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October 8, 2007 Avila Valley Advisory Council
COMMUNITY FORUM
CHEVRON TANK FARM SITE SUMMARY OF DATA AND RESPONSES It is evident from the analysis of the surveys and the comments that the community sample from Forum attendees favors low impact uses, mitigation of environmental hazards, respect for Chumash concerns, and minimizing traffic impacts. Public uses were supported by 70% of respondents, with tourism oriented uses at 18%. BACKGROUND · Fossil Point Dialogue Group: A group of twenty-three appointees, established by the Third District County Supervisor (for the Avila area) on the SLO County Board of Supervisors and funded by the Developer selected by Chevron, met from March 15 to May 5, 2007. · Fossil Point Dialogue Group Outcomes: Various possible uses were suggested and constraints explored during meetings that concluded with the Supervisor asking for a use recommendation from AVAC in conjunction with the community, on May 5, 2007. · AVAC Community Forum: The Forum was advertised by a flyer (attached), mailing and emails, press releases and an ad in the major area newspaper. The Forum format (agenda attached) and the Questionnaires (blank questionnaire attached) for completion at the Forum included inputs from Chevron and Developer. The Forum was held on August 29, 2007 (plus a repeat the following night attended by some of the overflow from the previous night). · Questionnaire Report: The Report with conclusions from the Questionnaires was distributed to AVAC Board members, SLO County Board of Supervisors, Jerry Lenthall,3rd District Supervisor; Chevron Corporate CEO, David O’Reilly; Bill Almas,Chevron; Rob Rossi, Fossil Point LLC. CONFIDENTIALITY: To protect confidentiality of Forum participants, Questionnaires will not be available to the public. AVAC will provide a summary of all data and comments recorded without private data. Relevant documents will be posted to the AVAC web site: Avilavalley.org |
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Avila Valley Advisory Council PO Box 65, Avila Beach, CA 93424 AVAC Community Forum Chevron Tank Farm Site October 8, 2007 Summary of Questionnaire Data and Responses It is evident from the analysis of the surveys and the comments that the community sample that attended the forums favors low impact uses, mitigation of environmental hazards, respect for Chumash concerns, and minimizing traffic impacts. There was not a significant difference due to residence or business location. Questionnaire Analysis Methodology A total of 117 surveys were received from citizens who either attended one of the two AVAC informational forums or were members of the original Fossil Point Advisory Committee. Due to the format of the questionnaire and the lack of definitive understanding of the potential use categories, it was necessary to interpret and record the questionnaire response in light of the rankings and/or comments. Location was determined either by the citizen’s residence or place of business. Data analysis was accomplished through the use of SPSS and Excel software. Report developed and submitted by: Ken Schuetz, Avila resident |
Minutes of the
COMMUNITY FORUM
CHEVRON TANK FARM PROPERTY
August 29 & 30, 2007
The Forum was called to order at 6:30 p.m. both nights. Karla Bittner, Land Use Committee Chairperson, opened the meetings. She explained that the purpose of the Forum was to inform the public on the use issues; offer potential use concepts; solicit community input with a questionnaire, and present recommendations to Chevron executives and the County supervisors. An impetus for the forum was from Jerry Lenthall, County Supervisor, who suggested that AVAC take the lead with prioritizing the uses in consideration of the issues raised in the Fossil Point Dialogue Group meetings. There were five Power Point presentations by Committee members – 1. Karla Bittner- Avila Area Development issues Identified at Fossil Point Dialogue Group; 2. Bob Pusanik- Site Development Issues Identified at Fossil Point Dialogue Group; 3. Sherri Danoff/Gooding – Overview of Regulatory Information; 4. Pete Kelley – History of Uses on 95 Acre Tank Farm Property and Fred Collins, Chumash history. This presentation reviewed matters that need to be addressed before any use is proposed. Committee member Boyd Horne gave a presentation of Use Opportunities suggested at Fossil Point Dialogue Group and after a break there was a discussion facilitated by an outside Consultant, Stephanie Wald. Each person had the opportunity to share for 2 minutes and keep he/her comments centered on – “What are your primary considerations for determining uses?” And “Considering uses from Fossil Point Dialogue Group: Should others be added? Any deleted?” The following were the comments made: Aug. 29 Wine Center – It was pointed out that only 25 acres would be built on and that the traffic problems can be worked out, and it was suggested that a wine center would be an asset to the community because it would promote tourism. It could have classes, wine tasting and incorporating the international wine community. A Healing Vision- The Chumash want to present a project for a healing center and a museum to AVAC, Chevron and the County The name Indian Head Point seems a better name than Fossil Point and agrees with healing of the land. Being this is a unique piece of land it is with hope that the 50 acres will be preserved and that Chevron will work with Parks and Recreation – open space, trails, multipurpose projects and ensure the sight has access to the public. Favors Chumash healing center and museum. Favors Chumash center and Avila historical museum. Does not want it to become another gated community and that the parking and circulation problems need to be addressed. Chumash Center/Cultural History Park and plenty of parking. History and Heritage Park of the Cumash and Avila which will preserve Avila for the future generations. Indian Head Point - Man living in harmony with the land. Contamination of the property is a big concern. The majority of it can be cleaned up. If houses were to be put on the property it will need extensive clean up. However if there are periodic visitors there things can be done to make it safe. Proposed to create a team to look at traffic circulation, parking, and potential of contamination towards the beach for the site. Chumash Center/Cultural History and have plenty of parking. Take off the uses that will have a high impact: Conference center, golf course, hotel– needs to be a low impact center. Talk to the Dinasaur Caves neighbors and ask them about the impact the park has had on them. Stay open minded – the property could have multiple uses that will help the community because it will stimulate tourism. Aesthetic motivation instead of commercial - Chumash culture as theme. Chumash Healing Center and Museum – Avila history, education, agriculture. Need to have EIR and abatement. What is best for the land? Chumash and open space. Could have a tram like they do at the Getty Museum. Chumash Healing Center with open space and public use. Need to consider circulation and emergency access. Chumash as stewards of the land to bring it back to life. Should be a requirement rather than suggestions – Chumash Healing Center, Bike trail, and open space. Aug. 30 No development before more roadways for area traffic. Only greenhouse, healing center and Eco-tourist uses. Need to stay close to nature. No Commercial enterprises! Development should be contingent on Chevron building new access. Supervisors can override any EIR or ordinance. No overriding consideration for impacts! The right-of- away to expand Avila Beach Drive has been given away. The property has been highly used for 100 years and deserves a rest! There will not be a casino on the property if the Chumash do their center. There will never be a casino in San Luis County. The ground is owned by Chevron- is it an asset or liability? Chevron has ongoing responsibility and liability. Chumash Center –20% of the property can have several uses. Unocal contributed heavily to amenity in Avila. Any project will incorporate health and safety of people who will either live there or visit there. The audience thanked the presenters and AVAC for an outstanding presentation |
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AVILA VALLEY ADVISORY COUNCIL PO Box 65, Avila Beach, CA 93424 CHEVRON TANK FARM SITE COMMUNITY FORUM COMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE October 8, 2007 1. If an area on the tank farm can be cleaned up, it would be nice to have an area set aside for the kids to have at least a 10,000 sq. for a skate park. This could be inside of an area designated as a park and could fall under “parks and recreation”. 2. Any use should provide benefits to various sectors of the community. Economic benefits to local businesses, social benefits in the form of open space/path ways, cultural benefits such as Chumash/historical/paleontological, visitor screening for others from outside immediate Avila area. 3. My first memories are of family days in Avila Beach. Although the community has changed through the cleanup and restoration, it still remains a charming community. The development if any, on Fossil Point should be small in character to avoid losing the small village charm. We don’t want it to look like a Southern Cal Resort! The road (only one way in and out) is a primary concern, as is traffic. 4. Community wellness Center, historic hikes, mostly open space for public use. 6. If Chevron so desires, I would support some revenue creating development such as 4, 5, 6, 7 if we cannot achieve my first 3 choices. Would always like to see cliff edge public access as in Shell Beach. 7. Avila Beach and Port San Luis are too developed. Please, no more. 8. The area has been abused in a variety of ways. Use should reflect an effort to correct these abuses. 9. Healing ~ literally and metaphorically ~ would be excellent ways and an inspiration for the county, state and nation. 10. Avila has been developed beyond recognition. Some development in the valley is being done with the knowledge the septic systems will fail. The sewer treatment plant in Avila CANNOT handle this sewage. We DO NOT need another golf course or hotel. Tell R.R. to stay out! 11. The high point or beach land should be used with a Chumash theme to generate capital. The amphitheater between Avila Beach and Pirates Cove should be kept as an open space UNOBSTRUCTED by fences, buildings, etc., as a place of contemplation and serenity. Return Pirates Cove to a pristine state for marine studies which would include the removal or discouragement of all homosexual activity that has been a moral blight on the area. 12. Our vision should be to protect this precious coastal property for use and access by everyone for the future. 13. This property should serve the masses ~ vs. the privileged. 