HomeMy WebLinkAboutDECEMBER 11, 2001
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MINUTES
Arcadia City Planning Commisosion
Tuesday, Detember 11,2001
7:15 p.m. in the 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, December 11,2001
at 7:15 p.rn. in the Council Chambers of the City of Arcadia, at 240 W. Huntington Drive with Chairman
Kalemkiarian presiding.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Commissioners, Huang, Murphy, Olson, Kalemkiarian
Commissioner. Baderian
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Huang, seconded by Commissioner Olson to excuse
Commissioner Baderian from tonight's meeting. The motion passed by voice vote with none
dissenting.
Chairman Kalemkiarian opened the meeting in memory ofthe victims,ofSeptember 11th.
OTHERS ATTENDING
Council Member Gail Marsluill
Community Development Administrator Donna Butler
Senior Planner James Kasama
Assistant Planner Tom Li
Senior Administrative Assistant Silva Vergel
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING
COMMISSION ON NON-PUBLIC HEARING MATTERS (5 MINUTE LIMIT PER PERSON)
None
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Huang to read all reSolutions
by title only and waive reading the full body of the resolution. The motion passed by voice vote
with none dissenting,
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1. MINUTES 1I/27/01
Commissioner Olson said that the title for Mr. Kasama should be corrected,
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Huang to approve the
Minutes of November 27th as amended.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Huang, Murphy, OlsOn
None
Commissioner Kalemkiarian
Commissioner Baderian
2, CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING CUP 01-006
651 W, Duarte Rd., Units C & D
V-Game (Huang Ke)
Consideration of a revision to Condition 5 of Resolution 1634 restricting the number of
computer machines to 30 and limiting the hours of operation from 1:00 p,m. to 1:00 a.m. The
applicants are requesting to increase the number of computers to 60 and:change the hours of
operation to 12:00 p.m. (noon) .104:00 a.m..
The staff report was presented.
Ms. Butler said that the applicant in their originaL application submitted a business plan which indicated
that he would have 4 employees and this was one of the conditions of approval based on staff's
observation they generally only have two employees on site. Other similar facilities have different
nuniber of employees, She felt that 3 employees present at all times would be adequate if the number of
stations were increased. She indicated that the parking requirement does not change.
The public hearing was opened,
Andrew Nelson, 31523 Pacific coast Hwy. No. 31, Laguna Beach, said he was representing Digital
Century, They have. enjoyed a great 8~months of being in operation. They are thrilled that even with
the sagging economy, their business 'is thriving and that they have not been negatively affected, He
attributed that to the low fees they are charging. They are equally pleased that there has been no'
negative police reports or incidents. Their reasoning for this increase is based upon 3 reasons, There is
a demand for this and people are wanting to use their lab. There are times of the day that there is a
waiting list; They feel that by increasing the number of stations thatwould resolve that issue and any
loitering that may be occurring because there would be no waiting. They are pleased that they do not
have space constraints and there is room for them to insta11 the additional machines. The computers are
all on one side. It is the intent of the owners to serve their clients. They are not expecting a great draw
from surrounding communities. They arejust trying to serve this community. He cited a section from
the Police Dept, report which stated that the increased machines would reduce the loitering. Many of
their machines are used for entertainment but some are used as educational toolS. What they are doing.is
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providing exposure of computers to kids. This is one form of education Not many businesses can
claim that they have a business that runs quietly, clean and is environmentally friendly. But, this
business can say all of the ilbove. This business targets a crowd that would be on the streets creating
mischief iffuey were not here, The owner is prepared to offer classes but has not had much success
largely because there is not much interest. They are hoping to create a portion of the space into a
"learning room". This room would be more quite and have terminals with headphones. They are
hoping that the increased stations would fund the learning room. They are trying to meet clientele
demand.
In response to a question by Commissioner Murphy, Mr. Nelson said that they have a help desk but their
attempts to hold classes were not successful. Although, they are hoping that after the learning roolIl is
completed they will advertise that aspect of the business. They did intend to have training in their
. original CUP but the advertisement did not generate much interest, They are hoping that the learning
room would not have the background noise that is currently there with the open space. They are hoping
that the new layout would foster a training environment,
Comniissioner Huang wanted to. know how they would reinforce and strengthen the educational
program? Ifwhat they have done in the past has failed, what are they going to do differently?
Mr. Nelson said they intend to advertise and make the community aware of the services they offer.
