HomeMy WebLinkAboutOCTOBER 11, 1988
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Planning Commission proceedings are taped recorded and on file in the office of the Planning
Department.
MINUTES
ARCADIA CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, October 11, 1988
The Planning Commission of theCily of Arcadia met In regular session on Tuesday, October 11,
1988 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Arcadia City Hall, 240 West Huntington Drive,
with Chairman Pro_Tern Tom Clark presiding,
PL.EOOE OF ALlEGIANCE
ROLL CALL:
PFlESENT:
ABSENT:
MOllON
Commissioners Amato, Hedlund, Clark
Commissioners Szany, Papay
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Amato to excuse
Commissioners Szanyand Papay from tonight's meeting. The motion passed by voice vote
with none dissenting;
MINUTES
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Amato to approve the
Minutes of September 27, 1988 as published. The motion'passed by voice vote with none
dissenting.
OTHERS ATTENDING:
Councilwoman Mary Young
City Attorney Michael Miller
Senior Planner Donna Butler
Associate Planner Wilfred Wong
Assistant Planner James Kasama
Secretary Silva Vergel
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The City Attorney announced that the City Charter requires that for any action to be adopted or
approved a majority of the entire membership must vote in favor of he particular motion. II the
required three votes are not obtained the motion would fail. If'the required three votes are not
obtaIned (1) an applicant'may request continuance and it is up to the Commission to decide
whether or not they want to grant it; (2) the matter could be heard and then deferred for final
decision pending participation of the absent members as long as they review the records of this
proceedings which would be made available to them or (3) the matter could simply go forward to
the City Council.
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CONTINUED PUBUC HEARING
MP 88-025
37 Alice St.
Aday Chan Assoc. for
Nick Eftekhari
Consideration of modifications for a proposed
2-unit residential project.
Stalf stated that the architect for the applicant has requested that the public,hearing for this item be
continued to the Commission's October 25,1988 meeting and'noted that the revised plans have not
been submitted to the Planning Department for its review.
MOilON
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Amato to continue the
public hearing to the Commission's October 25, 1988 meeting.
ROll. CALL:
AYES:
NCES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Amato, Hedlund, Clark
None
Commissioners Szany, Papay
PUBUC HEARING MC 88-076
241 Whispering Pines Summit
Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Rothenberger
The staff report was presented.
Staff explained that the holise is approximately 35' at the highest points. The rldgeline is also at
35' and the chimneys are consistent with the ridge line. The proposed flagpole is 35' and will be
setback 38' from the easterly property line. II will be located in the center of the backyard.
Consideration of an appeal of Modification
Committee's deni~1 for a flagpole to be 35'.0"
In height in lieu of 16'-4".
The public hearing was opened.
J. Schmitt, 51 E. Foothill, representing the applicant-stated that the house sits on a lot which is
approximately 2 acres. The house Is a tudor style home and the proposed flagpole would be in
keeping and in good taste due to the nature and the size of the property. The flagpole will be a fine
improvement and noted ihat the appropriate building permits have been pulled, the footings have
been poured and the flagpole has been ordered and remarked that a smaller flagpole would nol.be in
harmony with the house.
Arcadia City Planning Commission
October 11, 1988
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Gene Rothenberger, 241 Whispering Pines Summit commented that in some areas the house
exceeds the 35' height measured by staff. He thought that the flagpole is in the right proportion
wjth the house.
MOllON
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Amato to close the
public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
Commissioner Hedlund remarked that he was the chairman at the Modification Committee meeting.
No one was there representing th.e applicant and they' were unaware of the situation and didn't feel
that a 35' high flagpole was justified.
Commissioner Amato commented that the flagpole will not be noticeable and was in favor of the
appeal.
Chairman Pro-Tem Clark felt that it would fit in nicely.
MOllON
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Amato to approve the
appeal subject to the conditions in the staff report.
ROLLCAlL:
AYES:
Nces:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Amato, Hedlund. Clark
None
Commissioners Szany, Papay
There is alive working day appeal period.
PUBLIC HEARING MP 88-026 & ADR 88-66
427 Diamond St.
William Liu for
George and Alice Chen
Thes.laff report was presented.
Staff said that the ale unit will be on the grage level between the2-units and will be screened off.
Consideration of modifications for a 2-unit
condominium project
The public hearing was opened.
John Wu, 429 S. Fifth, Alhambra. the architect of the project commented that the proposal is
compatible with the area.
MOllON
It'was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by ,Commissioner Amato to ,close the
public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
Arcadia City Planning Commission
October 11, 1988
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Staff said that a 20-unit project has been proposed for the properties to the north and to the west
of the site. The west side of the proposed units will back up against four of the units. In answer to
questions from the Commission, staff remarked that some modifications were granted for distance
between buildings for the 20-unit project.