15. We need to bring in tourist dollars all year long. A wine center and a Chumash center can both be done and will be a big draw. The educational opportunities are huge here with both of these venues at the same place. Museum should include Avila history past ~ Chumash to modern including Chumash. 16. The cleanup of the site, and its use, are extremely important to me. 17. NO hotel, golf course, conference center 18. Link with Bob Jones Museum OK 19. Restricting to single use is a waste of this beautiful property. Combined use is the only way to go. 22. I once wrote Mr. Lenthal that his belief that more development is better. We would never have moved here if we knew that was the plan. The ability to evacuate is of great concern. I can’t believe all of you don’t see the writing on the wall. Have you ever read the obituaries here vs. Portland, OR, as an example? Cancer, pollution, loss of animal habitat will haunt you all. 23. The animosity toward this project by AVAC members (not all ~ some) is appalling. To define yourselves as the arbiters of the “community improvement” is an incredibly narcissistic view of the world. I imagine that each time you say NO to a project, it grows your personal power and does so at the expense of others not so inclined. For the record, I am not a developer, never was a developer, nor would I ever want to be a developer. 24. I am offended by the manner in which this project is being characterized. My sense is that minds have been made up, and my opinion is not sincerely valued. I appreciate forums in which there is an open exchange of ideas. I do not respond well when others feel inclined to show disregard for those individuals who are in a position to invest in this project and to minimize the importance of personal property rights is not something with which I am able to identify. I think the most respectful behavior is displayed by the individuals who have been involved in this project, and are so willing to take the community’s participation and comments into consideration. 25. Thank you for holding this meeting. It was very informative. I would appreciate your remembering this point: Indian Head Rock is VERY visible. Remember the Viewshed! 26. Baking Chumash Healing Center Museum 27. Because of our unique location with very limited access to Highway 101, it would be FOOLHARDY to allow developers to continue to build attractions in our small community. Our beach is very small, also, and there is no reason to pack it with bodies. Safety should be our FIRST concern!! And second, our small area should be preserved. A regional park would allow the public to share the beauty without destroying it. (one more line cut off in Xeroxing) 28. Combine the Chumash history and Avila history. 30. See separate submission. 31. (13) Chumash Healing Center ~ museum (15) Habitat preservation ~ oak woodland Both items should be a REQUIREMENT of any development suggested for Fossil Point (16) Research/technology ~ current zoning is industrial; optimal location for research/ best in relation o fishing industry & aquatic resources. Aquaculture production research to bolster fisheries & fish stocks. In any and all scenarios, contamination must be remediated and also mitigation measures must be included in any development. 32. I think a human scale project that fits well on the site and meshes well with the town can be successful. The project should be unique in character and design expression. The scale and character of Avila Beach must be considered. (tourist oriented) 33. #13 should be low impact: No hotel; only day use Primary considerations: No impact to traffic on summer ~ weekends No viewsheds impact 35. I am very concerned about traffic and access. Both widening Avila Beach Road and providing another route appear infeasible. 36. FIRST, the area must be cleaned to State safety standards, which will require an E I R and an abatement order. Please do it right. 37. Move forward with an E I R, and cleanup and abatement order. First clean up property, then a project can move forward. 38. Chumash Healing Center ~ Museum will be great for the Avila Valley and beach. It will complete the area history. 39. Multi-use amphitheater ~ open air. Bird sanctuary/preservation 40. If Santa Barbara’s citizenry could take the old oil tank farm at Elwood Mesa and turn it into a regional park, so can we. And we should not lose the opportunity to do so. Once lost, we have to live with that mistake forever. 42. The forum was well done. 44. A Chumash Memorial ~ Conference Center ~ can include lots of open space for picnics and day visitors. The conference center could be good sized but on site accommodations – limited given local hotels – theme of center could (center) on Chumash heritage and the history of the Central Coast. 45. I have difficulty accepting a presumption of input mitigation due to the history of the board of supervisors approving findings of overriding consideration to previous Avila area projects. (unclear) from the approval of separate Avila area development projects are the biggest threat to the health and safety of Avila residents, visitors, and PG&E employees. Continued approval of projects through the general plan amendment process has the potential to subvert the vision of AVAC and any long-range planning efforts of county staff. Any plans for the Chevron property should be part of the coastal area plan update process, which would also include road improvements, (at the least included in the draft of the update)!
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