408 16th Street rebuild

Owner of 407 17th Street, he described the custom sunlight-designed bedroom he built during his parents' final years and said the new three-story house will destroy that ambient light.

Pointed out the 72% size increase and three-story height, and asked the commission to require design changes or continue the project to protect the neighbor's morning sunlight.

Co-owner of 407 17th Street, he described losing blue sky, dappled morning light and property value if the 'very large cube' is built behind their cottage.

A retired architect speaking for the neighborhood, he urged denial, arguing the massing violates design guidelines, that few three-story houses exist in Pacific Grove, and that a teardown should meet current zoning like a variance would require.

Owner of the restored Green Victorian at 611 Pine, she said the taller house would overlook her walled backyard and destroy her privacy, and that the Odoms never contacted or properly noticed her.

A longtime friend of the 407 17th Street owners, he said the ARB report never addressed the undue-shade guideline and that restrictions exist to protect neighbors, not to burden them with a buyer's poor choice.

Said the house obviously doesn't fit the neighborhood and questioned why the commission no longer has legal counsel attending its meetings.

The project architect disputed testimony: he said the lot is 2,100 square feet per the 1992 survey, the project complies with all zoning except the roof-overhang use permit, and the sunlight and privacy impacts are overstated.

The property owner noted he submitted written comments and told the commission the neighbor at 406 16th Street raised no objection to the project.