HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-09-19 PC MinutesARCADIA PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, July 9, 2019
CALL TO ORDER Chair Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm in the City Council Chamber
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Chair Thompson, Vice Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan, and Lin
ABSENT: Commissioner Wilander
It was moved by Vice Chair Lewis, seconded by Commissioner Chan to excuse Commissioner
Wilander from the meeting.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
Senior Planner Luis Torrico informed the Commission that there were two supplemental items: An email
from Commissioner Wilander regarding Agenda Item No. 2 (to be further addressed by Assistant City
Attorney, Mr.Maurer), and an arborist report that was not included in the agenda packet relating to
Agenda Item No. 1.
Assistant City Attorney Maurer stated that the Commission received an email from Commissioner
Wilander with her comments regarding Agenda Item No 2 since she was unable to attend the meeting.
The email was distributed to the Commission and now serves as a part of the administrative record. He
further clarified to the Commissioners that in the future, please provide your comments directly to Ms.
Flores, Planning & Community Development Administrator to avoid potential Brown Act violations.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minute time limit per person)
There were none.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Resolution No. 2034- Approving Multiple Family Architectural Design Review No. MFADR 18-
03, Tentative Tract Map No. TTM 18-04 (82355), Protected Healthy Tree Removal Permit No.
TRH 18-22, and Protected Tree Encroachment Permit No. TRE 19-20 with a Categorical
Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a six -unit multi -family
residential condominium development at 414 Fairview Avenue
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2034
Mr. Torrico introduced the item and presented the staff report.
Chair Thompson opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant would like to speak on the
item.
Applicant Tom Li spoke on the item.
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 was anyone who would like to speak in favor of the proposal.
No one responded.
Chair Thompson asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in opposition of the proposal.
No one responded.
MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Lin to close the public hearing. Without objection, the motion
was approved.
DISCUSSION
The Commission was in agreement to amend the conditions of approval to include a requirement that
the replacement trees in the front yard area are to be of Coast Live Oak trees, and that if the existing
protected trees are damaged or do not survive, then the additional replacement trees are to be planted.
Commissioner Chan recommended adding a condition of approval to install motion sensor lights on the
interior staircase in each of the residential units.
Chair Thompson recommended that in any future projects that the applicant designs consider increasing
the size of the garage so they are above the minimum requirement and are more marketable. Additionally,
he would recommended at least 36-48 inch box trees as the replacement trees, at the discretion of the
Planning & Community Development Administrator.
The Commission was in favor of the project subject to the amended conditions of approval, as shown
below.
MOTION
It was moved by Chair Thompson, seconded by Vice Chair Lewis to adopt Resolution No. 2034 approving
Multiple Family Architectural Design Review No. MFADR 18-03, Tentative Tract Map No. TTM 18-04
(82355), Protected Healthy Tree Removal Permit No. TRH 18-22, and Protected Tree Encroachment
Permit No. TRE 19-20 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) for a six -unit multi -family residential condominium development at 414 Fairview Avenue subject
to the amended conditions of approval listed below:
Condition No. 3: Two (2) 36 -inch box Coast Live Oak trees shall be planted as replacement trees.
The trees shall be shown on the final landscape plan that is submitted to Building Services for plan -
check. The replacement trees shall be planted in the front yard area; however if it is determined
that the front yard will be oversaturated with trees, the other proposed trees in the front yard
identified on the landscape plan shall be planted at an alternative on-site location identified by a
Certified Arborist.
Condition No. 5: Four (4) protected trees, as indicated on the Arborist Report and Landscape Plan,
shall be preserved. The recommendations outlined in the Arborist Report shall be adhered to. If
said trees are damaged and/or removed during construction, or if they don't survive within the first
12 months after issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, the Planning Services Department shall
require additional replacement trees.
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Condition No. 31: The Owner/Applicant shall install motion sensor stair lights for safety purposes.
The plans submitted to Building Services for plan check shall indicate the location of said lights and
include a note that the lights will be motion sensor lights.
ROLL CALL
AYES: Thompson, Lewis, Chan, and Lin
NOS: None
ABSENT: Wilander
There is a ten day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution. If adopted, appeals are to
be filed by 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 22, 2019,
2. Development Agreement No. DA 19-01, Minor Use Permit No. MUP 18-06, Architectural
Design Review No. ADR 18-19, and Planning Commission Administrative Modification No.
