[Editor’s Note: This letter is from Carlson Park residents opposed to the planned car wash at the Valero service station at the corner of Motor Avenue and Culver Boulevard that the city approved earlier this month. A copy was sent earlier today to members of the City Council.]
Dear City Council Members:
This weekend, we began an audit of the car washes listed on page 23 of the applicant's Acoustical Noise Study. On Sunday, we visited the Shell station at the corner of Pico and LaCienega. We were at the location for about an hour. The time was approximately 4 p.m.
First, let us say that the review of this site left us thoroughly depressed. This site represents the neighborhood's fear of what could happen to the Valero site.
Review
We found the condition of the car wash to be unacceptable. The design and landscaping aesthetics were poor. Cheap tin was used to extend the height of the sound wall. Considerable trash was thrown out amongst the landscaping. The dryers appeared to be stuck in the “On” position and ran constantly, regardless of whether a car was present.
Consequently, sound readings, which were taken from a location approximate to Site 2 in the Valero study, never went below 65dB.
The "air compressors" during the wash operation were also a significant source of noise. We attribute this to aged equipment, and wonder if the condition will develop at the Valero. Additionally, the car wash had a long tunnel similar to the Valero. So cars were washing simultaneously as cars were drying. A solid queue of four to six cars was present during the entire visit.
During a 15-minute window, four cars were processed. This extrapolates to 16 cars per hour. Note that the applicant's noise study calculated only 8.9 per hour. (Note: We do plan to return to conduct a more specific vehicle count).
Additionally, the car wash was located at a major intersection and nowhere near R1 single family residences.
Discussion
Going back to the dryers stuck in the “On” position, how does the city realistically expect to enforce a condition such as this? Certainly, it would violate General Plan criteria. But is it a Municipal Code violation? If not, how do we hold the business owner accountable?
…and can the affected residents really rely upon Code Enforcement?
A resident used the city's new website this morning to submit a complaint against Sony for construction beginning before 8 a.m. The system replied with a response date of Dec. 12. Realistically, given that delay, how do you plan to enforce a noise violation?
As a similar example, other neighbors have previously submitted fire code occupancy complaints against the Backstage bar. To date, no response or action has been witnessed.
This poor record of enforcement by the city is the reason why residents have had to resort to citizen's arrest. It is the only option that has yielded results; yet, it places the residents directly at risk for retaliation and personal injury.
Is this truly the best the city can do?
In approving this Valero project, the City Council has assumed best case conditions in making their decision. In time, worse conditions will develop. These conditions will have a considerably negative impact on the neighborhood. Additionally, poorly defined enforcement policies by the city will continue to place resident's personal safety in jeopardy.
We ask that you reconsider your position on this project prior to any finalizations. More information is to follow.
Regards,
The Concerned Residents of Carlson Park
