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Home My WebLink About2026-04-22 Thelma Levy - Public Comment_RedactedApril 22, 2026 FORMAL OBJECTION Case No.: CUP 2025-004 City of La Quinta City Council and Planning Department La Quinta, California Re: Objection to Proposed Water Park Development Adjacent to Dear Council Members: I have recently been made aware thatthe La Quints Resort has ro osed a water ark development planned directly adjacent to my property at in La Quints. As a Tennis Villa property owner, I am concerned aboutthe negative impacts this projectwoutd have, not only on my personal property, but also on the surrounding community. This letter serves as my formal objection to the project. I purchased and extensively renovated this propertyjust a few years ago because of its beautiful View and its proximity to the uniquely historical La Quints Resort. I appreciated that the resort had retained its original character and architecturally significant historic buildings, such as the Morgan House, throughout it's various expansion and improvement projects. The current proposal does not adhere to those principles and is deeply incongruous with the rest of the resort. Furthermore, I believe that the proposed construction in this locale would undermine the historical value of the resort property that has long been a hallmark of the area. Because of its direct proximityto my property, the proposed structure would block existingviews and natural light from my downstairs bedroom patios on the ground level, and from my second - story main living area and balcony. No longer would we be able to enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the pool area, greater La Quints Resort and the Santa Rosa Mountains. Rather, we would be Looking at a 30-34 foot wall/structure and pool equipment enclosure, which would significantly reduce the aesthetic appeal of my home. Not to mention the noise created from the enthusiastic screams of the slide participants and the constant din of the filtration system. Apart from our personal enjoyment, I believe the project would negatively impact the income potential of the property, which we currently offer forshort-term rentals and one of the reasons we purchased. These factors would combine to have a significant and detrimental affect on my property value, currently perceived as a beautifully remodeled unit with wonderful resort / mountain views to "the unit next to the water slide" i While I appreciate the resort's desire to improve the main pool area, and understand the City's interest in supporting community amenities, I urge the City to reconsider the scale and location of this project, as its implications extend beyond individualproperty concerns, affecting the character and integrity of our cherished community. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope my concerns will be taken into serious consideration as discussions on the water park expansion proceed. I am not opposed to thoughtful development; however, I am opposed to a configuration that places a high -activity commercial use immediately adjacent to my home. We are still suffering shock from the adjacent Palm Grove being turned into into a loud event space— how much more are we expected to endure. Sincerely, Thelma Levy Quints, CA 92253 Attachments: CEQA Objection Supporting Statement Historical Character Impact Statement CEQA OBJECTION SUPPORTING STATEMENT Project: La Quints Resort Family Pool Expansion Case No.: CUP 2025-0004 Property: La Quints, CA This document is submitted in support of a formal objection to the above -referenced project and outlines specific environmentaland property -related concerns pursuant -to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 1. Visual Impact The proposed development includes structures reaching approximately 30 feet in height directly adjacent to the property. This would significantly obstruct existing views from both the main -level patio and second -story living areas, materially alteringthe character of the property. 2. Light Obstruction The projectwould block southern light exposure into the residence. Natural light is a critical component of habitabilityand propertyvalue and should be considered in environmental review. 3. Noise and Event Activity Existing conditions already include occasional amplified music from nearby resort activities. Expansion into a high -activity poolvenue is likelyto increase frequencyand intensity of noise, including potential DJ events and gatherings, creating a substantial and ongoing disturbance. 4. Privacy Concerns Elevated structures and increased guest activity in close proximitywill result in direct visibility into private residential spaces, including patio and second -story windows. 5. Economic Impact The subject property operates as a short-term rental, generating approximately $50,000 annually. The proposed project may negatively impact occupancy rates, guest satisfaction, and overall income potential due to noise, privacy, and visual concerns. 6. Cumulative Impact When considered together, the impacts of height, noise, light obstruction, and privacy loss represent a significant cumulative burden on the propertyand warrant full environmental review ratherthan categorical exemption. 7. Alternative Location Recommendation Relocatingthe project closerto the street -facing portion of the site would significantly reduce the direct impact on adjacent residential properties and should be evaluated as a feasible alternative. Page 1 of 2 Conclusion Given the above factors, the project presents potential significant environmental impacts that require thorough CEQA review. Approval without appropriate analysis and mitigation would result in disproportionate harm to adjacent property owners. Submitted by: Thelma Levy La Quints, CA 92353 Page 2 of 2 HISTORIC CHARACTER IMPACT STATEMENT Project: La Quinta Resort Family Pool Expansion Case No.: CUP 2025-0004 Purpose This statement outlines concerns regarding the impact of the proposed project on the historic character, scale, and identity of the La Quinta Resort and its surrounding residential community. 1. Historic Character of La Quinta Resort La Quinta Resort is widely recognized as a historic, low -scale, Spanish -style resort environment characterized by: - Modest building heights - Quiet, garden -oriented spaces - Integration with surrounding residential uses - A relaxed, low -intensity atmosphere This character is a defining feature of the property and contributes to both its value and community compatibility. 2. Incompatibility of Waterpark-Style Development The introduction of a waterpark-style pool complex represents a fundamental shift in: - Use intensity (higher occupancy, activity levels) - Noise profile (amplified sound, group activity) - Visual character (large-scale, vertical features) This type of development is inconsistent with the established resort identity and introduces a theme -park -style use into a historically quiet setting. 3. Structural Impact— 30-Foot Tower The proposed approximately 30-foot tower structure to be built over the existing pickleball courts further intensifies this incompatibility by: - Introducing vertical massing inconsistent with surrounding structures - Blocking existing sightlines from nearby residences - Reducing natural Light to adjacent properties "Creating a visually dominant feature in a traditionally low -scale environment" 4. Zoning and Resort Character Standards The project, as proposed, appears to be: - Inconsistent with zoning intent, particularly where compatibility with adjacent residential uses is required - Misaligned with resort character standards, which emphasize scale, aesthetics, and harmony with surroundings Page 1 of 2 5. Cumulative Effect When combined with the already operational Grove venue, the project contributes to a progressive shift away from historic resort character toward higher -intensity commercial use, which warrants careful review. Conclusion The proposed project is not simply an incremental improvement, it represents a material change in character, scale, and use that is inconsistent with the historic identity of La Quinta Resort and its surrounding residential environment. These impacts should be fully evaluated prior to any approval. Page 2 of 2