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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAUGUST 26, 2003 '1) . MINUTES . An:adia CIty Planning Coll1JDission Tuesday, AngusU6, 2003 7:00 p.m.in the Arcadia City Council Cbamben PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday. August 26, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Arcadia Council Chambers of the City of Arcadia, at 240 W, Huntington Dr, with Chairman Baderian presiding. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Baderian Commissioner Olson MOTION It was moved by CommissionerHsl1, seconded by Commissioner Lucas to excuse Commissioner Olson from tonight's meeting. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting. OTIIERS ATIENDING Council Member Gail Marshall Community Development Administrator Donna Butler Associate Planner Joe Lambert AssistantPlanner Tom Li SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING. AGENDA ITEMS None MOTION It. was moved by-Commissioner Lucas, seConded by Commissioner Hsu to read all resolutions by title only and waive reading the fully body of the resolution, AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Baderian None Commissioner Olson TiME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON-puonc BEARING MA 1TERS (S MINUTE LIMIT PER PERSON) Carlan Tsai, asked that the Planning Commission reconsider the denial of CUP. His survey indicated that numerous similar eating establishments have tables and chairs, therefore, the Planning Commission . . should reconsider their request. There are also a number of eating establishments that have outside seating, During the late evening hours, there are Arcadia Police Officers and Sheriff Officers that visit their location, Therefore, it is fair to conclude that the shopping center and their cafe is very well patrolled and safe to dine at night, Based on these observation, he felt that he was being singled out and asked that the Planning Commission revaluate and approve the application, Chairman Baderian said that as mentioned at the conclusion of the public bearing, the applicant could appeal this decision to the City Council because the Planning Commission has already acted on it. I. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 2003-017 460 W, Walnut Hank long Consideration ofa tentative parcel map creating.two Jots from one. The staff report was presented. In reply to a question by Commissioner Lucas, Mr, Li said that tbc barri...ade will block off vehicular traffic, yet allow pedestrian traffic, If not approved, the 18' strip would remain more like a driveway and would not be opened up for through access, There has not been any plans proposed to develop the southerly property, but there.is the potential to develop it. Although, it has adequate depth, the width may be substandard. Ms. Butler indicated that the condition of the street would not change from the existing situation, Access will not be for through traffic, The only change will be the new lot that will have access to Rosemarie, This is not an unusual situation, It will allow for the future development of the other lot. Scott Chang, 11823 Slauson, Santa Fe Springs, said they are in agreement with all of the conditions in the staff report, Linn Magofein, 2325 Florence Ave., said that similar proposals have been suggested several times, where it has been proposed to make Rosemarie a through street and most of the neighbors have been oppoSed to it primarily because this is a unique situation in their immediate area, He felt that this situation should be addressed so similar type proposals are not made, He felt that it would be simple to have a driveway from the east end of the west section of Rosemarie to the lot facing Walnut. He did not think that it would be wide enough to split up, The neighbors would like to keep that a dead end street similar to what 'has been done along Michillinda, He wanted to have Rosemarie remain closed to through traffic, He thought there would be a safety issue if it would be opened up. Ms. Butler remarked that the ultimate goal of the city would be to see Rosemarie as a through street, Code requires that there be a minimum 75' street frontage, and that the City does not allow flag or back lots. Philinda Gruen, 422 Rosemarie Dr" the dead end street provides safety and if this is made into a through street. property values will decline. Arcaoful Cil) Planning eonunission 2 =3 . . Yee Eng, 2333 Florence Ave" moved here because the streets are beautiful and quite, She indicated that she has three young children who like to play outside and making this street a through street would be more dangerous and increase traffic. Joe Mackowiak, 536 Rosemarie, their street is unique and wanted to keep it as is, Angelica Leidig, 439 Rosemarie, stated that the only reason they purchased here was because they were looking for a cul-'d~sac because it is quiet and safer for the kids due to minimum traffic, They oppose the lot split because it will reduce property values and the safety of all the children and the neighbOrs, It is a quiet neighborhood, There are elderly who walk in the area and their safety should also be considered, Lane Leidig, 439 Rosemarie, echoed what the other speakers have stated, There is no sidewalk for the residents and he saw very little benefit if this is approved, Joan Mackowiak, 536'Rosemarie, said they have enjoyed their quiet and safe neighborhood. Approving this would be wrong. Chiu Lan Chiang, 600 Rosemarie, said she has young children and she feels that their area is safe for them to go out and play but if this is approved and the street is put through they would lose'that safety. Victor Pan, 448 Rosemarie, said they do not mind driving around to get to Baldwin, If they open up Rosemarie and connect the east and west side, there would be no benefit. He did not object to the lot split butwanted to keep the street closed, Jonathan Young, 500 Rosemarie, opposed the lot split because it would take away their current safe neighborhood, Name unclear, said Rosemarie is not as wide as Palm, There is no sidewalk there, They