Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-14-2020 PC MinutesARCADIA PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020 CALL TO ORDER Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. In order to comply with social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19, the meeting was televised and streamed live and Vice Chair Wilander, and Commissioners Chan, Lin, and Thompson participated by telephone. Assistant City Attorney Maurer, Deputy Development Services Director/City Engineer Philip Wray, and City Council Liaison Paul Cheng were also on the line. She also informed the public of a call-in number that was established for public comments. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL PRESENT: Chair Lewis PRESENT (Via telephone): Vice Chair Wilander, Chan, Lin, and Thompson, ABSENT: None SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Planning & Community Development Administrator Lisa Flores announced that the City received six public comments after the packet went out and that they would be read into the record during the public hearing for each corresponding item. PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minute time limit per person) There were none. PUBLIC HEARING Resolution No. 2058 — Recommending approval of a Zone Change No. ZC 19-01, Architectural Design Review No. ADR 18-22, Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 19-03, Administrative Modification No. AM Minor 19-22, and Protected Tree Encroachment No. TRE 20-04 with a Mitigated Negative Declaration for a new senior assisted living care facility with memory care at 1150 W. Colorado Boulevard Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2058 and Recommend Approval to the City Council Appellant and Property Owner: Artis Senior Living, LLC. Chair Lewis introduced the item and turned it over to Associate Planner Vanessa Quiroz to present the staff report. Ms. Flores clarified that Staffs recommendation is to forward a recommendation to the City Council, and not take action. nrry wnungs or oocumems provraea 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 Lewis opened the public hearing and asked if the Applicant would like to speak on the item. Richard McDonald introduced the Applicant team, and Rick Bell of Artis Senior Living provided a presentation of the project. Anna Armstrong of Armstrong and Walker Landscape Architects provided an overview of the landscape plan. Chair Lewis asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in favor of the item. There were no callers in support of the item. Chair Lewis asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in opposition of the item. There were no calls received in opposition to the item; however, Ms. Flores read two letters of opposition that were received prior to the meeting from Lin Zeng and Eve Tang, neighboring property owners. Ms. Flores informed the Commission that both residents were informed prior to the meeting that the height of the building was actually two stories, and not four, as stated in their letters. Commissioner Chan inquired about the Applicant's public outreach efforts, including if there was any specific outreach to help inform the local Asian community given that there were some confusion over the height of the project. He also inquired as to how COVID-19 has impacted their other facilities. Mr. McDonald explained that the initial stage of outreach included contact with the Homeowners' Association and several nearby neighbors, the establishment of an informational website with a link to the City's website for more detailed information, and a mailer. Due to COVID-19, outreach efforts were modified to avoid direct contact (i.e. door-to-door contact) with the public. Mr. Bell further elaborated on the impacts of COVID-19 on senior care facilities and the protocols, which were established in response to COVID-19. Mr. Brown stated that the website was in English but directed the public to the City's website for detailed information on the proposal. The feasibility of having a community meeting was affected by COVID-19. They would provide a translated notice prior to the City Council meeting. Ms. Flores discussed the outreach efforts to date and added that the Applicant has complied with noticing requirements per State law. She noted that the City offers translation services for all residents, which is stated on the City's public hearing notices. Commissioner Thompson inquired as to whether there were any restrictions on delivery hours to mitigate any potential disruptions to nearby residents. Mr. Bell stated that deliveries typically occur 2-3 times per week, and during business hours. Vice Chair Wilander asked the Applicant if they would be willing to provide additional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant parking spaces to accommodate visitors. Mr. Bell stated that they are open to providing additional stalls. 2 7-14-20 MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING It was moved by Vice Chair Wilander, seconded by Chair Lewis to close the public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. DISCUSSION Commissioner Chan had no issues with the project; however, he recommended that the Applicant distribute a Chinese translated mailer with a project description to the residents within the 300 feet noticing radius to alleviate any protentional confusion over the proposed height. Commissioner Lin stated that the project is a good use of the site, and the design is consistent with the neighboring residential properties in the neighborhood. He was inclined to recommend approval to the City Council. Commissioner Thompson stated that the proposal was a good transitional use of the site. The intensity of the development is reasonable, and he complimented the quality and quantity of the proposed landscaping which will provide an excellent buffer to nearby residential properties. In addition, the facts to support the findings as listed in the staff report are sufficient and well written. He recommended that all exterior parking lot lighting be faced downward and away from neighboring residences and that the delivery hours be limited. Vice Chair Wilander stated that the project is well thought out and addresses a need in the community for senior housing and those with memory challenges. She was glad that the project was proposed below the Code -allowed maximums, and she is pleased that there will be additional disabled parking spaces to compliment the drive through drop off area. Chair Lewis noted the attractive design of the project and