Commission ratifies consent calendar; 321 East Islay Street continued for further study after neighbor objections

The Historic Landmarks Commission ratified the Aug. 27 consent calendar but left a notable item—321 East Islay Street—continued for further study, following public comment from a neighbor and subsequent commissioner discussion.

During public comment, Greg Dolan described site changes at 321 East Islay Street, saying large volumes of imported topsoil (he estimated “200 cubic yards” plus further excavation material) had been placed to alter grading, and that owners planned alterations to the main residence beyond the ADU approvals. Dolan said the property’s drainage and historic setting (he noted an historic Chumash path in the area) could be affected and said he would seek legal counsel if the commission “rubber‑stamped” major alterations. The speaker also identified owners Mary Jo and Ben and said the ADU had previously been approved but that further changes to the main house had been proposed.

Commissioners and staff clarified that the consent item before the commission that evening was a separate submittal: one project (the ADU and landscaping) had received project design approval and would return for final approval; a separate filing for a rear addition and deck was a concept review scheduled at consent. Staff said a one‑story rear addition is routinely scheduled on the consent calendar, and commissioners discussed whether the rear addition should be “called up” to full commission review. Commissioners weighed procedural considerations—calling an item up after a consent approval creates a de facto second hearing—against concerns from neighbors about scope. Several commissioners said much of the material raised by the neighbor related to matters that had previously been reviewed and approved, but members agreed the shutters issue required more research.

The commission ultimately ratified the consent calendar as submitted, which included that 321 East Islay Street would be continued indefinitely with direction to study shutters and clarify historic significance; two commissioners explicitly opposed ratification and asked that 321 East Islay return to the full commission. Staff recorded the consent actions in the meeting packet; the Islay Street item’s status remains continued pending further study and possible return to the full commission.

No appealable decision on the Islay Street project was made during the Aug. 27 hearing; commissioners directed staff on next procedural steps and asked for clearer materials if the item returns. A formal ratification motion was made and seconded; the commission recorded the roll call and carried the motion.