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El Encanto Hotel Cornered by Neighbors Over Utilities
Facing a packed chamber, the Santa Barbara’s City Council waded into the contentious and long-running dispute between neighbors and the owners of the still-closed El Encanto Hotel on the Riviera. The issue took up four hours of Tuesday’s meeting, and addressed an appeal some of the neighbors had filed on the project, which was approved by the Planning Commission in February.
After that approval, an appeal was filed by Marc Chytilo, an attorney for Elizabeth and Robert Leslie, Sally and Farrokh Nazerian, and Jan and Johanna von Yurt, families with homes adjacent to the hotel at 1900 Lasuen Road.
The primary concern of the residents is the northwest corner of the site, where advocates for the hotel would like to see an area for utilities, a surface valet parking lot and an operations facility. Neighbors maintain it would greatly increase noise by being so close to their homes. The 97-room project would also create five new cottages on the property, underneath which would be a parking garage. Also on the drawing board are a swimming pool and a fitness center.
In the end, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Roger Horton absent, for both groups to negotiate for 60 to 90 days over the sticking points before reconvening with an agreement.
The master plan for the hotel was approved by the Planning Commission five years ago, but ownership of the property changed just before the project approval. The new owner, Orient Express, decided more changes were needed for the plan, so a revised master plan was submitted.
Flanked by supporters wearing green, von Yurt, who lives on Mission Ridge Road, was the first to speak Tuesday. She said that she, along with other neighbors, loved the hotel and frequented it for brunch and evening cocktails while it was open.
“We do not oppose this project,” she said. “But so far the Orient Express representatives are not listening to the community and the neighbors.”
Von Yurt said her group has lived with the construction project and been tolerant of the noise from the building site.
“We never once complained. Not once.” she said, noting that the plans have changed to the point to where it isn’t compatible with the neighborhood.
Because of the historic, visual and noise impacts, Chytilo said the project needed an environmental impact report.
On the other side of the issue, Trish Allen, a senior planner with Suzanne Elledge Planning and Permitting Services, said the utilities’ location had received unanimous approval from the Planning Commission in February.
Doug Fell, attorney for Orient Express, said that even though the neighbors may have lost their views, the project had been approved and must move forward. “We can’t go backward on that,” he said. “It’s done.”
During public comment, Steve Cushman, executive director of the Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce, applauded the company for being willing to invest in the community — to the tune of an estimated $100 million project. However, he said, “I think it’s a shame that Doug and Orient Express can’t work this out with their neighbors.”
Susan Billig, another neighbor, said residents were “harassed to distraction” when they wanted to remodel, while big developers got the green light. “How do they do that? They do it piecemeal,” she said.
“I feel shame for the planning department, and for the board and commissions. And I feel shame for the city council, for this type of planning,” she said. “Who can we trust to keep Santa Barbara livable?”
Councilman Grant House said he was on the Planning Commission when the project was approved in 2004. “There’s some collaboration that’s needed,” he said. “We’re very close to a project that’s compatible.”
House admonished the group for the placement of the utilities. “It could be the right place for the facility, but not the right place for the hotel,” he said.
Councilman Dale Francisco said he felt the Planning Commission did not make the right decision going forward in February, and that he wants the groups to work out the issues of the parking lot and the utilities.
“I think those are solvable design problems,” he said.
— Noozhawk staff writer Lara Cooper can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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» on 04.29.09 @ 05:29 AM
The staff at the Planning Commission has been working extremely hard to make this a project that will make everyone happy. Having a friend who has been working on this I know the 16 hour days she has been putting in to make this work for everyone. It is not shame on the Planning Commission, it is shame on the neighbors for not having some flexibility for the time, money and effort being put into this project. A company is putting money and jobs into our community and a small group of neighbors are fighting tirelessly to stop it.
» on 04.29.09 @ 07:15 AM
I have not seen the proposed structures so it’s hard to say if these residents are being reasonable; however, I would warn them to be careful or they are going to end up with an eyesore in their backyard for 10 years like the Miramar Hotel. http://www.twitter.com/jarodk
» on 04.29.09 @ 08:26 AM
Your friend on the city planning staff is an incompetent idiot.
That’s part of the reason it didn’t work.
She should be fired and replaced with someone who knows what she is doing!
Protect our city.
A developer spending money is no excuse to approve a bad project or bad design!
Screw the company!
» on 04.29.09 @ 12:18 PM
My take away information from the hearing which I attended throughout.
The engineering estimate of the sound generated by the mechanical equipment located under the parking lot as measured at the nearest neighbor’s property line was the equivalent of a whispered conversation. That was the level at the property line on Mission Ridge Road. ( The actual location of the neighbor’s house using Google Maps and Google Earth is 300 feet further North of the road behind a gated entry and 75 + feet above the road grade.)
Thus there were were no environmental air issues related to the mechanical equipment.
There were no lighting issues related to the lot or structure.
There were no visual issues associated with the parking lot. The lot is depressed partially below grade, walled and landscaped. The cars can not be seen.
» on 04.29.09 @ 02:37 PM
The neighbors showed their eagerness to work it out without delaying the project, they understand that a mistake now is a mistake forever. I don’t oppose a project there, but it must be the right one. Congrats to all on the council for sending this back for a redesign.
Why should we all suffer from bad planning because “a company is putting money and jobs into our community” - the hotel jobs are historically some of the lowest paying in our fair town.
» on 04.29.09 @ 05:48 PM
Charles ,
Boy are you gullible.
The engineers sound estimate was bull ....
The mechanical equipment at that location us huge as it serves the whole facility.
The sound it makes while it is operating (which is constantly, day and night) is as louder than a power mower, almost like an airplane engine running and turning the big propellor.
How would you like to like there and hear the sound of a power mower outside your window all night when you are trying to sleep.
So mind your own business you gullible jerk.
» on 05.01.09 @ 03:54 AM
It sounds like part of the problem is the hostile attitude taken by people like the one replying to Nancy and Charles.
» on 05.04.09 @ 08:03 AM
May all remember that a new and improved El Encanto will add value to all properties on the Riviera. We need to guard against the same thing happening to this project that has happened to the Mira Mar and to Franceschi Park. After years of fighting, the park is still a mess. What a shame that our beautiful neighborhood still harbors a public building that is both ugly and dangerous. I would encourage everyone to get the El Encanto project moving. The Orient Express needs to preserve their neighbors’ views but the neighborhood needs to adjust to a few changes as well and all this needs to be accomplished efficiently. We are fortunate to have a good company invest in our community.
» on 08.10.09 @ 02:36 PM
Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to put an outsider opinion on the matter and I mean no offense to anyone. We had our honeymoon at the El Encanto in 2000. We had the most wonderful time. We visited many of the local historical sites and ate at many of the fine restaurants. My husband and I were very much hoping to make this a wonderful vacation and celebration of our lives together every ten years. We have been waiting and hoping that the Hotel would reopen for our anniversary in November. Although I do not believe that is possible at this point; surely, reasonable minds can find common ground and come to a satisfactory conclusion for all parties. I don’t think that anyone wants to loose any more money from the city or state in this less than ideal economy. Santa Barbara has suffered some tragic loses with the fires, do we really need to pile on more misery for anyone…big business or home owner? My husband and I will find another location to celebrate this year and hope that all the infighting will stop so that we can enjoy the most beautiful location is Santa Barbara once again.
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