HomeMy WebLinkAboutJULY 14, 1998
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MINUTES
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Arcadia Cit~. Planning Commission
Tuesda~'. Jul)' 14, 1998
7:15 p.1O. in tbe Council Chambers
Planning Commission proceedings are tape~recorded and on file in the office of the Community
Development Division.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, July 14, 1998 at
7'15 p.m. in the Council Chambers of.the City of Arcadia, at 240 W. Huntington Drive with
Chairman John Murphy presiding.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Bruckner, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Murphy
Commissioner Sleeter
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Huang, seconded by Commissioner Kalemkiarian to excuse
Commissioner Sleeter from tonight's meeting. The motion passed by voice vote with none
dissenting.
1, PLANNING COMMISSION REORGANIZA nON
Chairman Murphy asked ifthere were any nominations for Chairman?
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Bruckner, 'seconded by Commissioner Huang to nominate
Commissioner Kalemkiarian as Chairman.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Bruckner, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Murphy
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Sleeter
Chaiiman Kalemkiarian took his seat at the dais. He asked if there were any nominations for
Chairman Protem.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Huang to nominate
Commissioner Bruckner as Chairman Protem.
AYES: Commissioners Bruckner. Huang, Kalemkiarian, Murphy
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Sleeter
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OTHERS A ITENDiNG
City Attomey Michael Miller
Community Development Administrator Donna Butler
Associate Planner Jim Kasama
Assistant Planner John Halminski
Secretary Silva Vergel
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
Ms. Butler said that a letter of opposition was distributed by Arthur Villarreal and Nanette
Buenavidez regarding CUP 98-015.
TIME RESERVED FOR lliOSE IN 1HE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS 1HE PLANNING
COMMISSION ON NON-PUBLIC HEARING MATTERs (5 MINUTE LIMIT PER PERSON)
None
2. MINUTES. of 6/23/98
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Huang to approve the
Minutes ofJuoe 23rdas published.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Huang, Murphy, Kalemkiarian
None
Commissioner Bruckner
Commissioner Sleeter
3. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 98~014
45 Lucille Ave.
Tritech Assoc.
Consideration of a tentative parcel map for a 2~tinit residential condominium project.
The stafTreport was presented and the public hearing was opened.
Tom Cao, Tritech Assoc., 735 W. Emerson, Monterey Park, said they were in agreement'with all of
the conditions in the staff report.
No one else spoke in favor of this item.
Chainnan Kalemkiarian declared the public hearing closed.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Bruckner, seconded by Commissioner Huang to approve
TPM 98-014 subject to the conditions in the staff report.
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ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
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Commissioners Bruckner, Huang, Murphy, Kalemkiarian
None
Commissioner Sleeter
Chairman Kalemkiarian noted that there is a ten-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by
Friday, July 24111.
4. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 98-015
134 Fano
Bowden Dev.
Consideration of a tentative parcel map for a 2-imit residential condominium project.
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
Richard Tippio, Bowden Dev., 425 E. Huntington Dr., Monrovia, said they were in agreement with
all of the conditions in the staff report.
No one else.spoke in favor of this item.
Chairman Kalemkiarian declared the public hearing closed.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Bruckner to approve
TPM 98-015 subject to the conditions in the staff report
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Bruckner, Huang, Murphy, Kalemkiarian
None
Commissioner Sleeter
Chairn\an Kalemkiarian noted that there is a ten-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by
Friday, July 24111.
5. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 98-013
29 E. Huntington Dr.
Arcadia Presbyterian Church
Consideration of a conditional use permit to operate a coffee bar with related parking
modifications for both the coffee bar and proposed dental office in the rear 2/3 of the
building. The proposed coffee bar will occupy the front 1/3 of the building.
The staff-report was presented.
Staff indicated that no outdoor seating was proposed.
The public hearing was opened.
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Jerry Haserot, 121 Alice, said he was representing Arcadia Presbyterian Church. At the request of
Chairman Kalemkiarian he agreed that the.employees should not utilize the 4 parking spaces.
Garland Roberson, ABA President, questioned why would they want to open a coffee shop when
there are already three in the immediate area? From a business point of view, that does not make
sense. He asked what their projected sales would be? How can they expect to be successful when
they are going to be open for limited hours? Who will their clientele be? Is this a front for an
outreach type ofa program? If it is he objected to the use. The City Council spent too much. money
in the downtown area to let this type of a use go in that will be not open until 4:00 p.m.
Steve Soo, 25 E. Huntington Dr., was concerned that the coffee shop's patrons would utilize their
parking spaces. He questioned the Negative Declaration and remarked that it did not address the
potential traffic that could be generated. He wondered what type of a security would be provided?
