Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMARCH 19, 2007 (2) . . - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ~ 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) ARCADIA CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING RE: "THE SHOPS AT SANTA ANITA PARK" MONDAY; MARCH 19, 2007 7:00 P.M. Arcadi a Masoni c Lodge 50 West Duarte Road c Arcadia, california 91007 1 o I page 1 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) MR. OLSON: This is the planning commission regular meeting for Monday, March 19th, 2007 here at 7:00 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 fI o'clock P.M. at the Maso ni c Lodge, and would everybody please now rise and join me in the pledge of allegiance. (pledge of all egi ance.) COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Can I have I roll call, 8 ple.ase. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 THE' CLERK: commission Baderian. COMMISSIONER BADERIAN: Present. THE CLERK: Beranek. COMMISSIONER BERANEK: Present. THE CLERK: Hsu. COMMISSIONER: present. THE CLERK: Olson. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Present. THE CLERK: parrille. COMMISSIONER PARRILLE: Present. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. ~ 20 NOW, is there any supplemental information from 21 staff regarding the agenda? 22 COMMISSIONER KRUCKEBERG: We have several 23 additional letters that were added to the record. I'll 24 go through those in my presentation if that's all right 25 with the commission. o 1 2 3 2 COMMISSIONER OLSON: That would be fine. Now is the time reserved for those in the audience who wish to address the planning commission on non-public hearing Page 2 I - 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 " o I . . 031907pcmeeting (2) items with a five-minute time limit per person for that, and this is non-public hearing items, so if you have anything to say regarding tonight's issue, that will come later. okay. someone's got their arm up. YOU wish to address the planning commission on a non-commission item? MR. KIMBLE: Yes. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Okay. please step forward. The podium is over to your right. State your name and address, please. MR. KIMBLE: My name is Bob Kimble, 140 Santa Cruz Road, and I'd like to address the commission regarding the newly-installed signs on Santa cruz, San Rafael, San Miguel. It's physically behind Parsons. I know that the signs will be enforced May -- or I'm sorry, Apri'l 1, and as a resi.dent there, I've already paid for two parking permits for two vehicles, $170, and I would like to -- kind of nervous. COMMISSIONER OLSON: You didn't expect such a big audience. MR. KIMBLE: I'd like to see if the city will amend, adopt or provide parking stickers for residents. 3 1 2 3 4 5 I mean, I can go doWn with my water bill or something like that and say that I am a resident and I should be abl~ to park in front of my own house on the street during the day between 11:00 and 6;00 for more than two ho.urs. Page 3 o . . 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeetin9 (2) So I'd like to know ,f the city is working on that, has worked on it. adopted something to change the sticker, provide a new sticker or something, so that come April 1, my vehicle won't be towed in the front of my own home. fI You know, I mean, I do the deal for the relatives and stuff like that, but weekends, I know it's going to be a problem, so I know weekends Parsons only works four tens, so Friday through sunday is fine, but I'd JUSt like to know where the city is going with these new signs for the residents. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you, Mr. Kimble. The city manager is here is tonight, and as well as the assistant city man manager, and I'm certain that you'll address this issue, and can you reply back to him? MR. PENMAN: Yes. we'll refer that to our traffic advisory committee. we are working with parsons to solve thetr parki ng problem, and we're very fami 1 i ar wi th the issue and wi th the resi dents, so we'll refer that to the traffic advisory and make a recommendation on . 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 .7 8 that matter to the city counsel. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Great. Thank you, Mr. Penman. okay. Is there anyone else wishing to address the planning commission on a non-public hearing items? A VOICE: Turn up the amplifier. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Anyone else wishing to address the planning commission on non-public hearing Page 4 I - 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 " o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 10 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) items. okay. seeing none, we're going to move to our public hearing items. we have one item, it's public hearing SP05-01/GP05-01/ZC-0504, it's the Caruso Property Management, it's called the tShops at Santa Anita" at the Santa Anita race track. There's certain guidelines we're going to follow tonight, they're on the back of your agenda. And I'm going to quickly go through them. After I'm done speaking, going through these rules that the planning commission has adopted over the last couple of months regarding not only this project, but also one that we heard several weeks ago regarding Westfield's expansion at the mall, when I'm done, the planning report will be presented by staff. Then the commissioners have an opportunity to have any questions answered at that time of staff. Then 5 the applicant will be afforded the opportunity to address the commission up to approximately 30 minutes. Then the public is afforded an opportunity, whether you're in favor of or' opposed to or in. the middle or wherever you're at, to address the commission, but you will be 1 i mi ted to thre.e mi nutes maxi mum. we have a timer. when the red light comes on, then your time will be up. And we do need to limit each and every speaker to three minutes. We've got over 90 people that have already filled out cards that were available to you when Page 5 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) ft you came in. They will be -- the procedure will be that I will callout the person's name from the first card, they're all randomly in here. I will also ask, then, from the next card, the next speaker come up and stand nearby so that 'they can address us, and we'll just go through this motion there so we can save some time and not wait for people to come up from the very back and so on. when all the people that are finished speaking, then the applicant will be afforded the opportunity for brief rebuttal, which will be limited to 15 minutes. Then the planning commission will be closing the public hearing, and at that point the commissioners may the proposal at this time, or we could also, depending on 6 ~ the hour, we might move, to extend the meeting up to wednesday, March 21st, to continue to discuss it. The commission's purpose here is to take public testimony, listen to the proposal, and then we will be providing a recommendation to the city council to either approve, approve with various conditions that we might impose, or modifications that we might impose, or to deny the application. , And as this, whatever recommendation the planning commission makes, if there's a dissent among members of the planning commission, any of their comments will become part of the pubhc record in any event, and all that wi'll be forwarded to the city council, and that Page 6 I - 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o ~ . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) is expected I think sometime early in April or at some point in April to then have another -- to have a public hearing. what we're hearing tonight is your testimony, and we'll be making a recommendation to the city council, the city council will make the ultimate decision regarding this issue. okay. Now, I would also ask right now, make certain that all your cell phones are turned, pagers are off. I would ask that and remind you that this is not a popularity contest. We don't, we've don't want applause, please. NO booing or hissing, please. No 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 banners being raised. okay. And I'm certain that there will be somebody that will say something that i.s witty or funny, okay, you can chuckle, but no laughing, please. okay. It .just disrupts and it will prolong this meeting, and as you can see, it's going to be a very long meeting. And so I would appreciate that. we also have members of the-- several members from the police department and the fire department here, fi re department maki ng sure we di.dn't overflow the room, and the police department. If anybody gets disruptive or unruly, I will ask, and that the police department will act as the sergeant at arms, and I or any of the other commissions can ask them to escort you out of this meeting. Page 7 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) Finally, when you're speaking address the chair and the rest of the commissioners. It is not, as you stand up here, you are giving public testimony to us, you're not to turn around and start talking back to the audience. okay. NoW, we also have our city attorney here, Steve Deitsch, and do you want to add anything to what I sai d? MR. DEITSCH: Chairman and commissioners. chairman, I think you've explained sufficiently what the 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 ground rules are for tonight's public hearing. I do want to emphasize one thing. My understanding is that this commission i.ntends to complete the public hearing tonight, even if it's in the wee hours of the morning. Your reference to continuing the matter to Wednesday would be solely after the public hearing is closed, not to take more testimony, but simply to allow the commission to deliberate on wednesday without public testimony at that time. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: That is correct, and we've al so deci dedthat at our 1 ast commi ssi on meeti ng that that was, would be the procedure. Although it would be a public hearing, I mean, it would be an open public meeting, but if we continue it, once we close the public hearing, then the Ilub li c heari ng is closed. And then we will deliberate and discuss. There will be no further comments from anybody in the public at that point. IS that correct, Steve? Page 8 ~ ~ .- - o - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 . . . 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) MR. DEITSCH: That is correct. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. gone through the ground rules. Now would the staff report. COMMISSIONER KRUCKEBERG: Thank you, Mr. olson. Thank you. welcome, everyone. Thank for coming. A couple of housekeeping items. There are rest rooms in okay. be the we've time for 9 the back right, to my right outside in the back of the hall. And as Mr. olson mentioned, speaker cards are available up at the end of staff table. please fill one out and get them up to us as soon as you can if you do intend to speak tonight. In terms of the staff report, the applicant, Caruso property Management, in partnership with Magna Entertainment, is proposing the Shops at Santa Anita project on the 304-acre property which is the Santa Anita race track. The project consists of development of an 829,250 square foot commerci.al, retail and office development on 85 acres on the southern parking lot of the race track, which will be arranged as pedestrian-oriented main street. Approximately 804,000 square feet of this project would be retail commercial uses. The other 25,000 are projected to be offices that have been earmarked for the Arcadia school District. The project would also include adaptive reuse of Page 9 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 :1.0 :1.1 12 :1.3 :1.4 :1.5 :1.6 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 . . 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) the western portion of the grandstand of the race track to construct an approximately 98,000 square foot simulcast Center, including existing wager and restaurant uses within the race track itself. The' project also includes a significant amount ~ 10 of open space and landscaped areas. A 1.4 acre portion of the project will be a landscaped area at the northern end of the property, which would interface along with the existing Paddock Gardens at the race track. There would be a seven and a half acre open space landscaped area on the southern end of the project, closer to Huntlngton Drive, which would also include a 3.5 acre water feature. In addition, improvements to vehicle and pedestrian access of course would be provided on site, as well as off site at other ancillary facilities to support the project. There are some boards available to my left that show some of the site plan, and you'll hear a little bit more about the project and the terms of the actual uses and the layout. Can people hear me in the back okay? It's okay? All right. The proposal in front of the commission tonight includes a specific plan, general plan amendment, zone change, architectural design repackage, deSign guidelines, and development agreement. To evaluate the impacts of the project, a final EIR has also been Page 10 ~ . - 24 25 o II 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 .11 12 '1.3 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) provi ded. The purpose of this hearing, as Mr. olson 11 mentioned, is to provide the planning commission an opportunity to make recommendations on to the city council on each of those entitlements that I mentioned. This is a recommendation. The city council will be the final decision maker on the project. I'm going to briefly go through each of the entitlements to explain what they mean as part of the project. The specific plan, the specific plan is a tool that's commonly used for large areas or unique properties that require special attention. since 1996 in the Arcadia General plan, the plan includes specific language about commercial development on these 35 acres in the southern portion of the race track property. The general plans mentions that the specific plan is the appropriate method, one appropriate method for regulating this property. The Shops at santa Anita specific Plan will provide policy and guidance for all the development that occurs withfn the 304 acres withi n the specific plan area. The plan itself provides allowable land uses, development standards and administrative procedures along with implementing actions intended to provide quality development on the site. The project also includes general plan pagel! o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) ~ 12 amendments. l;hereare general plan amendments that would go along with thespedfic plan to amend the land use designation within the general plan for the entire race track property, both horse racing and commercial, which it is currently, to specific plan. To amend also the general plan language to reflect the nature of the development anticipated in the specific plan, and to reflect further the implementation of that 1996 change to the general plan that I mentioned to add the commercial designation to this portion of the city. There is also a general plan amendment to amend language regarding view protection. There is also a zone change proposed. The 304-acre parcel now is currently zoned to Sl, which is special use, which has to do with the race track, ~nd also R1, which is residential single family. And this has been in place since the '40's. The addition of the specific plan will create an overlay zone of SP, specific plan, over the entire site. And it will also create a new zone on that site of 85 acres called commercial entertainment, CEo As .I menti oned , all of the development wi thi n the Sl. Rl and CE portions of the project will all comply with the provisions of the specific plan. I did already describe what would be in the general sense the project in the commercial entertainment ~ 13 Page .12 . -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ~ 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) area. The southern portion within the Sl portion, which makes up 219 acres, that's the race track property, the development includes the simulcast Center and the paddock Gardens that I mentioned in the beginning. A note on the Simulcast Center. It will be constructed completely within the footprint' of the existing grandstand.. The simulcast Center will accommodate uses that are currently located within the race track. That includes restaurant uses and parimutuel wagering. It's important to note that there are no new types of wageri ng proposed as part of this simulcast center, it just consolidates the existing uses that. are within the race track now. Parimutuel wa~ering is posted throughout the race track now, it would be continue with the simulcast center. With the number of comments made through our process about the Horse wizard machines as they're called, there are 47 such machines currently in the southern portion of the grandstand. Those may be moved to this new Simulcast area, but those are simply another method of parimutuel wagering, so again, no new methods of wagering proposed as part of this project. rhe terms of the R1 zoning, the residential zoning, the. 78 acres of R1 zoning on the .northern 14 1 property site as I mentioned that's been in place in the Page 13 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 a 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) city since the 1940's, no new residential uses will be permitted through this specific plan document. I can state that very clearly within the specific plan document. New development as a result of the project in this area would be limited access parking, circuiation areas, infrastructure serving development within the CE and Sl portions of the project. In the proposal to add residential in this portion would require a specific plan amendment and .addi ti ona 1 envi ronmenta 1 revi ew. so agai n, no new residential is proposed as part of the project. Architecture and design, I won't go into a lot, I think there will be a presentation in a bit that will talk a bit more about it. There are a very elaborate set of design guidelines and architectural design review package that is prepared as part of the project that will provide staff with adequate ability to regulate any of the projects that come in for plan check. It's an excellent set of architectural packages, which include precedent images of other projects, and also elevations for this project. Just in general, a couple other regulations. parki ng proposed meets the requi rement of the muni ci pal code. There are extensive landscaping and open space ~ ~ 15 1 2 3 4 areas as I mentioned, lighting, access and circulation improvements. It's important to note that parking and signagewill meet the code as required by Measure zone 0, which was passed by the Arcadia voters last November. Page 14 . ---"-- - --- --~ - " o . . . 