Developer Rick Caruso appears at Miramar Project Presentation

MONTECITO, Calif.-In a standing-room only crowd, at the monthly Montecito Association Board Meeting, Rosewood Miramar Beach owner and developer Rick Caruso got an earful of feedback on his latest local proposal.

The Miramar Project Proposal includes 27 employee housing units and 10-12 boutique shops, plus cafes that would replace asphalt parking lot space on both sides of the hotel.

It currently has four employee housing spaces.

Neighbors in the audience at the Montecito Hall by the Montecito Library said they are concerned about parking, traffic, safety and coastal access .

Some people criticized the association for limiting speakers.

"They only take five comments and shut it down, no, no , no , no ,no," said Heal the Ocean founder and resident Hilary Houser.

One woman raised her hand to say she had heard at least two people speak in favor of the plan at a recent meeting at All Saints By the Sea Church.

But supporters say the meeting had been organized by opponents.

Many are worried the church will lose its majestic mountain view.

A donation from the late Leslie Ridley-Tree helped the church build a Columbarium where loved ones are interred.

The addition has a mountain view where people may kneel and pray.

Another neighbor said he would not want a shopping mall in their residential community.

One resident asked Caruso how he would feel if this proposal shopping was being built next to his house.

Caruso said if it was well done he wouldn't mind.

Filmmaker and neighbor Brandon Aroyan urged people to walk around the neighborhood off Eucalyptus Ln. and see the views that might be lost if the project builds a second story or more the parking lot where guests with electric cars owners can charge their vehicles.

"The shopping development is the biggest problem, the housing is cool, but it is a facade for having he shopping," said Aroyan.

Cliff Ghersen complimented Caruso for his philanthrophy in Los Angeles where he recently ran for mayor.

"Forbes has him now as a multi-billionaire worth $5.3 billion dollars, to build the housing for the employees and I reckon would cost about $8 or 9 million and they are going to pay rent in there, So, I think he could afford it even without the shopping mall," said Gherson.

Barbara Robinson who lives across the street in a mid-century modern home near the 101 comes from a long line of Montecito residents and is hoping their voices will be heard.

"We have been listening and making changes over last year," said Caruso company's Katie Mangin.

Caruso and his youngest son Justin appear to be open to compromise.

"The history up here is that we care about the community, we are always going to care about the community," said Rick Caruso, "We want to do what is right, that is why I am here, why Justin is here, other executives are here, and I promise you that we are going to do a project that people get excited and happy about and doesn't have a negative impact on the community."

Caruso's son agreed.

"We don't know a time line right now, " said Justin Caruso , "We really are still so early in the process we come into to these knowing we will hear feedback and we want to hear it because we really do listen and we want to make those changes."

The luxury hotel, that opened in 2019, has plans for parking.

The current proposal calls for 45 additional parking spaces operated by a valet, plus a one-level vehicle lift beneath an elevated deck on the east lot.

Moving through the county planning process is next.

For more information visit https:montecitoassociation.org