HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-24 Nicole Garfield - Public Comment_RedactedFrom: Nicole Garfield
Sent: Friday, April 24, 2026 6:13 PM
To: Mayor@laquintaca.gov; CityClerk@laquintaca.gov;
PlanningCommissioners@laquintaca.gov; Planning WebMail; Consulting
Planner; Nicole Criste (Contract Planner); CityManager@laquintaca.gov
Subject: Formal Objection – CUP 2025–0004
Attachments: FORMAL OBJECTION.pdf; EXHIBIT 1.pdf; EXHIBIT 2.pdf
April 24, 2026
City of La Quinta
Honorable Mayor, Council Members, Planning Commissioners, City Clerk, Assigned Planner, and City
Manager
La Quinta, California
Assigned Planner:
Nicole Criste
Re: Formal Objection – CUP 2025–0004
Dear Honorable Mayor, Council Members, Planning Commissioners, City Clerk, Assigned Planner, and City
Manager:
Please find enclosed our formal objection to the proposed waterpark-style pool expansion (CUP 2025–0004)
located immediately adjacent to our property at .
As outlined in the attached letter, this project presents significant concerns due to its immediate proximity,
scale, and cumulative impact on our home and surrounding environment.
We respectfully request full consideration of these concerns, including compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as part of the City’s review process.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Submitted by:
Patty Keller
Richard Keller
La Quinta, CA 92253
EXHIBIT 1 - CEQA OBJECTION SUPPORTING STATEMENT
April 23, 2026
City of La Quinta
Honorable Mayor, Council Members, Planning Commissioners, City Clerk, and City Manager
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
Assigned Planner:
Nicole Criste
Re: CEQA Objection Supporting Statement
Project: La Quinta Resort Family Pool Expansion
Case No.: CUP 2025–0004
Property: , La Quinta, CA
This statement is submitted in support of a formal objection to the above-referenced project
pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The project presents significant
environmental, aesthetic, and land use impacts requiring full review.
1. Visual and Aesthetic Impact
The proposed project includes a ~30-foot tower structure constructed over the existing pickleball
courts, directly adjacent to and south of our residence. This will obstruct primary views from the
main-level patio and second-story living areas, materially altering the visual character of the
property and immediate residential setting.
2. Light Obstruction
The structure will block southern light exposure into the residence, reducing natural light to primary
living spaces. This loss of light affects habitability and must be evaluated as a significant
environmental impact under CEQA.
3. Noise and Intensification of Use
The project introduces a high-intensity, waterpark-style use that will generate sustained noise,
including amplified music and large gatherings. This represents a substantial increase in activity
level beyond the historically low-scale resort use adjacent to residential properties.
4. Privacy Impacts
The height, proximity, and activity associated with the proposed structure will result in direct
visibility into private residential areas, including patios and second-story windows, creating a
material loss of privacy.
5. Historic Resource and Resort Character Impact
La Quinta Resort, originally developed in 1926, is a historically significant property and is
recognized by the City of La Quinta as containing nationally eligible historic structures and features.
The resort’s low-scale design, architectural cohesion, and tranquil setting are defining
characteristics of both the property and surrounding residential environment.
Under CEQA, a historical resource includes properties that are listed or eligible for listing, and
impacts include not only physical alteration but also changes to setting, scale, and character.
The introduction of a waterpark-style pool complex with a 30-foot tower structure represents a
substantial departure from the established resort environment and constitutes a significant adverse
impact to its historic setting and character.
April 24, 2026
City of La Quinta
Honorable Mayor, Council Members, Planning Commissioners, City Clerk, and City Manager
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
Assigned Planner:
Nicole Criste
Re: Objection to Proposed Project
Project Name: La Quinta Resort Family Pool Expansion
Case/Application No.: CUP 2025–0004
Property Affected: , La Quinta, CA
Dear Honorable Mayor, Council Members, Planning Commissioners, City Clerk, Assigned Planner,
and City Manager:
I am writing to formally express my concern and objection to the proposed water park development
planned in close proximity to my property at in La Quinta.
My residence is uniquely and directly impacted by this proposal due to its immediate adjacency. As
currently described, the project would be situated essentially in my backyard, creating significant and
ongoing concerns related to noise, privacy, visual impact, light obstruction, and overall use and
enjoyment of my property.
Of particular concern is the proposed height and structure of the development. I understand that
elements of the project may reach approximately 30 feet in height, which would directly affect my
home’s sightlines, privacy, and natural light. This structure would obstruct the existing views from
my patio on the main level, as well as from my second-story bedroom windows and balcony. In
addition, the placement and scale of the structure would block southern light exposure into my home,
which is an important component of both livability and property value.
The introduction of a large-scale, elevated structure in such close proximity would fundamentally
alter the character of my property and diminish its value and enjoyment.
Additionally, I have experienced firsthand the impact of amplified music and event activity from
nearby resort venues, including evening events with DJs and live bands, which can carry directly into
my home. A water park venue—especially one that may include events or amplified sound—would
substantially intensify these impacts.
It is also important to note that my property is an income-generating asset currently used as a
short-term rental. Due to its immediate adjacency, the proposed development has the potential to
negatively impact the property’s desirability, marketability, and ongoing income-producing capacity.
Furthermore, this project raises important concerns under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). The City is required to evaluate not only the direct impacts of the proposed development,
but also its cumulative effects in the context of existing and recently intensified resort uses. The
introduction of a large-scale, waterpark-style feature of this nature is inconsistent with the established
character of the La Quinta Resort, which is widely recognized for its historic, low-scale, and tranquil
design. The proposed development represents a significant departure from that character and
warrants careful environmental review, including consideration of visual, noise, and land use
compatibility impacts on adjacent residential properties.
Supporting materials are included with this submission as follows:
Exhibit 1 – CEQA Objection Supporting Statement
Exhibit 2 – Photographs and Property Impact Exhibits
These materials are provided to further illustrate the direct, cumulative, and visual impacts of the
proposed development on our property and should be considered as part of the official record.
While I understand and appreciate the City’s interest in supporting development and enhancing
community amenities, the specific placement of this project raises serious concerns. I respectfully
request that the City and project sponsors reconsider the proposed location and evaluate relocating
the development to an alternate area nearer to the street, which would significantly reduce the direct
impact on adjacent residential properties such as mine.
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 without adequate consideration of its
effects. If relocation or meaningful mitigation is not feasible, I would expect that the City and project
sponsors fully address the direct and disproportionate impact on my property in a fair and appropriate
manner.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would appreciate being kept informed of any updates,
hearings, or opportunities to provide further input regarding this matter.
This correspondence is being submitted via email, and a formal hard copy is being transmitted via
certified mail for inclusion in the official record.
Submitted by:
Patty Keller
Richard Keller
La Quinta, CA 92253