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) As I mentioned, to evaluate the impacts of the project, and environmental impact report was completed. It was completed by EIP ASsociates, the city's consultants. On October 23rd, 2006 the draft EIR was circulated for a 45-day comment period, which was then extended an additional eight days, for a total of a 33-day comment period, which ended on December 14th. During that comment period there was a hearing in front of this commission which took public comment on the draft EIR,and these comments along with all of the responses we received in writing from the public, from the community, have been incorporated into the final EIR that has been distributed and evaluated by this commission. The, as I mentioned,the FEIR, final EIR incorporates all these comments. We received comment letters from local, state and regional agencies as well as from individuals. We also received comment cards from Arcadia First on both this, the draft EIR that was in front of the commission, and the previous draft EIR, 'Which had been withdrawn at an earlier date. we were 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 asked to respond to both of those sets of comment cards, and we've done that. There were five alternatives that were evaluated as part of the fi nal EIR. The no project alternative. .also an alternative that looked at continuation of uses allowed by the general plan currently. A reduced project Page 15 o . . 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) alternative, which essentially cut the project in half and evaluated impacts of that project. our alternative looked at a mix of uses which included a hotel and offices, and finally, an alternative, site configuration a 1 ternati Ire. With regard to the proposed project, the final EIR identified a hundred potential environmental impacts. of those impacts, 84 were determined to be less than significant: after mitigation. The additional impacts were identified as significant and avoidable after mitigation. The project includes what's called an MMRP, a mi tigati on monitori ng and reporti ng program. Thi s program includes what's called mitigation measures as well as project requirements. These are items that the applicant developer or successor in interest would need to complete prior to construction, prior to operation, prior to the issuance of a .certificate of occupancy. There are different time thresholds for meeting 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 all of these requirements. There were 79 mitigation measures on this project, as well, as 43 project re~uirements. In addition to that, the city has recommended conditions of approval, so there are a number of regulations to insure that this project mitigates its impacts. For those impacts that cannot be mitigated, the city as the lead agency may balance the economic, social technological and other benefits of the project against Page 16 ~ ~ 17 . - 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 - o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) its environment impacts, and may find that the benefits of the projects outweigh the impacts. The city would do this through what's called a statement of overriding considerations, and a draft statement of overriding considerations is included in the materials that are in front of the commission tonight. There have been several other materials that have been placed with the commissioners tonight that have been coming in since the final EIR and the staff report was submitted to the commission. There is an errata sheet provided as well as an additional environmental analysis that considered studying relocation of the saddling barn at the racetrack, as well as moving the existing excuse me, the proposea buildings off of the Los Angeles county Flood control channel, what was called wash. 18 1 2 3 4 S 6 7 8 9 10 11 This was a recommended study in. the staff report. In reaction to that, EIP & Associates did. submit a revised environmental analysis which looked at the impacts of rather than demolishing the existing saddling barn at' the race track, relo.cating it, and also looked at the impacts as I mentioned of moving the buildings off of the flood control channel. That analysis has been provided to the commission. we have copies available. And the analysis has concluded that there would be no additional impacts above and beyond what was evaluated in the original Page 17 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) environmental impact report. we can talk more about that if there are questions. we also included new letters, e-mails and correspondence that were provided to the city following the release of the EIR. These have been provided to the commission along with the responses to all those lay comments. An additional errat sheet was provided along with some edits to the staff report, and that is a document as well that's been given to the planning commission. There are two minor clarifications to the development agreement, language. which has also been replaced, it's a one-page document which has been placed at each of your seats today. And finally there have been ~ 19 - 1 several pieces of correspondences that have come in 2 either today or after close of business on Friday, and I 3 would just like to mention those into the record now. 4 we have a letter dated March 15th from the Rancho Santa Anita Residents Association. We have a letter from the city of San Moreno, also dated -- it's dated March 14th, received by the city March 15th. We have a letter 1:hat was received at the planning commissioners' homes which we -- which we have provided to you. A letter received today into the record, March 19th, from Mr. and Mrs. Norvill Gardener. We have a letter .received March 19th from the City of Temple City. And we have a letter received March -- dated March 12th, received March 14th, Doris Nelson, also would like to add Page 18 . v - 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 .23 24 25 o - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) that to the record and we can discuss those letters if you'd like. MR. DEITSCH: Mr. chairman, for purposes of clarification, one of the letter described was an anonymouns letter. It was not received by the full commission, but by one commissioner in his mailbox at home, and by a second commissioner as I understand it by e-mail. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: were I guess forwarded on that very much for clarifying that. That's correct, and we e-mail. Okay. Thank you 20 MR. KRUCKEBERG: we have a number of folks available to help with the questions and issues tonight. First of all we have Terri Vitar and Alison Rondone from EIP ASsociates. Terri is at the staff table. Through our receipt of comments some of the most improtant issues to the community include traffic, of course, and impacts to public services such as fire and police. So with that I'd like to turn it over to Don Penman, assistant citY manager, development services director, to introduce some other staff memberos to discuss these important issues. MR. PENMAN: Thank you. Mr. chairman, members of the commission, as part of the materials you've received there have been a number of comments and questions pertaining to the impact of the proposed project on dtY publi,c services. And we do have Page 19 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . ~ 031907pcmeeting (2) representatives from various city departments here this evening that can address those areas and respond to any questions you have. specifically we have representatives from the police department, fire department, public works services department, and our traffic engineering section. Each of them wi 11 provide a bri ef commentregardi ng the proj ect and its impact on the respective departments. At this point I'd like to introduce police chief - 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Bob Sanderson. CHIEF SANOERSON: Good evening, Mr. Chair and members of the planning commission. The primary mission of the Arcadia Police Department is to provide for the public safety. In order to insure that we do so requiers that we constantly evaluate the demands placed on the department that comes from the reporting of crime, the need for traffic enforcement and general public assistance and proactive community involvement. Proactive such as the ACTION Program and interaction with schools and other organizations. The level of servi ce provi ded to the communi ty is determined in part by our staffing levels as they relate to calls for service, our response time to calls, the need for formal investigations, and our ability to provide traffic and partking enforcement, as well as our ability to respond to extraordinary events such as disasters. . ~ Page 20 v e o - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 is 16 17 18 19 20 21 . . . 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) We provide for our staffing and department needs through a budgetary process which insures adequate resources as provided to hire and train staff and purchase the needed equipment. The police department staff has reviewed the proposed Shops at Santa Anita project for the purpose of 22 determining the potential impacts that this project may have on police service. To determine the anticipated calls for service that the Shops at santa Anita would generate for the police department, we look to our experience with Westfield Santa Anita for purposes of comparable uses. The department expects that the amount of police calls that could be generated by the proposed shops at santa Anita would 'be approximately 65 percent of that generated by Westfield Santa Anita when comparing gross leasable retail space. A corresponding percentage of formal investigations are also expected to result. To maintain the current level of service, the proposed shgps at santa Anita could generate the need ,for three additional poiice officers and' no additional detectives. The actual impacts may be of a lesser degree depending on the level of security maintained on the site. The proposed shops at Santa Anita project includes a master security plan that directs security general operations, public relations, media contacts, Page 21 22 23 24 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 . . ~ 031907pcmeeting (2) site access to public safety, emergency response, mjssing children, crimes, public safety communications and other aspect that affect public safety and coordination with the police department as well as existing security forces e 23 at Santa Anita Park. The department concludes the master security plan as comprehensive, and addresses all concerns to mitigate the need for police responses to the site. It also facilities the official police response when necessary . In regard to police response time throughout the city, a systematic study of police response time for 2005 reflected a response time to non-emergency calls at 15.5 minutes. The 2006 response time average for non-emergency calls was 12.14 minutes,. reflecting an average decrease in response times of over three minutes ~ from 2005. Response time for priority one emergency calls has remained consistent over the years at approximately two mi nutes. Traffic control is an important issue for everyone, and the park performs a variety of efforts toward traffic enforcement. we regularly meet with the Public 'Traffic Advisory committee for the city to work on solutions to traffic concerns. The department .has a dedicated traffic section determining day-to-day traffic needs, and also partners with other law enforcement agencies in mutual effor.ts towil:rds reducing incidents of Page 22' . v - 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (I 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) DUI and other traffic hazards. 24 The department' understands that with the operation of the proposed Shops at Santa Anita that there will be days during the year when many activities are occurring within the city that will create heavy traffic conditions. This has always been the case in our history as exacted by events such as the British cup at Santa Anita park, after-christmas sales at Westfield Mall, Harvest Moon Festival at the county park, and other events. On each of these types of occasions, the department's plan for extra staffing, specifically for the purpose of providing traffi~ and crowd control, and where necessary to provide staffing for satellite parking space, for your temporary traffic events, and for better measures to mitigate these impacts. It also bears noting that prior to the advent of intertrack wagering in 1987, the Santa Anita park hosted 30 to 50,000 patrons on a routi ne basi s. The pol i ce dpeartment developed staffing and traffic plans that handl ed this addi ti ona 1 traffi c whi'l e at the same ti me being able to maintain acceptable police response time for service calls. In conclusion, we believe that the mitigations outlined in the environmental impact report and specific plan that the police department would be able to maintain Page 23 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) 25 a level of service in the community. Thank you. MR. PENMAN: Thank you, chief. And I'd like to have Fire chief David Lugo address the commission. CHIEF LUGO: Mr. chairman, members of the commission, my name is David Lugo, I'm the fire chief here in the city of Arcadia. The Arcadi a Fi re Department has along history of bei ng recognized as a superi or fi refi ghti ng and EMS agency. The Arcadia Fire Department is currently rated as class 1 by the Insurance Services office, which is ISO. Part. of the criteria that is utilized to determine that rating is the measure of ability to specify a number of firefighters -- excuse me -- to a specific location within allowable time parameters. The problems are moderated by the severity of the hazard, required fire flows, and other related issues. AS a result, the fire department administration monitors the response times, that is the time the call is received from the dispatcher agency to the time we arrive there on a continuous basis. Quarterly summaries are reported by dispatch, and include all agencies that currently contract with them for dispatch services. Two standards of the AFD, Arcadia Fire Department, imposes upon itself for evaluation are, one, 26 Page 24 ~ e - . - - o . . . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1:2 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) arrive on the scene with a line of support within five minutes 90 percent of the time. Two, safely advance a single hose line as set forth by the National Fire protection ASsociation and OSHA standards into a single family residence within eight minutes of dispatch 90 percent of the time. The dispatch information presented assures that these standards w111 continue well into the future and continue its monitoring. In anticipation of increased call volume citywide and the motivation to strive for excellence in delivery of services, the fire department most recently i.nstituted a significant improvement in its Als service for cardiac patients. specifically, we have moved to 12-lead EKG's that can be read at a hospital while a patient is in the field, allowing for improved diagnosis and improved entry t.ime. In addition. Methodist Hospital has recently been approved as anST myocardial infaraction STEMI -- STEMI receiving center. This will afford better ALS care and much improved entry time into a STEMI center, improving the efficiency of the health services delivered to the city and the citizens of Arcadia. In summary, steps have been taken to improve the efficiency of services, allowing for more expedient responSeS that include transportation to medical 27 1 2 fad 1i ti es . It should be also noted that the fire department Page 25 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) recognizes call volume has increased citywide, and will increase due to this projec~. I~ also recognizes the fire prevention bureau's work load has increased and will increase well. To what extent, nobody can predict with a hundred percent accuracy. Bu~ as I have already mentioned,continuing of monitoring of response times, call volume and work load will remain in effect. If and when the determination is made that call volume exceeds the department's ability to maintain its excellent response to others, the city has the ability to apply sys~ematic interventions to compensate for the additionale volume. specifically, one of the means is achieved in the city's annual budget process that is reviewed and adopted by the city council. During that process, consideration is given ~o the cost of specific service leveJs, and a determina~ion is made as to the poli cymakers' level of service that they choose for the community. once the se rvi ce 1 eve 1 is dete rmi ned, it is reflected in the budget by the appropriations gran~ed to the staffing levels and the configuration of personnel. The ability to closely monitor the effects of the city's e - 28 1 2 3 4 5 demographics and community profile of the firefighter is achieveable. It is also possible to introduce specific measures and i.nterventions on an annual or semiannual basis to ensure the current service levels as desired by the policymakers are.maintained or even improved. Thank Page 26 . e 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2l 22 23 24 25 - o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) you. MR. PENMAN: And now, Mr. chairman, commi ssi oners, Deputy Public works di rector Tom Tate wi 11 address some public service questions. MR. TATE: Good evening, chai,rman and commissioners. My name is Tom Tate, Deputy public works servi ces Di rector. california state law and the California water code requires that water purveyors, the city in this case, prepare and approve a WSA for projects of this nature. The proposed water supply assessment is for the city to verify that it has sufficient water supplies to meet future water demands, the project's future demands, including normal water years, a single dry water year, and multiple dry water years. The conclusion of the WSA is that the city has sufficient water supplies to reliably and sufficiently meet the city's future demands, the project's future demands, including normal water year, a single dry water year, and multiple dry water year. 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The WSA was approved at the ci ty council meeti ng on January 3rd, 2006. NoW, California state law and the Department of Water Resources require that every water purveyor prepare and every water management plan be submitted to the Department of Water Resources. This is significant because the city used it urban water management plan as a source document for the Page 27 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o I . . 031907pcmeeting (2) incorporation of the WSA. The city of Arcadia meets its daily water demands from 13 active wells. We put out of two main water basins, the Main San Gabriel Basin and the Raymond Basin. The system's average annual water demand is approximately 16,500 acre feet per year, and the proposed project's water demand is going to be approximately 425 acre feet per year. Thank you. MR. PENMAN: Thank you, Tom. And now phil wray, our city engineer, will address some of the traffic - matters. MR. WRAY Thank you, Mr. penman. Mr. chairman, members of the commission. with regard to traffic, the EIR includes an extensive traffic analysis of the condi tions at 42 key i ntersecti ons wi thi n the regi on. Wi th and without proj ect traffi c. AS a result of the analysis, with the project traffic, mitigation measures are identified to mitigate - 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 project impacts to a level that conforms with the city's general plan and also the Los Angeles congestion Management plan. Developers are required to comply with all mitigation measures in the EIR. To summarize some of the key traffic mitigation measures, first ,of all, there are physical improvements that are required at 20 impacted intersections. The developer will be required to construct such improvements as additional thro~gh lanes, right turn and left turn lanes, and traffic signal modifications at each of these Page 28, . - 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 " 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 . 12 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) 20 intersections that might require some widening to make those work. The other element is traffic control system improvements that are required for 12 intersections. The developer will be required to purchase and install such things as underground conduit and fiber optics cable, closed circuit television cameras, visual detection systems, and traffic monitoring stations that will be added to the city's traffic control system that is currently being implemented, and to assist the city in the management of traffic flow at these key intersections from the city's traffic managing center in city hall. A third important measure for managing traffic, which is not part of the EIR, but it's improtant to note that it has already, it's actually in place today, has 31 been for some time, is the police traffic management and control program which is utilized on big attendance days at the race track. The city's police force has been using their traffic management program for these racing event days actually for several decades. and it's committed to continue to use this practice in the future. Just some other key elements of the EIR to note regarding traffic mitigation. There is also included a mitigation to control construction traffic during construction, also protection against neighborhood traffic. and parking intrusion, and also requirement for a Page 29 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) parking operations plan. And with that, that concludes my remarks. MR. PENMAN: Mr. Chairman, that concludes the remarks we have of staff, unless Jason or steve have any additional ones. COMMISSIONER KRUCKEBERG: I just wanted to add two additional letters that were hand delivered to us today. I wanted to introduce those into the record. We received a letter from westin Benshoof on March 19th, delivered today at the hearing. Each of you have a copy of that letter. .we also received a letter from chatten, Brown & carstens, which has also been placed at your places here tonight. e 32 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 COMMISSIONER OLSON: All right. Thank you. Steve, do you have anything else you'd like to add? MR. DEITSCH: NO, nothi ng further. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Just a couple of other quick items before we open the public hearing for the applicant. And when we do that, by the way, we're going to, all of us are going to go down and sit here so we can see the presentation. That's the first thing. Also, when you get up here, if anybody is speaking and somebody has already said something that been said, and you just want to repeat it, just. say I concur with the last speaker, or the speaker, you know, before or whatever, so we don't drag that part of it on. And at any time we might be, depending on the Page 30 - I e 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o " 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) staff's needs and well as the planning commissioners, we might take any type of a break at any time, and we'll announce that. We've got a stenographer typing up everything, and -- stenographer, I guess. Sorry. And so there might be a few breaks that we might need to take just for that a10ne. And then one final thing, just something that, I'd just like .to mention that tomorrow. night at 7:00 o'clock the city council has a regularly-scheduled meeti ng at the ci ty counci 1 chambers, and the Arcadi a 33 mayor, Roger Chandler will be presenting the state of the city address at that time, and everybody is invited, and if you can't attend, and I don't think there will be enough seats for everybody to attend, but you can see that on TV" Time-warner Channel 3 or champion channel 6. and it will be repl ayed several ti mes in the fo 11 owi ng week. And he will be giving a great report to the community discussing the overall condition of the City of Arcadia, and the significant accomplishments of the previous year. okay. Having said that, I'm going to go ahead and open the public hearing. The applicant is here and wishing to address us, and then we're going to head down here before you start to speak. And you've got 30 minutes. AS we make our way down, we will be dropping the screen here, so bear with us for a second. Page 31 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) MR. HAINES: Good evening. Testing. Good evening. My name is George Haines, and I'm the general manager and vice president of Santa Anita Park. We at santa Anita Park are one hundred percent behind the shops at santa Anita. All of us. The ownership, the management, and as you may know, all three of the state's major horse racing organizations, the trainers, the owners and the breeders have all thrown their support e 34 behind this important project. We believe that the development of this project is absolutely vital to.the long-term success of Santa Anita Park. Santa Anita Park is not seeking to become a casino, a "racino," or anything other than what we are, a race track. casinos are regulated by the state of california. And having casino gambling is strictly prohibited under california law. I care deeply about Arcadia, my grandparents moved to this city in 1918, I attended Arcadia public schools, and have worked at santa Anita for the past 35 years. I have seen this community grow and prosper. I want what's best for the city, and I believe that includes insuring that Santa Anita park. is part of our community for many years to come. AS you well know, Santa Anita Park and Arcadia have a shared history. At the track, we have always worked hard to become good neighbors. We support local charities and local businesses, and make our property available for communi~y ~vents. The annual high school Page 32 - . e 21 22 23 24 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 - 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) graduation ceremony is a great example. We're honored that Arcadia residents have welcomed us and allowed us to be part of this special community. For many years the track has been one of the best sources of revenue for the city, and these revenues 35 have helped pay for ci ty services such as pol ice and fi re departments. AS our business has declined, revenues for the city have declined as well. We see the Shops at santa Ani~a as a perfect means for increasing revenues to the city, and to pay for important services such as police and fi re . The south parki ng lots are zoned forcommerci a 1 development. This property will be developed sooner or later. We are fortunate that caruso Affiliated wants to work with us, and we think it's a golden opportunity for santa Anita and for Arcadia. We believe the Shops at santa Anita will bring people to santa Anita park, and introduce more families to what we call the sport of Kings. We support the shops at santa Anita because we know it will be an asset to the entire community. I'd urge you to also support this project as we do. Thank you for your time, and now let me turn this over for a detailed presentation about the project to Rick Caruso, the CEO of caruso Affiliated. MR. CARUSO: Good evening, members of the Page 33 23 24 25 o 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) commission, city attorney, community development, administrator, members of staff, fire chief, police chief, and all the other officials of the city, and the e 36 1 residents of Arcadia. Thank you very much for being here 2 tonight. I can't tell you how excited I am to be here. It's been a long and fruitful process. And I want to start out before we get into the project description with a few objectives that are laid out in the staff report, which I think are worth highlighting quickly. The objectives that the staff from this city and ourselves and many of the residents have laid out clearly outline a few things. one is to create a center with a vibrant, outdoor, main street ambiance, high quality retail, dining, cinema, and entertainment venues that visitors will be attracted to Santa Anita race track throughout the year. Create a high-quality, open air commercial and retail center that is distinctive to Arcadia. Create dynamic public space, enhance the cultural fabric of the community, provide an expanded economic base for the city that maximizes property value and instills tax revenue. Physically connect the center to the Paddock Gardens while preserving the formal design of the Paddock Gardens, in order to create a seamless relationship between the new project and the race track. Develop and provi de new office space to the Arcadi a school District administration, to allow the classrooms to be expanded Page 34 - . e o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 .10 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) 37 and reduce overcrowding at no cost to the Arcadia school Di stri ct. provide.a center that will attract patrons who will also visit the track, thereby bolstering and strengtheni ng the fi nancial vi abili ty of the track and ensure its continued operation. create a physical connection to the adjoining homeowners and also so people can walk, for pedestrian use, and our neighbors next to us, westfield Mall. Ensure land use capability -- compatibility sorry, by creating logical physical relationships. Create a special place that blends new complex of uses and buildings into a'design that celebrates the heritage of the race track, and thereby revi tali zing the race track in a respectful way that respects the hi stori c role the track has had in this community since the '30's. utilize great architecture, great design, great lighting, water features, gardens and landscaping to make it pleasing and a community attraction, and preserve the pageantry of the track. And most importantly is to mitigate the traffic impacts and any other impacts wi thin our abi 1 i ty to mitigate. we know when we come here today after a number of years asking permission to do something in your good city. And with that request also comes the obligation to 38 Page 35 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) e us, which we fully embrace, to do the right thing by this city, and to make sure that we do fully mitigate those impacts. I'd like to quickly go through a presentation which I need my.glasses in order to read. I didn't need them two years ago. Santa Anita Park today has acres of unattractive and underutilitized asphalt parking lots. Declining race track attendance has resulted in declining revenue for Arcadia. Since 190, the city revenues have declined 40 percent. Arcadia receives .33 percent share of on-track handle and sales caps through the beverage sales at the track. The surrounding grounds do not complement the a~chitecture. and it is grand architecture that this track has in the historic grandstands. The southern parking lots, as George has mentioned, are currently zoned for commercial development. There is about 3.5 million square feet of commercially-zoned: land adjacent to the race t~ack in the southern area. The race track today is one of the most beautiful sites of any track that has been built in this country. And it stands there majestically since the 1930's. One of the primary goals we have had, and the directives by the owners and the management of the track, - 39 1 is to build a project that reintroduces the track to a Page 36 .' e - o . . . 2 3 4 5 6 7 g 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) new generation of people Who can enjoy it, and thereby. enhancing its business. over the past two years, we have participated in more than 350 meetings with Arcadia city leaders, residents, school officials and organizations. We've hosted over 350 neighborhood meetings and get~together, senior lunches, and meetings with track employees. we have hosted tours on our existing properties for over 3,000 residents. we have administered a direct mail program that resulted in more than 10,000 responses and suggestions, and messages of support. We opened an office in Arcadia to establish a direct presence to the community, and we have been available to the residents and the city leaders. what's important in being out here for the last two years is that we have listened and we have learned, and the project today is a much better project than we originally proposed, because it directly reflects the comments and concerns and the wishes of the residents of thi s communi ty . Because of that, we scrapped an older EIR, and developed an new EIR, to incorporate the feedback from the community. As a result of those changes, again I believe our project is better and reflects the wishes and 40 1 2 3 desires of this community. The important changes that are made is that there is no residential element of any type in our Page 37 4. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) project. we heard loud and clear from the community that they did not want residential development. There is no gambling, contrary to what some of the opponents are saying, as George has said, gambling is regulated by state law, and there is no expanded gambling in this proposal at all, nor do we support it. All the retail buildings are now limited to one or two stories, 27 acres of asphalt is being removed and converted to new landscape and open space, representing over 30 percent of the entire project. There is not a development. a retail development in the united States that I'm aware of that has over 30 percent dedicated to outdoor uses.. And included in that, there's a new park adjacent .to the paddock. 22.000 square feet of office space will be given to the Arcadia unified school. valued at $22 million, at no cost to the school district. And again, at no cost to the community, there will be an indoor community performing arts theatre available free, that will seat about 400 people. The next time we have a pUblic debate such as this, hopefully it Will be inside the community performing arts theatre. e - 41 1 2 3 4 5 6 Tax revenue is important. We also, in addition to wanting to support the race track and keep the race track vjable and alive, we also believe it's important to add. new revenue to the City of Arcadia. The shops at Santa Ani ta wi 11 generate $2. 3 mill i on annua 11 y in tax revenue, which will help pay for police, fire, libraries Page 38 . e 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 2.3 24 25 - o I . . 031907pcmeeting (2) and park servi ces. The shops at Santa Ani ta wi 11 generate an additional 3.5 million annually in incremental property tax revenue for the City of Arcadia and other agencies. over the next 30 years, the Shops at santa Anita will generate more than $171 million in new revenue to the City of Arcadia and other agencies. What's also important is that we want to provide jobs. There will be over 1,000 temporary construction jobs created during the height of .construction activities, and 1300 new permanent jobs created upon opening. Our commitment to the community is that we will provide a local avenue of basically a job bank and it will allow local r.esidents to find job opportunities with the project, including students of Arcadi.a. Traffic improvements. Much has been discussed about traffic, and traffic. is important. It's also important to know that with Arcadia's development, 42 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 traffic in cities and counties and .areas increase just by the very nature of more people being on the roads. All the traffic impacts associated with the shops at Santa Anita will be fully mitigated within the City of Arcadia. $10 million of traffic improvements at no cost to the ci ty wi 11 be made by Caruso Affi liated. and that's by contract with the city. There is a guarantee that's provi ded by us to the ci ty. Thi s w:i 11 i ncl ude upgrading page 39 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeetin~ (2) traffic signals, adding turn lanes, widening lanes, and install i ng i ntelli gent traffi c systems. of the 13 intersections impacted in the city, seven will get better after mitigation than they are today. The remaining intersections will be fully compliant with city standards. Revitalizing the race track. The shops will go With the rich heritage of the park while enhancing the track as a regional attraction and horse racing icon. The shops at Santa Anita will be designed to complement the track's architecture and respect its historical si gni fi cance. The shops at santa Anita will revitalize this attraction by drawing a broader, younger audience who will rediscover the track. Together. the track and the Shops at santa Anita will provide an exciting destination that ~ll enhance both the shopper and horse racing e - 43 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 experience for visitors. And I do want to say that we are proud to be partners with the race track and with Magna corporation, and we appreciate all thei r assistance ~nd their design. We are also very proud of the fact that the ~irefighters Association has endorsed our project. The Shops at Santa Anita will add $2.2 million in revenue to the city, giving the city more resources to pay for things important to all of us, public safety, parks, the 15braries and better streets.. It Wi 11 allow the ci tyto increase fi refi ghter Page 40 I e 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 ? 8 9 10 11 12 . 13 .. . 031907pcmeeting (2) and paramedic staffing, assist the city in purchasing hew equipment, and help us in responding to you. That's from their president, John Twitche. we also received an endorsement from the Arcadia police officers Association, which we're very proud of. "The Shops at Santa Anita contribute to keeping Arcadia as a safe place for people to live and work," from thei r President Troy Hernandez. The Arcadia unified school bistrict has endorsed the project, "The shops at Santa Arlita will be good for all students and our community, this is a win-win for all. " From James C. Romo, the presi dent of the school board. And the Arcadi.a chamber of Commerce has endorsed 44 our project, noting, "The chamber beli.eves that the Shops at Santa Ani ta wi 11 have an i mmedi ate, growing and 1 asi ng positive impact on Arcadia commerce as a whole, and wholeheartedly supports the project." And the Rancho Santa Anita residents, the homeowners association directly adjacent to the race track also has endorsed the project by saying, "we strongly believe that the only way to mitigate current traffic is to modernize our traffic system, and Arcadia's best hope for doing that is by bringing the shops at Santa Anita to our community.;' From Kevin Tompkins, the president. The Santa Anita oaks ASsociation has also page 41 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) endorsed our project by saying that, "We believe that Caruso Affiliated will build a quality, upscale project worthy of calling Arcadia its home and that this wonderful. development will be an asset to the city and the residents for years to come." By Leona warden, president. As George just said, all the major horse racing associations have endorsed this project, understanding clearly how it will help the track. One thing to note is that in working with the State of california, there have been a lot of tracks that are closing, so the notion that tracks will close is not just a theory. If you've been e 45 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 looking at northern california, that track is closing, the track down here in Inglewood, that track has announced a closure, and this will continue to go on unless race tracks find other ways to attract people into those stands. The proposal for the shops at Santa Anita as presented does in our opinion an excellent job of integrating the historic architecture of the track, of the park, the grandstand into the project, while seemingly insuring that the racing operations are protected and enhanced. There is a very distant, and I apologize to the crowd here, the plan that we had had a portion which we're developing which sits on about 45, 48 acres, so there's the original park, the saddling barns that are currently here will be located off to the side, so it page 42 - I e o " . . . 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) will be opened up so more people can enjoy the beautiful architecture of these grandstands. Through the center there's an open street, similar to any main street that cities have, that's of a scale in comparison that you're all aware, or most of you are aware of, which is Myrtle Avenue in Monrovia, and this is a street that just carries pedestrians. It looks and feels like a street, but there is no cars allowed, because we don't want to mix cars and people. we think 46 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 it's dangerous. And the termination of it is a beautiful water feature which is about three a half acres, with restaurants adjacent so you can sit outsfde on a wonderful Arcadia night, look at the water, and have a great meal. And then this whole asphalt section that's down here.at the bottom of about 15 acres is now lawn as you're going along Huntington Drive, this is how it is comi ng through. And then on these great streets are wonderful upscale shops, boutiques and restaurants, and then looking. north, the cinema, and then there's a parking structure tucked behind these buildings that is not visible, for parking, along with a smaller parking structure. here, and surface parking adjacent here. The track then would maintain its parking to the east and to the north. This project .is a little bit over 800,000 square feet. The allowable square footage under the Page 43 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) commercially zoned portion of this property is a little bit over 1.1 million, so we're clearly within the intended commercial development on this site. this project, like all of the projects that we have built, and I would hope those who would happen ever to be at The Grove or The Commons or The promenade, contact us and have a chance to take a tour, just come on your own, is e 47 to build a beautiful, vibrant outdoor space, and the common denominator being, if you want people to go there just to hang out and enjoy themselves, to run into family, run into friends, to enjoy this special lifestyle that we have in this beautiful city of Arcadia, we know strongly that there is a market demand for these stores, we know strongly that there is restaurant demands for these restaurants. - The mall is a wonderful mall, our neighbors at westfield, but they are different in terms of the category that they're selling. And what's currently happening in the city today, is an enormous amount of your tax dollars are leaving the city of Arcadia. They're going to,pasadena or they're going to Monrovia. The upscale shopper is going either to the west side of town, or believe it or not, all the way down to southcoast Plaza. So one of the goals of our property is to, meet that demand and keep the tax doll ars wi thi n your own city that will actually benefit your city and support the inf.rastructure of the city of Arcadia. Next slide. I Page 44 e o e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 . . . 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) I know what -- we can go back -- they're flipping me a note. I'm getting little notes here. An important traffic mitigation measure that we've provided is this ring road, which takes traffic off 48 the surrounding streets and puts them on the interior project. And that's very important because that actually does reduce the traffic flow on the perimeter of the property. This is the view today looking west from the parking lot to the Westfield mall. If our plan is. a approved, we witl have it look like this, overlooking the three and a half acre lake, the great shops, overlooking the lake and beautiful landscaping surrounding it. The vi ew looki ng north, with the track in the distance and the beautiful hills, i,f we have an opportunity to develop this project, would look like this, wi~h the great main street, with pedestrians walking up and down, lined by great boutiques and shops and restaurants and the track at the terminus. The view looking northwest towards Clockers Corner would turn into a view that would look like this. That's the expanded paddock area that's about the size of a footba11 field that we would be adding to it. with the cinema and restaurants spilling OUt into it. And the view looking northwest to the paddock would end up looking like this. This is an outdoor dining terrace on a second floor of a restaurant looking Page 45 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) towards the track and the beautiful mountains, the main street down below. We've been asked to incorporate a e 49 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 trolley. Trollies have become popular in our projects and we're happy to do that. And we think with this, what will end up happening, is actually more people who live in the area will actually enjoy the beauty of that track, go into the track, watch the horses being saddled, watch the jockeys getting ready and watch a race, which we think extends and makes the shopping experience much more interesting. Now, in conclusion, we're going to show you a little tape, that I wanted to wrap up by thanking everybody who has been involved in this process, the thousands of people that we met with, the thousands of people that have responded to our request to help us desi gn thi s. This project will fulfill the Arcadia general plan goal of creating a SRAOEU SWRAPBT development with a focus on being a communi ty gatheri ng place. It wi 11 replace a vast and unutilized parking lot. It will increase the .property tax base of this property and help the city of Arcadia. It will promote the development of Arcadia as a place for people to shop and dine and patronize local business and keep sales tax revenue within the city of Arcadia. It will help revitalize the track, which has seen its prominence in the community and importance as a premier venue for thoroughbred racing - Page 46 . . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 - 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o I . . 031907pcmeeting (2) 50 diminish in attendance. It will create a higher quality integrated open ai r retai 1 center. It wi 11 provi de a community performing arts venue. It will further connection with the surrounding uses. It will contribute to the modernization of the traffic system within Arcadia. It will generate thousands of jobs. It will expand opportunities for work and employment in Arcadia. It will fund millions of dollars in infrastructure and will provide needed space for Arcadia school district. But most importantly, my commitment to you, the resi dents, and to the 1 eaders of the ci ty, is that we will work hard to build something that you're truly proud of, that you feel like is part of your community, and that you will enjoy with many generations for years to come. And with that, we're going to do a very quick fly-through of a model that will help depict, in about two minutes, the feeling of going through 'the shops at Santa Anita. So this is the expanded paddock area that you're seeing in the dfstante. AS you' repulling back, backing up down main street, is the existing paddock, the expanded paddock area, fountain courts. We have a number of fountain courts throughout the project. The main 51 Page. 47 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) e street, with the trolley running down the middle, is a series of plazas, gardens, throughout the project, for people to sit outside, read the newspaper, have a cup of coffee and dine. All the materials on the project are real. They're rich. They're brick. They're stone. There's nothing I1hony or fake about it. And there's places for people to gather, which is really our primary focus. We have a focus on safety in all of our projects. If you talk to anybody in the communities that we work and have projects, the local police departments will verify that. And our commitment to this city is long-term. I don't sell our projects. we're going to own this for many, many, many years, and we want to be a good neighbor arid a supporter to the city and its residents. Lush landscaping. Everything comes in mature and fully grown. And we think that the outdoor space, especially along the water, is going to provide a unique and wonderful feature for people to enjoy during the day or the evening. I know that many people that are here, are here from Arcadia Fi,rst, who for whatever reason are opposing the project, and I would certainly welcome the opportunity to meet with you and further discuss the - 52 1 2 project and discuss your concerns. Because I believe so strongly that this meets all the goals of the city of Page 48 I e " o . . . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 U 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) Arcadia, that if you're open-minded, we can certainly find ways to mitigate the concerns that you have. And I think that when you really look at all the true facts, that you will be a supporter of this project. And I know many people have to leave that are our supporters who are here tonight, and before you do leave, I want to thank you for taking the time. You have spent endless, endless hours, we've been in your living rooms, we've been in restaurants with you, you've been on tours, and I appreciate that, you have made this project better. And if I could just ask by a show of hands, the people that are here, before you take off, who support this project, I would certainty appreciate that. Thank you very much. Appreciate you being here tonight. planning commission, thank you very much. I would ask our supporters not to leave unless you have to. I didn't want to encourage people to go home. Mr. Chai r, if there's any questi ons, I'd be more than happy to try to answer them, or I have my staff here who can certainly help me. 53 1 2 3 4 COMMISSIONER OLSON: could everyone please be quiet and. sit down. okay. Thank you. Thank you Mr. . Caruso. Page 49 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) Are there any questions of the applicant from any of the commissioners? okay. MR. CARUSO: Great. Thank you very much. COMMISSIONER OLSON: We have your presentation and you'll have a chance for rebuttal at the end of the pub 1 i c hearing. okay. I think I have more than 90 cards. okay. These area'l random. we'll start going through them. You have three minutes. We do have the timer. And .where is the light? I can see the light. when it goes to red, your time is up and we will cut you off at that point, unfortunately. But like I said before, there's still another public hearing before the city council and if you don't feel like you got everything in that you wanted to say tonight, you can still address a letter to the city and you can obviously speak before the city council as well. okay. The first person is Art Fry. And then after that will be Robert Bartley. If you'd come on up. e - 54 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Thank you. MR. FRY: Gentlemen, my name is Art Fry and I reside at 231 West camino Real. we've lived here since 1974, and. in the area since 1960. You've been discussi ng traffi c hi story. AS a resident, I remember the city police department here in Arcadia handling the traffic from santa Anita when it was Page 50 . e e o . . . 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) at its peak and we had many, many cars, and they handled it just excellently. I'm fascinated by the term good traffic for Westfield and bad traffic for Caruso. I have seen good drivers and bad drivers, but I've never had good and bad shoppers. In closing, Caruso is good for Arcadia. Many cities would give anything to get a quality development like this one proposed. I truly hope that Westfield works with, not against, the caruso development. Thank you for listening. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you, Mr. Fry. The next speaker is Robert Bartley. And after that will be Dave sweeney. MR. BARTLEY: My name is Robert Bartley. We live out on old Ranch Road. We moved here in 1964. We've raised two sons in the local schools here. And we aren't planning on moving anywhere. We 55 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 want to stay here. I don't like to drive as much as I used to and we hate to go to Pasadena and other places to do our shopping. This looks like the project that we want. We find that it would be really comfortable, it would be enjoyable. I won't have to drive so 'far out. We think this is really good for Arcadia. It wi 11 bring in revenue and probably have people sti ck around here more, and also bring in other people that have the money like us. We're the gray panthers now, page 51 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) we're retired, arid'we have the time to go shopping and visiting. e I really appreciate the project and the presentation here and look forward to seeing this come to face. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you, Mr. Bartley. Mr. Sweeney. And after that it will be Bruce McCallum. MR. SWEENEY: Thank you very much, Mr. chairman and other members of this commission. My name is Dave Sweeney and I have lived in Arcadia for over 40 years, with the only exception being a couple of years that I moved out of state to run a company. I have six children. All were raised and schooled right here in Arcadia. several of them still live here. In other words, this is home to me. 56 e Thank you, Mr. chairman, we appreciate this opportunity to speak. I am disturbed by What I see and what I hear concerning this project before you, and I am concerned about what is happening to our great city. This campaign to stop the shops at Santa Anita, I feel, has gone way, way too far. A commercial enterprise, Westfield Mall, certainly has the right to protect its business interests ,but not to denigrate city officials and el ected offi ci a ls, offi ceho 1 ders. The tacti.csthat we see being used are those coming from a front. group which so nobly is called Page 52 . e 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 . . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) Arcadia First; is nothing more than tactics that are used in political campaigns when one side has nothing constructive to offer, so they denigrate their opponents, sowing seeds of doubt about our elected officials, pitting neighbor against neighbor, using dishonest and deceptive advertising to lance their opponent, when all the time the real culprit that provides all the. money and the personnel is Westfield Mall. All of us in this room are proud of Arcadia and. certainly the services that we have. We have one of the finest fire departments and police departments, and probably one of the largest for a city this size. And this has come about not because we just wanted it, but 57 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 U 13 14 this came about because when the race track was really booming and the revenues that came in, when they were averaging many more thousands patrons per day, that's how we received thi s fi ne servi ce. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Mr. sweeney. MR. SWEENEY: Yes. COMMISSION OLSON: You're past your 3-minute time. If you'd like to submit your speech to us and for the public record, we'd accept that. MR. SWEENEY: I don't think so. I would like to, wrap it up with just a very short -- COMMISSIONER OLSON: No, we can't. The next person ;s Mr. Mccallum. And after that would be priscilla Shively. Page 53 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) MR. MCCALLUM: I have a complaint, if I may, registered up front. The gentleman by the name of Rick caruso kind of preempted most all of my comments here, and I'd like him to be duly reprimanded for that. Just a couple of real quick items here. The EIR, folks, Caruso had one significant connection with that EIR: He paid for it. That was his sole contribution. okay. That was an issue mandated by the state. e He mentioned having several hundred meetings in the city. I was in several of those myself. We're going 58 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 to have the significant contribution to our school district here. We're going to have the performing arts theater. And I'd like to ask what other business entity in the state -- pardon me, in the city -- has done anything. anything similarly comparable. I don't think we're going to find a one. okay. we notice that we have -- we've received a lot of endorsements from a lot of associations here in the city. I just wonder what influence this foreign-owned company is going to have on our own Arcadia city here. In closing, let me just say that my wife Joanne and I fully support this development. We've worked hard for it. We will continue to work hard for it. And like the gentleman before me, we really, really resent our mailboxes, our front doors getting all of this inaccurate propaganda sent to us. It's an insult to us. COMMISSIONER OLsON: please, hold the applause, Page 54 . e e 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o - . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) please. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mccallum. Mrs. shively. And after that will be Don Robison. MS. SHIVELY: My name is priscilla shively and I live at 426 East camino Real. My husband and I have lived here for 38 years. we have never seen one of the Caruso projects, 59 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 so we decided one sunday to take a ride to The Grove. As we entered the shopping area, we were immediately struck by the sight of how family-oriented it was. Families were walking together. Families were sitting by the water. Families were riding the trolley. You did see teens, but ,they were in groups of two or three and they were not the predominant group. It was the family Unit that was predominant. And for a couple in our age group that had decided to come out and enjoy the beautiful day, the outdoor setting, the low background music. the free trolley ride, the quality shops and restaurants, all added up to a delightful sunday outing. westfield has a nice shopping center for the people it serves, which to me seems to be the younger generation. when you visit the mall on weekends you see throngs of young people shopping and socializing. Westfield is indeed serving this group, but I left the mall yea'rs ago, as I did not find stores that fit my taste. I am deli ghtedthat the shops we wi 11 bui 1t to Page 55 20 21 22 23 24 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 1.8 19 20 21 22 . . 031907pcmeeti ng (2) better serve this other group of shoppers to which I belong. e After our visit to The Grove, my husband and I became full supporters of the Caruso project. Mr. Caruso is a man of integrity that will build a top quality project that will serve the community well. He supported 60 our city by removing the housing component of his plan, providing 40 years of free school district office space and theaters for school district performances, in addition to spending millions on upgrading for traffic signals around the project area. It's a testament to his commitment to work with the residents. There is room for both the Westfield and the Caruso projects. The competition will create a positive outcome for all in the community. There is no need for all the negative mailings that come to our home. It is pathetic how westfield is taking the low road and bombarding us with misinformation about what is going to happen to the Santa Anita grounds. The rant on the traffic is just hypocritical. Westfield will be extending their mall, so how can their additional traffic !:Ie acceptable while the Caruso traffic is called congestion? HOW insane is this argument? People in. the city might have been fooled once by deceptive Westfield tactics, but we will not be fooled again. we applaud Caruso as an ambassador for the city rather than the approach of Westfield as an antagonist. I hope the city adopts the Caruso project for .the good of Page 56 - I e 23 24 25 o - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) all Arcadi a. Thank you for your time. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you, Mrs. shively. 61 The next speaker is Don Robinson. And then after that wi 11 be Emily pi erce at 436 Fairview No. 25. MR. ROBINSON: Thank you, Mr. chairman, and members of the planning commission. My name is Don Robinson. My wife and I Laverne have 1 ived in Arcadi a for 46 years. We rai sed three children in the Arcadia school district; And Mr. Rick Caruso stole my speech here, so I'm not going to reiterate everything he said, but I would like to just mention a few highlights that I think's important. Every~ody here in this room wants what is best for Arcadia or they wouldn't be here tonight. I do feel that the shops at Arcadia will be good for Arcadia. We came to Arcadia 46 years ago because we wanted our children to go in good schools. That's still a big drawing factor. And what they're doing for the high school by increasing the availability of classrooms and. making a good central location for administration, I think is admirable, and costly. Increased tax revenue, .2.2 million; sales tax, 2.3; tax revenue of three mi l1ion. Increased parking facilities. We don't really Page 57 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 . . 031907pcmeeti ng (2) like to go to westfield as much, especially on a Friday e 62 or saturday, because you have to go up and down looking for a place to park. We like some of the things there. And I really think competition will be good for everybody in Arcadi a. over the last, just week, we've received, you know, things in our door, in our mail. six of them right here. T09aywe received one professional monthly update from the shops at Santa Anita. What's in here Mr. caruso mentioned true facts in the EIR and the updated EIR.. What's in here is innuendos talking about more gambling, more traffic, more housing. It's not going to be more housing. That was stated earlier. It's not gOing to be more gambling. And traffic will be updated and miti gated in such a way that it wi 11 be handled more efficiently. Also, the security -- we visited all the caruso sites, and what we saw, we liked. security there is good; There's a lot of burden on the police department right now and they're handling it very well, but this wi 11 i ncreasethe available securi ty at the shops at Santa Anita. e so I hope it can go through as quickly as possible. Thank. you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: The next speaker is Thank you, Mr. Emily Beersman. Robinson. 63 . Page 58 e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 e 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Zl 22 23 24 25 o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) And after that will be Di.rk Hudson. Emily not here? Is Dirk here, then? okay. And after that will be Nassef Eskander, 76 pamela Road. MR. HUDSON: Mr. Chairman and commissioners, as Arcadia residents who live just north of the race track, we ask prompt consideration and approval of the above-referenced project. We have toured Caruso projects at Commons callabasas and The Grove, and came back deeply impressed. our concern for Arcadi a both, one, tha~ Arcadi a', s heri tage and hi stori crace track be preserved; and two ,. that as part of its future heri~age, Arcadia not miss out in the benefi t of havi ng its own Caruso proj ect. The latter concern is not only for the sake of preserving the economic viability of Santa Anita, but equally for the demonstrated beauty and styles that the Caruso landscaping and architecture will bring to our community in its own right. This will be a vast improvement over today's empty parking lot and the unobstructed views and trashy looking east side of the Westfi.el d Mall. What then are the benefits of the project to Arcadia? As we see it, they are .sevenfold. 64 page 59 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) There's the need to preserve the santa Anita race track. westfield has offered no alternative plan for doing this and something will have to be done. second, there's a proven attractiveness of Caruso projects already in existence, which is available simply for the looking. Third, tax revenue from the proj ect. wi 11 help support the schools and vital services, including police, fire, and ambulance protection, as well as providing for traffic mitigation. Fourth, the addition of the open-air mall will provide a wide spectrum of goods and services with greater competition for the consumer dollar. After all, we all are consumers, and this all will be in a safe envi ronment. Fifth, the project will have an auditorium, performing arts center for use for schools or community events. Thi swill fi 11 a si gni fi cant gap in communi ty life. It would also provide, free of charge, offices for the Arcadia school district. sixth, the project will be designed so as to complement the track and be consistent with its use and architecture. Horses being brought out for racing events and perhaps even offer ri des on horse'"drawn carriages. seventh, the project will also complement e e 65 1 2 3 Westfield by providing an attractive open-air counterpart to the westfield Mall and by allowing for the exchange of visitors so that e.ach mall's customers could become those Page 60 . e e o . . . 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) of the other. The success of food courts in malls, as well as jewelry and garment districts in cities such as LOS Angeles, proves that competitors may prosper from proximity to one another, by getting consumers interested in a greater variety of chojces. whereas the shortsighted micro perspective, seeing westfield and Santa Ani,tapark as competing with each other, the larger macro view envisions the combination of the two malls as nearing distant customers who might otherwise have gone to another locale, such as the Glendale Galleria or Paseo. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Mr. Hudson" your time is up. I'm ,sorry. MR. HUDSON: Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. The next speaker is M,r. Nassef Eskander. And then after that is craig Smith. MR. ESKANDER: My name is Nassef Eskander, 76 West pamela Road. And very briefly, the horse racing track was a fine art of sports, and this was in the '40s, '50s, '60s. And the capacity of the race track is 26.000 seat. If 66 1 2 3 4 5 these 26,000 is full today, I don't know what would be the traffic, but as we know, the average attending of the race track is 9,000, and the maximum is 15,000, doesn't reach that amount, which mean that we have a setting off between 17,000 spectators and 11,000 spectators. That Page 61 o . . 