the landscaping which will blend well with the residential area and she was pleased that the mature trees on the site will be preserved. The proposal was a good use of the property and represents an overall quiet use compared to what the site could accommodate or has in the past. The Planning Commission provided the following recommendations 1. The Applicant should examine the site plan and add additional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant parking stall places in addition to the 4 currently proposed; 2. The Applicant should distribute a Chinese translated mailer with the proposed project information prior to the City Council hearing; 3. Deliveries shall be limited to no earlier than 7:00 a.m. and no later than 10:00 p.m. In addition, two new Conditions of Approval were added to Resolution No. 2058, per Staff's recommendation: Condition No. 31: All the windows shall be recessed at least 2 -inches from the exterior walls. Condition No. 32: All exterior parking lot lighting shall be shielded downward and/or have cutoff insert in the fixture to minimize any potential light and glare to the adjacent residential properties. 7-14-20 MOTION It was moved by Vice Chair Wilander, seconded by Commissioner Lin to adopt Resolution No. 2058, recommending approval to the City Council of a Zone Change No. ZC 19-01, Architectural Design Review No. ADR 18-22, Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 19-03, Administrative Modification No. AM Minor 19-22, and Protected Tree Encroachment No. TRE 20-04 with a Mitigated Negative Declaration for a new senior assisted living care facility with memory care at 1150 W. Colorado Boulevard, subject to the amended conditions of approval as read into the record by Ms. Flores. ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Lewis, Vice Chair Wilander, Chan, Lin, and Thompson NOES: None ABSENT: None Chair Lewis announced that this item is tentatively scheduled for the August 18, 2020 City Council meeting and that a notice of public hearing would be sent prior to this meeting. 2. Resolution No. 2057 — Recommending approval of a Minor Use Permit No. MUP 20-04, Architectural Design Review No. ADR 18-05, Vesting Tentative Map No. TTM 19-01 (82734), Development Agreement, and a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the development of a mixed- use project with 139 residential units and commercial area along Huntington drive located at 117- 129 E. Huntington Drive and 124-134 Wheeler Avenue. Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2057 and Recommend Approval to the City Council Applicant: New World International, LLC Chair Lewis introduced the item and turned it over to Senior Planner Luis Torrico to present the staff report. Commissioner Chan inquired about the required parking for the commercial component of the project and was concerned that there will not be enough parking to support the patrons and employees, especially for restaurant uses. Ms. Flores clarified the that retail and restaurants that are 2,000 square feet or less are parked at the same parking rate. Commissioner Lin inquired as to how many of the 295 proposed parking spaces would be subterranean, and is there enough clearance to provide parking lifts? Mr. Torrico stated that there are 128 surface parking spaces on the ground floor and the remaining spaces will be in subterranean level. There is adequate clearance since the original proposal had parking lifts. Chair Thompson requested clarification of the width of the parking spaces and the number of tandem parking spaces. He referenced the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) which mentions that stacked parking will be utilized. Lastly, are there any measures put in place to deter residents from parking in the City designated parking spaces. 4 7-14-20 Mr. Torrico responded and provided clarification on the tandem spaces and the MND. With regard to what measures will be in place to deter parking in City designated spaces, the Development Agreement provides the ability for the City to place time limits or metered parking, though that has yet to be determined. Vice Chair Wilander inquired about dust mitigation during construction. Mr. Torrico clarified the requirements for dust mitigation during construction. Chair Lewis opened the public hearing and asked if the Applicant would like to speak on the item. Johnathan Hu responded and introduced the Applicant's team. Vince Chupka, the Project Architect from Humphreys & Partners Architects also spoke. Chair Lewis asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in favor of the proposal. There were no calls received in support of the proposal. Chair Lewis asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in opposition of the proposal. One caller spoke in opposition of the item: 1. Lawrence Landis, Neighboring Property Owner- Concerned with the impacts of construction and excavation on his adjacent property. He was also concerned with parking and that the project may create access issues for his tenants. Mr. Hu replied and stated that projects of this magnitude occur in stages and all these items will be addressed throughout the planning and building process. Ms. Flores also read one email from Steven Rhee, Vice President, RE/MAX Commercial. Mr. Chupka responded to the comments and concerns Commissioner Chan suggested that the Applicant incorporate additional street sweeping along Wheeler Avenue and Huntington Drive to control dust. Also, he requested that the City installed plaques along Huntington Drive be preserved and reinstalled post -construction. Mr. Torrico said confirmed that the plaques would be removed and reinstalled. Commissioner Thompson asked if the Applicant has a solution to deter residents from parking in the 55 City -designated parking spaces. He also inquired about the subterranean guest parking spaces and the feasibility of the driveway aisle with its current dimensions. Mr. Chupka stated that the City will likely manage this and that time limits will most likely be used, however these are shared spaces that neighboring businesses may want to utilize. It was also clarified that the area mentioned by Commissioner Thompson was not a driveway. 