First Carmel resident out of the gate in Planning Commission discussion on proposed Ulrika Plaza used the word "ticky-tacky" about the design. He began with, "I'm not against the project, I'm against this iteration."

Former Carmel planning commissioner Ian Martin says, "We as a community cannot lower our standards simply because we're tired of looking at The Pit." Oh, another former commissioner, Victoria Beach, just used the word "Disney."

For more on Disneyfication, see the MC NOW intro I wrote yesterday about Ulrika Plaza. Former councilmember Carolyn Hardy just used Disneyland. Drinking game? She also just said "lipstick on a pig." Whatever are the developers thinking right now.

I considered suggesting a drinking game where you have to take a drink every time a Carmelite said "village character," but maybe the game should be every time someone says Disney, Disneyland or Disneyfication.

Ulrika architect says owner doesn't want to go back to original design, which was more modern. Wanted more of a Mediterranean style. Not reading the room.

Several of the speakers on Ulrika Plaza in Carmel are former planning commissioners and councilmembers. All against the design of the building and question other aspects. The big issue: Carmel design guidelines say project designs should not copy design of the past.

Carmel Planning Commissioner Lehman: Ulrika Plaza design not appropriate..."For me to vote on it (the project) would have to be substantially changed." Also: two designs in one building doesn't work. (The facade is half Tudor, half Mediterranean).

Commissioner Locke: not happy that affordable housing component was taken out of the project. Not enough affordable places to live in Carmel.

Locke wants a total redesign, give appearance of several buildings with different shops. Not in favor of rooftop deck, doesn't fit in any area of town. She's concerned about transition from commercial to residential. Large deck might encourage large gatherings.

Oh boy, Locke just said the inside with commercial spaces looks like "a mall." Not a good word in Carmel. BTW: I wasn't able to listen to every single public comment, but I did not hear "village character." Anyone else?

Commissioner Bolton: also thinks the design is wrong. It's one massive building, not well designed. No affordable housing. Interior courtyard not welcoming to public. Does not support a rooftop deck. Enormous space that will obviously used for entertaining and cause problems.

Bolton: fails nearly every commercial design guideline. Will not support the project.

Commissioner Delves: He says he has to start with zoning and general plan, Ulrika Plaza doesn't follow those, it's supposed to transition from more intensive commercial use to less, "this building is intense." Trying to be a shopping plaza, like Carmel Plaza.

Carmel Planning Commission Chair LePage: "I think the message to the developer is this project needs to be redesigned." Understatement of the day.

This take down of Ulrika Plaza reminds me of a line from Ghostbusters II, "Everything you're doing is bad. I want you to know that." Carmel Planning Commission was nicer to developer Esperanza Carmel than Janosz Poha, however. Just go back to the drawing board.