What you may not know is that Rite-Aid actually wanted to be a good neighbor and upgrade to match its neighbors, but was rejected by the city last year.
Apparently, the city has a rule that you can't get any permits for minor cosmetic improvements unless you bring the entire building up to current code. Since the Rite-Aid was built, there are new codes about having to put baffles around any air conditioning or other equipment on the roof. Putting in these baffles would require not just more city permits but also expensive structural support, making the whole project cost prohibitive.
Rite-Aid appealed to the city council, but the council unanimously rejected the appeal. Rules are rules.
So the city got exactly what it asked for.
Agenda item and appeal details here (pdf).
Crap loves rejoice....
ReplyDeleteAlthough there was a movement to move the Rite-Aid as is to Leucadia but that was rejected because the RA supports roundabouts.
Local activists reject any type of upgrades. Prop A would also not allow this improvement.
ReplyDeleteThe red roof could be changed out and the ugly stucco resprayed to match. That doesn't need a permit.
ReplyDeleteTo re-roof does require a permit. But it could be painted, I suppose, without a permit.
DeleteI thought that only when a structure is remodeled over 50% is the owner required to bring it up to current code, mandating that non-conformities be eliminated? I remember that Council Meeting, when the plan to improve was rejected by Council. More poor planning and poor public relations.
You'd think the city would be more into not only aesthetics, but more revenue from a more attractive facade. Cutting their nose off to spite their face. But I don't understand why Rite Aid was left out of the facade revamp in the first place.
ReplyDelete6:25, Let's get real. You obviously mean local activists reject any type of MacUpgrades. And Prop A not allow upgrades? THAT'S crap. Unless Rite Aid wanted a 3rd story. 3 stories are so sacred to some, they still believe the city's ballot arguments.
Perfect example of a dysfunctional planning dept. The city has had dysfunction as it's foundation for a long time. Vote for Julie Graboi if you want a better city.
ReplyDelete6:42, Or just give bureaucracy a purple nurple and have someone paint a mural over what's there to look exactly like the stone stacks with chandeliers on either side. From a galloping horse, who would know we live in an idiocracy?
ReplyDeleteFrom a galloping unicorn you can see council thinking.
ReplyDeleteHmmm. Making improvements wasn't cost prohibitive for the rest of the center.
ReplyDeleteRite Aid are just bad neighbors.
No, they weren't going to be allowed to have their air conditioners on the roof anymore for some reason. All of the structural requirements were going to be cost prohibitive. That they spent the time and money trying to improve, and to appeal to Council, proves they were trying to be good neighbors.
Deletewhy are you not also criticizing the pizza place and the bank? Just want to pick on one company?
Delete6:33
Deleteah- I think the council is blame to for this one. Rite Aid wanted to do a good thing for the community, I was there that night.
The bigger picture is ol Gus Vina needs money because he along with the council have wasted all our tax dollars.
Forcing Rite Aid to pay permits and inspectors to bring it up to code would give Vina money you pay the increased salaries of his cabinets- see how it works?
There is only one candidate with the will to represent residents and her name is Julie Graboi
Fact Thrower
8:26
DeleteVons made the choice to re do their entire store- good for them
Rite Aid made the choice to update the interior- goop for them
When Rite Aid went to city hall and said they wanted to update the exterior they were told by Gus Vina they would need to pay permits, fees and completely new construction
Rite aid told Vina no thank you- good for them.
Who's keeping Santa Fe Crappy?
Barth, Shaffer, Kranz, Gaspar, Muir and Vina-
OK - we've now gone down the rabbit hole. What happened to "community character", and "quality of life" and "preserving neighborhoods"? A resident complained that the HVAC units were too loud and prevented him from having quiet enjoyment of his private property. Rite-Aid, an out of town corporation who's profits don't come back to Encinitas made a business decision to appeal because the revenues from that store do not support the improvements they "wanted" to make. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Von's is a tenant, Rite-Aid is an owner. And they've been an owner for a long time, which makes their property tax value very low. The improvements they were asked to make would not have translated to a material increase in revenues, especially if the rest of the center was improved. Now I'm sure the common area costs of the improvements were passed on to Rite-Aid, so they did pay for some of it, but absent a bang for the buck, they weren't going to go the extra mile and do the HVAC.
