Letter to The Editor

The Sea Cliff Boutique Motel and Restaurant project proposed for next door to the Beachcomber Inn will be returning to the Design Review/Cultural Heritage Subcommittee on Aug. 23.

The version of the project presented at the June 28 DR/CH meeting was for a ninesuite boutique motel, 48-seat restaurant, nine-car parking structure, with swimming pool, spa, fitness room, executive meeting rooms, and concierge service.

A packed room of about 30 irate neighbors raised over 30 points of concern and opposition. These were regarding traffic, parking, view blockage, trash collection, loss of trees, noise, compliance with federal conservation standards, destruction of the historic garden, effect of excavation on slope stability, and a lack of Environmental Impact Report, to name a few.

The commissioners also had a long list of concerns. One of which was that the Historic Resource Technical Report requires a more thorough analysis.

That is the report that claims it would not harm the historic integrity of the property to bulldoze the historic garden and patio, even though a Historic Preservation

Report done in 2002 concluded that demolition of the garden would be a significant impact.

City staff has promised that an independent, third-party historic preservation consultant would be hired to authenticate the findings of the developer’s consultant.

The unstable soil conditions are a huge concern for surrounding neighbors. The Driftwood Bluffs condominium complex and the Beachcomber Inn both directly abut the Sea Cliff property. Both have had significant seismic activity over the years.

The massive scope of excavation proposed for the Sea Cliff Motel and Restaurant would almost surely cause damage to surrounding properties.

Please contact the Planning Commission and let them know what you think of this project. Even better, let them know in person at the Aug. 23 meeting.