They intend to crease a sign-up list for classes. Based on the list, they will defme the tren\fs in the
different types of courses and areas that their patrons are interested in learning. They are hoping to set
up classes based upon surveys that they will be conducting from their current customers:
After some discussion between Commissioner Huang and Mr. Nelson regarding how the business would
pursue the educational side, Ms. Butler interjected and said that the'CUP was for Is an. arcade use and
not a.learning center. It would not be easy for staff to enforce the requirement that they conduct ciasses.
Staff looked at it as an arcade use and staff is notin a position to require them to conduct classes.
Commissioner Huang said in order for him to be able to endorse this use, he needs to see a balanced
program. He wanted to seethe educational aspectas well as the entertainment. He has heard what the
applicant's representative is saying but could not see how irwould be implemell.ted.
Mr. Nelson said this is a new business concept. They have every. intent to offer classes. Tbeyfeel there
is a market and interest to offer specific classes and feel that the help desk is very helpful. They will
evaluate it as they get into it.
In response to a question. by Commissioner Olson, Mr. Nelson. indicated that when they got the original
CUP they anticipated needing 4 employees and in the beginning there was II need for that. But after the
business was set up and functioning well they did not need that many employees. The applicants now
have a handle on the business and know what is required. and feel that 3 employees would be adequate,
He said that the peak time for the business tends to be during the weekends as late as their closing time.
Their customers would stay later if they were to remain open later.
Jerry Chen, 6835 N. Vista St., San Gabriel, said that he is a high school student from San Marino. There
is no business like this in San Marino so he comes here, He does research on these machines as well as
use them for entertainment purpose. He felt that his fellow students would alsO benefit from this use.
Their equipment is much faster than what they have at home, He can download 4 times faster than at
home, It is sometimes noisy but he felt that if they were to create a learning center that would take care
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of that problem. Also, when they complete the learning center, they will be installing scanners and
printers and he felt that would be very beneficial to the users.
No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item.
Chairman Kalemkiarian closed the public hearing.
Chief Hinig, Police Department, said they are. not concerned with increasing the number of stations but
with extending the hours of operation. The Police Dept. feels that increasing the number of stations will
actually help in reducing the loitering problem, but extending the hours will require mote law
enforcement and create additional unwanted noise fur the residents to the north of this property. The
combination of people gathering and the influx of vehicles could be disturbing to those residents;
especially because there is a driveway on the north side of the property, near where the residential
properties are located. The quality of life for those residents could be impacted.
He went on to say that from the point of law enforcement, there are Asian gangs that cotild congregate
here. Other similar locations close by early morning hours, so those gangs could come here since they
would be open until 4:00 a.m. There is a potential for a tremendous amount of problem such as business
robberies. In order to diminish the possibility of robberies, he would have to increase police presence
for the safety of the area and ill essence would be taking away from the safety of the other
neighborhoods fu the City. The City has a 10:00 p.m. curfew for anyone under the age of 18. Anyone
under '18 cannot be out in the community without a parent. If they are open as late as they are
proposing, the officers will have to stop the people and without infringing on their privacy they will
have to inquire why they are out past the curfew. He could not see why any high school student wotild
need to be out that late at night to do research, Allowing the added hours would be an attractive
nuisance where people congregate and would eridangerthe safety of others. He suggested that this item
be.revisited in 6 months to see if they need to increase the number of employees. The applicantshave'a
responsibility to the community to ensure that. anyone under the age of 18 is not at their location after
10:00 p.rn. His staff will monitor this use.
In response to a question by Commissioner Huang, Chief Hinig said that most of the similar businesses
in the City have been trouble free. In most instances, they are in compliance with their CUP, He feh
that the hours of these businesses should remain the same. One computer arcade should not be open
much later than the other. They have identified 19 separate Asian gangs that have membership in the
City and they are always looking for locations where they can hang out. His department wotild like to
diminish the potential for hangouts. He indicated that there are some people that do come out and
smoke and congregate and after sitting at a machine they do need to get up and take a break. Voices
carry and they are concerned with the residents being disturbed by it.
Ms, Butler said the floor plan is laid out as set forth in staff report. Staff can prepare a brief staff report
six months after the learning center has been in place to see if the number of employees is adequate or if
there is a need for. an increase.
Chairman Kalemkiarian felt that the market would determine how many employees they need to have.
Obviously if business is good they may have 3 or more employees but he did not wimt to dictate to them
to have 3 employees ifbusiness is down. He thought that is too much bureaucracy.
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Ms. Butler responded that the applicant was the one that indicated they wanted to have 3 employees.