drive slowly in the area because they know that their neighbors have young children. Thisapproval would reduce the amount of safety that they currently feel they have in the area, Tony Chen, 501 Rosemarie, said he moved into this area recently, His previous. neighborhood was very noisy and if this street is opened up it will increase traffic and the noise level. Alanna Scanlon, 461 Palm.Dr;, said she is the owner of property at the end who is blocking the street and she is not ready to sell. By her not-selling. her-property, she ,is blocking the street; She agreed with all the comments made by the previous speakers, No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Baderian closed the public hearing, In answer to a question by Commissioner Wen, Ms, Butler said there would not be through traffic as a result of this approval. The road will be barricaded, Currently, the residents of that area who do not go to Rosemarie because it is not a through street are diverting traffic on Palm or Walnut. Arcadia city _Planning Commission 3 8/26/03 . . , Phil Wray, City Engineer, said that obviously connecting these two streets would change the character of the street. The City is recommending approval of this because there is no measurable traffic impact that they cansae. The traffic is average for a residential street, Anything less than 2,000 trip is very common for Arcadia as a residential street. This is not a typical cul-de-sac situation where it is permanent, it is a finished street with curb and gutter, This is truly a dead end street. He believed that the long term plan was that the streets would connect, It looks like the water has to flow through to the other, He felt that the connection was intended. He did not think that it is out of character for what is around the neighborhoods to the north and south, The advantages by making this a through street would be that there would be better neighborhood circulation. Relative to emergency responses it would provide them a little quicker access as opposed to circling the area. In answer to a question by Commissioner Hsu, Mr. Wray said that they are proposing to have the barricades up and do not have another project before the City, thus, do not know what would be proposed. . Ms. Butler explained that there will be a half of street developed in front'ofthe lot which would end on - the east side, so there would not be through traffic but there would be an 18' wide right-of-way. There will be frontage on RosemSlrie, so eventually if the property to. the south is sold and developed, the barricades could come down and the other half developed. There would be no through access to Rosemarie unless the other side is developed, Commissioner Lucas asked what would happen if the Scanlon property dedicated their 18' to make it a whole street. If so, how would they go about closing it off similar to Hugo Reid, He felt uncomfortable in saying to the property owner that because he has provided a public benefit at his personal expense and because he has chosen to use his property in a certain way that was acceptable, but if he wanted to use his property in another way, he cannot because the area residents have enjoyed what he has given them, even though the property owners on Rosemarie did not have to pay for the benefit of a dead end street. So, if they chose to reasonably exercise their'right as property owners and divide their lot what can the city do to protect or try to retain the neighborhood of it by not turning Rosemarie into a street, Mr. Wray said that could be done and they could accept the dedication.. What was done on Hugo Reid was as a r~sult ofa unique situation. Any special situation like that would be reviewed and alternatives would be considered. There is a unique aspect, which would need investigation, Ms, Butler remarked that she was working in the City when Hugo Reid was closed. That was a particularly unique situation because ofrace traffic where traffic would cut through the Village area out to Sunset.. There was race traffic compounding a very difficult situation. This was a major policy decision on the City Council's behalf because they diverted traffic to other neighborhoods, It isa very delicate situation. They need to see the General Plan designation which looks at it as a neighborhood street, The City takes a very hard look before a street is closed off because traffic is diverted on other streets as.a resultofa closure. Commissioner Hsu made a motion to approve tbe TPM witb the requirement that barricades provide a more permanent solution. The motion died due to lack of a second, MOTION: ArcodiA City Planning ComnUssioo 4 8126103 . . It was moved by Commissioner Lucas, seconded by Chairman Baderian to approve TPM 2003-0 17 subject to all the conditions listed in the staff report. Commissioner Lucas indicated that every resident on Rosemarie is benefiting from two things that some property owners on Palm and Walnut did when they agreed to subdivide their lots thereby creating Rosemarie. The anomaly that exists here is that one property on Walnut which abuts another on Palm decided to not go along with the subdivision. For the last 45 years, the residents of Rosemarie have enjoyed the fact that two property owners have held out, otherwise Rosemarie would have been a through street many years ago. As a consequence, the community has grown up being used to that type ofa situation because of residents on Palm and Walnut, Now, those people have property rights and would like to make use of their property similar to the property owners 50 years ago. Unfortunately, the creation of this neighborhood is in conflict with this development and the opening of Rosemarie. He went on to say that the community of Rosemarie could not hold the property owner on Walnut hostage to maintain their lifestyle and thereby deny the property owner on Walnut his rights to develop his property, He wanted-to keep a community and the neighborhood and-that is why he was asking the City Engineer how they could preserve this neighborhood and at the same time not frustrate the property rights of the