“MARLENE BREENE (incumbent)
”I think that we are very fortunate to have a process where Architects review building projects. I would like to see some streamlining of the process, and also a better way communicate to residents considering a remodel or new build what the expectations are. We are currently opening up conversations with the city for both organizations to move in a more compatible track for reviews. In the past Art Jury has been focused on ‘best of kind’ architecture in regards to style, detailing, materials, colors, etc. Recent development in the community has given me pause. I see PVHA as the first line of defense for protecting our neighborhoods. ‘best of kind’ architecture must also be ‘best for the neighborhood’ in terms of scale and compatibility.

Olmsted always spoke about the qualities of the California lifestyle and how to design for the best use of the natural attributes of the land. He was focused on creating healthy, vibrant communities.””

“GAYNE BRENNEMAN
”The Art Jury process needs to be streamlined and clarified. The process should include all stakeholders and be synchronized with the City to avoid unnecessary confusion and time delays. The process should be transparent and consistent.””

“DICK FAY (incumbent)
”I think the PVHA and the city need to make sure that the process is efficient. I would also like to see a review of Neighborhood Compatibility to determine if it is working as intended.””

“JOHN HARBISON
”Anyone who has gone through the approval process in our community knows how long it takes, and how many iterations are necessary — all because of lack of transparency over what is “acceptable.” Each architectural style apparently has its own “guidelines,” but the applicant is not allowed to know these in advance. Plans are often rejected without feedback specific enough to know what changes must be made. The relative roles and process of the PVHA Art Jury and the PVE City Building Department are not clearly explained for all to see and understand in advance. I am no expert on this process, but I realize it is a big point of frustration. For starters, I would encourage PVHA to meet with the City of PVE at least once a month to explore ways of collaborating to reduce friction for residents trying to navigate the separate building approval processes of the two organizations. I would try to get the Art Jury to articulate better in a transparent way the criteria and guidelines they apply when viewing plans for houses of different styles – this would help avoid a lot of wasted energy in architectural drawings that are sent back to be re-done. And I would create periodic forums to solicit ideas from the members on ways to improve the process.””

“L. RIED SCHOTT
”Personally, I’ve had a horrible experience with the Art Jury when I rebuilt my home a decade ago. I have heard of many similar experiences from other residents, some much worse than mine. From my real estate background, it is my opinion that the inconsistencies and delays from the Art Jury, and also from our City, is a reason our property values in PVE haven’t escalated more in the past several years than in other South Bay communities. Even though some improvements have apparently been made to the Art Jury, more can be done. For instance:
• There needs to be greater coordination between the City and the Art Jury to avoid contradictory requirements and establish a clear and streamlined process that is more expedient.
• The Art Jury should establish policies to make the process of reviewing plans based on clear and logical requirements, less subjective and devoid of personal bias and interests.
• The PVHA and Art Jury needs to adopt a Conflict of Interests policy. Those seeking to serve for personal gain should simply not be allowed to serve.
• Even though the Art Jury is fairly independent from the PVHA Board, the Board still chooses the Art Jury members and should replace those that exhibit any conflicts or improprieties.
• Residents that have gone through the Art Jury process should be able to submit a review to the Directors, who on the basis of anonymity, can make recommendations to the Art Jury and staff, to improve their procedures.””

“CHARLES TANG (incumbent)
”The Art Jury performs an important function in preserving the protective restrictions and standards described in the CC&Rs, PVHA Bylaws, and Resolutions. However, the Art Jury approval process needs to be more streamlined so that decisions can be rendered in a more responsive and consistent manner. Improvements to the Art Jury process could be the following: 1) provide more clarity and reduce ambiguity in the protective restrictions and standards, 2) develop operating guidelines to help the Art Jury perform its job methodically and more timely, 3) coordinate with the city so that the decisions are comprehensive and consistent with city ordinance.””