Mr. Nelson indicated that there are times that they do have 4 employees on site. She felt that with the
added machines 3 employees would be appropriate. '
Commissioner Murphy said he was opposed to extending the hours of operation. He felt that the
additional machines would not solve the problem rather it would magnify it. This is an arcade disguised
as a learning center. It is attracting people from surrounding cOlIUllunities and that is because those
colIUllunities do not want this type of a business in their city. They are requesting that their machines be
increased by 100% and reduce staff by 25%. This is a magnet for gang activity as mentioned by the
Chief. Additional stations would only be potential for mOre problems. He felt a traffic study should be
conducted since a major portion of this center is vacant.
Commissioner Olson was not agreeable to increasing the hours of operation but did not object to
increasing the number of stations. He felt that additional stations would alleviate the backlog and the
waiting list. He was concerned with kids being out past 10 p.rn. and not complying with the curfew. To
him it did not make sellse to extend the hours of operation. He was diSappointed that they did not follow
through with their original propoSal for the learning center and hold classes for the seniors in the
cOlIUllunity. He had hoped that they would try to hold classes for the seniors during the morning hours.
.He felt that was presented to the Planning Commission in that manner so that the use would be
attractive.
Commissioner Huang was disappointed because the applicant did not do what he originally presented to
the Planning Commission. lbat did not add credibility to the applicant. He objected to extending the
hours of operation. He felt tIlat adding the extra machines would provide short term relief but eventually
it would add clientele. He suggested having 45 stations, If the market demands it then they can come
back and request 60 machines. He hated to double. their stations because these uses are'new in the City.
Chairman Kalemkiarian felt there is ample place to increase the number of stations. He did not think
that government should dictate how a person'should run his business. Hethought that adding a learning
center which would provide a more quite area was a good idea. As long as there are no problems with
the clientele and loitering he thougbtthat increasing the number'ofmachines to 60 would be o.k,
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Olson, Seconded by Chairman Kalemkiarian to approve CUP 01-
006 and direct staff'to prepare the appropriate resolution. This approval would increase the
number of stations to 60 but the hours of operation would remain the same and would be
unchaIlged. Planning Commission is to review this in six-months.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
COlIUllissioners Olson, Kalemkiarian
ColIUllissioner Huang, Murphy
Commissioner Baderian
Chairman Kalemkiarian noted due to the tie vote the application is denied. There is a five working
day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by December 19th.
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3, PUBLIC HEARING TPM 01-015
2445 Baldwin Ave.
Gordon Li
Consideration of a tentative parcel map for a 2-unit residential condominium project.
The staffreport.was presented and the public hearing was opened.
Gail Littlejohn, Tritech Assoc, 135 N, San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel, said they are in agreement with
all of the conditions in the staff report.
No one else spoke inJavor of or in opposition to this item.
Chairman Kalemkiarian closed the public hearing.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Murphy,. seconded by Commissioner Huang to file the Negative
Declaration and approve TPM 01-015 subjeetto the conditions listed in the staff report,
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Huang, Murphy, Olson, Kalemkiarian
None
Commissioner'Baderian
Chairman Kalemkiarian noted that there is a ten day appeal peri!)d, Appeals are to be filed by December
21st,
3. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 01-016
53 Bonita St.
Bonita Gardens, LLC
Consideration of a tentative-parcel map for a 2-unit residentiaL condominium project,
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
Gail Littlejohn, Trltech Assoc, 135 N. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel, said they are in agreement with
all of the conditions in the staff report.
No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item,
Chairman Kalemkiarian closed the public hearing,
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Murphy to file the Negative
Declaration and approve TPM 01-016 subject to the conditions listed in the staff report.
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ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Huang, Murphy, Olson, Kalemkiarian
None
Commissioner Baderian
Chairman Kalemkiarian noted that there is a ten day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by December
21st,
5. PUBUC.BEARING MP 01-020 & ADR 01-043
153 EI Dorado St.
Sanyao Int'l
Consideration of modifications, oak tree removal and encroachment permits, and ADR for a
proposed 3-unit residential condominium project.
The staff report was presented.
Mr, Kasama explained that the depth of the garage should be 70' on the inside but in this case they are
under that requirement,
The public hearin~ was opened,
Robert Tong, Sanyao Int'!, 255 Santa Clara, said they are in agreement with all of the conditions in the
staff report. He discussed the landscaping in front of the guest parking spaces.
No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item.
Chairman Kalerilkiarianclosed the public hearing.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Huang to file the Negative
Declaration and approve MP 01-020, TR 01-020.& ADR 01-043 subject to the conditions listed
in,thestaff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Huang, Murphy, Olson, Kalemkiarian
None
Commissioner Baderian
Chairman Kalemkiarian noted that there is a five working day appeal period, Appeals are to be filed by
December 19th,
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6. PUBLIC BEARING MP 01-021 & ADR 01-044
415-421 EIDorado St.
