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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJULY 10, 2007 ! ~~ = ~.......~ . . MINUTES ARCADIA CITY PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, July 10,2007, 7:00 P.M. Arcadia City Council Chambers The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, July 10, at 7:00 p.m"in the Arcadia Council Chambers of the City of Arcadia, at 240 W. Huntington Drive, with,Chairman Olson presiding. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL: PRESENT: ABSENT: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Hsu andParrille None PLANNING COMMIsSION REORGANIZATION Mr. Kruckeberg briefly described the reorganization procedures and called for nominations for Planning Commission Chairman. Commissioner Beranek nominated Commissioner Baderian and Commissioner Parrille seconded the nomination. AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: Commissioners Beranek, Hsu and Parrille None Baderian Mr. Kruckeberg called for nominations for Chairman Pro Tem, Commissioner Hsu nominated Commissioner Beranek and Commissioner Parrille seconded the nomination, AYES: NOES: Commissioners Baderian,Beranek, Hsu,and Parrille None MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille, seconded by Commissioner Hsu, to read all resolutions by title only and waive reading the full body of !he resolution. AYES: NOES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek,Hsu and Parrille None OTHERS ATIENDING Community Development Administrator Jason Kruckeberg Senior Planner Lisa. Flores Associate Planner Tim Ka""ma Senior Administrative Assistant Billie Tone . . SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Kruckeberg said there was a page missing from the Staff Report on Item 5 and that the full report was provided to the COqmllssioners. TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDmNCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON-PUBliC HEARING MA TIERS - Five-minute time limit per person None PUBliC HEARING ITEMS 1. PUBliC HEARING CUP 07-04 and ADR 07-05 21 E. Huntington Drive Bedros Darkjian Continued from June 12, 2007 The applicant is requesting permits to remodel and expand the existing restaurant. These applications ,were continued from the June 12, 2007 Planning Commission meeting to allow the applicant;an 'opportunity to revise the proposal to address concerns raised by the Commission and by the owner of the adjacent property, 23 E. Huntington Drive. A Resolution reflecting the decision of the Planning Commission will be adopted at the next Commission meeting, There is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution. Associate Planner Jim Kasama presented the staff report. The public hearing was opened. Bedros Darkjian, 527 Tancanyon Rd., Duarte, cA 91010, said that after the last Planning Commission meeting he met with Building, Planning,and Fire Departments to find a way to maximize use of the proposed patio. He said they decided that setting the first floor back five feet and creating arches would provide the desired feeling of openness. Mr. Darkjianalso said that the elimination of two parking spaces would not be detritnentai. - Once again, Mr. Darkjian stressed the importance of the patio if the business is to succeed as a Mediterranean restaurant. He also said that they are still requesting approval of a second floor balcony for outdoor seating but if occupancy is a concern he is willing to limit the number of tables. Commissioner Beranek asked if the outdoor dining is an Armenian tradition or simply a method of creating more seating. Mr. Darkjian said outdoor dining is a tradition in the Middle East and is essential to the successofa Mediterranean style restaurant. PC M1NlrTES 7-1().()7 Page 2 . . Commissioner Parrille asked if smoking would be permitted in the restaurant. Mr. Darkjian replied that State law precludes smoking inside restaurants but he does not know what the regulations are for outdoor restaurants, MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Beranek, seconded by Commissioner Hsu, to close the public hearing. AYES: NOES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Hsu and Parrille None Commissioner Hsu said he felt that the , patking situation had been adequately addressed. Commissioner Parrille expressed some concern about the loss of parking spaces, Commissioner Beranek said that he felt the applicant had conceded as much as he could and that the project was worthy of support. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Beranek, seconded by Commissioner Hsu, to approve Conditional Use Permit 07-04 and Architectural Design Review 07-05 as recommended by staff, subject to the conditions in the staffreport. Mr. Kruckeberg asked for clarification regarding the second floor deck and Commissioner Beranek said that the motion included approval of the applicant's request for the s~nd floor deck. AYES: NOES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek and Hsu Parrille 2. PUBLIC BEARING CUP 07-06 529 E. Live Oak Avenue, Unit A Juliet Go The applicant has requested a Conditional Use Permit for a restaurant use with a maximum of to seats. The business hours will be from 7:00 am. to 10:00 p.m., daily. RESOLUTION NO. 1759 A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, approving Conditional Use Permit No. 07-06 for a new restaurant at 529 E. Live Oak Avenue, Unit A There is a five working day appeal period after the,adoption of the Resolution. Appeals are to be filed by July 17 Senior Planner Lisa Flores presented the staff report. PC MJN1JTES 7.lo.m Page 3 . . Commissioner Beranek asked about the role of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Ms. Flores explained that NPDES is responsible for making sure that the applicant follows best management practices to avoid pollution and that compliance is monitored by the City's consultant, Jo1m Hunter & Assocs. as well as Public Works personnel. Commissioner Parrille asked if the nearby market reopened, would 31 parking spaces still be required. Ms, Flores explained that the market would be considered a retail use and as such would require only 29 spaces. The public hearing was opened. There were no speakers. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Beranek, seconded by Commissioner Hsu, to close the public hearing. Without objection the public hearing was closed, Commissioner Beranek asked the applicant if she had read the Staff Report and was in agreement with the conditions of approval. Ms. Juliet Go, the applicant, assured the Commissioners thatshe read the Staff Report and was in agreement with the conditions of approval. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Parrille, to approve Conditional Use Permit 07-06 as recommended by staff; subject to the conditions in the staff report AYES: NOES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Hsu and Parrille None 3. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 07-03 and ADR 07-04 Orange Grove Park Royal Street Communications, LLC (Representative ofMetroPCS) This item has been continued to the August 14,2007 public hearing. Mr. Kruckeberg explained that the applicant is joining with another telecommunications applicant to find a better solution for both carriers. PC MINl1TES 1.1~ Pago 4 4. PUBLIC BEAG CUP 07-05 1 W, Duarte Road Jonathan Li Nobel Education Institute . The applicant has requested a Conditional Use Permit to expand the existing 2,280 square-foot tutorial center (Nobel Education Institute) by an additional 1,500 square feet for a total of approximately 3,780 square feet to accommodate a total of 75 students, and to have at least 60 students transported to Holly Avenue School for recreational activities and pick-up. AsS()ciate Planner Jim Kasama presented the staffteport. Commissioner Beranek.asked for clarification of the table of parking spaces in the Staff Report and Mr. J{asama reviewed the table for him, Commissioner Hsu asked ifany other similar type of establishment uses shuttle service to convey people from one location to another as a solution to their parking limitations. Mr. Kasama said that he was not aware of any. Commissioner Baderian noted that when the original application was approved the conditions of approvallimited the school to a maximum of 30 students, Commissioner Beranek pointed out that Unit I, a retail fast food operatiQn, has a Conditional Use Permit allowing less than the minimum number of parking spaces required by the code, Mr, Kasama said that the Conditional Use Permit was denied by the Planning Commission and the applicant appealed to the City Council. The City Council granted the Conditional Use Permit based on information provided by the applicant's traffic consultants. The public hearing was opened. The applicant, Mr. Jonathan Li, 1367 York Drive, Arcadia, provided a document for distribution to the Commissioners, He stated that the hours of operation for his business are from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm unlike restaurants, for example, that only do business in the evening. He feels this is not a good reason to deny his application and stated that he cannot understand the Planning Department concern with,the parking code. Mr, Lee further stated that the Planners feel that his business is injurious to the other tenants of the plaza but that he is sure his clients will bring more business to the plaza. He reminded the Commission that before his business moved into their unit, it was vacant for two years. He noted that they are transporting