Cliffs Notes: From the March 15 Montecito Planning Commission Hearing

March 17th, 2006

Thank you to all who attended Wednesday’s joint hearing of the Montecito Planning Commission and Board of Architectural Review. The purpose of the hearing was to hear the first full presentation of our Master Plan update project.

Because of a longer than expected county opening presentation and multiple questions from the commissioners, the hearing fell behind schedule early and never recovered. As a result Westmont’s presentation was cut short by about 15-20 minutes.

This was disappointing, not just because of the time that went into preparation, but also because the commissioners were not able to receive a full description of the project and its benefits. Perhaps more disappointing was the fact that the public, some of whom had been in
their seats for seven hours, were not allowed to speak.

There will be time for Westmont to present more project details at the next hearing that is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, April 19, at 9 a.m. There will also be an opportunity for public comment at that time.

An earlier date for the hearing is being explored at this time.