In rebuttal, Mr, Haserot, said they would have a manager on site at all times. He anticipated that the
ages of their clientele would be between 16-30 years old. In addition to coffee they would serve
sweet rolls. They hope to engage in conversations with their patrons and hopefully introduce them
to their church or any other church. He did not think they would be in competition withStarbucks.
He went on to say that they did look at another site. The property owner of the subject site is
affiliated with their church. When he discovered the church was looking for a location, the property
owner told them that he had a building fronting on Huntington Dr. that needed to have a retail use in
the front
With regard to parking he suggested postingsigns.so the patrons would know where to paIkThis
establishment would'be open to anyone who would want to attend. He did not think there would be
security problems. The name of the coffee.shop will be "Huntington 29".
He hoped that'by the end of the second year they would be making some profits. They might have
some entertainment in the form ora guitar playeL He remarked that if they find that the business is
successful, they are willing to be open more hours. Although they plan to advertise, he anticipated
that they would get most of their clients by word of mouth.
In response to questions by staff and. the City Attorney, Mr. Haserot assured the Planning
Commission that this would be a nice establishment and people would feel safe and comfortable
when'they walkedoin. This will be a retaiLuse like any other coffee.shop. They will have counters,
coffee maChines, sweet rolls, registers, etc. At all times they will be open to the general public.
Noone else spoke in favor of this item.
Chairman Kalemkiarian declared the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Bruckner said that he knows from experience that teenage kids do go to these types of
establishments. It is the new trend. He thought it would be a good project as long as it is well
supervised. He was familiar with the church's policjes and was confident that it would be a well-run
establishment. This would be a retail use and at the same time provide a service to the children of
the community.
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Commissioner Huang said the intent of the downtown program is to bring in retail business. He was
not concerned with the competition issue but questioned how experienced they were in running a
coffee shop. He hopecl the ABA would welcome them into the area and give them assistance so that
this would be a successful business.
Commissioner Murphy reminded them that "Steerburger" was the prior use at this site and in his
opinion that was a more intense type of a use. He just wanted to have assurance that this would tnily
be a retail use. He hoped that they would be open longer hours.
Chairman Kalemkiarian agreed. He was concerned with the employees using the 4 available parking
spaces. He remarked that if this is a problem use it could always be brought back to the Planning
Commission.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Bruckner, seconded by Commissioner Murphy to approve
CUP 98-013 subject to the conditions in the staff report with the additional condition thatthe
employees not utilize the 4 available parking spaces.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES'
ABSENT:
Commissioners Bruckner; Huang; Murphy, Kalemkiarian
None
Commissioner Sleeter
Chairman Kalemkiarian noted that there is a five working day appeal period after adoption of the
resolution. The resolution will be adopted on July 281b. Appeals are to be filed by Wednesday,
August Sib.
6. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 98-014
145 E. Foothill blvd. (the VonSlSav-On Shopping Center)
Bryan Tungseth of Express Permits for Baskin-Robbins
Consideration of a conditional. use permit and. related parking modifications to allow seating
for 22 people ata 1,600 sq. ft. ice cream parlor.
The staff repOrt was presented and the public hearing was opened.
Bryan Tungseth, Express Permits, 145 E. Foothill Blvd., said they were in agreement with all of"the
conditions in the staff report.
No one else spoke in favor of this hem.
Chairman Kalemkiarian declared the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Murphy remarked thathe frequently visits the location on the south side of Foothill
Blvd. and thought that. it would be a good improvement to the center. He did not think that seating
was an Issue.
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MOTiON
It was moved by Commissioner Huang, seconded by Commissioner Bruckner to approve
CUP 9S-0 14 subject to the conditions in the staff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Bruckner, Huang, Murphy, Kalemkiarian
None
Commissioner Sleeter
Chairman Kalemkiarian noted that there is a five working day appeal period after adoption of the
resolution. The resolution will be adopted on July 2S'b Appeals are to be tiled by Wednesday,
August 5th.
7. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 9S-015
S17-S21 S. FrrstAve.
Mrs. Min-Mey Chang
Consideration of a conditional use permit and related parlcing modification for an enrichment
education center for a maximum of 75 students. The hours of operation will be Monday
through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The staff report was presented.
With regard to a question asked by the Commission, staff said that the Commission could require
that a portion of the multi-purpose room be utilized for kids that are waiting to be picked up or to go
to classes. It was noted that the Fire Department Conducts random annual inspections.
