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From:Tim Rush To:Bernal, Sarah; Huizar, Maria Subject:Zoning Administrator Hearing May 10th, 2017, Item No. 2017-01, Date:Tuesday, May 09, 2017 2:58:37 PM Attachments:image003.png image004.png image005.png Zoning Administrator RE: Real Property located at 1904 Heliotrope Drive, Floral Park, Santa Ana, Ca Request for Minor Exception, Perimeter Fencing Dear Sir; Please let me start by being clear……I am 100% opposed to the applicants request. My opposition includes the following reasons. 1. The requested variance is hardly minor. Going from a permissible 36” to 60”………is a tremendous increase. Not sure whose dictionary one is using to arrive at the term MINOR? 2. It will alter the exterior appearance of the historic home dramatically………thereby destroying the original appearance. 3. Given what I stated in item No. 2, that would call into question a violation of the Mills Act application, and the listing on the City Historical Register. 4. This will diminish the view shed afforded by a significant amount when you consider this home in on such a prominent corner. 5. The most damaging part of this request if it is granted will be the Niagara of requests by others in the city who have requested similar variances over the years. And they will all point to the new precedent being set by the Ness property as reason that they should be granted a similar such variance. The City Council many years ago sought to counter this blight of mini fortressing that was occurring in our city by creating standards which have worked well to reign in this problem. We create a great city and great neighborhoods block by block, and house by house. What Mr. Ness requests will simply further entrench more bad decisions with regard to overblown fencing. We are told that Mr. Ness is fearful for his personal safety and that is the reason for the large fence. Others will make the same argument……….to that I would suggest you not live in Santa Ana where we value our historic neighborhoods. This fence will not generate the security he seeks, and when Mr. Ness realizes that and moves on……..we are left with this terrible legacy to poor decision making. This fence is detrimental to the home, the neighborhood and for what it will create in Floral Park and beyond, a neighborhood of fortresses not homes. Please DENY this request. Tim Rush Historian, Past President of Washington Square and Wilshire Square Neigh. Assoc. Neighborhood Hero, 30 Yr. Resident 23