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) can show the mitigation of the traffic in the area. It's already happened to the area. That's number one. Number two. westfi e ld, when they are proposi ng their project, I stand in front of the planning commission and I was against westfield development. NOW, nobody in this audience knows that Westfield has an approved plan from the planning commission, forwarded to the city council's approval, for an additional hundred thousand square feet of commercial. This has been adopted by your commission and was forwarded to the city council for approval. The type of commercial coming from westfield is not the type of Caruso. Caruso is targeting a special audience. It's not targeting what Westfield is looking for. Now becomes a focal point, getting people from all around the, cities. The people targeting is not the one we are looking for in the city of Arcadia and everybody knows about that. I am supporting the project. I was against the project at certain times. And after thorough e e 67 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 investigation on my part, I feel really supporting that project. It. is a really good project for Arcadia. And last, not least, I don't like to see so many mai 1 s. Inaddi ti on to you are bei ng pai'd money by some concerted in order to sway your voting, and I don't like that. we are not third world country. We are here in America. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Page 62 . e 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 - o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) Mr. Smith. And after that we have Gino Roncelli. MR. SMITH: MY message is very brief. I got the information from the Arcadia First and it affirmed that it would be a vote of the people of Arcadia regarding this before the plans are put in motion. And I think that would be useful because the people should decide which way it's going. personally, I'm opposed to. it, but that's part of the game. And I think we all need to have a say on whether this happens or not. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank.you. Mr. Roncelli. And then after that, Nicky Hunter. MR. RONCELLI: Good evening. I'm Gino Roncelli, 1250 Ramona Road, Arcadia, resident of 39 years. I also am fairly angry at all the mail t've been 68 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 getting. There's a lot of innuendos. I'm really happy we have this meeting tonight to clarify a lot of the issues. The staff here at the city has clarified a lot of it about the housing, about traffic, about gambling machines, that they're not going to have them. so I think this meeting.was a really good idea to clarify a lot of those issues. I've also been out to the caruso project. Thank you, Mr. Caruso, for inviting me out. I really think it would be a great asset for our city to have it here. It Page 63 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) would be really nice that my 'wife doesn't have to drive allover southern california to shop. I would also ask for approval. The other thing I would like to ask, I'm hoping you'll agree with this, is that we fast-track this. It would be really great for our city to get this done quickly. I'd like to ask that the first thing we do is to put the traffic issues behind us and get those signals all fixed first and then get on with the project. so I'd just like to have that happen first, if we could do that. Thank you. COMMISSION OLSON: Thank you, Mr. Roncelli. Next is Nicky Hunter. And then after that would be cathy Hundshamer at 301 santa Rosa Road. MS. HUNTER: Gentlemen, I'm Nicky Hunter. I e 69 e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 live at 120 West Sycamore Avenue. I've followed both sides of the discussion with interest for the last two years or more. I've read all the opposing arguments, which basically seem to boil down now to just two things: Traffic issues. Let's be clear. Traffic would be generated by both the third extension of the westfield Mall and the 'Caruso development., Accordi ng to Arcadi a Fi rst, the caruso development, and puzzlingly only Caruso, will generate millions of extra' cars. HOW can that be? presumably because the Caruso project will be so much , better than the westfield one, that billions of people Will want to come and enjoy it. Otherwise, why aren't Page 64 . e o e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 . . . 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) they coming now. Caruso's project is obviously going to be wonderful. And caruso is contributing ten million dollars to easing traffic. What a pity that westfield's contribution towards the traffic easement is just millions of dollars wasted on misrepresentation. Then we come to gambling. we 11, I thi nk you yourselves and Mr. caruso himself has sufficiently knocked that on the head. There will be no extra gambli ng in the man. There wi 11 be no extra gamb 1 i ng in the race track. It's clear. so as far as I'm concerned, the benefits from 70 Caruso, however, a~e compound. we've got extra revenue, a wonderful town center, upscale shopping, 'and a beautiful and impressive way to dine outdoors facing our historic landmark, enabling everyone to savor and experience it. We don't have any of these benefits currently, and Westfield can't provide them either. The alternative is not nothing, it would be some other type of commercial venture with considerably less appeal. So gentlemen, opportunity is there on a plate, please grab it while you can. COMMISSIONER OLSON: The next speaker -- and if you want to say your name, because I didn't quite get it right, I think. But after that will be Robert Holmes. Go ahead. Page 65 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) MS. HUNDSHAMER: Thank you, gentlemen. My name is cathy Hundshamer. I live at 301 Santa Rosa Road. My husband and I have been residents of Arcadia for the past 23 years. We've raised our daughters here in the public school system. we live in an area that's referred to as the gardens area, and what that really means is we're directly across the street from this project. In addition, I work about two blocks away from where we live. so I'm affected both with work and at home. I 71 1 And we've studied the project. We've listened 2 to all that's been said. We've been to the community meetings. How can I follow the lady that was before me other than to say. ditto, and thank you Mr. Caruso for bringing us the opportunity. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Mr. Holmes. And after that will be Patty wang-Dion. MR. HOLMES: I'm Robert Holmes. I live at 1015 Arcadia Avenue, and I've lived in Arcadia for more than 30 years. when the shops at Santa Anita were first proposed I was somewhat dubious about what value it would have to the city of Arcadia. .But as the process moved along and I've learned more about the shops at Santa Anita, I became more interested. And I was also very impressed by Mr. Caruso's ;meeting all of the complaints that were raised and improving his project in the page 66 e . e 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) process. I think it would be a great loss to the city of Arcadia if this project were not built and I hope to see it built as soon as possible. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. okay. we have Patty wang-Dion. And then after that will be Mary Dougherty. 72 MS. WANG-DION: Mr. chairman, commiss.ioners of the Arcadia city Planning commission, my name is Patty wang-Dion. I live on catalpa Road, My husband .and I have been residents of Arcadia for over 20 years and have lived in the Arcadia/pasadena/san Gabriel area for over 30 years. And during this time we've seen the population grow significantly with all the associated issues of growth. Mainly increase in housing, both single and multi-unit residences, multi-family homes; increase in school age children; increase in safety, security and crime issues, not only in the home, but in the community setting; increase in retailers With the growth of the mall from Fashion Square to Westfield. Allimpi!.cting the increased growth of traffic that we see today. we have seen less traffic from the race track over the years due to the conveniences of off-site betting and have seen the underutilization of the massive parking areas in this beautiful and historic landmark in the city of Arcadia. Page 67 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) I'm here to express my support of the Caruso project, the shops at santa Anita. I'm not going to go reiterate and state that which has already been conveyed regarding the plusses of this project with regards to the Arcadia school district, the community performing arts e 73 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 lS 16 17 18 19 20 21 2~ n center, the increase in the tax revenues, the quality retailers, restaurants and entertainment experience, but I want to express to those who are in opposition, or who are undecided about the project, to make an informed decisi on in deci di ng on thi s worthwhi 1 e qual i ty venue. It is our responsibility in making a well informed decision to take a look at all the pros and cons. And, of course, one of the biggest concerns is traffic and that's already been discussed. caruso will be spending over ten million dollars in trying to mitigate the identified intersections for our traffic situation. And with this, even without the shops, the traffic will continue to increase, and we as residents will end up having to address this issue by eventual taxes.. So this is our opportunity to say yes to the shops at Santa Anita, who will address many of our critical traffic issues being encountered and be able to get a quality venue that will contribute value to our community and to the city of Arcadia, as well as help enrich and revitalize the race track. We cannot afford to let this project slip away. Thank you very much. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Page 68 . e e 24 25 o e . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) Mary Dougherty. And then after that will be. colleen Brennan. 74 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MS. DOUGHERTY: My name is Mary Dougherty. I live at 1110 Rodeo Road. I've lived in Arcadia since 1971 and I served on the school board for 16 years, from 1985 to 2001. I'm a proud supporter of the shops at Santa Anita and I'm very grateful for the management of the race track to bring in a quality developer that proposes a project of which we .can be proud. I think that the office space that. is provided for the Arcadia school district is invaluable and it provides the opportunity for the further expansion at the high school. Traffic, I think, is the biggest concern of this project, and I think that the planning commission and city ought to be very concerned that westfield has not .fol1owed through on the required mitigations for thei r previous approvals. And I hope that you will establish a cooperative relationship and require cooperation between the caruso project and the westfield project i.n addressing those traffic needs. I fully support the idea that housing has been totally eliminated from this project and I commend Mr. caruso and his staff for listening to the community and seeing to it that housing would have no part of this community -- I mean of this project. Thank you so very much. page 69 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) e 75 COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you, Mrs. Dougherty. Next is colleen Brennan. Then after that will be Roberta Beaumont. MS. BRENNAN: Mr. chairperson, commissioners, I strongly believe that the great positive benefits of the caruso/Magna proposed project has been about the best thing in the over 45 years I've lived in Arcadia that I've seen proposed. Some of the people that still believe that some of the problems that have been addressed, and I feel successfully taken care of by Mr. caruso, I feel that I don't know why that I keep getting misinformation through the mail like a lot of people that spoke before e me. And also, in closing, I'd like to say that we can surely use a good auditorium. Thank you very much. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Okay. Roberta Beaumont is next. And then after that will be Rebecca Ruiz. MS. BEAUMONT: Hi. I'm Roberta Beaumont. I live at 901 panorama Drive. I had the opportunity to work in the Hollywood area and have frequented The Grove many, many times. I love the opportunity to go shopping at Farmer's Market, and also go shopping at Banana Republic. 76 Page 70 . ------ -~- --- e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 e 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) But on a separate level, I have two small children, and two years ago I came home and I told my husband, we've got to go to The Grove to see the Christmas tree. I said we want to go to The Grove, it's there on the other side of the world, I said we've got to go there, it's just beautiful. So we went in the car, we spent the whole eveni ng there., it was absol ute 1 y spectacular. I love the idea that we can be a family and enjoy a lot of wonderful things that Caruso brings to the table. I am in very much support of this project and I hope that you will vote to place it in our city because it's a great opportunity for us. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Rebecca Ruiz. And after that will be Christopher Horn. MS. RUIZ: I'm Rebecca Ruiz and I live in the lower Rancho. I have an eight-year-old daughter who is in the Arcadia school district. You've heard community support for this project from the police department, fire department, homeowners associations, and many, many residents. so how did this come about? Well, there's a chinese proverb, and it says: Tell me, and I'll forget. show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I'll understand. 77 1 And I think that caruso's approach from day one Page 71 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) has been community involvement. These community service organizations, the fire. the police, school, they've taken the time to become involved through his process. And why would he do that? I think there are three e reasons. One, because we'll feel more ownership towards the project and that will make it a success. Two, we understand the project, so we can disregard all of those gross misrepresentations that westfield has. made, and Arcadia First. And three, I think he's showing us that he will be a good neighbor by listening. So of all these benefits that the project brings, I also think there is an ancillary benefit, and that would be., let's reinvigorate the race track, make sure they are a big contributor just as the mall is, westfield. And let's then introduce a third dynamic, which is Caruso, to put a stop this corporate bully Westfield. Thank you. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Mix the cards up. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Yeah, mix the cards up. COMMISSIONER KRUCKEBERG: The cards are in the order that we received them. COMMISSIONER OLSON: please be quiet. e 78 1 2 3 4 Christopher Horn. And the next speaker will be Eleanor Allen. MR. HORN: Good evening. My name is Christopher Horn. I live at 5 south old Ranch Road. I've lived in Page 72 . e 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Z3 24 25 e o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) the area my entire life, grown up in the area, have lived in the same home for 30 years, learned how to drive on the race track parking lot. I believe that's why they closed it. But my business is in Monterey Park and I currently serve as a chai rman of the Economic Development Commission for the city of Monterey Park. I've followed this fairly closely for a number of years now, and opportunities like this are few and far between. This project is very well thought out. Mr. Caruso made an offer of having any questions resolved. so when I got a flier in the mail offering a free meal, I quickly took advantage of it went out and saw The Grove, and all our questions were answered, all our concerns were addressed, and my wife and I were very impressed with The Grove and the operation in general. It's first class. Cities in the san Gabriel valley and all of southern california would be proud to have a project like this. I just strongly suggest that you pass this as quickly as possible. My wife and I both agree and I hope that the majority of the residents in Arcadia agree also. 79 1 2 3 4 5 6 Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. The next speaker is Eleanor Allen. And then after that will be Jolly Wu. okay. Eleanor Allen is not here, then we'll go to Jolly wu. Page 73 o . . 