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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFEBRUARY 13, 2001 . . . (i) MINUTES Arcadia City Planning C~mmission Tuesday, February 13,2001 7:15 p.m. in tbe Council Chambers Planning Commission proceedings are tape-recorded and on file in the office of the Community Development Division. 6:00 P.M. Conference Room ofthe Council Chambers ROLL CALL: PRESENT: ABSENT: Commissioners Bruckner, Kalemkiarian, Olson, Murphy Commissioner Huang MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Murphy to excuse Commissioner Huang from tonight's meeting. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting. . TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON~PUBLIC HEARING MA TIERS (5 MINUTE LIMIT PER PERSON) 1. STUDY SESSION HOUSING ELEMENT Presentation of the 2000-2005 Draft Housing Element Don Penman, Development Services Director Donna Butler, Community Development Administrator James Kasama, Associate Planner Silva Verge!, Sen. Admin. Assistant Veronica Tam, Cotton Beland Assoc. Jessie Bartley, Cotton Beland Assoc. Ms. Butler introduced the consultants. Ms. Tam discussed the items that have been listed in the Housing Element. The Housing Element is one of 7 State-mandated elements of the General Plan. The HCD will review the City's Housing Element for staMorycompliance. This is a policy-oriented document that sets forth a 5-year strategic plan. for addressing housing needs. There are three primary components to the Housing Element: l> Housing needs l> Constraints. and Resources . " . . ~ Goals, Policies and Programs It is important to have HCD's approval. If there were litigation, the burden of proof would be with the other party to prove that the City is not in compliance with its Housing Element. The majority of programs offered by the State require that the City's Housing Element be certified by the HCD. She introduced Ms. Jessie Bartley. Ms. Bartley discussed the demographic characteristics of the City. She noted that in certain instances they had to use information from the 1990 Census because data from the 2000 Census was not'available. Mr. Penman stated they were able to obtain certain information from school enrollment and property sales for certain issues. All cities are required to adopt a new Housing Element within the next year. If the State had given the cities just a little bit more time, they would have been able to utilize the new data from the 2000 Census. Ms. Tam said that the information with regard to housing stock is up to date. Although, thccthnicity information used is from the 1990 Census, they believe that it has changed, based on school records. With regard to the age portion, she indicated that there are still many senior citizens ,in the community. Many families have their parents and grandparents living with them. Commissioner Huarigarrived at 6:25 p.m. Commissioner Bruckner was surprised by the median housing prices and income figures. Ms. Tam said that senior citizens have equity in their homes and riot necessarily income. The key is the housing needs assessment. Each city IS allocated a number of housing units that they are to provide based upon population, employment and distribution. This number for Arcadia is 461. The City has already provided 401 since 1998. The State will not grant any reductions to the above number. Ms. Butler said that originally SCAG had requiTed that the City provide 600+ units but they were able to reduce that amount to 461. Ms. Tam said that the City has 7 ~ years to achieve this goal. To date, they have provided 403 units. The remaining are affordable housing and that is what-they still need to provide. The purpose of the Housing:Element is to assure'that sites are available to accommodate such development. They need to indicate in the Housing Element h()wthe City will facilitate meeting these numbers. They don't'actually have to build the units but must remove any constraints'that would prevent building the units. The State gives the most credit to cities with vacant lands. Although Arcadia has limited vacant lands, most are hillside and not a likely to be developed as affordable housing. There are ,a few areas designated as "mixed use" in the General Plan, which are currently underutilized. It is the goal of the Housing ElemeJrtto identifY these sites for possible development. Looking at the inventory of the homes in the city, most are older some of which could be recycled to achieve a portion of the goal. The State is liberal for vacant sites but underdeveloped properties are under much more scrutiny. Ms. Butler said thahsenior housing would require a CUP if located in commercial zones. Mr. Penman said that if they do not comply with providing the goal, the County could come in and without city approval build units. The-City Council can issue bonds. He stated that the income levels Arcadia City Planning Commission 2 2113/01 , . . for Federal and State are different. The threshold for Federal is lower. ltis harder to qualify for Federal , funds. Ms. Tam said the City could offer a first time home buyer program, which would 'help families with moderate incomes,' She indicated that the city needs to make affordable housing sites available to developers and possibly provide incentives, or reduce fees or assist in financing. Commissioner Bruckner said that the program is logical but is it achievable? Mr. Penman said that is very achievable. According to the City Council, the first priority is to provide senior housing. They could determine whether they'd like it to be low income. They would need to make it affordable housing. In his experience, fust time home buyers programs are difficult and problematic. Chairman Murphy could not see how they could achieve 55 low-income units. Mr. Penman said that one senior housing project could have as much as lOO"units. Ms. Tam said thattheyare looking for certification of the Housing Element from the State. Chairman Murphy felt they are putting aJot ofunacliievablegoals on paper just to get certification from the State. Ms. Tam replied that rehabilitation and senior housing are very doable. The Housing Element must show a good faith effort. After the State receives the draft Housing Element, they will review and return with comments. 