Tile consensus of the Commission was favorable.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Amato, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund to approve MP
88-026 & ADR 88-66 subject to the conditions ill the staff report.
ROLL CAll:
AYES:
r-m:
ABsENT:
Commissioners Amato, Hedlund, Clark
None
Commissioners Szany, Papay
There is a five working day appeal period.
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PUBLIC HEARING VTM 46739
330 California 5t.
Pacific Real Estate
Consideration of a vesting tentative map for a
16-unit condominium project.
The'staff report was presented.
Staff explained that the Commission should discuss the tentative map and noted that the,building
plans and the de'tails were submitted by the applicaht and were not a requirement by the Planning
Department.
The public hearing was opened.
James Nelson, 2500 E. Colorado, Pasadena, the engineer of the project remarked that the design of
the building was prepared even before they applied,for the vesting tentative map. He indicated
that there Is an oak tree on the lot which they will save and said 'that they are in agreement with
all of the conditions in the staff report.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Amato to close the
public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
The consensus of the Commission was favorable.
Arcadia City Planning Commission
October 11, 1988
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MOllON
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund., seconded by Commissioner Amato to approve
V.T.M. 46739 subject to the conditions in the staff report. .
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
t-.OES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Amato. Hedlund, Clark
None
Commissioners Szany, Papay
There Is a ten day appeal period.
PUBLIC HEARINGT.M. 46827
1001 Falniiew Ave.
Hsu & Assoc. for
Mei Clen Huang
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
Consideration of a tentative map for a 10-unit
residential condominium project.
Tom Hsu. 2450 W.. Main. Alhambra. the civil engineer said that they are have read and are in
agreement with all of the conditions in the staff report.
Dale Morrison. 1373 Almiso Dr., Pasadena, owner of 1009 Fairview asked about the hours of
construction and asked to see the plans.
Staff commented that the construction hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through
Saturday, excluding Sundays and holidays. In regard to the dust. it was noted that the developer is
.required to keep it watered down to prevent any possible dust problems. She said that,incase of
any problems they can call the Building Department and they will send an inspector to the site.
MOllON
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund. seconded by Commissioner Amato to close the
public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with nonedissenlihg.
The consensus 01 the Commission was favorable.
MOllON
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Amato to.approve T.M.
46827 subject to the conditions In the staff report.
Arcadia City Planning Commission
October 11. 1988
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ROLL CALL;
AY'CS:
r-a5:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Amato. Hedlund, Clark
None
Commissioners Szany, Papay
There is a ten day appeal period.
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PUBLIC HEARING Z-88-004
600 and 604 N. Santa Anita Ave.
15 E.Newman Ave.
Bowden Development, Inc.
The staff report was presented.
It was indicated that staff recommended CoO for property on Santa Anita and PR-1 for the
property on Newman Avenue. Staff remarked that the General Plan designation for the property
on Newman Is not consistent with its existing zoning. The GP designation for that property is
Mixed Use - Commercial/Multiple-Family but the property on Newman is zoned R-1.
Consideration of a zone change from, R-3
(multiple4amily residential) and R-1
(single-family residential) to CoO
(professional office).
The public l1earing was opened.
Bruce Adams, 425 E. Huntingion, Monrovia, General Manager for Bowden Development said that
they are trying to make the properties consistent with the GP. They propose to build a two-story
commercial office building on the lots facing Santa Anita and will utilize the site on Newman
Avenue as a parking lot which will take the cars off of Santa Anita.
Mike Luticki, 25 S. First, remarked that he has three businesses in the City. The proposed
project is in the redevelopment area of the City and feit'that careful consideration should be given
to any project that goes into this area. He said that he has dealt with Bowden Development before
and he has been very pleased with their workmanship.
Gene Gioia, 21 E. Newman, submitted a petition against the zone change. He noted',thatthere are
many families that live on the street who will be adversely affected by the development.
Presently, their children can play in the street but alter a development such as the one proposed
it would be dangerous for them. He remarked that their street is a cul-de-sac and they are
opposed to having a,parking lot 01) it. He felt it would add to the congestion on Santa Anita and
would create a,noise problem and would add to the traffic. He stated ttiat the prope"rty is n6fbeirfg
maintained and is aesthetically an eye sore. He, asked for a continuance to allow the full
Commission to hear their views.
Chris Newton, 2.5 E. Newman, remarked that ,!hey purchased their property as an. investment and
don't reside on it. He said that both he and his wife feel that a multiple-family use would be the
best use of the property and explained that R'3 isa good buffer. He also asked for a continuance.
He said that this area is where young couples who are starting out purchase properties and was
concerned about the possible negative affects of the proposed zone change.
C.J. Hubley, 29 E. Newman, said that for years he asked the City to rezone the properties Qn
Newman wl1ich were, zoned manufacturing to R-1 and felt that that the zoning should remain as is.
