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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-19 PC Minutes��AR\ ARCADIA PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES C „gym TUESDAY, February 12, 2019 CALL TO ORDER Chair Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. in the City Council Chamber PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL PRESENT: Chair Thompson, Vice -Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan, and Wilander ABSENT: Commissioner Lin It was moved by Commissioner Chan, seconded by Vice Chair Lewis to excuse Commissioner Lin from the meeting. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS There was none. PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minute time limit per person) There were none. PUBLIC HEARING All interested persons are invited to appear at a public hearing and to provide evidence or testimony concerning any of the proposed items set forth below for consideration. Separate and apart from the applicant (who may speak longer in the discretion of the Commission) speakers shall be limited to five (5) minutes per person. The applicant may additionally submit rebuttal comments, at the discretion of the Commission. You are hereby advised that should you desire to legally challenge in court any action taken by the Planning Commission regarding any Public Hearing item, you may be limited to raising only those issues and objections you or someone else raised at the public hearing or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. 1. Resolution No. 2025 -Approving Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 18-04 (71885) with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") to subdivide a 7.65 acre parcel into two legal lots located at 618 Michillinda Avenue and 601 Sunset Boulevard. Applicant: Philip Chan, PDS Studio, Inc. Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2023 Planning & Community Development Administrator, Lisa Flores introduced the item and turned it over to Senior Planner, Luis Torrico to present the project. Chair Thompson opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant would like to speak on the item. Applicant Samir Khoury spoke. Chair Thompson asked if there were anyone else who would like to speak in favor of the proposal. No one responded. Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the City's Planning Services Office located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California, during normal business hours. Chair Thompson asked if there were anyone who would like to speak in opposition to the proposal. No one responded. MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING It was moved by Vice Chair Lewis, seconded by Commissioner Chan to close the public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. DISCUSSION The Commission was in agreement with the findings and that the subdivision makes sense for the site given that there are two different uses. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Chan, seconded by Thompson to adopt Resolution No. 2025 - Approving Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 18-04 (71885) with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") to subdivide a 7.65 acre parcel into two legal lots located at 618 Michillinda Avenue and 601 Sunset Boulevard. ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Thompson, Vice Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan, and Wilander NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Lin There is a ten day appeal period after the approval/denial of the Appeal. If adopted, appeals are to be filed by 4:30 pm on Friday, February 22, 2019. 2. Resolution No. 2024 - Approving Site Plan and Design Review No. ADR 18-03 and a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a new four- story commercial development at 288 N. Santa Anita Avenue. Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2024 Planning & Community Development Administrator, Lisa Flores introduced the item and turned it over to Associate Planner Peter Sun to present the project. Chair Thompson opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant would like to speak on the item. Ron Holley spoke on behalf of the property owner. Chair Thompson asked if there were anyone else who would like to speak in favor of the proposal. No one responded. Chair Thompson asked if there were anyone who would like to speak in opposition to the proposal. 2 2-12-19 Kevin Zimmerman, owner of a property to the north of the subject site, spoke. He stated that he is not necessarily opposed to the project, but there is limited parking in the area and this project will add to that. The Metro Gold Line has added to parking and traffic issues in the area. He thanked City Engineer, Phil Wray and acknowledged that the four (4) hour parking signs that have been installed have helped. He likes the design of the project but he is worried that it will create congestion on the ground floor parking level at the subject site as people will be inclined to park there rather than the higher levels within the structure. He would not mind having discussions with the City if it is determined that a traffic signal at St. Joseph Street/Santa Anita is necessary. Chair Thompson asked if the applicant would like to respond to Mr. Zimmerman. Mr. Holley acknowledged Mr. Zimmerman's comments regarding parking. He stated that they have tried to provide adequate parking and employees of the office use will likely park on the second and third levels rather than the street/first level parking. He stated there may be parking restrictions considered by the property owner in the future such as a restrictive parking arm. He addressed the concern of the intersection of St. Joseph Street/Santa Anita Avenue and that may need to be addressed in the future, possibly by restricting the flow of traffic from St. Joseph onto First Street to a left turn only. They further discussed potential parking