PC AM 18-02 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) to convert 10,000 square feet of the 38,761 square foot, self -storage building into a
multitenant food hall with an incidental outdoor dining area at 33-35 W. Huntington Drive
Recommendation: Forward a Recommendation to the City Council
Mr. Torrico introduced the item and turned it over to Senior Management Analyst Tim Schwehr to
present the staff report.
Chair Thompson opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant would like to speak on the
item.
Applicant Peter Lee spoke on the item.
Chair Thompson asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in favor of the item.
No one responded.
Chair Thompson asked if there was anyone that would like to speak in opposition to the item.
The following individuals spoke:
Christopher Sutton, Attorney Representing Property Owner Manuel Romero (Rod's
Grill): They oppose the project. The project adversely affects Mr. Romero's business and
creates a severe parking deficit. It should not move forward as proposed. An
environmental impact report should be completed and the Commission should not
recommend approval to the City Council. Mr. Sutton also raised concerns related to the
parking in -lieu payment as it relates to the Successor Agency sale of property.
Alan Hsiang, Rusnak Arcadia, 55 W. Huntington Drive: Parking is a major concern for
Rusnak. Allowing parking on Santa Clara would negatively affect their business and would
affect the street appeal for their display vehicles. If the project is to be approved, the
applicant should consider their own parking structure.
Olga Hassler, Arcadia Resident: She opposed the project. She stated concerns about
the project's impact on the character of the neighborhood. There is no parking as is, and
this project will change the family -friendliness of the area and attract gang activity.
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Manuel Romero, Property Owner, 41 W. Huntington Drive (Rod's Grill): Parking is
already an issue in the area. His lot is full most of the day so the parking has become first
come, first served. He was concerned that food hall employees will park in his lot. Several
of his own employees have been cited for parking on Huntington Drive due to the parking
time limit. City has to take into account job creation not just business creation.
Gail Marshall, Arcadia Resident: There are too many projects approved in the City that
lack adequate parking. Landscaping is decreasing and hardscape is increasing in the City,
which contributes to warming. Metro contributes to the parking issues in the area and
Metro riders parking on street will hurt businesses. The parking issue will continue to
worsen and this will affect the parking lot near the Post Office as well.
MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING
It was moved by Commissioner Lin, seconded by Vice Chair Lewis to close the public hearing.
Without objection, the motion was approved.
DISCUSSION
Commissioner Lin stated that he loved the concept of the project however; he recommends denial due
to the parking deficit that the project creates. Reliance on street or off-site parking would not be feasible
and more parking issues would ensue. He recommended staff revisit interior parking at the site, possibly
at the basement level to lessen the parking deficit and lessen the impact of the neighboring businesses,
at the street, and on nearby lots such as the post office lot.
Chair Thompson was in favor of the project. The self -storage use results is a low impact parking
requirement for the site. The project location offers ideal walkability for the Le Meridien Hotel site. He
discussed the parking study and the estimate at peak hours is probably an accurate estimate. Rusnak
employees may be impacting parking in the area and he suggested they park on site or at the lot leased
by Rusnak at the Santa Anita Racetrack. There needs to be parking mitigation at peak hours, possibly
through the leasing of some parking spaces at the Elks Lodge or through adjustments to parking... on
Morlan Place or Santa Clara. Replacement parking could be done at a nearby lot but it would need to be
close to the subject property. The project meets the goals and polices of the General Plan. He indicated
he was inclined to recommend approval, conditionally, with parking mitigation during peak hours.
Vice Chair Lewis also was in favor of the project however she echoes her fellow commissioners
concerns with parking. As the Downtown continues to develop, the City needs to assess parking and
consider parking structures, possibly with paid parking. Projects such as this are a great first step for the
development and revitalization of the Downtown area. It would generate foot traffic and would be ideal
for those staying at the Le Meridien. Vice Chair Lewis stated that when looking at the Downtown area, it
requires one to develop an urban mentality rather than the suburban perspective that Arcadia is
accustomed to. Downtown areas may require parking further away than a person is accustomed to and
walking is common feature in urban environments. She agrees with Chair Thompson that there may be
opportunities to lease parking spaces during peak hours. There will be projects that present issues such
as this and that needs to be worked through to ensure The City is getting projects that will revitalize the
downtown; we do not want to lose good projects. Therefore, she stated that she was inclined to
recommend approval of the project.
