SLO-town Chinatown

I salute the Copelands for downsizing their planned Chinatown development. They surely knew they could get a majority vote on the City Council, but they would alienate a large portion of the community with their original, very tall plans. By revising their plans to a substantially reduced height, they have satisfied one of the major objections to their plans. This demonstrates wisdom and political acumen.

The Copelands have done a lot of good for the City of San Luis Obispo. I remember when the City had a (literal) gaping hole in its center. The Copelands stepped forward and offered a plan to fill this hole. I wish they had a greater vision then, in particular they should have gone to two stories instead of a single floor. But this is quibbling. Their contribution was fantastic.

I was on the Planning Commission when they submitted plans for the Court Street project. I wished they added housing, but I voted in support anyway. In retrospect, I would say the City should have built the parking garage on Palm Street before they demolished the parking on Court Street.