He commented that their street will be very congested if this development was to be approved. He
Arcadia City Planning Commission
October 11, 1988
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said that during the racing season it takes them as long as 10 minutes to turn onto Santa Anita
which is a rT)ain thoroughfare and due to its proximity to the freeway and the on-ramp is already
congested. Even though there is a "DO NOT BLOCK INTERSECTION" sign sometimes cars end up
blocking it due to the heavy congestion.
James Elsworth, 46 E.Newman, remarked that there are many new office buildings In the City,
such as the one at the corner of Huntington and First and the one on Santa Anita,south of Arcadia
Lumber, which are vacant. He didn't think that ano!her offlce building would be a good idea
especially since it is so close to residential properties. He felt that this woLild downgrade their
properties and commented that he has spent a lot of money to improve his property.
Barbara Sutton, 26 E. Newman, asked'for a continuance and said that her husband was unable to
attend the meeting.
Peggy Marble, 30 E. Newman, said that she has 2 kids that play on the street and if this was to be
approved she would be concerned about their safety. She thought that the additional cars would
probably not park in the parking lot and instead would park on the street to benefit from the shade
provided by the trees on the street. She noted that all 4 corners of Santa Anita in the immediate
area are residential.
In rebuttal, Mr. Adams said that they looked at other alternative developments for the subject lots.
They felt that a commercial use would,be the best use because the use is basically concentrated
during working hours whereas a residential type use would bring traffic to the area all the time.
if the property remained as R,3, it would increase traffic, noise and population in the area. He
noted that the prQperty on Newman is not consistent with the GP and utilizing it as a parking lot
would be a good buffer forthe residential properties on Newman. In regard to maintenance of the
property he stated that it is the tenant's responsibility to maintain the property but on occasions
when this was not done, they have stepped in and cleaned up the site. He remarked that they have
been approached by several different businesses who are inierested in leasing their properties
and they have notfaeed the problem of vacancy. He noted thattheydeveloped 325,'5anta Anita
recently and commented that they didn't have any problems leasing It.
In answer to a question from the Commission, staff remarked that if the Commission decides to
continue the hearing, they should continue it to the November 8. 1988 meeting and explained that
neither the Planning Director or the Senior Planner wilt be present to the October 25. 1988
meeting.
Mr. Adams remarked that there will be another public hearing before the Council who will make
the ultimate decision. He said that the properties will not remain as they presently exist and
change is inevitable. He commented that they arepropo,sing the best useJor the property. He
stated that they would prefer a decision but would be in agreement in continuing the hearing.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Amato to close the
public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Amato to continue the public hearing lor lack of a second.
Commissioner Hedjund commented that the Commission is an advisory body only and stated thatthe
Council will have the last decision.,
Arcadia City Planning Commission
Ociober 11, 1988
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Mike Miller agreed with Commissioner Hedlund and further explained that the Commission's
action is not a legislative action and remarked that the Commission can continue the hearing to
allow the. full Commission to hear the proposal and give the Council the benefit of the full
Commission's decision.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Amato, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund to re-open the
public hearing and to continue the public hearing to the Commission's November 8, 1988
meeting.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
f\OES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Amato, Hedlund, Clark
None
Commissioners Szany, Papay
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PUBLIC HEARING T.A. 88-004
Consideration of a text amendment to add
Section 9250..3.3.1 to tile R-M zone and
Section 9252.2.5.1 .to the R-1 zone requiring
a minimum 20'-0 side yard setback on the
street side of reverse corner lots.
The staff report was presented.
Chairman Pro~Tem Clark asked why the 20' was not increased to 25:.
Staff replied by saying that they could increase it to 25' but tile proposed change was so the R,1
zone,would be consistent'with the R-O zone which is also 20' setback. The 20' setback allows for
transition to a possible 25'-0. front setback and it would be too difficuit to try and tie it into
existing situations. It was noted that most streets have special setbacks and this would supply a
greater setback. The proposed change will affect all existing homes as well as new developments.
The public hearing was opened.
No one spoke in favor or in opposition to the text amendment.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Amato to close the
public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
Commissioner Hedlund thought that ~was a good change.
Chairman Pro-Tem Clark said that,~ Is a good improvement.
Arcadia City Planning Commission
October 11, 1988
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MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Amato to recommend
approval of TA 88-004 to the City Council.
ROLLCAll.:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Amato, Hedlund, Clark
None
Commissioners Szany, Papay
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
None
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MAlTERS.FROM COUNCIL
None
MAlTERS FROMCOMMISSION
None
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,MAlTERS FROM STAFF
None
ADJOURNMENT
9:15 p,m..
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.J;(Jl.t::tt.a~m) ll.l7'f111h:/d.
Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission
Arcadia City Planning Commission
October 11, 1988
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