Responses to Comments - Agenda Item No. 34

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City Responses to Public Comments on APPL No. 2024-01 Ibarra, Evelyn From: lauren hartshorne <Ihartshorne21 @gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2024 3:46 PM To: eComment Subject: Rebuttal Against the Proposed Pagoda Construction and Community Cultural Center Conversion at the Maharaja House Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed construction of a large pagoda and the conversion of the Maharaja House, located at 2221 N. Heliotrope Drive in the Floral Park neighborhood of Santa Ana, into a community cultural center. These proposals raise significant concerns regarding zoning compliance, preservation of historical integrity, and the overall impact on our residential community. Violation of Residential Zoning Regulations LH-1 The Floral Park neighborhood is zoned for residential use, and the proposed conversion of the Maharaja House into a community cultural center directly contravenes these zoning laws. Such a change would set a concerning precedent, potentially leading to further commercial encroachments in our residential area, thereby undermining the community's character and cohesion. 2 Exploitation of Historic Designation Benefits The Maharaja House, also known as the Maharajah's House, is a historically designated property. Owners of such properties receive benefits, including reduced property taxes, intended to support the maintenance and LH-2 preservation of the home's historical integrity. Utilizing these benefits while pursuing alterations that compromise the property's historical character and violate zoning laws is both inequitable and contrary to the spirit of historic preservation. Impact on Neighborhood Aesthetics and Historical Integrity The construction of a large pagoda on the grounds of the Maharaja House raises concerns about its compatibility LH-3 with the existing architectural and historical context of the neighborhood. The Maharaja House, built in 1938 in the Streamline Moderne style, holds significant historical value. Introducing a structure that deviates from this architectural style could disrupt the visual harmony and historical integrity of the area. 10 Traffic, Parking, and Noise Concerns Converting the Maharaja House into a community cultural center would likely increase traffic, parking demands, LH-4 and noise levels in the neighborhood. These changes could adversely affect the quality of life for residents and strain local infrastructure not designed to accommodate such uses. Precedent for Future Zoning Violations