The City of Solvang has released a Draft Environmental Impact Report that analyzes the impacts of the General Plan Update and considers various alternatives. The developer of Site C requested that a basic version of his 109 unit apartment complex on Alamo Pintado Road be evaluated. 

The draft EIR concludes that NOT building the 109 unit apartment project on the corner of Alamo Pintado and Old Mission Drive would be the “environmentally superior alternative” because it would result in “fewer overall impacts."

The people of Solvang are not opposed to building affordable housing. To the contrary, local housing for the people who work here is critical to our community's health and vitality. But the apartment complex project must meet the needs of the entire community, including mitigating the effect of these impacts:

•     The three, 3-story buildings on a hilltop will dominate one of Solvang’s picturesque gateways.
•    The complex will over-burden the intersection at Old Mission Dr and Alamo Pintado Road.
•    Traffic, parking, topography, height, and visual considerations are contrary to Solvang's General Plan.
•    One way in/out for 109 units violates fire, emergency and police safety standards.
•    Fewer low-income units are planned than approved by Solvang for same site.
•    The massive development is inconsistent with the neighborhood.
•    Steep topography and expansive soil may not safely support three towers.
•    High density and impermeable surfaces may magnify flooding and erosion risk.

What you can do: Let the City know you are opposed to this project as planned and to support the draft EIR's conclusion.