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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPRIL 23, 2002 . (i) . MINUTES . Arcadia City Planning Commission Tne.day, April 23, 2002 7:15 p.m. in the CoooeilCbambers 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, April 23, 2002 at 7:15 p.rn. in the Council Chambers ofthe City of Arcadia, at 240 W. Huntington Drive with Chairman Pro Tem OlSon presiding. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: ABSENT: Commissioners Baderian, Murphy, OlSon Commissioners Huang and Kalemkiarian MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to excuse Commissioners Huang and Kalemkiarian from tonight's meeting. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting, OTHERS AITENDING Mayor Gail Marshall Community Development Administrator Donna Butler Planning Services Manager Corkran Nicholson Assistant Planner Tom Li Senior Administrative Assistant Silva Vergel SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Ms, Butler said thata letter was received from Hortense Flowers in opposition to item no. 4. Chairman Olson said that for any action to pass a 3-0 vote would be needed, TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON-PUBLIC HEARINGMA TIERS (5 MINUTE LIMIT PER PERSON) None MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Murphy 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, . . 1. MINUTES 3/26/02 MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to approve the Minutes of March 26th as published, ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: . ABSENT: Commissioners Baderian. Murphy, Olson None Commissioners Huang and Kalemkiarian 2. PUBLIC HEARING TM 53690 1112-1116 S. Golden West Ave. Nick Eftekhari for ECOM Inv. Consideration of a tentative map for a 6-unit residential condominium project. The staff report was pr'esented and the public hearing was opened, No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item Chairman Pro Tern Olson closed the public hearing, MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to approve TM .53690, file the Negative Declaration, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Baderian, Murphy, Olson None Commissioners Huang ~d Kalemkiarian Chairman Pro Tern Olson noted that there is a ten day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by May 6, 3. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 2002-002 341 E. Foothill Blvd. Arcadia Realty LLC Consideration of a conditional use permit for the sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption at a drive-through retail business and a revision to retain an existing non- conforming freestanding sign. The staffreport was presented and the public hearing was opened, Arcadia City Planning Commission 2 4123102 . . Brian Ermita, 1015 Milanda Dr, La Canada, said they are in agreement with staff with regard to the beer and wine, The existing freestanding sign has been there for over 31 years, since the inception of the business, and they would like to keep it ifpossible. However, if Planning Commission denies the sign they will work with staff to create a new sign. The existing sign has a nostalgic look. The height deters vandalism. They would like to keep portions of the sign. This has been a fiunily owned business since the time that it was opened. It was closed temporarily due to fumily health problems. One of the reasons that they would like to keep the existing sign is the cost involved. They feel they can improve upon the existing sign and will put the Route 66 emblem on it. They no longer rent videos so that portion would be removed. They are also concerned that a monument sign might inhibit visibility for their patrons when they are leaving thus creating a liability issue. He indicated that they have always sold beer and wine, No one else spoke infuvor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Pro Tern Olson closed the public hearing. Mr. Nicholson indicated that he was unaware that they had sold beer and wine in the past. But, a CUP was needed because the business had been closed for a while. The Police Department's recommendation is based upon the history of the previous use. Commissioner Murphy concurred with. staff with regard to the sign, He felt that the sign should be replaced with a low profile monument sign. He did not object to the sale of beer and wine. MOTION It was moved by COmnllssioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve CUP 2- 002, file the Negative Declaration and subject to the conditions ,listed in the staff report, This approvaL is for the sale of beer and wine but the existing freestanding sign has been denied. ROLLCALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Baderian, Murphy,Olson None Commissioners Huang and Kalemkiarian Chairman Pro Tern Olson noted that there is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution. The resolution will be adopted onMay 14th. Appeals are to be filed by May 22nd. 4. PUBLIC BEARING BEARING CUP 2002-005 201 S. First Ave. 'Max Yang Consideration of a conditional use permit for a cafe with seating for 34 patrons, Monday through Friday, 2:00 p.m.