DeleteSo you guys are so ready to dump on the council that you would actually favor an out of town corporation over residents!!
Especially you, Fact Thrower....favoring out of town interests over residents....own it!
- The Sculpin
Totaly agree.
DeleteYou are blaming a council and city manager who were not sitting on the dias when the appeal was made. Perhaps Barth and Gaspar were there but none of the others.
Rite Aid is the one who made the decision not to pay for improvements because the city said they would not waive fee's that every other business' are required to go through when new construction is performed.
Poor little Rite Aid...Give me a break.
9:05 thank you for sharing but atleast report the truth. Rite aid wanted to make improvements. The city denied the improvements forcing rite aid to spend more money. Rite aid refused to spend more money in city fees so the improvements were not made. The residents again lose out.
Delete8:43
DeleteRite aid came to the city saying they wanted to invest in their building to improve the facade to benefit the neighbors and community. Rite aid did not want a height increase, they did not want stack and pack, they wanted to in affect to paint their building.
The council and city refused their request telling them instead that they needed to pay fees, permits and new construction.
Rite Aid, attempting to improve community characther at their own expense, then refused to pay the city extra fees for work they did not want to do and in so doing did not improve the neighborhood.
The proposed rite aid improvements would have benefited both the community and the corporation. The proposed improvements would not have put money in Gus Vina's pockets.
Fact Thrower
Rite Aid wanted to make improvements that would provide for a minimum level of return on the costs of those improvements. Part of the costs of the improvements included city fees - everyone has to pay them. If the addition of these fees made it more difficult to achieve Rite Aid's return on investment, blame their budgeting and underwriting process, not the Council. The Council is just applying the rules that everybody has to play by.
Delete- The Sculpin
10:50
DeleteThe council historically applies rules as they see fit that result in generating fees against community character- a few examples
1. They let developers round up instead of down to increase densities.
2. They give developers breaks on parking to increase densities
3. They let developers threaten communities to increase densities
All of these density increases result in more fees for the city.
Rite Aid wanted to make a few modest improvements in paint and the facade to improve the community.
The city wanted fees and to force more work on rite aid to generate money for Vina's incompetence.
The community lost out.
Fact Thrower
".. they wanted to in affect paint their building."
Delete-Fact Thrower
Did you read the plan and see the design? They were putting a new facade on the front to match the other buildings. It wasn't just paint. Why don't they have to match code just like Vons?
Fact Thrower = Fact Spinner
that is the point- they were not proposing a complete gut to the bones new construction like Von's-
DeleteThey wanted to improve the outward appearance of the building 0 a new facade "an in affect paint their building"
You can attempt to spin it any way you like but facts are facts. The merchant want to improve the building for residents and themselves, were prepared to pay for those improvements, and were then instructed by the city that to make those minor improvements the city would mandate they make major expensive improvements-
so the merchant decided not to make the improvements, the residents get to live with less an than optimal outward appearing building. Rather than find solutions to benefit all the council continues to look to benefit themselves.
Fact Thrower
The missing information is how much it would have cost to make the improvements mandated by the city. Would it have required a new roof? Or would it have required a simple structure around existing HVAC units? Without that information, you all are showing your biases by choosing sides.
DeleteSorry Sculpin, I have to agree with Fact Thrower on this one. Some cities give businesses incentives. Sometimes business licenses are free. Sometimes the city matches funds for facade improvements. Those are a few things that come to mind concerning cities that want to work WITH businesses. It only benefits both the business and the city. But not letting a business change their facade because of air conditioners is extortion and Rite Aid knew it. The result, a sore thumb in the middle of Santa Fe Plaza's improvements - and those improvements came out great. Rite Aid (formerly Thrify) has been in the same place for 40 years. That means the city has benefited every year of cityhood from them. Cut them some slack.
Delete3:51 great insight
DeleteI agree with 3:51, too. Those air conditioners on the roof had been there for many, many years, longer than the homeowner complaining about his private enjoyment. He or she should have been well aware of the noise when the home was purchased.
DeleteBecause Encinitas Municipal Code has been changed, over the years, and many design review decisions allow Planning unfettered discretion, Rite Aid was going to be forced to spend a great deal of money to enclose the Air Conditioners that pre-existed on the roof, because the City determined, probably through more "shadow policy" that improving the facade would slightly elevate the height of the perimeter of the building, and that would be "increasing the nonconformity?"