'The City can then negotiate and reach an agreement. Right now they are trying to propose the mininlUm to comply. Mr. Penman said that after State's review, they would address how to achieve their goals. The senior housing that they provide does not necessarily have to be economically efficient. The city can construct the grandest looking senior housing project as long as it provides low-income housing. If they do not meet their goal they could be sued and the validity of the GP and its Housing Element could be challengeltin court. Ms. Tam said again that they are proposing the minimum at the moment. She said the city could also proVide lowmterest loanS. Chairman Murphy said that from the practical standpoint this is not doable. Mr. Penman said the city has.to only provide 55 more units to reach the goal set by SCAG of 461 units. Developers do not like to have less than 100 units because it is not financially feasible. What they would propose would be similar to Naomi Gardens. Mr. Penman said a silent second program could also be offered. Commissioner Bruckner said these are expensive programs. Distussionensued with regard to providing a low-income home ownership program. Arcadia City Planning Commission 3 2i13101 . . Ms. Tam said that they could raise the threshold for income ratio to the mortgage payment fromJO% to 40%. Commissioner Bruckner said there are many goals listed will the city have the necessary staff? Mr. Penman said additional staff would probably be necessary. Ms. Tam discussed the various aspects of the outline that they provided the Planning Commission. 7:15 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBERS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, February 13,200.1 at 7:15 p.rn. in the Council Chambers of the Qty of Arcadia, at 240 W. Huntington Drive with Chairman Murphy presiding. . ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioners Bruckner, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Olson, Murphy ABSENT: None OTHERS ATTENDING Council Member Sheng Chang Community Development Administrator Donna Butler Associate Planner James Kasama Assistant Planner CandyceBurnett Secretary Sil~~ Verge I . .. - . . SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS None TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE INIHE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO. ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSIo.N ON NON-PUBLIC HEARING MATTERS (5 MINUTE LIMIT PER PERSON) None Arcadia City Planning Conlmission 4 2/13101 . . MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Bruckner, seconded by Commissioner Huang to read all resolutions by title oIily and waive reading the full body of the resolution. The motion passed by voice vote with. none dissenting. I. MINUTES of 1/23/01 MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Kalemkiarianto approve the Minutes of January 23rd as published. ROLLCALL: AYES: NOES: ABST AIN: Commissioners Huang, Kalemkiai"ian, Olson, Murphy None Commissioner Bruckner 2. PUBLIC HEARING TM 53314 125-13 1. Diamond St. Hank long . Consideration of a tentative map for an 8-unit residential condominium project. The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened. Scott Cheng, 11823 Slauson Ave., Santa Fe Springs, said they are ill agreement with all of the conditions listed in the staff report. No one else spoke in.favor of or in opposition to this .item. Cpairman Murphy closed the public hearing. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Kalemkiarian, seconded by Commissioner Bruckner to approve TM 53314 subject to the.conditions listed in the staff report. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Bruckner, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Olson, Murphy None Chairman Murphy noted that there is a ten-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by February 26, 200 I. Arcadia City Planning Commission 5 2/13/0 I . . 3. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 01-002 306 Diamond St. Hank long Consideration ofa tentative map for a 2-uilit detached condominium project. The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened. Scott Cheng, II823 Slauson Ave., Santa Fe Springs, said they are in agreement with all of the conditions listed in the .staff report. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Murphy closed the public hearing. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Huang, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve TPM 01- 002 subject to the conditions listed. in the staffreport. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Bruckner, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Olson, Murphy None Chairman Murphy noted that there is a ten-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by February 26, 2001. 4. PUBLIC HEARING MP 01-001 & ADR 00-025 810 S. Second Ave. Sanyao Int'l Consideration of modifications for a 5.unit residential condominium project. The staffi'eport was presented and the pilblic neating was opened. Robert Tong, Sanyao Inn 141 E. Duarte Rd., Said they are in agreement with all of the. conditions in the staff report. No one else spoke in mvor of orin opposition to this item. Chairman Murphy closed the public hearing. Staffsaid that there is landscaping in front of the wall at the end of the driveway. Chairman Murphy complimented Mr. Tong on the design of the project. Commissioner Huang liked the manner the landscaping was along the driveway. Arcadia City Plaming Commission 6 2/1l10 1 . . MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Kalemkiarian to approve MP 01-001 & ADR 00-025 subject to the conditions in the staff report. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Bruckner, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Olson, Murphy None Chairman Murphy noted that there is a five working day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by February 21, 2001. 5. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 01-005 802-6 S. First Ave. Rae Shiau Consideration of a conditional use permit to expand an existing tutorial center. RESOLUTION NO. 1632 A resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia,.granting CUP 01-005 to expand the existing tutorial center at 802-6 S. First Ave. The staff report was presented. Ms. Butler said the Planning-Commission can add a condition that there be no Sunday classes, since the church's parking lot will be utilized. Staff said that the hours. of operation are basically the same as the original CUP blit have been increased by an hour each night. It is their intent to occupy the entire building. Previously a portion of this bl!ilding was utilized by a different tenant. A three-way covenant has been signed and recorded allowing them to utilize the church parking. The parties thlit signed this covenant are the applicant, the church and the City. The public hearing was opened. Benson DebaIl, 9433 Lemon Ave., Temple City, said he is a principal for a private school in EI Monte. He has been asked by the owners to run this tutoring center. The after schOOl program would be for K- 12. One side of the building would be occupied by children wbo ate ink-6 and the other by children in 7-12. Their program is to tutor the children and prepare them for SAT tests. He did.not object to being closed on Sundays. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item_ Chairman Murphy closed the public bearing. MOTION Arcadia City'Planning Co~ssio:n 7 2/13/01 . . 'It was moved by Commissioner Bruckner, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve CUP 01-005 and adopt Resolution No. 1632 subject to the conditions in the staff report with an added condition that there be no Sunday classes. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Bruckner, Huang, Kalemkiariim, Olson, Murphy None Chairman Murphy noted that there is a five working clay appeal period after the adoption of the resolution. Appeals are to be filed by February21, 200t. 6. PUBLIC HEARING HOUSING ELEMENT Discussion and recommendations on the Draft 2000-2005 Housing Element. Ms. Butler presented the staff report and the public hearing was opened. No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item Chairman Murphy closed the public hearing. Commissioner Bruckner asked if it would be appropriate to demonstrate in the Housing Element the capacity of how the. prograrriS would be administered? In other words would the City need to hire staff or a consultant to administer the programs? Ms. Butler did not believe that they needed to show resources. Ms. Tam said there is no requirement to show how these programs would be implemented in the Housing Element. Chairman Murphy was concerned with the low and very low-income housing. He thought that it would be desirable to construct senior housing. He felt that would be a good solution to reach their ' goal. He thought they should recommend that type of a developmentto the City Council. In response to comments by Commissioner Huang, Ms. Tam said that State law requires that they address issues such as energy conservation and Title 24 particularly relating to new construction. Commissioner Bruckner said there should be the will from the City to meenhis. This.is the minimum approach to provide affordable housing. He felt they have an obligation to provide affordable housing for the work force. The city should make a sincere effort of implementing this plan and actually carry it out. This is a minimalist approach but it needs to be carried out and should be appropriately budgeted. Commissioner Huang said this was a very interesting document filled with good information Ms. Tam said they had to use information from the 1990 Census because the 2000 Census information was not available when,they were preparing this Housing Element. When the 2000 Census is published the City can review it and if there are, significant changes the, Housing Element can be amended. Arcadia City Planning Commission 8 2113/01 . . Ms. Butler said that there is definitely a change in the ethnicity but staff does not expect to see a significant difference in the age distribution. State required that this document be adopted before the new Census information became available. -If they were given a little bit more time staff could have utilized the new Census information. Ms. Tam said that she would review the figures in the chart that Chairman Murphy mentioned. Ms. Butler state that based upon tonight's discussion, staff will submit the Draft Housing Element to HCD. After their review, it will be returned to the City. The City wiIl then hold public hearings before both the Planning Commission and the City Council. MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL Council Member Chang recapped the recent actions taken by the City Council. MATTERS FROM PLANNING COMMISSION None MODIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS Commissioner Olson recapped the actions taken by the Modification Committee. He commended Corky Nicholson and his compassion when dealing with the public on sensitive issues. MATTERS FROM STAFF 1. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS 2. UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS Ms_ Butler asked if any Planning Commissioners were interested in attending the Planning Commissioner's Institute in March. If so, they should contact her to make arrangements. In the past Commissioners Murphy and Huang have attended. Chairman Murphy remarked that. it was very beneficial to him to attend. ADJOURNMENT ecretary, Arcadia lanning.Commission Arcadia'City P!anning Commission 9 2113/01