a large number of students to Holly Avenue School for after school activities and that he cannot understand why the Planning Department is recommending denial of his application. Commissioner Parrille asked Mr. Li for the number of trips anticipated per day and if they are using an approved route. Mr., Lee said they have obtained two used buses which can each carry fourteen students for the five minute trip 10 Holly Avenue School. He saId the City Engineering Department has already approved the route. They plan to make two to four trips per day PC MINUfES 1-lG-07 Page S and will stop It 4:45 pm in the summer and earlier wi Daylight Savings Time has passed. Commissioner Hsu asked when the written agreement with Holly Avenue School for pick up and drop off of students expires. Mr. Li said the contract is renewable yearly. Commissioner Baderian asked Mr. Li how many students are currently enrolled and Mr. Li said there are about 80, Commissioner Baderian pointed out that the original ConditionalUse Permit stated that the school was noUo exceed 30 students, Mr. Li agreed that was correct. Ms. Michelle Wong, Arcadia, Director of the Nobel Institute said that they have been providing a beneficial service to the community for over fourteen years. The children at the Nobel Institute are first to eighth grade students and they are offered snacks and help with homework., She noted that the school also provides tutoring in reading, math and foreign languages and that they are proud to support public schools and teachers, The goal of the school is to provide a caring, loving environment and to help the students develop a strong work ethic. They feel fortunate to be ableto provide an outdoor program by renting space at Holly Avenue School. Ms. Wong said that since the Nobel Instiiute doesn't produce any negative impacts on the area and since there is a great need for their service in the community she feels the application should be approved. Ms. Wong stressed that the Nobel Institute will try to meet all code requirements, Ms, Christy Trieu, 521 E. Longden Avenue, said that she works at the Nobel Institute and that there is a need to expand the tutorial center so that the older children can be separate from the younger students, Ms. Trieu said that after school a lot of children come to the Nobel Institute and they are excited to be there. She also said that the outdoor program at Holly Avenue is helpful because a lot of students are off site and parking is reduced. She believes they bring a lot of business to the plaza. Ms. Carrie Glover, 5926 Camilla Avenue, Temple City, said she has been teaching fifth grade at the Nobel Institute for over five years and she has seen a lot of improvement in students both academically and socially. She said the Institute is committed to academic achievement and PfQvides a good service to the community. Ms. Carmen Lung, 164 Deha Lane, is a Registered Nurse and works long hours and she is the mother of two students at the Nobel Institute. She said the Institute offers a great after school program and thather children aredoing very well there. She said her eighth grader goes to a location next to the bowling alley and her second grader stays at the Duarte Road location. Allowing the Institute to expand will mean that both her children will be able to stay at the same place and she won't have to drive around as much, Mr. Hector Santilla, 2615 Sunnydale Rd., said he owns that business next to the Nobel Institute and has been there for six years. He said that traffic has not been an iSSUe for him and he bas no complaints. Mr. John Hibler, 713 Park Ave., South Pasadena, said he used to live in Arcadia and he hoped that his, perspective as a parent would be helpful. His son has been a student at Nobel from kindergarten to fifth grade and he feels the school is wonderful and it would PC MINUTES 7-1lJ.ll7 Page 6 be a shame fo.m to become the victims of their owLss, He feels thatthe Nobel Institute brings more business to the center. Mr. Hibler said that his family moved from Arcadia to South Pasadena but he wanted his son to stay in school in Arcadia partly because he would be able to attend the Nobel Institute which he enjoyed. Mr. Hibler expressed the hope that the situation could be worked out to accommodate the families who participate in the Nobel Institute. Ms. Angel Huang, 410 Los Altos Avenue, said that her two sons have attended the Nobel Institute for the laSt two years. Her son had an academic problem which was identified and addressed with tutoring. She also said that her sons enjoy going to Holly Avenue too. Ms. Cars S~ 528 Columbia Road, said her son and her cousin's son attend the Nobel Institute and they are very happy there. She asked the Commissioner$ to give the