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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-22 Nicole Criste - Concerned Resident_RedactedFrom:Consulting Planner To:David Newell; Cheri Flores; Jon McMillen Subject:La Quinta Resort Pool Date:Monday, June 22, 2026 4:32:22 PM Attachments:Keller EXHIBIT 2.pdf Keller EXHIBIT 1.pdf Keller FORMAL OBJECTION.pdf Good Afternoon All, I spent some time on the phone this afternoon with a resident of the condo within the Tennis Villas closest to the resort pool project. One of the things she asked was what avenues were open to her to raise awareness at the City, and I suggested that she meet with Jon, and also potentially the Council members. She has been pleasant but concerned, and is trying to educate herself about the process. Her name is Patty Keller, and she may reach out to Jon directly. She and her husband have submitted written comments, which I have attached here for reference. Nicole Sauviat Criste Consulting Planner City of La Quinta 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. 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 introduced 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 sustained noise, loss of privacy, visual intrusion, and reduced livability. These combined impacts exceed the threshold for exemption and require full CEQA review. 7. Feasible Alternative Location 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 environmental impacts, both individually and cumulatively, requiring full CEQA analysis. Approval without comprehensive environmental review and mitigation would result in disproportionate harm to adjacent property owners and is inconsistent with CEQA requirements. Submitted by: Patty Keller Richard Keller La Quinta, CA 92253 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 - View 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. 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