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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMARCH 28,1963 ~~~ M I NUT E S CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA STUDY SESSION MARCH 28, 1963 The City Council of the City of Arcadia met in study session in the Conference Room of the City Hall at 7:30 P.M. March 28, 1963, I PRESENT: Councilmen Balser, Phillips, Reibold, Turner, Butterworth Extensive discussion held on the possibility of permitting apartment buildings at eight story heights. Builder Mike Vallone, with his staff of architects, was present and presented plans for a proposed eight story elaborate apartment building at 614 West Huntington Drive. The building would have 110 units with 1-1/2 car spaces per unit. The building would utilize 18% of the land and the remaining 82% would be in greenery and recreation facilities such as two swimming pools, tennis court, etc. Charts were distributed and slides were shown. Many comparisons were shown - between existing apartment building construction and the proposed construction. The building would be so constructed as to not block the view of other properties. Purpose of this presentation by the representatives of Mr. Vallone was to explore Council's acceptance and thinking. Council reminded Mr. Vallone that the zoning ordinance would first have to be amended to permit eight story heights and discussion was held on whether or not the timing was right for such a step in the City. Dr. Ralph F. Erlingheuser, 404 E. Las Tunas Boulevard, San Gabriel, also made an extensive presentation on his proposal to build an eight story apartment building on the southwest corner of Huntington Drive and La Cadena Avenue. Present plans call for a two story building, but he also desired an e~pression from Council as to whether or not it would entertain action to amend the zoning ordinance to permit high rise buildings in the near future. Dr. Erlingheuser spoke at length, his presentation encompassing plans to build a 48 unit building, two car spaces per unit, swimming pool, etc. He also exhibited renderings. I Discussion continued. Councilman Balser was of the opinion that the residents would not accept high rise at this time. Councilman Phillips stated in part that high rise was inevitable, it just being a question of the proper time within which to proceed. Councilman Reibold felt the matter centered around whether or not the buildings were acceptable or not, whether high rise would be good or bad for the city. He also felt it was inevitable. Councilman Turner was of the opinion that if the residents could be provided with the reasons why such a move were taken, and that such construction would eliminate inferior apartment buildings, which would have to be razed in ten or fifteen years, resistance might be eliminated or reduced. 1. 3- 28- 63 I I CENTRAL LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION ~ ~~ Mayor Butterworth referred to Council's policy of endeavoring to maintain a low density; that the presentations were most interesting; that Council could make no determination at this time; that it would be the recommen- dation that the developers go through channels, i.e. make application through the Planning Department and proceed in an orderly manner. That much would depend on whether or not the residents would accept high rise at this time. Planning Director Gutoff of Wilsey, Ham and Blair, addressed the at great length. Renderings were displayed and orally explored. written supplementary report was also distributed (to the report in February, 1963). Council A filed He also elaborated on the findings of the consultants, with emphasis on Area I where most of the land is City-owned. Condemnation proceedings discussed. Full cooperation on the part of the property owners discussed. Federal and State funds discussed. After exploring what could take place at the earliest possible date, it was felt that beautification by way of a median strip on Huntington Drive east from Santa Anita Avenue would accomplish much in the way of upgrading the area and it could be done immediately with small expenditure. Extensive discussion held, after which Mayor Butterworth suggested that the City Attorney begin necessary steps for the changing of the zoning ordinance. It was brought out that this is already under way. ADJOURNMENT at 10:]5 ? .M. ~4 City Clerk 2. 3- 28-63