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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMARCH 12, 2002 ", (i) . MINUTES . Arcadia City Planning Commission Tuesday, March 12, 2002 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, March 12, 2002 at 7:15 p.m in the Council Chambers of the City of Arcadia, at 240 W. Huntington Drive with Chairman Kalemkiarian presiding. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: ABSENT: Commissioners Baderian, Murphy, Olson, Kalemkiarian Commissioner Huang MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to excuse Commissioner Huang from tonighfs meeting. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting. OTHERS ATTENDING Council Member Gail Marshall Community Development Administrator Donna Butler Senior Administrative Assistant Silva Vergel SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Butler distributed a report regarding revised conditions of approval. TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN tHE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON-PUBLIC HEARING MATIERS(5.MlNUTE LIMIT PER PERSON) None I. MINUTES 2/26/02 MOTION It Was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by CoD'lrnissioner Murphy to approve the Minutes of February 26lb as published. ~, . . ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Commissioners Baderian, Murphy, Olson None Commissioner Huang Commissioner Kalemkiarian 2. PUBLIC HEARING REVIEW ADR 2002-009 400 S. Baldwin Ave. Westfiled Corp., Inc, Consideration of an Architectural Design Review of the revised plans for the expansion of Westfield Shoppingtown at Santa Anita. The proposed changes are for a net 210,463 sq. ft. expansion to be located at the northeast comer of the malL The expansion will include: }> An eighteen (18) screen theater with seating for approximately 3,100 persons }> Two minor anchors including a book store and sporting goods store }> A new food court }> Approximately 79,000 sq. ft. of additional specialty retail.and restaurants; and }> An on-grade plus three level parking structure with 620 spaces The staff report was presented, Ms. Butler noted that this is not a public hearing. John Healy, Westfield Corp., 11601 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, introduced Keith Ray, the Executive V.P.. The revised plans before the Planning Commission are a result of the events of 9/11. The two anchor tenants that were to go into the center are doWn sizing and cutting back on their expenses. lbis gave them the opportunity to revisit their plan and variety of tenants. The revised plans provide a good mixture. From the design standpoint they have kept the same features such as.the materials and color scheme. They have enhanced the parking structure and other features that will improve and tie in this area with the Penny's court area. The rooftop parking is convenient. The bus stop has been relocated and there 'is a walkway from Huntington Dr. The City Council requested that the mall provide a "City Hall at the Mall" aild they have no objections; They will have a mix of stores such as sporting goods, a theater and an entertahunent component. Each of the large tenants have signed letters of intent for leasing spaces. They feel the plans as presented are an improvement o:verthe previous design. Their goal islo begin construction by the end of the year and have a grand opening in the full of 2003. Keith Ray, 11601 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, gave a brief summary of the plan. . He explained the locations of the parking. The tri-story parking will have elevator access to the Penny's area. There will be a pedestrian bridge from the rooftop parking to bring in people. The proposed plan lends itself better to the existing mal\. They are working with JCPenny and Robinson's May. They feel that this new area will be highly energized. They will have great shops and entertainment. They will be usinggiass to bring in natural light and it will appear as the area is outside because of the use of the glass. The theater will be on the second level and will have a view of the floor below and will have access from the parking area. The theater area will be fun and exciting. He"also thought that the exterior elevation is very exciting. He explained the various mixture of materials that will be utilized. Arcadia City Planning Commission 2 3/12102 .' . . In response to a question by Commissioner Baderian, Ms. Butler explained that with this new design and including the 200 parking spaces that belong to the City they will have over 5,900 parking spaces. The 200 spaces are available to be used by tbe p1,lblic. Mr. Penman explained that there was a 15 year lease for the city portion of the parking and this was an incentive that was used to bring in Nordstrom. Half of the lease term has already elapsed and the 200 spaces will revert back to the mall at the end of the 15 years. The spaces are there to be used but they cannot count them in their total count of spaces. Mr. Healy said that the "City Hall at the Mall" concept already exists. Currently, the Police Dept. has presence there. The City has asked that this be continued and they are in agreement. The current location of the PACE office will be relocated, Ms, Butler said that the ''City Hall at the Mall" area would be available for meetings and Mr. Penman said that they could sell transit passes from there as well as provide information on the various recreation programs, etc. Mr. Healy' said they will have an entertainment area as well as a combination oHood and entertainment uses. These uses would have hightech'video simulated games such as billiards, shuffle board and ping pong. He indicated that they do not have any plans for a market or a use that would utilize shopping carts. In response to a question by Commissioner Baderian, Ms. Butler explained that the video games would be in conjunction with a restaurant use such as ESPN Zone. Il'will not be a stand along game arcade. Commissioner Olson said that he heard that the Federated Stores (Macy's) and Robinson's May were being combined. How would Westfield deal with that merger? Mr. Healy felt that it would be highly unlik:ely that would happen. He did not think that the regulatory bodies would allow that merger. In response to a question by Commissioner Murphy, Mr. Ray said that the upper level parking by Robinson's May would be used primarily by the employees, Ms. Butler said thatthe Fire Dept. has looked at the proposed plan. Mr. Ray explained that they are. currently involved with other similar projects and are aware of the various codes requirements, The stairways are 20' wide and some are "scissored". The areas would be sprinklered. Mr..Healy said the outside plaza is smaller and they will nol' be placing any kiosks in the outdoor plaza. They are comfortable with the revised plans and conditions set by staff. The two monument signs have not changed but will be subject to staff's review and approval There will not be any street level marquee. Ms. Butler said the public hearing for this item has been scheduled for the City Council's March 19th meeting. Araldia Cil)' Planning Commission 3 3/i2lO2 v . . Commissioner Olson liked the project. It is better than before. He was concerned about the shopping carts and was relieved that there would not, be a use that would use carts. The peak hours of operation for a theater are different from the mall hours so he did not 'think there would be any conflict. He wanted to see this take place. [n response to a question by Commissioner Baderian, Ms. Butler said that the landscape plan would be reviewed by the City's landscape consultant. Commissioner Baderian concurred. He thought that this expansion would benefit the community as far as service and economics. He thought the key to success of this development is being customer friendly. Commissioner Mwphy said the proposed mix of the tenants are better than the previous plan. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Murphy to approve ADR 2002-009 subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Baderian,Murphy, Olson, Kalemkiarian None Commissioner Huang MAITERS FROM CITY COUNCIL None MATTERS FROM PLANNING COMMISSION None MODIFICATION COMMIrrEE"MEETING ACTIONS None MATTERS FROM STAFF 1. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS 2. UPCOMING AGENDA [TEMS None ADJOURNMENT 7:55 p.m. IslDonna Butler Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission Araulia City Planning Commission 4 3/12102