![\"Planning](\"https:\/\/missiontimescourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/17526-StreetScene-99-0509-web.jpg\")
During his presentation, ColRich representative Seth Dorros admitted that the entrance portal was not ideal, but it was the only option. He pointed out that the entrance is placed where there was adequate visibility for cars pulling out of the development. Dorros also hailed the design of the mid-century modern homes as being \u201cconsistent with the community character\u201d of Del Cerro. He also said that the small scale of the project \u2014 only 24 homes \u2014 is why the city traffic study showed the traffic impact of the project to be \u201cless than significant.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn general, the architecture I think is great \u2014 I like it for Del Cerro. I\u2019m not even concerned about the amount of traffic that it would be adding to the community, the amount of traffic is negligible,\u201d said Doug Livingston, NCPI board member representing Del Cerro. \u201cIt\u2019s the egress and ingress and the impact that it puts on the community that is my main concern.\u201d<\/p>\n
Livingston said he normally supports infill development projects but described that ColRich proposal as developing a \u201cleftover piece of land that wasn\u2019t planned well back in the 50\u2019s when the area was originally planned\u201d that lacks good access.<\/p>\n
NCPI Del Cerro representative Lance Grucela brought up a concern with whether the project fits in the community plan. Specifically, he quoted the community plan that said developments should be avoided on steep slopes or canyons.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s exactly what this land is,\u201d he said, adding that the project was only being considered because it is on one of the only empty parcels left in the Del Cerro area. \u201cAnd that\u2019s not a good enough reason.\u201d<\/p>\n
Charlene Owen was one of the small group of Del Cerro residents who spoke out against the project. She said she visited the local fire department to ask about the accessibility to the proposed development.<\/p>\n
\u201c[The main engineer] said the first means of entering this property would be going in the wrong way or driving into oncoming traffic lanes at the intersection of Del Cerro Boulevard and College Avenue. If that\u2019s not an option, he said we\u2019ll get there eventually by making an emergency U-Turn by the freeway ramps, but he said it would be brutal to manage this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following public comments, Grucela motioned for the board to vote against supporting the project, seconded by Livingston.<\/p>\n
Before casting his vote to oppose the motion, Granville representative John LaRaia urged support of the ColRich project. He cited the fact that the property is zoned for up to 52 units, and if this project failed, a higher-density proposal \u201ccould be dropped on your lap\u201d and be much worse for Del Cerro.<\/p>\n
LaRaia was joined by NCPI president Matt Adams as well as board members Dan Smith and David Hardy, but the remaining four members sided with Grucela and Livingston to deny support of the ColRich project.<\/p>\n
Of course, the NCPI vote is only advisory and an upcoming vote by the city planning department may have a different outcome.<\/p>\n