Developer’s arguments lack foundation

Rod Kunishige’s “Sounding Off” column (March 2) was way off the mark. Mr. Kunishige’s assertion that proponents of zoning changes in the downtown residential area are “misguided” is offensive, and his suggestion that it is just a few “vocals” who are leading these efforts is false.

In fact, a majority of residents in the small area in question have signed a petition asking for a review of the zoning guidelines and the opportunity to provide input to the city on possible additional zoning rules to protect the area from overdevelopment. In addition, there has not yet been a formal proposal made ? so his assumption that the existing zoning rules can’t be improved upon is premature.

Instead of listening to these concerned citizens ? who actually live in the affected area ? Kunishige suggests that we instead rely on the good judgment of developers and Realtors. Note to Kunishige: Developers and real-estate agents have an extreme financial bias.

The residents certainly should have a greater say in what happens in our community than those who seek to make money from it. (Mr. Kunishige, where do you live?) Otherwise, the “automatic market forces” that Kunishige has so much faith in may result in the overdevelopment and “mansionization” that is happening in so many other communities, and the loss of the historic downtown residential area.

There are many examples in our community of development run amok ? just think what would have happened if the Bolsa Chica Land Trust had not succeeded in scaling back the development of the Bolsa Chica mesa.

Most offensive is that Kunishige drops the names of famed architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Joseph Eichler to bolster his pro-development argument. This is nothing more than sleight of hand, since these great architects were masters at designing homes that respected and fit seamlessly into their environments. There is no way either of them would build a big box squeezed onto a lot, crowding out neighboring homes and disrespecting the surrounding community. The problem today is that we don’t have true architects who design homes in the context of their environments. Rather, we seem to have developers and speculators building ever-larger homes in an effort to achieve million-dollar values.

To set the record straight, here is what is happening: A group of residents on Main Street and surrounding areas became concerned about overdevelopment after several proposed projects came to light, such as the splitting of a single lot to build two large homes, and another proposal for an oversized home. These residents circulated a petition, which was signed by a majority of residents in the affected area. The residents then approached the city and asked for a historical overlay, which allows additional zoning requirements to be put into place in a very small ? approximately four-block ? area.

The group has solicited input from other affected residents and the planning department. A resident’s meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 14, after which a proposal will be made to the City Council. These residents respect the rights of homeowners to rebuild, remodel and enlarge their homes, and are seeking only a few additional protections, as well as better enforcement of existing rules, to prevent overdevelopment and preserve the character of the area.

These residents understand what a unique and special community the downtown residential area is. Visitors to the city also understand the charm of the area ? it serves a wonderful gateway to the downtown retail center and is part of what makes the city of Huntington Beach a draw for visitors, not just on the Fourth of July but all year long. Who knows, if these residents succeed in protecting this valuable asset of the city, the area may become even more desirable, and more valuable, so that everyone benefits.