restrictions for the site, employee parking, signage for the building, and landscaping. MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING It was moved Vice Chair Lewis, seconded by Chair Thompson to close the public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. DISCUSSION Chair Thompson commented on the landscaping and stated that in a vertical development such as this one, having more greenery is better. He was pleased with the project and the reciprocal parking arrangement. The site is a perfect transit -oriented site and it is a great project for the Santa Anita corridor. The proposal is compatible with the General Plan and the facts that support the findings in the staff report are well-defined. Should the property owner choose to install a parking gate arm, then he suggests a three (3) or four (4) hour free parking window to enable those who would park on St. Joseph Street to utilize the parking structure. Vice Chair Lewis stated that although she is a little concerned with parking, it appears as though there is enough leeway that it will work itself out. She offered a suggestion for the business to offer a public transit incentive program to encourage employees to use the Gold Line. She complimented staff and stated that she loves the appearance of the project and appreciates the design elements particularly the hidden parking, the structure of the building, the open area below, and the setbacks on the balcony. She added that this project will be a welcome addition to the business corridor and she hopes more projects in the future feature a rooftop green space such as this one. Commisioner Wilander also likes the design of the project. She appreciates that the development will be easily accessible to the Gold Line, which is especially beneficial for employees. She was in agreement with Vice Chair Lewis that a public transit incentive program for employees would be great. 2-12-19 Commissioner Chan thinks this is a great project and it will be an improvement to the existing site. He requested that the developer and/or landscape architect add planter boxes on Santa Anita Avenue to add more greenery. He is concerned with parking as this is always an issue due to the Gold Line. He would like to see at least 100 parking spaces reserved for patrons and he was in agreement with his fellow Commissioners to provide an incentive program for employees to take advantage of public transportation. Lastly, he hopes that this will not be a location where scooters are abandoned. MOTION It was moved by Chair Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Wilander to adopt Resolution No. 2024 approving Site Plan and Design Review No. ADR 18-03 and a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a new four story commercial development at 288 N. Santa Anita Avenue. ROLL CALL AYES: Vice Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan, and Wilander NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Lin 3. Resolution No. 2026 — Approving Minor Use Permit No. MUP 19-01, Tentative Tract Map No. TTM 18-06 (82513), and Site Plan and Design Review No. ADR 16-25 for a mixed-use development with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") at 405 S. First Avenue. Applicant: First Arch, LLC. Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2026 Ms. Flores introduced the item and turned it over to Associate Planner Vanessa Quiroz to present the project. Chair Thompson opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant would like to speak on the item. Applicant Caleb Wong representing the architects spoke. Chair Thompson asked if there were any questions for the applicant. There were none. Chair Thompson asked if there were anyone else who would like to speak in favor of the proposal. No one responded. Chair Thompson asked if there were anyone who would like to speak in opposition to the proposal. No one responded. 4 2-12-19 MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING It was moved by Vice Chair Lewis, seconded by Chair Thompson to close the public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. DISCUSSION The Commission discussed limitations of the site including the narrow lot and the size and/or width of the lot and the amount of on-site parking. Commissioner Wilander understands that it is difficult to fit all four (4) units on the property due to the site's limitations; however she thinks that the site may not be appropriate for four (4) units. Commercial Chan stated concerns with parking and with the commercial component of the project. If the owner of the project is willing to build four (4) units and is confident that the project will succeed, then they will need to take that chance. He does not think a restaurant would be appropriate at the site due to the parking limitations. Vice Chair Lewis inquired as to whether or not the City had considered extending the existing diagonal parking spaces further down First Avenue to accommodate more street parking? Ms. Flores responded and stated that extending the diagonal parking has not been considered. She also stated that the parking requirements for mixed-use projects are more flexible than for multi -family development in order to create an urban environment and to ensure lots that have limitations because of their lot width or size can still be redeveloped. While not all the units will get two parking spaces, it is a choice based on the owner's lifestyle, public transit is nearby, and the parking area will be enforced/managed through the CC&R's. Further, on First Avenue, street parking is limited to two (2) hours, which helps prevent residents from using off-street parking as overnight parking. Vice Chair Lewis was in agreement with Ms. Flores that this project seems to be the best that can be done under the given circumstances. In her own experience, she has not had problems finding street parking on First Avenue, though that could change if the area is further developed. Given the narrow