted to help us with our privacy issues.
When these visits first began I went to the planning department and was
told by the principal planner, Alfonso Hernandez, that when the project
was further along and the re-zoning issue was discussed the neighbors
within the 75 Oft. radius would be informed by a letter and invited to the
meeting
In January 2024 the visits to my home and fellow neighbors from the
Diane Ripley increased. She conveyed that the Olson Company wanted to
offer us $2000 for trees or structures to help protect our privacy. Prior to
these visits many of the residents told her that we were against the
building of the townhornes for many reasons and we were not interested
in speaking with her. Shortly after, many of the residents were mailed
letters, received Fed-ex letters, and even phorle calls from various
members of the Olson Company asking for us to meet with them to see
how they could help us. We were very clear that we wanted to speak with
the planning department and attend the meeting regarding the re-zoning
This meeting has been postponed many times per the builders request.
Since that time many other residents of the Island, Suva Street, the
surrounding neighborhoods off of Guatemala, and some Bell Gardens
residents have signed petitions and raised many concerns about this
project. Some of the' concerns are as follows:
Attachment K
1.Traffic–. Increased traffic during peak weekday hours. Suva now gets
backed up and can take up to 30 minutes to get to Paramount. This witt
rnean more traffic for the side residential streets off Guatemala which are
already impacted. Many of the residents have already requested speed
bumps for the current traffic situation
2. Bridge Safety-–Ttle bridge that enters to the Island on Suva/Foster
bridge is over 70 years old. When it was originally built there was not as
much traffic or heavy vehicles traveling across it. The potential of 33
townhomes can add anywhere of two to four cars per household. That
means more traffic and wear and tear on the bridge. Also, we have to take
nto account emergency vehicles traveling over the bridge as well as
school buses, some which transport special needs children.
3. Parking– The townhomes will be built with two car garages. If the
residents have more than two cars or visitors the cars will be parked on
Bluff Road and on or near Treasure Island Park.
4. Schools–Traffic to the local schools of Maude Price and Griffiths will
be increased. TIle streets in front of both schools are narrow. Many
students are dropped off by car or walk. The increase in vehicles and
children entering and exiting the school can be dangerous for children and
will cause more traffie back during school drop off and pick up hours
This project will have rnany implications for the residents of
northwest Downey.
Thank you
Jennifer Weed
Concerned Citizen
Attachment K