-l0:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 am. to 10:00p,m. The staff report was presented. Arcadia City Planning Commission 3 4/ll102 . . With regard to a question by Chairman Olson, Mr, Li said that the letter in opposition refers to another similar type of a cafe which was approved by the Planning Commission recently. Based on code requirement, the entire building is deficient in parking. The public hearing was opened, Max Yang, 2530 Greenfield, said even though there is a lot of drive by traffic in the area there is hardly any foot traffic. He did not think that parking would be an issue, Valet parking is always an option. He indicated that he has talked with the Credit Union and they will allow them to utilize their parking spaces in the parking structure. A couple of the other neighbors have also agreed to allow them to use their parking. The majority of traffic is when parents are picking up their kids after school and they will agree to open up after the school is closed. Ms. Butler asked if this would be a cyber cafe? Mr. Yang indicated that it would not and that it would be strictly a restaurant. Originally, they had thought of doing that but they have since changed their mind. This will be a high class tea house. They will be serving light food, sandwiches and teas. There would be no computers for the patrons use. He anticipated holding business meetings. Ms, Butler remarked that typically a parking survey is requested but in this case two of the spaces are vacant. The cafe next door will be opening soon. It is difficult to do a parking study when half of the building is vacant. As part of the CUP which has already been approved, the parking area has been required to be restriped. By code the parking is deficient, based upon the existing uses, thus the reason for recommending denial. Mr. Li indicated that he visited the site lit various hours. The parking is utilized by the business. Patrons are not using the parking. The area is mostly used as storage of trucks, etc. Mr. Nicholson said that looking at the aerial photo it clearly shows that the parking is disbursed but well utilized. Ms. Butler said that staffwould not want to increase the potential impact on the residences, People will tend to park on the street, where it is easily aCl.;essible. The residents I!.se the on-street parking to supplement their parking. Mr. Yang said that clearly the City wouid like to increase business in the area, It'seems contradictory, though, when the City is recommending denial of a project that is willing to come into the area. In speaking with the other restaurants he has been told that they are not doing well and that there is not enough foot traffic, Matt V ontuch, 326 EI Dorado, said he is the co-owner of the Box Cafe, which would be next ,door to the subject site. There are few pedestrians that walk through on First Ave. Arcadia has a unique downtown. The neighboring cities have created unique downtowns and have been very selective of the types of uses and have made sure there are mixed uses. His business will open in two weeks, They,have invested a great deal of money and just found out last week that their landlord has leased this space to a similar type of a use. He asked why they had not received a public hearing notice? If his neighbors had not brought this to their attention, they would have no knowledge of this. Having two businesses offering Arcadia City Planning ,Commission 4 4123102 . . virtually the same service would create an unhealthy competition and could be disastrous, There should be a mix of uses. They did speak with this applicant in January and were informed that he had planned on opening a.cyber cafe and at that time the applicant indicated that he wanted them to share their patio and drinks but they declined his request after they did an investigation on cyber cafes. He submitted a petition signed by the neighbors objecting to having two similar type businesses adjacent to one another. Rebecca Wang. 206 S. First, owner of the Native Indian restaurant, wondered if this would be a restaurant or a cyber cafe? They could say that it is a restaurant now but after opening convert it to a cyber cafe. She did not want to have a business near a cyber cafe. Ms. Butler indicated that they cannot offer internet services because the zoning does not allow game arcades or cyber cafes in this area. Luis Espinosa, Party Pronto, 215 S. First. said that it is obvious to him that this use is going to be something other than what has been presented. Why else would their square footage be four times the Box Cafe? The parking in the area is inadequate. This use will have a negative impact on the merchants in the area Although, he did receive a notice from the City, he objected to the use. In rebuttal, Mr. Yang said he did originally consider a cyber cafe but chose to open a restaurant instead, They intend to have a place where people c::m come, socialize and relax, This will not be a traditional cafe. They are willing to open later so there is not conflict with the existing neighbors. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item Chairman Pro Tem Olson closed the public hearing. Ms. Butler said that there is no shared parking agreement on file. Commissioner Baderian said not withstanding the type of business. the deficiency in parking and the impaCt on the merchants and the residences is a concern to him. He could not see approving a project or a business that based upon stafPs findings and recommendations will have suCh a great negative impact to both residences and the businesses. Chairman Pro Tem Olson said there is a significant parking deficiency and he could not support this request, Commissioner Murphy agreed with the previous comments, This is not an ideal site for this' type of a use, The only logical parking is on Bonita He was not concerned with having similar uses on the site ,but rather he was concerned with the'parking deficiency. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Murphy to deny CUP 2- 005. Arcad.ia City' Planning Commission 5 412311J2 . . ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Baderian, Murphy, Olson None Commissioners Huang and Kalemkiarian Chairman Pro Tem Olson noted that there is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution. The resolution will be adopted on May 14th. Appeals are to be filed by May 22nd. 5. PUBLIC HEARING MP 2002-008 & ADR 2002-005 323 S, Third Ave, James Heltsley Consideration of a,modification for an addition that would convert an existing single-family dwelling into a 2-story duplex. The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened, James Heltsley, 323 S, Third Ave" said they are in agreement with all of the conditions listed in the staff report with the exception of the planter. They are unable to put a planter in a portion of the driveway because of the crawl space access. Mr.-Nicholson said the intent is to have landscaping wherever possible so the concrete is not all the way to the building. They try to soften the look of the driveway where it abuts the building but are understanding of situations when that is not possible, No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Pro Tem Olson closed the public hearing. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to approve MP 2002-008 andADR 2002-005 subject to the. conditions listed in.the.staffreport, ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Baderian, Murphy, Olson None Commissioners Huang and Kalemkiarian Chairman Pro Tem Olson noted that there is a five working day appeal period. AppealS areta be filed by Apri130th. Arcadia City Planning Commission 6 4123/02 . . 6. PUBLIC HEARING MP 2002-009 & ADR 2001-056 1 I Bonita St. Polyland Const. Consideration of a modification for a proposed 8-unit residential condominium project. The staffreport was presented and the public hearing was opened. Michael Chow. project designer, 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 Pro Tern Olson closed the public hearing. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve MP 2002-009 & ADR 01-056 subject to the conditions listed In the staff report. ROLL. CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Baderian, Murphy, Olson None Commissioners Huang and Kalemkiarian Chairman Pro TemOlson noted that there is a five working day appeal period. Appeals are to be f1!ed by April30tb, 7. PUBLIC HEARING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2002-002 Consideration of revisions to the Circulation and Transportation Elements of the General Plan. RESOLUTION NO, 1668 A resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, recommending approval of GP 2-2 to the City Council, for the proposed amendments to the Circulation and Transportation Elements of the General Plan (GP). The staff report was presented by Phil Wray. City Engineer and Ed,Cline, Traffic Engineer. In response to a question from the Planning Commission, Ms. Butler said that the public hearing was published twice in the paper. Apublic hearing will also be held before the City Council. The Traffic Master Plan referred to is a resource document only that has helped staff reach thiS far. It explored potential fees and where the City would like to be in. the future. They are pleased with the outcome. The present GP format was recommended by the consultant when the OP was updated. The current Arcadia City Planning Commission 7 4/23102 . . designations are difficult whereas the proposed changes make much more sense. This an informational tool only. This is a public hearing and now would be time for any public testimony. Mr. Cline explained the proposed changes as well as the II actua1 street designation amendments. Mr. Wray remarked that the exhibits show the current designations as well as what is being proposed. The public hearing was opened. No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Pro Tern Olson closed the public hearing. MOTION ,It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Murphy to recommend approval ofGP 2002-002 to the City Council, and adopt Resolution No. 1668, ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Baderian, Murphy, Olson None Commissioners Huang and Kalemkiarian MATIERSFROM CITY COUNCIL Mayor Marshall remarked that John Wuowould be the Council Liaison. The City will have a floatin the Rose Parade. the theme of the parade is children. MATIERS FROM PLANNING COMMISSION None MODIFICATION COMMITIEE MEETING ACTIONS There was no Modification Co~ee meeting. MA TIERS FROM STAFF 1. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS 2. UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT 9:00 p.m. Is/Donna Butler Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission Arcadia City Planning Commission 8 4123102