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Just in case you were wondering why the 5th District seat is so important to some folks that they might have even committed voter fraud in hopes of winning it, Vanity Castles like this are probably the reason.
Initially the house was going to be 8,405 square feet, with an accessory dwelling unit of 1,177 sf. The potential neighbors to this protean pile quickly filed comments with the city complaining. The developer then went back to the drawing board and has just released his amended plans.
The main house is now a still vast 7,574 square feet, and the accessory dwelling unit is 1,200 sf. Which is not really all that significant of a change in size.
Neighbors are now submitting a petition in opposition. I imagine they’ll be denied, and then will be forced to appeal the denial, that is assuming they can raise the funds ($600) to do so. Public comment period ends on April 19, which is just around the corner.
This proposed Vanity Castle is far too large for its neighborhood. It encroaches on an area of far smaller single story homes, is not at all homogeneous with the existing neighborhood, and its perpetually snoopy windows will violate all neighbor privacy.
It will also block existing sky and mountain views, in the process casting shadows as dark as a McMansion developer's heart.
The architectural style is called “French Transitional.” It should actually be called “Slobbovian Stucco Box.” Or perhaps even "Post-Modern Mausoleum."
Can anyone help these neighbors describe what’s wrong with this design (link)? Anyone willing to submit an email in opposition? Anyone willing to help fund an appeal?
Emails can be submitted to Development Services at vquiroz@arcadiaca.gov. Let City Hall know your thoughts. You're likely the last person they would ever care to hear from about this, so you'll need to speak loudly.
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