Sanyao Int'I
Consideration of modification and ADR for a.6-unit residential condominium project.
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened,
Robert Tong, Sanyao Int'~ 255 Santa Clara, said they are in agreement with all of the conditions in the
staff report. He commented that he has three separate items on the agenda tonight and each one is a
different style,
Commissioner Murphy congratulated him,on being creative in his designs instead of having the same
project at different locations in the City. It is refreshing to see something different.
Commissioner Huang commended the applicant's effort to diversify the design.
No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item.
Chairman Kalemkiarianclosed the public hearing.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve MP 01-
021 & ADR 01-044 subject to the conditions in the staff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Huang. Murphy, Olson, Kalemkiarian
None
Commissioner Baderian
Chairman Kalemkiarian noted that there is a five working day appeal period, Appeals are to be filed by
December 19th.
7. PUBLIC HEARING MP 01-022 &ADR 01-038
827-831 La Cadena Ave.
Sanyao int'I
Consideration of modifications for a proposed 6-unit residential condominium project.
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened,
Robert Tong, Sanyao Int'~ 255 Santa Clara, said they are in agreement with all of the conditions in the
staff report.
No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item.
Chairman Kalemkiarian closed the pulJlic hearing.
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MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Huang seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve MP 01-
019 andADROI-046 subject to the conditions listed in the staffreport.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Huang, Murphy, Olson, Kalemkiarian
None
Commissioner Baderian
Chairman Kalemkiarian noted that there is a five working day appeal ~riod. Ap~als are to be filed by
December 19th,
NON PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
8. RESOLUTION NO. 1660
A resolution of the Planning CommiSsion of the CitY of Arcadia, California, denying CUP 01-026
for a preschool and daycare center at 657 W. Duarte Rd.
RESOLUTION NO. 1662
A resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, granting the CUP
01-007 to construct and maintain a 200 sq. ft. unmanned wireless' communications facility and a
50' highmonopalril at 900 S. First Ave.
MOTION: To adopt Resolutions 1660 and 1662 and to formally affirm the decisions of
November 27111 and the votes thereon,
Ms. Butler read the title of the resolution.
MOTION
It Was moved by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Olson to adopt Resolution
Nos. 1660 and 1662 and to fonnally affrrm the decisions of November 27111 and the votes
thereon, .
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Huang, Murphy, Olson, Kalemkiarian
None
Commissioner Baderian
Chairman Kalemkiarian noted that there is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the
resolution. Appeals are to be filed by December 19,2001.
MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Council Member Marshall summarized the recent actionS taken by the City Council She gave a brief
explanation of the recycling issue that was before the City Council and explained why she voted against
it,
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MATTERS FROM PLANNING COMMISSION
Commissioner 01son felt that arcades need to be better defined in the AMC. This is clearly the wave of
the future. Possibly staff needs to contact other cities to see how they deal with the computer arcades,
Ms. Butler replied that arcades are well defmed. Some cites do not have arcade regulations. Referring
to the case that was on tonight's agenda, she said that it is difficult to make them hold classes and to
enforce it. It should be noted that not all of their clientele are playing games, She felt the current
regulations are good and these regulations are the most appropriate to apply for these types of uses , The
Police Dept. is doing an incredible job of enforcing and monitoring these uses. Staff will contact other
cities to See how they are dealing with them.
Council Member Marshall discussed the arcade that she used to have in the City and how they operated
it. They did close at 10:00 p.m and did have a security guard, She felt thatthese types of businesses are
masquerading the exact use of the business by offering clasSes.
Ms. Butler said that these businesses were never considered anything other than an arcade by staff.
They might have intended to hold classes but apparently that did not work out for them
Council Member Marshall expressed concern with how many separate units were approved by the
Planning Commission tonight. She wondered if the City Council needs to review these and reconsider
the zoning.
Commissioner Olson remarked that ih most cases older homes are being replaced with more attractive
units.
Ms. Butler said that in most cases developers are building less than what is actually allowed by code.
When the master plans for circulation, water and sewer were developed the plans were based on
maximum build-out as set forth in the General Plan. The Housing Element requires that cities provide
housing for all segments of a community. The areas that are being developed with condominiums are
zoned for multiple-family uses. .
MODIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS
None
MATTERS FROM STAFF
I. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS
2, UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS
Ms. Butler introduced Philip Wray, the new City Engineer.
ADJOURN TO JANUARY 8,2002
9:1Sp,m
Arcadia City Planning Commission
/sfDonna Butler
Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission
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