7-14-20 MOTION - PUBLIC HEARING It was moved by Commissioner Chan, seconded by Commissioner Lin to close the public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. DISCUSSION Commissioner Chan thought the project was beneficial for the City and would improve the Downtown area. He is pleased that the plaques will be preserved and replaced along Huntington Drive. Commissioner Lin appreciates the design and is also concerned with the parking, but it appears the parking is adequate, and that staff and the applicant have worked diligently to address these issues. Commissioner Thompson stated the location is great for the property but the project as proposed, was under -parked, the parking spaces were small, spaces for the residential units should be larger, and had concerns with the tandem spaces. Had the project been proposed at a lesser intensity with fewer spaces needed to accommodate the use, he stated that he would have been in favor. The project is a good balance of commercial and residential, and he would recommend approval if the project was closer 100 residential units rather than 139 units. MOTION: It was moved by Chair Lewis, seconded by Commissioner Lin to reopen the public hearing to enable the Applicant to respond. Mr. Hu responded and stated that the parking in the basement levels are exclusively for residential use only. It was moved by Chair Lewis, seconded by Vice Chair Welander to close public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. Vice Chair Welander echoed the parking concerns of Commissioner Thompson as she did not think tandem parking was the optimal way to meet the parking demand. If the project created a parking deficit, it could have a spill-over effect and create parking issues in the surrounding area. Chair Lewis thought the project was an excellent addition to the area, and that it is a good mixed-use Project that is close to transit. While she has concerns with parking as well, she noted that younger people are less inclined to drive and more open to alternative transportation. She would be inclined to recommend approval of the project and overall the project is a positive addition to the transit corridor. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Chan, seconded by Commissioner Lin to adopt Resolution No. 2057, recommending approval to the City Council of a Minor Use Permit No. MUP 20-04, Architectural Design Review No. ADR 18-05, Vesting Tentative Map No. TTM 19-01 (82734), Development Agreement, and a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the development of a mixed- use project with 139 residential units and commercial area along Huntington Drive located at 117- 129 E. Huntington Drive and 124-134 Wheeler Avenue. ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Lewis, Chan, Lin 6 7-14-20 NOES: Vice Chair Wilander and Commissioner Thompson ABSENT: None The motion to recommend approval of the item was approved. Chair Lewis announced that this item is tentatively scheduled for the August 18, 2020 City Council meeting and that a notice of public hearing would be sent prior to this meeting. 3. Resolution No. 2059 — Approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 20-08 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to allow the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits for off-site consumption and extended hours of operation for a new grocery store (dba: Grocery Outlet) at 140 E. Live Oak Avenue Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2059 Applicant: Grocery Outlet Chair Lewis introduced the item and turned it over to Associate Planner Christine Song to present the staff report. Chair Lewis opened the public hearing and asked if the Applicant would like to speak on the item. Steve Rawlings and Pat Barber responded on behalf of Grocery Outlet. Chair Lewis asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in favor of the proposal. There were no calls received in support of the proposal. Chair Lewis asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in opposition of the proposal. There were no calls received in opposition to the proposal, however three emails were received prior to the meeting which were read and/or summarized due to length by Ms. Flores. The emails were received from Sam Parker, Bobbie Jones, and Bruce Tepper on behalf of the "Unincorporated Association of Residents." MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING It was moved by Chair Lewis, seconded by Commissioner Thompson to close the public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. DISCUSSION Commissioner Chan was concerned that CEQA can be used to halt or deter development. He was in favor of the proposal. There may be less traffic generated than the previous use. While not mentioned, there appear to be no other issues with the businesses nearby that sell alcohol. He frequents the area and thought the store would be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Commissioner Lin was concerned with the legitimacy of the email in opposition. He does not think it will adversely affect the community as the licensing involves the replacement of an existing alcohol license rather than adding an additional license to the area. 7-14-20 Commissioner Thompson thought the proposal offers an excellent reuse of the commercial space in an area of the City where retail is needed. The staff report and facts to support the findings are well written. Vice Chair Wilander commented on the thorough staff report and was in support of the proposal. She appreciates that the use will replace a vacant unit. Chair Lewis also acknowledged that the reuse of the space improves the area and stimulates the local economy. Assistant City Attorney Maurer clarified that the Class 1 Exemption was included in the motion that the project involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use. Vice Chair Wilander asked for clarification that a traffic study was not needed for this proposal. Ms. Flores confirmed that a traffic study was not necessary for this proposal. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Chan to adopt Resolution No. 2059, approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 20-08 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to allow the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits for off-site consumption and extended hours of operation for a new grocery store (dba: Grocery Outlet) at 140 E. Live Oak Avenue ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Lewis, Vice Chair Wilander, Chan, Lin, and Thompson NOES: None ABSENT: None There is a ten day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution. if adopted, appeals are to be filed by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020. 