All Saints, Miramar Developer and County Work Through Hotel Impacts; Neighborhood Meetings Held in Parish Hall

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Plot ExitA flurry of activity has taken place at All Saints-by-the-Sea recently as developer Caruso Affiliated has revealed details of the newly scaled-back Miramar Hotel plan during various public meetings. In addition to general increases in traffic and cars in the area, the most significant impact on All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church would be the developer’s plan to share access to a strip of land the church currently uses to exit the parking lot on the north side of the church, and which the developer proposed to use to enter/exit their new valet parking lot (which will be on the corner of South Jamison Road and Eucalyptus Lane).  This strip of land is owned by the hotel, but has been accessible by All Saints in perpetuity following an easement granted in 1941 by the then hotel owners.

“Valet cars coming and going would create a safety hazard for our parishioners, parents, children and Friendship Center families.  The increased traffic through the Eucalyptus Lane/South Jamison Road intersection and in front of the Friendship Center and our church would be significant,” said Senior Warden Chip Nichols.  He, the Rev. Aimée Eyer-Delevett, and an architect hired by the parish have met with representatives of Caruso Affiliated as well as the Santa Barbara County staff to refine the hotel plans and find a workable solution.

Over the past week, the developer agreed to a number of changes that minimize the impact on All Saints-by-the-Sea.  All Saints’ Vestry reviewed these changes at their meeting on Jan. 13.  Click here to see the approved map indicating the following changes:

  • Limit valet parking lot ingress/egress just to Jamison Lane
  • Install 6-foot sound walls between the hotel and the north side of the Parish Hall, the east side of the parking lot next to the church and along a small portion of the easement lane
  • Install two gates to separate the hotel from the church parking lot
  • Create 6 parking spaces for use by hotel management directly adjacent to and accessible from the All Saints parking lot on the north side of the church (hotel executives would access the spaces via solid sliding gates; see map for details)
  • Extensive landscaping to minimize the sound walls and other visual impacts of hotel operations

Caruso Affiliated had already changed their two-story hotel buildings which will be behind the Parish Hall and Parish Preschool so that no windows or landing will look into the church patio or school.  The Vestry approved the proposed changes by the developer, and has sent a letter of support of these changes and of the hotel project to the County. Read it here. The Montecito Planning Commission will hold another hearing on the hotel development at its Jan. 20 meeting.

In addition to working with the county and hotel developer, All Saints-by-the-Sea hosted two neighborhood meetings where more than two dozen neighbors gathered to share their understanding of the hotel’s plans and discuss impacts on our community.  The most significant concern is the potential lack of parking for hotel employees, guests, and Beach Club members.  Increased traffic, safety for children and pedestrians, and pressure on limited street parking for residents and visitors also has the neighborhood concerned.  The second meeting of area residents, held last week at All Saints, included presentations by the hotel developer, their parking consultant, county staff and others.  The meeting was constructive and while much information was shared, there continues to be concern about impacts in future years.

All Saints-by-the-Sea will continue to work closely with our neighbors and the developer as this project evolves. Please check back for updates.