HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-06 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Rick Brandt Opposition Testimony From: Rick Brandt
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: Punalu"u Development Project-In Favor of the Proposed Project
Date: Wednesday, March 6,2024 10:58:00 AM
Importance: High
To whom it may concern.
I would like to register my voice in approval of the proposed development project at
Punalu'u. I own and occupy one of the 76 condos at Colony One. I speak as one who will
be affected by what happens there and one who, I believe, has a valid reason to be heard.
Thank you for allowing me to express my thoughts in this email.
I have been to one community meeting sponsored by a group that was opposed to the
project to find out the concerns of the other residents of the area, since at that point in time
I was undecided. What I heard in that meeting was the opponents do not want to disturb
the familiar style of life that they fear the new development will bring.
Frankly, I must admit that in my own home town of Tempe Arizona I opposed 2 proposed
projects. One was a 350 unit apartment project and the other was the tearing down of my
favorite Mexican food restaurant to be replaced by a 26 stall gas station with a fancy
modern convenience store.
Strangely and paradoxically, after those 2 projects were approved, built, and operational I
noticed no increase in traffic, crime, or any of the other things the people in the
neighborhood and I were afraid would happen because of the increased in number of living
units from the apartment project.
Regarding the gas station: It is the only remaining gas station and I use it every time I need
gas. In fact, I try not to use any other gas station. I am happy that the city approved both
projects and allowed them to be built.
My opinion about objecting to projects changed after that. I realized 2 things about
proposed projects:
1. The fears are usually unfounded and, in fact, do not even materialize.
2. The positive far outweighs and negative.
Now I try to look for the good that a proposed project will bring.
The subject project at Punalu'u promises to upgrade the existing fire, sewer, and water
systems. That is something each of the 76 owners at Colony One and the 25 affected
houses mauka of the condos will all appreciate. It is something that I heard the opponents
of the project voice concerns over. Therefore, I believe almost everyone is on the same
page for that part of the project.
The subject project promises to clean up the old dilapidated buildings. The Colony One
owners that I spoke to are in favor of that. At the meeting that was another concern of the
opponents of the project. Both sides seem to be in agreement about that.
I could continue along this same line. There are many things that both opponents and
those in favor agree on. Regarding the things that there was disagreement, I observed a
willingness of both sides to work together to find compromises that gave both groups some
of the things that each wanted.
I believe an operational golf course and new restaurants will benefit everyone. I too am
concerned about the probable increase in traffic and parking and the problems those will
bring. Currently people visiting the beach often park in the street and block one of the
lanes of the 2 lane road creating a traffic hazard. In fact, 2 weeks ago I had to go off the
road to avoid someone coming from the other direction in my lane because of people
parking in the street in their lane. With proper planning, the existing problem and the
concerns about the future can be taken care of in the new development.
I believe this project will cure some existing problems and create something that everyone
in the area will be proud of and be able to enjoy for decades to come. That is a good thing.
Thank you for taking time to read and consider my thoughts and observations.
Sincerely,y,
JZ" AZ44-14
The Real Estate Office of Rick Brandt
480-202-2503 c