4. Resolution No. 2061 —Approving an Amendment to Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 11-11 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to add whisky to the existing wine tasting room, and expand the hours of operation at 16 N. 1 st Avenue Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2061 Applicant: Lenore Jiao Ms. Flores provided the staff report of behalf of Mr. Torrico. She made note of two corrections to the resolution which incorrectly listed the closing hour as 11:00 a.m. as opposed to 11:00 p.m. She also noted that the previous owner of the business did not open for business, therefore Staff recommended a new condition of approval be added to ensure that the City has mechanisms in place to revoke or suspend the operator's business license should the business does not open. It was also noted that the current owner was open for business, prior to COVID-19. The new condition of approval was read into the record by Ms. Flores: 8 7-14-20 Condition No. 11: If the business does not open its front doors to the general public after all the businesses reopen from COVID-19, this shall be grounds forimmediate suspension or revocation of this Conditional Use Permit, including the Amendment to the Conditional Use Permit, and termination of the business license. The suspension, revocation, and/or termination is subject to review by the Planning Commission. Chair Lewis opened the public hearing and asked if the Applicant would like to speak on the item. Lenore Jiao of N16 Cellars responded. Chair Lewis asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in favor of the item. There were no callers in support of the item. Chair Lewis asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in opposition of the item. There were no callers in opposition of the item. MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING It was moved by Vice Chair Wilander, seconded by Commissioner Lin to close the public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. DISCUSSION The Commission was in favor of the proposal and supported the new condition of approval — Condition No. 11 — as read into the record earlier by Ms. Flores. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Lin, seconded by Commissioner Thompson Resolution No. 2061, approving an amendment to Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 11-11 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to add whisky to the existing wine tasting room, and expand the hours of operation at 16 N. 1st Avenue subject to the amended conditions of approval ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Lewis, Vice Chair Welander, Chan, Lin, and Thompson NOES: None ABSENT: None There is a ten day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution. If adopted, appeals are to be filed by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020. 5. Resolution No. 2060 — Approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 20-04 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to allow the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption within an existing restaurant (dba: Let's Go Kebab) at 643 W. Duarte Avenue, Unit B within the Arcadia Center Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2060 9 7-14-20 Applicant: Dou Zhang Chair Lewis introduced the item and handed it over to Associate Planner Vanessa Quiroz to present the staff report. Chair Lewis opened the public hearing and asked if the Applicant would like to speak on the item. Dou Zhang of "Let's Go Kebab" responded. Chair Lewis asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in favor of the item. There were no callers in support of the item. Chair Lewis asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in opposition of the item. There were no callers in opposition of the item. MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING It was moved by Vice Chair Wilander, seconded by Commissioner Chan to close the public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. DISCUSSION The Commission was in favor of the proposal in that found that it is an appropriate use that meets all the necessary findings. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Lin to adopt Resolution No. 2060, as amended — Approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 20-04 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to allow the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption within an existing restaurant (dba: Let's Go Kebab) at 643 W. Duarte Avenue, Unit B within the Arcadia Center ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Lewis, Vice Chair Wilander, Chan, Lin, and Thompson NOES: None ABSENT: None There is a ten day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution. If adopted, appeals are to be filed by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020. CONSENT CALENDAR 6. Minutes of the May 26, 2020 Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Recommendation: Approve 10 7-14-20 It was moved by Commissioner Chan, seconded by Vice Chair Wilander to approve the minutes of the May 26, 2020 Planning Commission Regular Meeting. ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Lewis, Vice Chair Wilander, Chan, Lin, and Thompson NOES: None ABSENT: None MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL LIAISON Council Liaison Cheng announced that an appeal was filed to overturn the Planning Commission's decision related to the property located at 2011 Highland Oaks Drive and that item is scheduled for an upcoming City Council meeting. He added that he would continue to convey any of the commissioner's comments or concerns to appropriate staff and/or the City Council. MATTERS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSONERS Vice Chair Wilander inquired about the cars parked at the Santa Anita Racetrack. Commissioner Chan stated that rental cars are being temporary parked at the Racetrack. MATTERS FROM ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY Mr. Maurer had nothing to report. MATTERS FROM STAFF INCLUDING UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Flores announced there are no items pending for the July 28, 2020 meeting, therefore it will most likely be cancelled. She added that the subsequent Planning Commission meetings will be held at 7:00 P. M. She also confirmed that the appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of Homeowners' Association Appeal No. 20-01 is scheduled to appear before the City Council on August 4, 2020. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned the meeting at 6:32 p.m. to Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber for the next virtual meeting. ATTEST: OA�l Lisa Flore Secretary, Planning Commission Deborah Lewis Chair, Planning Commission 11 7-14-20