Item 34 - Public Hearing - Appeal Application No. 2024-01 for Construction of a 23’-4” Tall Accessory Building (2221 N Heliotrope Drive)

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Ocampo, Nuvia From: Diana Christoffersen <dianamarie60@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2024 10:43 AM To: eComments, PBA Subject: Conditional Use Permit No. 2022-06 Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. Regarding: Conditional Use Permit No. 2022-06 Location: 2221 North Heliotrope Drive Project: Construction of an accessory structure 23'4" in height In regard to the above referenced Conditional Use Permit that is scheduled to be heard before the Santa Ana Planning Commission on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, I respectfully request that this CUP be denied for the reasons following. The "Maharaja House" is a historically significant (listed as an historic landmark on the Santa Ana Register of Historic Places) well -recognized property within Floral Park situated on a lovely large corner lot with a colorful and storied background. Although a truly unique home and property, it fits well within the community where its Art Deco style is repeated in several other homes within Floral Park. However, the current owners have added many outbuildings and art features to honor their Vietnamese heritage, and the previously added outbuildings, along with this proposed new 23'4" high structure, has resulted in the property becoming a "manufactured" cultural heritage site that has nothing to do with the original house nor the neighborhood. The owners have also publicly announced on more than one occasion that they have a goal their property become a "museum" in the future, something that most certainly changes the character of this historic home as well as the neighborhood as a whole. Although I respect and appreciate the love of their heritage, Floral Park is not the place to create a "museum" of any kind and does this new structure (and the other previously added structures) even meet the Santa Ana Municipal Code.. Particularly now that Floral Park has been officially designated as a National Historic Neighborhood, it is important to ensure that the vision of those who worked so diligently to achieve this official designation is not compromised. There is a point when less is more, and this is clearly one of those situations. As well, would it not be prudent for the owners of 2221 North Heliotrope Drive to invest funds instead towards maintaining their historic home, as upkeep of the house itself appears to be waning. Again, I respectfully request that this CUP be denied. i