For residential properties, I believe city code allows for remodels, up to 50% of the value of the property, without the owner being required to bring pre-existing buildings up to current code. The rules for business establishments could be different.
It does seem unfair that some businesses are awarded facade grants, while others, such as Rite Aid, are given disincentives to improve their facades.
The City of Encinitas has been all about favoritism. Rules, regulations and codes are not consistently and fairly enforced, including EMC about pre-existing "non-conformities" being grandfathered.
Sculpin sounds like a Vina apologist - maybe it's his spin doctor moonlighting.
DeleteIncorporation seems like layering one's existence with extortionists and special interest cronies using the system to further their own agendas. But that is the definition of "government".
DeleteThe accident trap - the left turn on Santa Fe into the driveway to the Hall property. Scary!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBut it will give the Fire Department something to do and they'll be right there!
DeleteThis is one "crappy" shopping center.
ReplyDeleteI like it.
ReplyDeleteThe center is owned by two different groups. One owns the side where Jorge's is and the other on the side where Vons and Ride-Aid Are. Everyone in there is a tenant. I don't quite understand who would complain about noise fro Rite-Aid but if they think it's bad now, imagine what they are going to say when the entrance to the 44 acre park is next to the Pet-Haus in that center. It's going to be a mess.
ReplyDelete9:05 AM
ReplyDeleteThe current council heard the appeal in Feb. 2013. Yes - blame the current council and Vina.
A public service announcement to those interested. Read the agenda for the next City Council meeting on the City's website. Some interesting possibilities for limiting public input that will be discussed. Must be Vina knows the heat is on.
ReplyDeleteCould you be more specific as to which item, please?
DeleteI think the entire remodel looks generic anyway...in a City with such talented architects why do we get generica? Obviously a rhetorical question. I think Rite Aid should hire a local artist to paint a community inspired mural on the front. Would that require a permit?
ReplyDeleteNo more murals please....
DeleteOh, I do sooooo agree with you. There's nothing WORSE, (or "ghettoisque", ) than a community with non sanctioned "design elements" that aren't approved by city code. Damn hippies!
DeleteThe remodel at Santa Fe Plaza used the finest natural materials and fixtures. Its architectural elements far exceeds the 70's schlocky faux Mediterranean tile awning premise it replaced. Like, Did you ever meet a strip mall you liked, 6:55?
ReplyDeleteThe remodel at the 7-11 strip mall caddy cornered a block east is frightening and though someone meant well and spent a lot of money with enormous archways they are way to tall and no combination of paint can make them human scale. I suppose the Nephilim would approve though.
Remodel a strip mall and what do you have ?? A remodeled strip mall. Not a lot you can do, and to expect more is folly.
DeleteExactly my point, why remodel to keep a strip mall look. A collection of retail spaces doesn't have to look strip mall.
ReplyDeleteStay out of the sun violet. Stay .... Out .... Of ... The .... Sun.
DeleteBecause it's fried your brain.
Violet's right. They should strip off that cheap stone work, tear down every other business and make a hodgepodge eclectic funky town to disguise strip malls. I guess that means leaving Rite Aid the way it is though.
DeleteActually, I am a shrinking violet, never go in the sun. It's not the materials, but the design of the space. It is just a huge parking lined with stores. How about a water feature, more outside seating, more landscaping, etc.
DeleteViolet ... It comes down to money. The strip center could hire Frank Gehry but will any changes result in hirer rents and sales ?? For a strip center .. Doubtful. So landlords don't bother, most landlords are about low maintenance. Which equals lower costs.
Delete8:56, yeah, it would be better with outdoor seating, fountain etc. In fact, I think they should make the other side attractive entrances from the park side. It does take lots of money as 9:20 says. Life's long....
DeleteLet's name the right of way entrance to Von's the Gus Vina entry. Or, change the name of the library to the Mizel family foundation library. Put a more personal identity on some of the parks by renaming them with one of the density bonus developers names. For those who can only afford a tree, pay for the placement of a large sign on your tree. The department directors can make that decision without city council input.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't want to see this whole city sold down to individuals and businesses for $5,000 or less speak up and say no to the new policy on naming city-owned properties and amenities on the July 9 council agenda #10A.