lot, the design is good and she is inclined to approve the project. Chair Thompson stated that this mixed-use project lacks the benefit of being close to transit, as it is over a half -mile away. If the number of residential units was reduced to three (3) units, that would allow for two (2) parking spaces per unit. It does not make sense to provide 1.5 parking spaces for a three (3) bedroom condominium unit. He stated that the facts do not support the findings listed in the staff report particularly regarding parking. A lack of on-site parking can create a need for residents to apply for overnight parking permits which will increase overnight parking on City streets. He compared the project to the nearby mixed-use project at 56 E. Duarte Road which provided more parking than the Development Code required. He is inclined to not approve the project. Commissioner Chan was somewhat in agreement with the parking, but the project complies per code and the market will dictate whether or not a buyer would want to purchase a unit with parking limitations. Chair Thompson stated that the City is looking for additional parking resources in the downtown area and are concerned with overnight parking. A job of the Commission is to evaluate projects on quality of design, compatibility and harmonious development. The project may work if it is 2-12-19 redesigned to have fewer units and thus more parking spaces per unit. Although a project may comply per code, that does not mean it is a viable and functionable development. Commissioner Wilander agreed that the Commission has a responsibility to say if a project is not appropriate then it needs to be revised. Vice Chair Lewis inquired as to whether it would be financially feasible or not for the owner to reduce a unit from four (4) units to three (3)? Chair Thompson reopened the public hearing to enable the applicant to respond Mr. Wong said that given the project has been in progress since 2013 and has been through several iterations, the owner does not think it would be financially feasible to reduce the number of units. They have tried to reduce the retail space to add an additional parking space but staff felt reducing the retail space was not best for the design of the project. Vice Chair Lewis asked Ms. Flores if a traffic study was prepared for the project. Ms. Flores responded stating that a traffic study was not required for this project due to CEQA guidelines and that this is an infill development where the zoning allows for this use and the project complies per code. Had the project not complied per code, we would analyze the potential impacts but it still would not warrant a traffic study. After additional discussion and the anticipation of a tie vote, the Commission agreed to continue the item a date certain, February 26, 2019, so the project would not have to re -noticed, and a full Commission will be present. The Applicant was in agreement with the continuance. MOTION It was moved by Vice Chair Lewis, seconded by Commissoner Wilander to continue this item to the February 26, 2019 Planning Commission meeting. ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Thompson, Vice Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan, and Wilander NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Lin CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and can be acted on by one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the Commission, staff, or the public request that specific items be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion and action. 4. Minutes of the January 8, 2019 Arcadia Planning Commission Regular Meeting Recommended Action: Approve MOTION It was moved by Vice Chair Lewis, seconded by Chair Thompson to approve Consent Calendar Item 2, approving the January 8 Arcadia Planning Commission Regular Meeting minutes. 6 2-12-19 ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Thompson, Vice Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan, and Wilander NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Lin MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL LIAISON City Council Liaison Amundson commented on the parking concerns near/at the Gold Line. He discussed the City's mid -year budget review and reported that at their last meeting, the City Council declared a fiscal emergency. On February 19, the proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance will be brought before the Council. Lastly, on March 5, the City Council will discuss how to respond to the fiscal emergency. MATTERS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSONERS Commissioner Chan stated that he will be unable to attend the March 26 meeting and he requested to be excused. He asked Deputy Development Services Director/City Engineer Phil Wray if there have been any studies done regarding parking near the Gold Line station. Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Jason Kruckeberg responded and stated that a parking study of the Downtown area is currently in progress and that staff can report the study results to the Commission after it is completed. There was additional discussion on scooters in the City, affordable housing, and traffic concerns in the City. MATTERS FROM CITY ATTORNEY Assistant City Maurer had nothing to report. MATTERS FROM STAFF INCLUDING UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Flores announced that there will be three (3) items at the next meeting: A discussion of the parking requirements for residential zones, a Tentative Tract Map application for the a ten residential condominium development located at 1222 Temple City Boulevard, and the continuation of Agenda Item No. 3. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned this meeting at 9:04 p.m. to Tuesday, February 26, 2019 in the City Council Chamber at 240 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia. Brad Thompson Chair, Planning Commission ATTEST: Lisa Flores Secretary, P nning Commission 2-12-19