Dozens of residents opposed a proposed mixed-use development that would replace the Solvang Veterans Memorial Building with hotels, residences and businesses, leading one woman to tell the City Council, “Don’t mess up this valley.”
During a special meeting Tuesday, the City Council considered a proposal by developer Ed St. George, but Mayor Ryan Toussaint said the matter only would involve staff reports and public comment. The council continued the item at least two weeks with plans for possibly an outdoor meeting so more people could attend.
The size of the project and plans for the demise of the veterans building sparked a protest outside City Hall as approximately 80 people gathered to oppose the proposal. Organizers claimed the crowd numbered 300.
The developer has proposed two hotels, residences, retail space, a government office building and a parking garage on the seven acres surrounded by Mission Drive (Highway 246), Alisal Road, Maple Avenue and Pine Street. At least one building at the city’s eastern gateway could be up to four stories tall, another would be three stories tall.
“Don’t rip the heart out of Solvang for the price of a few dollars promised to you by a developer,” resident Andreas Pyper said.
“By ripping out the heart of Solvang, the Vets’ Hall, that is what you are doing. Hear your citizens,” he said.
Some 1,700 people, about 600 of whom reportedly live in Solvang, signed an online petition, No on Solvang 2.0, opposing the development.
Plans call for demolishing the veterans building, along with those used for the Senior Center and library plus facilities housing sheriff’s deputies and court staff.
Questions have arisen about the historical and other aspects related to the Veterans Memorial Building.
The mayor also asked city staff to return with information about repairs needed for the facilities.
Some of the land, such as the old Solvang lumberyard site, has been purchased. Other acreage belongs to the city or Santa Barbara County. Some falls under private ownership with at least one person telling the City Council they refused to sell.
City Manager Xenia Bradford said the proposal arose during the council’s economic development discussions over several months.
St. George has recently purchased two properties from Mitch Williams, who has contributed to council members’ campaigns.
The project’s first phase would involve the old lumberyard with a second phase encompassing the remainder of the land.
“Once again just to reiterate, today is just the start of this process,’ Bradford said. “At some point we needed to come to the council and begin this conversation. We do not have a fully developed project. We do not have a project application.
“None of these items have gone through the city approval process and that’s what would happen if this development moves forward. Today is really a kickoff of the public conversation,” she added.
The staff report, prepared by Bradford, recommended that the council on Tuesday night approve the conceptual development plan for St. George’s property and authorize entering into an exclusive negotiating agreement with him for the second phase, which would include replacing the existing veterans facility.
That same report also spelled out significant development for Solvang Park and two downtown parking lots by St. George or another developer.
Bradford said that having an exclusive negotiating contract with St. George would allow the city and developer to continue conversations about the proposal.
St. George’s representative, Jarrett Gorin of Vanguard Planning, said the proposal included 112 hotel rooms, 36,500 to 49,500 square feet of commercial space, 105 to 181 residential units, 400 parking spaces, and administration and community facilities between 15,000 and 19,000 square feet.
“The idea is this would be sort of an addition to your downtown,” he said. “It is not intended to replace it.”
The project also includes a plaza and pedestrian streets, he said.
Opponents cited traffic congestion and water concerns and worries about whether the project would be appropriate for the city.
Several speakers supported preserving the Veterans Hall and its importance in the community — especially to veterans.
“The Veterans Memorial Building is not just a community center that was politely named for veterans,” said Bruce Porter, a retired colonel with the Army Corps of Engineers. “It was built under specific state legislation which authorized veterans memorial buildings across California.”
A government cannot revoke the dedication of a veterans memorial building unless an equal substitute facility, not just a room, is established, he added.
Others questioned the timing and claimed the council had lost the community’s faith.
Former county Planning Commissioner Lansing Duncan pointed out the council would need public support to move forward.
“Unfortunately, the erratic behavior of your council has not increased public support for your actions,” he said.
“Bundling all these ambitious projects together with inadequate staff and public review amid the current health crisis only contributes to this problem,” Duncan said, adding the city should consider a proposal for the former lumberyard site but ensure compatibility with Mission Santa Ines and other nearby areas.
“Public confidence in the council can only be regained by demonstrating an appreciation for public input regarding future development of Solvang’s public spaces,” Duncan added.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.