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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-24 Patty & Richard Keller - Public Comment_RedactedApril 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 Kellerl uvEkA/v. La Quinta, CA 92253 April 24, 2026 City of La Quanta Honorable Mayor Council Members Planning Commissioners City Clerk and City Manager 79495 Calle Tampico La Qumta CA 92253 Assigned Plainer Nicole Cristo Re Objectton to Proposed Project Project Name IA Quota Resort Family Pool Expansion CaselApphcahon No CUP2025-0004 PropertyAffected—La Qtmda CA Dear Honorable Mayor Council Members Planning Commissioners City Clerk, Assigned Planner and City Manager I am writing ro formally express my concem and ob ection m the ro sed water park development planned in close proximity to my property at�m La Qumta 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 mmpact light obstmc ion and overall use and enjoyment of my property Ofparticular concern is the proposed height and structure of the development I mderstand that elements of the project may reach approximately 30 feet in height which would directly affect my home s smghtlmes privacy and natural light This structure would obstruct the existing views from my patio on the main level m 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 mtroducnon of a large scale elevated structure in such close proximty would fundamentally alter the character of my properly and diminish rb 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 vertu - specially me that nosy 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 pmjmt miser mportant 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 cbamacter of the La Quota Resort which a 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 propernes I Supporting materials are included with this submission as follows Exhibit 1— CEQA Objection Supporting Statement Exhibit 2 —Photographs and Pmperly Impact Exlubrts 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 roamer Thank you for your time and consideration I would appreciate being kept informed of any updates hearings or opportunities sties to provide further input regarding this matter This correspondence is being submitted via email and a formal hard copy its being transmitted via certified mail for inclusion in the official record Submitted by Patty Keller A4&4 ,tw Richard Keller ,A kM4 , I.a m� EXHIBIT 1 CEQAOBJECTION SUPPORTING STATEMENT April 23 2026 City of La Qumta Honorable Mayor Council Members Planning Commissioners City Clerk and City Manager 78495 Calle Tamptoo La Quanta CA 92253 Assigned Planner Nicole Cristo Re CEQAOblecta m Supporting Statement Project La Qumta Resort Family Pool Expansion Case No CUP2025-0004 Property — La Quints CA This statement is submitted in support of a formal objection to Use above referenced project pursuant to the California Environmental QuahtyAct (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 Tbis will obstruct primary views from the main level patio and second story Irving 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 unpact tinder CEQA 3 Nose and Intensification of Use The project mhoduces a high intensity waterpark style use that will generate sustamed norse 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 Prmry Impacts The height proximity and activity associated with the proposed structure will result in direct visibility into private residential areas including pahos and second story windows creating a material loss ofpnvacy 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 Quanta as containing nationally eligible historic structures and features The resort s low scale design architectural coliesion and tranquil setting are defining cliaractenshcs 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 mtroductioa of a waterpark style pool complex with a 30 foot tower structure represents a substantial departure from the established resort envwnment and constitutes a significant adverse impact to its historic setting and character N 6 Cumulative Impacts The project must be evaluated in conjunction with The Grove event venue constructed in 2024-2025 directly adjacent to the eastern boundary of the property The Grove has already mtroduced amplified music large scale events and increased activity levels which have been reported to the City police and resort management Together The Grove and the proposed pool expansion create a combined high intensity, entertainment environment immediately adjacent to residential properties resulting in cumulative impacts including sustamed noise loss of privacy visual intrusion and reduced livability These combined impacts exceed the threshold for exemption and require full CEQA review 7 Feasible AlteriumveLocation Relocating the project toward the street facing portion of the site would significantly reduce direct impacts on adjacent residential properties and should be evaluated as a feasible alternative Conclusion The project presents significant envirronmental impacts both individually and ciunulanvely requmug full CEQA analysis Approval without comprehensive environmental review and mitigation would result in disproportionate harm to adjacent properly owners and is inconsistent with CEQA requirements Submitted by t aP0�4/i�fi_� 15 EXHIBIT 2— PHOTOGRAPHS AND PROPERTY IMPACT EXHIBITS Project: La Quinta Resort Family Pool Expansion Case No.: CUP 2025-0004 Property:— La Quinta, CA These photographs are provided to illustrate the direct visual, spatial, and proximity impacts of the proposed development relative to the subject property. The images include: -Aerial views showing the relationship between the proposed project site, the newly constructed Grove party venue, and the residence - Ground -level views from the patio and second -story vantage points - Marked images identifying the location of the proposed structure and its proximity to the residence - Yew of east side of residence These exhibits are intended to assist in evaluating the visual, privacy, and land use impacts described in the accompanying objection materials. I