Commissioner Chan also acknowledged the parking concern and was not in favor of the proposal with
the current parking deficit. He would be inclined to recommend approval if parking could be worked out
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or if the neighboring businesses could agree upon an arrangement. Rusnak employees should be parking
offsite in locations such as the leased Santa Anita lot, and potentially be shuttled in. Parking at the Elks
Lodge would affect parking for their events. He recommended that the City Council meet with the
applicant and representatives for Rod's Grill and Rusnak, and agree upon an equitable parking
arrangement. With that being said, the concept of the project is new and exciting. He suggested looking
at alternative parking arrangements such as working with Rod's Grill on a fee arrangement to potentially
utilize their parking lot during evening hours, once Rod's is closed. He worries about spillover parking
into the Rod's Grill lot when parking at the subject lot is full and there is no way to monitor that. The
$200,000 sale price is relatively small compared to what this project is worth, and he would be in favor of
using the funds for parking, such as a parking structure. He is against parking time limits on Santa Anita
or Morlan Place. He is concerned that at breakfast hours, Rod's, Denny's, and the food hall would all
generate a parking need at the same time. He would be in favor if parking could be mediated. Additionally,
he recommended the applicant consider adding lighting and cameras in the walkway for safety.
MOTION
It was moved by Chair Thompson, seconded by Vice Chair Lewis to recommend approval of
Development Agreement No. DA 19-01, Minor Use Permit No. MUP 18-06, Architectural Design Review
No. ADR 18-19, and Planning Commission Administrative Modification No. PC AM 18-02 with a
Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to convert 10,000 square
feet of the 38,761 square foot, self -storage building into a multitenant food hall with an incidental outdoor
dining area at 33-35 W. Huntington Drive with the addition of a condition of approval to read:
'Adequate offsite mitigation parking is secured for peak hour demand to be approved by the director of
Planning"
ROLL CALL
AYES: Chair Thompson and Vice Chair Lewis
NOS: Commissioners Chan and Lin
ABSENT: Commissioner Wilander
The motion failed on a 2-2 roll call vote.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Lin, seconded by Chan to recommend denial of Development Agreement
No. DA 19-01, Minor Use Permit No. MUP 18-06, Architectural Design Review No. ADR 18-19, and
Planning Commission Administrative Modification No. PC AM 18-02 with a Categorical Exemption under
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to convert 10,000 square feet of the 38,761 square foot,
self -storage building into a multitenant food hall with an incidental outdoor dining area at 33-35 W.
Huntington Drive.
ROLL CALL
AYES: Commissioners Chan and Lin
NOS: Chair Thompson and Vice Chair Lewis
ABSENT: Commissioner Wilander
The motion failed on a 2-2 roll call vote.
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The Commission did not make a recommendation of either approval or denial of the item due to a split
2-2 vote, however; there was a consensus to pass along the Commission's individual comments to the
City Council for their consideration at a future hearing.
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.
3. Minutes of the June 11, 2019, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Recommendation: Approve
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Chan seconded by Chair Thompson to approve the June 11, 2019
Planning Commission Regular Meeting minutes
ROLL CALL
AYES: Chair Thompson, Vice Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan and Lin
NOS: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Wilander
MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL LIAISON
City Council Liaison Roger Chandler was not present.
MATTERS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSONERS
Commissioner Lin recommended to Deputy Development Services Director/City Engineer Phil Wray to
install additional "one-way" signage along Huntington Drive, particularly by the Methodist Hospital
because he has seen cars driving the wrong way several times.
MATTERS FROM ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
Assistant City Attorney Michael Maurer had nothing to report.
MATTERS FROM STAFF INCLUDING UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Torrico reported that there is one item scheduled for the July 23, 2019 meeting: a Parcel Map for
condominiums. He also reminded the Commission that a Community Meeting regarding the Design
Guidelines Update would be held prior to the regular scheduled meeting on July 23 from 5-7 p.m. in the
City Council Chambers.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned this meeting at 9:08 p.m. to Tuesday, June 25, 2019 in the City
Council Chamber at 240 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia.
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Brad Thompson
Chair, Planning Commission
ATTEST:
Lisa Flores
Secretary, PI ning Commission
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