Institute a chance and alIowt/ui expansion. She has not had any trouble with traffic. Ms, Katherine Tsu, 1122 Ninth Avenue, said her son has had a good experience at the Nobel Institute and she never encountered any traffic problem. She hopes the expansion will be approved and feels that it would be beneficial to the community. Ms. Way Tai, 415 GenoaStreet, said she has never had any trouble with traffic when picking up or dropping off her children at the Nobel Institute. Commissioner Baderian asked Mr. Lee if there has been a new Conditional Use Permit allowing more than 30 students since the resolution dated 1993. Mr. Lee admitted that they are exceeding the limit. He said they tried to apply for a new permit but it was not granted because of the parking situation. He reported thatthey have been renting Arcadia Congregational. Church and two other buildings and also use some other, locations. temporarily. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille, seconded by Commissioner Hsu, to close the public hearing. Without objection the public hearing was closed, Commissioner Beranek suggested that staff review the additional material presented by the applicant, Commissioner Hsu asked for the maximum occupancy for the facility, Mr. Kasarna replied that the current space has a maximum occupancy per building and safety codes of 63 persons. Commissioner Baderian expressed concern about the current operation, He requested that staff look into the current uses of the facility particularly in regard to occupancy and compliance with city codes. PC MINUTES 7-10.07 Page 7 . . MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Beranek, seconded by Commissioner Parrille, to continue Conditional Use Permit 07-05 to August 14,2007, AYES: NOES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Hsu and Parrille None 5. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 07-02 (69271) 630 E, Live Oak Ave. Arcadia Redevelopment Agency Continued from July 26, 2007 The applicant has requested approval of Tentative Parcel Map 07-92 (69271) to create three (3) lots from one (1) lot along with an access easement. A Resolution reflecting the decision oftheP1anning Commission will be adopted at the next Commission meeting. There is a .five working day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution. Associate Planner Jim J(A""ma presented the staff report. The public hearing was opened. There were no speakers. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille, seconded by Commissioner Hsu, to close the public hearing. Without objection the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Parrille commented that the proposed project seems to be a good use of the property. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille, seconded by Commissioner Beranek, to approve TPM 07-02 (69271) as recommended by staff; subject to the conditions in the staffreport. AYES: NOES: Baderian, Beranek, Hsu and Parrille None CONSENT ITEMS 6. MINUTES OF 6-26-07 RECOMMENDATION: Approve PC MINUfES 7-1~7 Page 8 . . MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Beranek, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to recommend approval of the minutes ofJune 26,2007, as submitted. Witboutobjection, the minutes were approved as submitted. MAl lEKS FROM CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION Commissioner Beranek asked about the procedure when staff finds a violation on a Conditional Use Permit. Mr. Kruckeberg said the first step would be to give them a time frame to come into compliance. If necessary the matter can be referred to the City Attorney. MODIFICATION COMMITfEE MEETING ACTIONS Commissioner ParrilIe reported that a Modification application to. maintain street side yard setbacks on a new addition at 505 Vaquero Road was approved. MATIERS FROM STAFF Mr. Kruckeberg reported the Corky Nicholson was leaving the city after 29 years for a position with the city ofRancbo CUC8lDonga. Commissioner Baderian asked,if Mr. Kruckeberg would have a letter of appreciation drafted from the Commission to Mr. Nicholson and he agreed: Mr. Kruckeberg said that the new Commissioner, Mr. Bill Baerg, will attend the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT 8:24 p.m. Is/Jason Kruckeberl! Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission PC MINUrES 7-10.07 Page 9 -- . . SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT IS VOLUNTARY - YOUR ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION DOES NOT REQUIRE SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, PRINTING YOUR NAME, ONLY ENABLES THE SECRETARY TO /7 CORRECTLY SPELL YOUR NAME & ADDRESS, r; _ I 0 -0 / Please PRINT your name and address, below: NAME ADDRESS GV\~i~t t~ G-k , ,0\ , _ lc ..."I.AJI ~? , 4J~ I 7tt: ~')