12:52- Someone asked what was happening at this Weds. Council meeting when I suggested they look at the minutes. I agree with you. In fact, if anyone wants to take a mine check out all of the #10 agenda items for this Weds. Just go to the City Website and look under city council meetings for the one this Weds if you are interested in learning more about how the city is selling out the residents (perhaps). It really is up to us.
ReplyDeleteShould have said "minute"
DeleteHelp wanted ad for the United Nations:
ReplyDeletePosting Title: Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Officer, P4
Job Code Title: DISARMAMENT, DEMOBILIZATION AND REINTEGRATION OFFICER
Department/ Office: Department of Peacekeeping Operations
Duty Station: NEW YORK
Work Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration or related area. Experience working within peacekeeping, peace-building or development programmes operations is desirable. Experience with small arms control, conflict/post-conflict crisis management, economic recovery is desirable. Experience coordinating multiple partner agencies, funds or programmes is desirable.
Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required
Why give a job to a UN secretary just because are not fluent in English?
DeleteNo se?
DeleteMayor Barth has her newsletter out. This week she is attempting to promote Propaganda - but she won't even all it Peak Democracy. Not surprising as Ms. Barth has lied to the public before.
ReplyDeleteMs. Barth cleverly first mentions E town hall (rather than Peak Propaganda- or it's costs)
Then Ms. Barth throws in an editorial piece that city hall meetings are boring and people who attend and speak are boring
Ms. Barth along with Shaffer/Kranz and Vina want to control the debate and use the newsletter for public messaging. See Peak Propaganda good- public speakers bad. She is shameful. Can't believe I supported her. Increased our debt, reduced out services, 200 unfunded projects- Barth= Failure.
Ms. Barth lied during Prop A- maybe she did not like public speakers calling her out on it.
Ms. Barth also looked the other way when Gus Vina withheld important financial information from the public
8:59
ReplyDeleteSounds a lot like a STOCKS rant.What about that big pension raise you gave to all city employs in 2005 including your big buddy Mark Muir.How's that working out for the city?.A little hung over this moaning?
Millions in pension obligations growing at expotential rates.... and no reforms in sight. Pay your taxes to fatten the few hogs at the trough.
Delete9:34- the beautiful thing about the exponential pension obligations are when the city , state and fed go under it will be those gullible union people that think/thought the golden goose would never die that hunt down the politicians and get their revenge. Just wait a bit more ... It's coming.
DeleteI got Barth's newsletter and she is clearly using it to spread her opinions
ReplyDeletei got that email tree from the dog people, most seemed angry about peak democracy and it only went to a few people - meaning the city did'nt want everyone to know -like having to put it on the agenda for discussion
Barth has been a failure, any way you look at it.
Barth has always been a failure.
DeleteI still dig the Rite Aid, but glad to see we can use that as a launching pad for a hatefest on Barth, the UN, the fire dept, vons etc..
ReplyDeleteWhat about the old 76 gas station that is no doubt leaching Unleaded all the way over to the hospital?
no hatefest here 3:41 Barth owns her voting record, she created it not us. More debt, less transparency, more layers of government, lies, misinformation. That is Teresa Barth
DeleteYup, but she's out, enough Barth talk, more Graboi talk. You make your vote, you live with your vote is my motto. I voted for her twice, and I'm not that satisfied, but such is life. We move on, or at least I do...
DeleteThe contamination plume goes to Rossini creek.
ReplyDeleteThere's a good reason why that old gas station space is still vacant...
DeleteSuch a positive group of individuals posting here.
ReplyDeleteyou got it 9:28 - positive about wise spending of our tax dollars and protecting the community character we still have and love.
DeleteIf you like bars maybe you can go to PB- there positive about that up there.
If you like stack and pack housing try Redondo or Long Beach- they are positive up incresed densitites in those cities.
If you are positive about responsible spending and living in our small beach town then vote for Julie Graboi. She is positive about both those issue
The tone could improve. The I hate xxxx mantra has worn itself out. With candidate declaration time weeks away, it's time to go forward on our new choices, not our past mistakes.....
DeleteLet's face it.
ReplyDeleteThe horse has been beaten beyond recognition. We're just making glue now.
Stay classy Encinitas.
The council has their reason why they rejected their appeal but as for my opinion there is nothing wrong with improvement. The more improved the place, the more people want to visit it. But as I can say they have rules to follow.
ReplyDelete