The public hearing was opened.
Min Mey Chang, 1140 SingingWood Dr., said that they presently are operating a school out of Dana
Jr. High School. Due to limited hoUrs at the school (3:00-6:00 p.m.), they are proposing to run a
school at the subject site. This will enable them to operate extended hours. They offer classes such
as English.as a second language, SAT classes, music; art and culture. It is their desire to provide
quality education to their students. She remarked that this would be a less intense use than the
previous use, which was a bookStore. They would certainly need less parking than the bookStore.
The parents will drop off the kids and return later to pick them up. Theywill not stay and utilize the
parking while the kids are in class. They would not hold any classes in the 1,570 sq. ft. office
building. All classes would be held in the southerly building. They had originally anticipated and
hoped to have 75 students but they have since reduced that number to 49. The 49 students would not
be there all at the same time. There is a gate in the courtyard. She remarked that they are in
agreement with all of the conditions in the staff report.
In reply to a question by Commissioner Huang, Mrs. Chang stated that they were unaware that some
of their patrons had utilized the neighbor's parking and assured the Planning Commission that they
would request that all parents use the designated parking.spaces.
Commissioner Huang suggested posting a notice with regard.to parking and Mrs. Chang agreed.
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Donna Cole, 4932 McClintock, Temple City, said thatshe is involved with the school and .her son
also takes classes there. She was very' pleased with the way the school is run. It is a very organized
and well-run establishment. '
Bruce Hildreth, 824 S. First Ave., spoke in opposition. He had concerns with the parking and
remarked that there are already problems because of the office building at the northeast comer of
First Ave. and Duarte Rd. He said cars are sometimes double parked and even triple parked. There
are already traffic problems and this would only worsen the situation. This would be a fire hazard,
Is the building handicap accessible? He has driven by Dana Jr. High School when the school IS
finished and the traffic is a nightmare.
Ms, Butler remarked that the building would have to be brought into compliance with regard to
handicap accessibility requirements.
Mr. Hildreth went on to say that there would be a lot of accidents here, especially with all the
confusion that will be created by people who will be driving slow.
Inrebuttal, Mrs. Chang reiterated'thatthey havereduced the number of students to 49. They will be
changing the driveways to reduce confusion. She did not think that traffic would be an issue, In
answer to a question asked by Commissioner Murphy, Mrs. Chang did not object to having the kids
being .picked-up at the rear of the building or having them wait inside, in the designated portion of
the building, while they are waiting to be picked up or waiting for classes. She agreed to post
directional signs in the parking lot.
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No one else spoke.in favor of this item.
Chairman Kalemkiarian declared the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Bruckner did not think that this use would create a, problem,' In his opinion, 49
students are not that many. He asked that the teaching and office staffnot'utilize the street parking
but was not sure if that could be implemented.
Commissioner Huang agreed.
Commissioner Murphy did not think that the traffic situation at Dana School could be compared to
here. At Dana, all the kids are let out at once whereas the .number of students here is limited. One
cannot be compared with the other. He'was certain that their concerns would be mitigated by staffs
suggestions.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Bruckner to approve
CUP 98-015 subject to the conditions in the staff report with the additional conditions listed
below:
1. Requiring all staff to utilize theon-site parking and not park on the street.
2. Students be kept in the atrium or other designated area within the building while
they are waiting to be picked up or to go to classes,
3, Signs be posted within the parking lot so parents are routed through First Ave. and
exit unto Lucille
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Notices b!ed on both buildings so that no ontzes the neighbors' parking
Jot. .
4.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Bruckner, Huang, Murphy, Kalemkiarian
None
Commissioner Sleeter
Chairman Kalemkiarian noted that there is a five working day appeal period after adoption of t1ie
resolution. The resolution will be adopted on July 28th. Appeals are to be filed by Wednesday,
August 5th.
MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL
None
MATTERS FROM PLANNING COMMlSSON
In response to a question by the Commission, Ms. Butler said that a joint study session is to be
scheduled in August with both the City Council and the Planning Commission to discuss the Santa
Anita project, Staffwill advise of the date when a meeting has been scheduled.
Commissioner Bruckner congratulated the City Attorney for his achievement with the lot split at 270
W. Orange Grove.
MODIFICATION COMMlTTEEMEETINGACTIONS
Commissioner. Bruckner recapped the actions taken by the Modification Committee.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
1. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS
2. UPCOMiNG AGENDA ITEMS
Ms. Butler recapped the upcoming projects before the Plann.ing Commission.
She stated that the appeal of the home on Hampton would be before the City Council at their next
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
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