HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem No. 1 Public Comment No. 2_EtheridgeFrom:ANNE ETHERIDGE
To:eComments, PBA
Cc:leslie.kato; Jeffrey Katz
Subject:Agenda #1: 2221 N. Heliotrope, Floral Park, Santa Ana
Date:Monday, March 28, 2022 8:40:25 PM
Hello
I attended the meeting this evening regarding the above property.
Something was said in the architect’s comments that was fascinating, but seemed to be missed.
At least, I didn’t hear anyone on the committee comment.
Evidently, the structure in question has already been built!
This repeats the owner’s patterns of the past. It seems old habits die hard.
Aside from that, I find it absolutely astonishing that the staff stated that no site visit had been
made. How is this possible?
The staff analysis stated the proposed structure would not impact the neighborhood and would
not distract from the historic nature of the neighborhood. This certainly confirms that no site
visit was made. It’s absolute nonsense.
All in all, an interesting meeting. I am glad the decision was delayed; but it wouldn’t surprise
me to see that pagoda in the yard in the next few weeks.
Anne Etheridge
3128 Greenleaf
Santa Ana
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: aetheridge@aol.com
Date: March 26, 2022 at 3:12:32 PM PDT
To: "PBAeComments@santa-ana.org" <PBAeComments@santa-ana.org>
Subject: Agenda #1: 2221 N. Heliotrope, Floral Park, Santa Ana
Reply-To: aetheridge@aol.com
Good morning,
This letter is in reference to the above property and the owners' request for approval to
build a 23+ foot high, 205 square foot free standing Vietnamese pagoda in their backyard.
This is in addition to the other large structures they have already built in the backyard.
Rhetorically, one might ask how many of these outbuildings do they need?
I implore you to deny this request for a number of reasons:
1. Floral Park has been officially designated and registered as a historic neighborhood in
the State of California. One of the criteria for this designation is that the neighborhood be an
outstanding example of a period, style, or architectural movement. Residents involved with
the Floral Park Association worked long and hard to get this designation.
Most people who live in Floral Park are deeply committed to maintaining the ambiance of
the neighborhood, and the architectural integrity of the homes here. I've no wish to be
misunderstood in these culturally sensitive times, but the fact of the matter is that if one
moves into Floral Park and, more specifically, into an outstanding example of the Art
Moderne style, then one shouldn't really be defacing the property with large Vietnamese
pagodas and tea houses that are visible from the street - as are the dragons snaking
across the roofs. These structures are clearly inappropriate for the home's original
architecture.
2. "The Maharaja House," as it is known, is a historic landmark listed on the Santa Ana
Register of Historic Places. This home is only one of two other examples of the Art
Moderne style in Santa Ana. As such, it is worth preserving, as are its surroundings. Why is
that not being insisted upon?
3. The owners of this property have a history of ignoring any permit denials they receive
from the City or the Historic Resources Commission. Several years ago, they requested
permission to change the roof line on the home from flat to pitched. Since a flat roof line is
one of the hallmarks of the Art Moderne style, this change would have had a negative effect
on the home's historic value and its appearance.
Their request was denied, but the owners went ahead anyway with the changes they
wanted. This resulted in the City filing misdemeanor charges and a conflict with the Historic
Resources Commission.
The owners also replaced the original steel case windows in secret while the home was
tented for fumigation. They sought variance approval after the fact.
So it seems that the owners do what they want, and then the City slaps them on the wrist.
This encourages them to engage in the same behavior over and over again. Meanwhile,
Floral Park's architectural integrity suffers. Frankly, I find this appalling.
4. It is interesting that a large dumpster has appeared outside the home in the last 24
hours. Does this indicate construction is on the horizon? Are the owners preparing to move
forward regardless of the City's decision? Forgive me, but this would fit the pattern of past
behavior.
5. Finally, my understanding is that the home on Heliotrope isn't even a primary residence. I
respectfully suggest that the owners be told to build any future tea houses and/or
pagodas on their other property.
Thank you.
Anne Etheridge
2128 N. Greenleaf Street
Santa Ana 92706