WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
Any building can be replaced by whatever any 4 of our Council members say is “sensitive” to what remains in the downtown. No definition of “sensitive” exists. And no “historic storefront” anywhere is required to remain.
“Promote economic diversification, including opportunities for a variety of retail tenants including those that are larger than currently available (emphasis added) while preserving pedestrian scale design.” II. Development Framework, Development Objectives, p. 8. of Downtown Precise Plan. (View the marked up PDF or go to the City copy of Downtown Precise Plan)
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
The Precise Plan envisions replacing our existing buildings with larger structures as high as 45’ to 55’ high. What retail needs larger spaces? Chain stores, perhaps?
“The vision for downtown is to preserve the mix of buildings…(which) contribute to the historic character and distinctiveness…Some of the buildings may be listed on the City’s Register of Historic Resources…New buildings must also be sensitive to the historic storefront scale and architecture of the downtown.” E. Preservation of Historic Buildings, p. 22. (View the marked up PDF or go to the City copy of Downtown Precise Plan)
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
The Historic Register of Historic Resources to “preserve and protect” is solely voluntary. See ORDINANCE text or PDF of 2011 City of MV Designation and Preservation of Historic Resources. Any building can be removed. Many have. As of 2017, 11 Castro Street buildings with 17 businesses were once listed but 5 (containing 8 businesses) have already been removed.
View the complete Historic Register including unprotected buildings in MV.
Other Peninsula cities have effective historic protections required for their downtowns yielding pristine, beautiful business districts. Below is Mountain View’s suggestion for protection:
“4. Ground-Level Treatment. The unique community character created by the mixture of building ages and architectural styles and the architectural design influence of historical buildings should be encouraged.” Area H Specific Guidelines and Prototypes, C. Design Guidelines, 4. Ground Level Treatment, p. 82. (View the marked up PDF or go to the City copy of Downtown Precise Plan)
WHATS THE PROBLEM?
There is no requirement that any building, historic or otherwise, be left standing to assure such “mixture”.
“6. Facade Treatment. To maintain the present scale and character of buildings in the Historic Retail District, large uninterrupted expanses of horizontal and vertical walls should be avoided…. Facades on new and rehabilitated buildings should include the elements that make up a complete storefront…New buildings need not mimic an “historical architectural style…Preservation of existing historic details and materials should be encouraged.” Area H. Specific Guidelines, C. Design Guidelines, 6. Façade Treatments. Pages 83-84. (View the marked up PDF or go to the City copy of Downtown Precise Plan)
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
These guidelines protect and preserve nothing. Our unique streetscape can be destroyed and replaced with just about anything that is not a blank wall.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
THIS PETITION ASKS OUR COUNCIL TO PROTECT CASTRO ST. WHILE WE WORK TOGETHER TO PRESERVE OUR LIVABLE DOWNTOWN.
NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE.
NOW IS THE TIME TO ADD YOUR VOICE.
Sign now by going to our Petition to take action.