applicant, He felt they have an opportLmity to do both; to preserve the neighborhood and pennit reasonable use of property by the owner. He said he would mostly side with the neighborhood but did not want to deny the rights of the owner on Walnut to develop his property. He did not want Rosemarie to be a through street, With the proposed action that would not happen but he felt that it was inevitable, Commissioner Hsu said the desIgn for the temporary guardrail would be aesthetically unpleasing and that is why he proposed his original proposal. Commissioner Wen agreed with Commissioner HSu regarding the barricade because it would be more pleasing, He had reservations on property rights because of the zone. Looking at the neighborhood only these twO properties cOuld be subdivided. He wondered if they could add the condition to the motion made by Commissioner Lucas to add the barricade such as greenery or landscaping, something that would be more visually pleasing, Commissioner Lucas felt the barricade would be on public property so that would need to be maintained and irrigated by the City. He wondered if that would be practical? Mr, Wray said that indeed that would be a public street and the north side a contiguous public street, The recommendation was to put a standard barricade over the north half and there would still be vegetation on the south half. OnereasoD is that if this is done the street would .bevisible from one side to the other and someone may try to run through the barricade or not see it. The intent of a wood barricade is that it would give before a car would give up vs, concrete which is less forgiving, So, the wood barricade is intended to be permanent but have the ability to break away in an accident. Striping would be reflective so it would be visible whether during the day or night. Obviously some greenery would be more aesthetically pleasing but it would be on a public street. Ms, Butler said that if there is a dedication, the City Council would need to approve it. It is difficultto address what could happen. If this is approved, the street would remain as is and there would be no through access; Because this becomes a public right of way, the City would have certain responsibilities to have barriers that are required for safety reasons, AreadiaCity I'buming Commission s 8I26/(J] . . Commissioner Lucas asked if they could limit the frontage and leaving the balance of the property on the easterly side not dedicated to the City, thereby creating a green strip that would remain under the ownership of the property owner, Ms, Butler said that they could get an irrevocable otTer to dedicate for the future, EventiJally the goal of the City would be to see this as a through street because it is a residential street. Mr, Wray said this would be a residential street that takes traffic from those streets and distributes them onto collector streets. In keeping with the character of the surrounding neighborhoods, staff recommends requiring the entire dedication. The City looks at it as the opportunity to get this dedication through this process. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Lucas. Baderian Commissioner Hsu, Wen Commissioner Olson Ms. Butler indicated that because it isa split vote, the project is denied. The applicant or any Council Member may appeal this decision to the City CounciL She noted that there is a ten-dayappeal period. 2. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 2003-018 120 Bonita Tai Hua Chen Consideration of a tentative parcel map for a condominium conversion of an existing 3-unit residential apartment. The staff report was presented, In answer to a question by Commissioner Hsu, Mr, Li said that the design would not comply with current codes, With regard to the other project referred to by Commissioner Hsu, staff required that project to bring the. property up to the current building codes-but notto the current zoning code. The public hearing was opened, Heather Barnes, 2133 S. Baldwin, with Tritech Associates, representing the property owner, said they are in agreement with all of the conditions in the staff report. No one else spoke in favor of orin opposition to this item. Chairman Baderian closed the public hearing, MOTION: Arcodia city PIaming ComnDssion 6 8J26I{)3 . . It was moved by Commissioner Lucas, seconded by Commissioner Wen to approve TPM 2003-OIS subject to the conditions in the staff report, ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas. Wen. Baderian None Commissioner Olson Chairman Baderian noted that there is a ten-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by Monday, September Sib. Chairman Baderian abstained from this item, 3. PUBUC HEARING CUP 2003-009 23 W, Foothilt'B1vd. Rev, Ken loe Consideration of conditional use permit for a before and after school program for 60 students at a existing church, The proposed hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a,m., and 2:30 p,m, to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a,m. to 5:00 p.m, on Saturdays, The staff report was presented Mr, Li explained where parents would be loading and unloading the children, The public hearing was opened, Rev, Joe, 1705 Orangewood Ln.. said they felt this would be a service to the community and was in agreement with all of the conditions in the staff report. He asked if they could increase the number of the students, He asked if they could increase that to 100. He discussed this with Social Services and based upon their hours of operation. they would not need their approval. Ms, Butler said the. site could accommodate more but this would be the time to request it, There should be a maximum number, The number in the staff report is based upon what was listed in the application, She suggested limiting the number of students to what Social Services permits, This is a large site and -for the type of-activity; she was comfortable with the limit set by Social Services, She suggested that Rev, loe submit the number allowed by Social Services to the City. Mr. Li said the recommendation is based upon the square footage of the classroom area. The parking was based upon the square footage, Tom Schriver, Senior Pastor, asked that this request be approved. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item, Chairman Pro TemLucas closed the public hearing. Arcadia City Planning Omunission 7 8/26/03 . . MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Wen to approve CUP 2003- 009 subject to the conditions in the staff report and file Negative Declaration and that the number of students be regulated by Social ServiCes. ROLLCALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Commissioners Hsu. Wen, Lucas None Commissioner Olson Commissioner Baderian Chairman ~ro Tern Lucas no~ed ~ thereis a five working-day apF period after the adoption of theresoluuon. The resolution will be adopted on September 9, Appeals are to be filed by 'Tuesday, September' !6lh, - n - 4. PUBLiC HEARING MP 2003-004 205 W, Palm Dr. Waichiu David Eng Consideration of front and rear yard modifications for a proposed 3.455 sq, ft, single-family residence, The staff report was presented, In response to a comment by Commissioner Wen, Me, Lambert explained the swimming pool requirements, He defined what is a.reverse comer lot, The public hearing was opened, David Eng, 205 W, Palm Dr., 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 Baderian closed the public hearing, MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Wen, seconded by Commissioner Lucas to approve MP 2003- 004 subject to the conditions in the staff report. ROLLCALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Baderian None Commissioner Olson Arcadia City Planning Coonnission g 8126/03 . . Chairman Baderian noted that there is a five working-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by Wednesday, September J"', 5. PUBLIC HEARING MP 2003-005 2201 Cielo PI. Robert Gourley Consideration of modifications for the front yard, second-stOlY and comer side yard for a proposed rebuild and.l,715 sq. ft, second story addition to an existing single-family residence, The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened, No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to this'item, Chairman Baderian closed the public hearing, MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Lucas, seconded by Commissioner Wen to approveMP 200J- 005 subject to all the conditions listed in the staff report. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Baderian None Commissioner Olson Chairman Baderian noted that there a five working-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by Wednesday, September J"'. 6. PUBLIC HEARING MP2003-006 J8J W, Naomi Ave, Tom Dargan Consideration of modifications for street side yard, rear yard and maintaining of existing setbacks for a proposed addition to an existing single-family residence, The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened. Tom Dargan, 735 W. Duarte Rd.. said they are in agreement with all of the conditions in the staffreport, The mo~ificati()ns are to address this unique property and if granted will promote good architectural design, No one else spoke in Javor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Baderian closed the public hearing. Arcadia CitiPllinnmg Commi~jOD 9 8126/03 . . . In answer to a question by Commissioner Lucas, Ms, Butler explained the rational for special setback on Holly. These special setbacks are throughout the City and were created in the 60s. At the time the thought was that Holly Ave. might be widened as a result ofthe traffic from the race track, There is no intent of widening the street and it is staff's goal to go through and revisit all the special setbacks and eliminate those that are'unnecessary. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Lucas, seconded by Commissioner Wen to approve MP 2003- 006. subject to the conditions listed in the staff report, ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Baderian None Commissioner Olson ChainnanBaderian noted that there is a five working-day appeal period, Appeals are to be filed by Wednt:l;day, September 3m, . CONSENT ITEM 7. MINUTES OF 8/1212003 RECOMMENDATION: Approve It was noted that the motion on page 6 should be amended because Commissioner Lucas was absent from that meeting and could not have seconded the motion. It was moved by Commissioner Wen, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to approve the Minutes as amended. ROLLCALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Baderian None Commissioner Olson. 8. RESOLUTION NO. 1697 A resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, granting CUP 2003- 007 for a cafe/tea house at 171 E, Live Oak, Units D and E, RECOMMENDATION: Approve It was moved by Commissioner Lucas, seconded by Commissioner Wen to adopt Resolution No. 1697 and to fonnally affirm the decision of August 12 and the votes thereon, ROLL CALL: Arcadia city Planning Commission 10 8126103 . . AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Baderian None Commissioner Olson MA TIERS FROM CITY COUNCIL Council Member Marshall said they had the ground breaking for the senior housing. She discussed the upcoming events in the City. Relative to some comments made by Council Member Marshall and Chairman Baderian, Ms, Butler said that the modifications before the Planning Commission were unique situations due to the reverse comer lots. There are a number of reverse comer lots iil the City and the side yard setbacks'were increased so from time to time there will be modifications for these types of lots. Staff is holding the line on modifications and they are trying to persuade applicants to try ahematives to avoid modifications, MATTERS FROM PLANNlNGCOMMISSION None, MODIFICATION COMMinlili MEETING ACTIONS Commissioner Lucas summarized the Modification Committee actions, MATTERS FROM STAFF I, CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS 2, PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA ITEMS Ms, Butler indicated that Lisa Flores joined the City as oflast Wednesday. ADJOURNMENT 9:15'p:m, IsfDonnaButler Secretary. Arcadia Planning Commission . Arcadia City PImming Commissio1l II 8126103