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeetinJ[ (2) And after Ms. wu we'll have Betty Hettrick. MS. WU: I just received a phone call yesterday from my fri end. Hi s ki d has a reason that he's not doing well at his school. The mother told me that's because on the way to the school they got stuck in the traffic. And also, he told. them, too much carbon monoxide. So the kid use it as an excuse now, say that he cannot do well at the school. I've been in the city for seven years. The traffic has just really increased a lot. I used to get off at Baldwin Avenue and drive like 007, you know, fast and speed up. And I look around how many people currently Mr. caruso bring into the city. I think their size must be huge, bigger than the air bus that just landed at. LAX. So much traffic. However, I do believe our first lady, Laura Bush, said it, whatever happen in Las vegas will stay in Las Vegas. So whatever happen in the future at Santa Anita race track or westfield Mall should stay over e e 80 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 there. So r have three suggestions for it. Number one, I would like city suggest Cal-Tran to extend the off-ramp of the Baldwin off-ramp, one side goes right directly into this project and the Westfield Mall. So whatever happen over there, stay over there, have a great day of the shopping and pay your tax in the city of Arcadia, good-bye, sayonara. okay. And second suggestion is, I would like to invite Mr. wong pick up hiS dining tab from the Arcadia with all Page 74 . , e 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 . . 10 11 12 13 14 15 031907pcmeeting (2) the traffic that Westfield Mall currently created. And I would like him also learn from Mr. caruso, adopt the signal light change, so maybe our city can gratefully, whichever intersection that Mr. caruso adopt, will put his sign on i.t, Mr. wong adopt, put Westfield Mall crossing, so we would appreciate, when we pass each intersection and we see the current -- which we call a smart signal light, we appreciate. And the third suggestion is, in the future development of the city, each residential square feet your addition or any commercial you're going to build, I propose a $10 traffic upgrade fee or whatever you want to call it. All right. That's it. Bye-bye. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you, Ms. Wu. All right. Betty Hettrick. And after that will be Jennifer Jeng. 16 81 MS. HETTRICK: Hello. I'm Betty Hettrick, 67 East Arthur Avenue. I work in the Arcadia Unified school District office. We would greatly appreciate having a newer and larger office space to work in to help better the services we are providing to all the students of Arcadia. I wholeheartedly support this. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Jennifer Jeng. And then after that will be Sam Jeng. MS. JENG: commissioners, residents, good page 75 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) evening. Excuse my attire. I came from the gym after two slices of pizza, four cookies. I think I need to go back to the gym. But I wanted to come back out today to talk ~ecause I think I believe -- I believe I represent two demographics. I'm an urban professional locally here and I'm from the Asian community. I believe that this is a good project because, being 27 and working in operations management, I have a lot of urban professional friends that I hang out with after work and we end up having absolutely nothing to do here in Arcadia. I end up taking my money and my business to pasadena, specifically old Town pasadena. And I would love, being a resident here for around seven years, I would love for that, money e 82 e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 to stay here in Arcadia. second, I am an ASian American, I'm a chinese American here,' and I know that the city of Arcadia has become more integrated. we're a diverse community. I think the Astan community is growing. And I love that the caruso project has integrated certain elements of Asian deSign into their property. I believe that that speaks to their connection with the community here. I think that they are definitely giving a nod to all the residents here in Arcadia. I strongly support this project and I urge you consider all these facts. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. The next speaker is Sam Jeng. Page 76 . e 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o e 1 2 3 4 S 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) And then after that will be Tony Hendrich. MR. JENG: Because of my language barrier, I need it translated by my daughter. MS. JENG: My dad wants to say that he represents the ASian community. He's an older member of the Asian community. He's here to represent the Asian community. The older ASian community. And he believes that that constituency is approximately 50 percent here in this neighborhood. My son is in washington, D.C. and he calls home frequently. Every time he calls back he wants an update 83 about the Caruso project. He wants to know when it's going to be approved. And he's saying that when he comes home, he sees his friends, all of his friends always ask him to meet in Monrovia, in pasadena, in Santa Monica, in the shopping areas outside of Arcadia. I wonder why Arcadia First has given the negative publicity to this project and I wonder why they speak about the falsehoods regarding the traffic and the environmental factors. And I wonder why -- and the crime rate. And I wonder why they don't use their resources, their financial resources particularly, to help Caruso in the efforts to improve Arcadia. And perhaps there might be a good competition between what they can do and what Caru'so can do. COMMISSIONER OLSON: His time is up, but do you think you could quickly translate, because we don't know Page 77 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . what he said. 031907pcmeeting (2) e MS. JENG: Sure. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Quickly. MS. JENG: He wants to urge the committee to consider the type of personality that the Westfield project has undertaken. The sly, underhanded maneuvers speaks to the type of things that we don't want to have here in Arcadia. And for that reason, and perhaps that reason alone, take Caruso up on their offer and 84 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 three years from now we hope to have a great neighborhood and make Arcadia better. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you, Ms. Jeng. Thank YOur father. we're going to take a break now. We need a five-minute break. (proceedings adjourned from 9:08 to 9:14 p.m.) COMMISSIONER OLSON: During the break we di d shuffle all the cards. Tony Hendrich will be next. I've already called his name. And then just totally at random everybody has shuffled the cards, like a playing deck here. So we'll see how that works. Mr. Hendrich. And then after that will be Ed Casey. MR. HENpRICH: Good evening. My name is Tony Hendrich. I live at 403 North Altura Road in Arcadia. My wife cathy and I have lived in Arcadia for over 30 years. our children are graduates of Arcadia. .Page 78 . e e 20 21 22 23 24 25 o e . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) I am past president of the homeowners association. I'm currently architectural review board chai rman for the Rancho Resi dents ASsoci ati on. we.' re about 850 homes that surround the race track on the north and to the northwest. speaking for myself, I very much support the 85 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 caruso project for a great many reasons. First, we want to save santa Anita race track. It is the historic crown jewel of Arcadia. It is known throughout the United States for its class and quality. It's by far the best race track in America. Caruso offers the best solution to help us save our track. Caruso offers the best solution for this property. MOre important, Caruso is not building another mall. He is building a plaza for Arcadia. Caruso offers Arcadia a downtown, finally. Caruso offers a place where families and friends can gather and enjoy open space, outside dining and shops. Caruso has prove this quality in all of his. projects. I was glad to hear tonight that there is no expanded gambling, no expanded betting machines, no new machines, no slots, and no new housing. I think the Caruso project complements the Westfield Mall. I think the Caruso project will give us a wonderful downtown, performing arts theater, and more revenues. I recommend approval of the project. Thank you. page 79 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Next is Mr. Ed Casey. And after that will be Anthony Leung. MR. CASEY: Good evening, members of the e 86 1 commission. My name is Ed Casey, appearing on behalf of 2 Westfield tonight. And we did submit a very short 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 letter, as Jason mentioned tonight, to you, commenting on some aspects of the final EIR. However, for all the people who have not yet spoken about the project, I will not review all the points in my letter. Instead, I will just limit. my remarks to one issue, and that issue is this: We urge you, we urge you, to provide time for everybody involved, whether members of the public or yourselves, to take the necessary time to review all the documents concerning this project. e The final EIR for this project was released just 12 days ago, and the final EIR is more than just this one thick binder in my hand. That alone would be difficult to read in 12 days. The final EIR is six of these binders. And that's in addition to the draft EIR, which is another si x bi nders. It takes time to review, read and understand all these documents. It takes time to review all the technical analyses in the recently released final EIR, including new technical analyses released for the first time tonight. It takes time to review all the answers to the 900 plus comments in this final EIR that were page 80 . e 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 - 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) submitted by all the citizens of your city. And it even 87 takes time to go through your staff report, which is a couple inches thick. And if that was just enough to read and understand about this project, tonight your staff released for the first time, some additional documents, about another inch thick, that I'm sure not all the public has had time to read or understand. And these are documents that talk about important changes to the design of the project; documents that talk about new environmental analyses. And thi s is just not techni'ca 1 j argon that's in this document released tonight for the fir.st time. They talk about important changes to the project, including changes to the height of the parking garage that would now raise certain parts of the garage to 65 feet in height, blocking out the entire grandstand up to the rooftop. So I urge you, please, now is not the time to rush to judgment. Now is not the time to rush through all this testimony from this community about this important project, pushing that testimony i.nto the late hours of tonight. And now is not the time to rush through all the analysis that it would take for your staff and the public and you to truly understand what's in these documents. Page 81 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2.4 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) 88 e So we urge you, do not close the hearing, as you said you would do at the beginning of this meeting. please continue this hearing on this important project so we all have some more time. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Anthony Leung. And. then after that will be Debbie Beveridge. MR. LEUNG: Good evening, chairman and members of the board. My children are from Arcadia school district and I recognize a lot of friends over here, the ex-athletic chairman. and I recognize a lot friends over here. The ex-elected chairman and some of the people here. I strongly suggest, please consider Mary's suggestion, be very careful to consider the traffic condition. And I really have some reservation about why the need to widen the road surface. There's no space to do in the lane, it's all I can say. Thank you very much. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Debbie Beveridge, and after that will be Nick chang. MS. BEVERIDGE: Good evening, gentlemen, I'm here. on behalf in favor of the project. I live at 301 Mage 11 an Road i I've 1 i ved there for approxi mate 1 y 12 years. And more to the point this evening, I worked in the construction real estate lending division e 89 Page 82 . e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 rs 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 e o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) providing construction financing for almost 25 years. Rick. Caruso and Garuso Affiliated provides some of the finest products and projects around. They always live up to their word, they always provide what you see is what you get, what he promises to do he does, he will do it. Also, I come here tonight to speak on behalf of the race track, I'm actually one of the few people who goes to the race track. I have gone there since I was a little girl, I was there with my father, I bring my children. when I used to go with my dad, there were a lot of people there. I go there now and it's me and about ten other people there, and I think it's very sad. And if you don't think that race track can be closed and torn down, think again, that's exactly what happened to Hollywood Park or is going to happen to Hollywood Park, and it's happening all across the state. It would be a tragedy to lose that race track. we need to revitalize it. Rick Caruso's project does' that. Finally, I concur with the gentleman who said let's fast track it. Let's face it, even if you approve it tonight, if everybody approved it, it's going to go to a vote to the city and the faster we get there, the faster it wi 11 be reso 1 lied and it wi 11 stop bri nging up the contentions and everything else. It's going to go to a vote. Let's just go ahead, get it approved and keep 90 1 2 moving forward. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. A Nick Kavic, page 83 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeetfng (2) please. And after that it's Michael Hung. Then after that, okay, it's a tough one. Carmin Kalbraino, at 46 oxford. okay. Nick Kavic. MR. KAVID: Here I am. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Good. Go up to the front of the line. MR. KAVIC: Nick Kavic, 2827 Holly Avenue. I've lived in Arcadia for 47 years, and as a person with an interest in thi s ci ty, I've owned race horses wi th my brothers. I've done many different things. The thing that upsets me the most is, we're looking at this project in not so much the way the people who originally set up this city. The city was a residential community. we didn't have a lot of places to do shopping and businesses. It used to be the Hinshaw block on Baldwin and Duarte, and then they drove -- which I was opposed to, Fashion Plaza. And then it became a mess. And then now Westfield has got it and I was under the impression when it was built that it wasn't to be expanded. And as I understand it, now I guess they're going to be expanding it again. I'm all in favor of money going from Mr. Caruso's venture to help the city out. But earlier this e e 91 1 2 3 4 5 evening some lady mentioned about the $22 million facility for the administration for the high school. And she said for forty years. And is that a leasehold? Are we going to have a building that will be gone in 40 years, so the kids that Page 84 . e 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 e o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) graduate next year will have a 40-year reunion and there will be no administration building? Some of these questions need to be answered. And I'm all i.n favor of' making more money. I do general contracting, I'd be more than happy to be building part of this thing myself. But pessimistically, I want to find out all the answers. And I agree with the gentleman even though he might have been representing 'westfield, which I don't feel that we need camaraderie with. I think that we should take our time and keep asking the questions, you know, cross all the Ts and dot all the Is. We have the duty to the population of this city and the growth of this city to make sure that we don't put something in there that will turn out to be main street Disneyland and everybody will be coming from other parts of the ci ti es like Duarte and Monrovi a and even Pasadena to come visit Arcadia, leave their debris and pollution and not ever do anything good with our city. so anyway, that's my thought. I hope you will take into consideration and don't make any fast judgments 92 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 tonight. We have plenty of time. Rick has waited two years patiently, I believe that he has good intentions. he's turned around and eliminated the housing. He's made, you know, substantial suggestions to the traffic problem. But we still should ask more questions. Thank you very much. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. The next is Page 85 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) David phung, it's p-h-u-n-g. And then after that will be william MCKinley, and then after that will be louis Bri eri ng. e MR. PHUNG: Good evening, Mr. Chairman and members of the commission, I'd like to address my comments first as sayi ng I'm not a member of Arcadi a Fi rst. I am not a busi,ness owner in the Westfield Mall or associated with westfield whatsoever. However, my platform is that I do object against the shops at santa Anita. I think I've seen what happened with the expansion of the Westfield mall, with the building of the AMC Theater and Dave & Busters. And last year I read in the paper that the Temple City gang members stabbed one another right in front of the AMC Theater. And quite frankly, I'm against any project that would add pollution,air pollution, that is, traffic and crime into our city. And that includes the Westfield e 93 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 proposal that you've already approved, apparently. But first and foremost for my personal feeling is air pollution. Not much has been discussed this evening about that, and I know that there's been a lot of talk about propaganda from westfield and how the numbers don't really add up. well, there's one thing that's undisputed in my opinion in reading all the literature including the EIR, is that ther,e is zero mi ti gati on for ai r 'pollution. And I don't think we can do anything about air pollution. Page 86 . e 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 e 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 . 12 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) One important item in the EIR that I saw was 7.8 tons of smog pollution would be put into the Arcadia city per month. According to the Air Quaiity Management District, current Arcadia air quality is worse than that of downtown l.A., and that's before the project is going to be built. And we can talk all day about how many cars are going to come in, millions or thousands, I don't know. But there's going to be more cars. And the air quality is already pretty bad according to the Air Quality Management District. And I know the Shops at Santa Anita will bring in a lot of tax revenues and we -- we all want that for our ci ty. But at what cost? To me, I'm not wi llin9 to put my health at risk. my child's health at risk. my parents who are in their seventies and eighties at risk. 94 And I speak toni,ght on behalf of those ki ds and the elderly and those that can't speak for themselves, and kids with asthma, or an elderly person with emphysema who are ,driving around oxygen tanks, how they are already suffering from the bad air quality trapped by the foothills. so for that reason I'm very much against the Shops at Santa Anita. As far as traffic is concerned, agai n, there's a lot of numbers being thrown out. I'm completely puzzled at this point exactly what that number is. Right now, what I' d li ke to fi nd out fo r myself is the defi ni tion of mitigate, because a lot of terms have been thrown out Page 87 13 14 15 16 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) quite a bit. So I looked up the term in the Merri am-Webster di cti onary and "mi ti gate" is defi ned according to webster, to cause to become less harsh or to make less severe. It's very important to note -- e 17 COMMISSIONER OLSON: Mr. phung, your time is up, 18 so I'm going to have to ask you to end. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 [] MR. PHUNG: Just one more statement? COMMISSIONER OLSON: I'm sorry. That's all. MR. PHUNG: okay. Thank you. COMMISSIONER 'OLSON: Mr. MCKinley. piease, I've asked for no applauding. (Inaudible female voice in audience.) COMMISSIONER OLSON: Ma'am, please. okay. 95 e 1 wi lliam McKi n 1 ey' shere? 2 louis Bryman? 3 Chri sti ne Ho? 4 We should call more breaks, obviously. 5 Mark Bower? 6 Are you Christine? Okay. Thank you. 7 MS. HO: Good evening. My name is Christine Ho 8 and I've lived in Arcadia for 12 years. I attended 9 longley Elementary School, Dana Middle school and the 10 Arcadia High school. 11 Growing up I thought Arcadia was a boring place 12 because there was never anything to do. There weren't 13 any 'theaters and there WilS no cool mall to hang out at. 14 15 After attending college and I'm now working full time, I realized Arcadia was not a boring place. Arcadia has a Page 88 . e 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o e . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) great sense of community and family values and I feel safe here. I'm lucky to have been raised here and to live here. And I believe the proposed Caruso development would destroy those values. on a recent trip to the westfield Mall I saw graffiti on the Westfield Santa Anita signs as I entered the parking lot near Nordstrom's. I was heartbroken to see people would destroy Arcadia property. On another trip to the Westfield Mall, upon 96 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 leaving the movie theater around 10:00 p.m., I was heartbroken again as I saw empty beer and liquor bottles and cigarette butts in the drains in the parking lot. I couldn't believe that anybody would want to make Arcadia an ugly place. I truly believe that the problem of littering and drinking and loitering would only ,be exacerbated by the Caruso development. If deli nquents wi 11 destroy mall si gns, what will stop them from destroying street signs, cars and our homes? What will become of Arcadi.a and its safe streets when beer bottles and cans, and groups of delinquents are walking our streets. I worry that I, a single woman, cannot safely visit the mall or walk around my neighborhood alone. I urge this commission to stop looking at the development with dollar signs in its eyes. The sense of security Arcadia has built and maintained is absolutely Page 89 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) priceless. Do not destroy decades of hard w()rk by citizens to keep Arcadia a safe place for a few million doll ars. e In a few years, when you look back at this decision, how will this commission wish to be remembered? As a commission that was generally concerned with its residents' issues and maintain and improve the quality of life? Or will it be remembered as the commission that 97 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 turned a blind eye, saw the project through rose~colored glasses, and turned Arcadia into a polluted, dirty and dilapidated city? Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. okay. It's Mark Bower and then after that will be Marc Greenfield, and then pam olender after that. MR. BOWER: Mark Bower, resident of Arcadia. I=irst, .1 am going to sign up for the first meeting with Mr. Caruso. I'm color-blind, so when he's running this thing around the chart I see nothing, and I didn't have the. advantage of being able to trace where he went on this chart. I have favorite topics, first one is traffic draws, my definition. I am concerned whether the planning commission is looking at increases in traffic in Arcadia from a total traffic perspective, that is, from what 'I understand is called "accumulative traffic e perspective." We have what I call five major in-draws for traffic, that is heavy commercialization that brings Page 90 . e 21 22 23 24 25 o o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) persons outside our community into the community to do business. The five are the Westfield expansion, the Caruso project, 24-hour Fitness will eventually make it a goal line. Again, we have the possibility of a mega center auto mall on two of our city blocks from the heart 98 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 of downtown Arcadia if Measure 8 is not passed. A mega center would become a significantly increased draw to that part of the ci ty. ,Is traffi c from all of these draws in consideration, and are future draws in consideration when. discussing the Caruso impact on traffic? second one I ask is a question: One: Is there a critical threshold that is not bei'ng considered? Is it possible that the smart signals, as they are introduced, will work to a given level and fall under this term mitigation or efficiency that we hear, and then just a little bit more traffic wjll cause a breakdown of intended traffic flow? And lastly, the concept of mitigation. I have no doubt that smart signals will move traffic more efficiently. For instance, my example would be three cars pass in in synchronized or unsynchronized signals, and you have SO cars where it's unsynchronized, you have traffic problems. Now you synchronize and all 50 cars will pass through the signal okay. But you've lost quality of life, you've increased noise, and you've increased pollution. Page 91 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 . . 23 24 25 031907pcmeetin[ (2) My own personal example is that I go to lake Avenue almost every sunday for coffee. We go early and to avoid traffic because we go by bicycle. It starts out e 99 quiet, I'm hard of hearing, I don't have a problem. But around 10:00 o'clock or so when church gets out, the noise level goes up. There's not a problem passing traffic going down south on lake, but the quality is reduced because I no longer can hear, so as you have more cars, even if they're passing, we get into the same song, of course, of pollution, noise and so forth. But I think that's something you should consider. So just because it's more efficient, and I wrote down what somebody said earlier. Just because in some things you're more efficient doesn't mean inherently that we haven't affected our quality of life, it's just simply more cars,. And I don't have this written, but I'm just going to beseech that you really think about this total traffic picture and we're not missing something, and it may come downstream five and ten years and we find that the smart signals don't do the trick. They certainly do the trick under certain circumstances, because I've seen it happen, but I'm afraid of what would happen if they ever become overburdened. I think that will do it. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Now, next is Marc Greenfield. And again then after that will be Pam olender and then Alex --' Alexis, excuse me, Alexis Marie Proctor. e . Page 92 e o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) 100 MR. GREENFIELD: GoOd evening, my name is Marc Greenfield, I live at 217 Magellan Road, Arcadia. I've been an Arcadia resident for only seven years, a lot of' people here with 47 years and some people with more. After seven years, I've been here for quite a while, I feel. And I fully am in support of Caruso's project. I live approximately a mile from the facility and from what I've read and studied and heard, I don't think traffic is going to be a problem which in my mind originally was the first major problem. with all due traffic mitigation, I don't see any problems with the traffic and I think it would be a great asset fo.r the City of Arcadia. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Next is Pam olender. Thank you. MS. OLENDER: Good evening, my name is Pamela olender, I live at 1000 Coronado. My family has been a resident of Arcadia for 46 years, and I'm also president of the Santa Anita Village Homeowners ASsociation. I want to begin by thanking Rick caruso and all of caruso Affiliated for being such a classy organization. I also want to thank Caruso Affiliated for bringing to Arcadia what could have been by other developers' standards an ordinary project, and instead creating an extraordinary project. Caruso Affiliated has ultimately not only met 101 page 93 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 my expectations, but exceeded them. so this project, in thi s project thei r willi ngness what wi 11 be shared by westfield, Caruso, increase in traffic. Their generosity affording the high school the much needed space for additional classrooms and the new administrative school district office space shows their thoughtful commitment to our community. I encourage the planning commission to recommend approval of this project to the city council. Thank you for your time. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Alexis Marie Proctor and then after that a Ron Morrison. MS. PROCTOR: Hi, my name is Alexis Marie Proctor and I've lived in the city of Arcadia for over 40 years. Caruso said he is for the horseman. caruso says he represents santa Anita race track. If that was remotely true, where in the shops within the park proposal is the facility that is going to benefit the horseman? I don't see a place that teaches me to be a veterinarian, I don't see a place that teaches me to be a blacksmith. I don't see a place that teaches me where to learn to ride a horse. I don't see anything like that. I do not see a discount tack shop or even a wholesale feed store. If a horseman wants to buy a bale of alfalfa at the rate that it costs about $26 a bale, e 102 1 the closest feed store to the horseman is by or at the Page 94 . e e o . . . 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2S 031907pcmeeting (2) race track, it's 15 miles away. It costs $15 a bale. You may not think this is a big impact on our city, but it is. let me explain how. The City of Arcadia has made a revenue of over multi-million dollars per year from the race track. They depend on it for income. If you take that away, that's how the city's flourished. without this multi-million income, our city would not have flourished as we have in past 50 years. All the different venues that the race track provides in the state of California. they employ over 40,000 people per year. when you hear the announcement on TV advertising about the races at .Santa Anita, do you ever understand why John Henry is coming to town, one street (incomprehensible). No, that's because you have to put back into where you have you have your treasury income. YOU do~'t have the cushion of the race track, the stabling of the horses, all there is is beer commercials, you get your free mug. There's nothing anymore about the races coming, that's because the city has turned its back on the race track. This has been dependable income. why risk it on another mall? If the mall can't even survive, the stores, why do you think the leases continue to have to W3 1 2 3 keep changing over? They can't even survive now. What are you going to do with this second mall? caruso -- caruso isn't buying this land. He has Page 95 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) a 40-year lease. What are you going to do in 40 years when the lease is up and the aces in his hand and you've turned your back on the race track. what are you going to do? Are you going to have a mall wi th vacant bui 1 di ngs. That's not going to hel p anybody. You're setting him up to have the upper hand. YOU should put your money back into the race track. For SO years you've been depending on the race track, and the race track has been good to you. So why would you turn your back on the horseman now? The way they're talking at Santa Anita is you're taking away the saddling paddock, okay? YoU think the horsemen are going to pay for that? what are you going to do when they boycott? It's not union back there. That man has to go to the bank, he had to depend on the revenue of the mutuel handle for the bank collateral. What are you going to do when the horsemen do a saddling boycott? No horses show up, that's the -- mutue1s of that day and his loans collapse. what are you going to do when his collateral falls apart? Have you ever thought about that? The race track. the horsemen would not put up with that. I work there. I've worked e e 104 1 2 3 4 5 6 there over for 30 years. Trust me, they will not put up with that. The reason, you take that paddock away -- COMMISSIONER OLSON: MS. proctor, your time is up. MS. PROCTOR: Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Page 96 . e 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 .23 24 25 e o . . . 031907pcmeeti ng (2) Next is Ron Morrison, and after that will be scott sayre at 444 West Huntington. MR. MORRISON: I'm 'Ron Morrison. I have lived in thi s area si nce 1941. I've been a continued resi dent in this area, either I or my family, a continued residency since '41. I just seen a study by USA that tracked 3,600 children for 13 years, and found that living within 500 yards of a highway faced risk of permanent health damage including stunted limb growth and respiratory problems. we are a city of 50,000 people. We are considering a project that wi 11 bri hg into our ci ty more than one mi 11 i on cars a month. These cars wi 11 be spi Hi ng out into all of our adjacent streets of our city. The traffic analysis submitted by Mr. Caruso to the city of l.A. for the group -- for the growth estimate of traffic, underestimates traffic by 55 percent and the Caruso mall is actually 60 percent by growth. It has been sai d, if you have a good thi ng, you 105 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 basically don't try to change it and we in Arcadia certainly have a good thing. You can, in fact, have too much of a good thing. Too much food. TOO much spending. Too many buildings. Arcadia and the surrounding area now represent a fully developed area. There are many schools within a short distance of this project. ~e're speaking about thousands and thousands of children. Drive anywhere in Page 97 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11. . . 031907pcmeeting (2) the city and it says that we are a city that is financially sound, and we're all (incomprehensible). It appears that sometimes we forget that this country is the ri chest country in the history of the worl d. Do we need more money? No. Do we want more money? Yes. We always want more money. Butwanti ng more money in this case comes With an unacceptable, unacceptable trade-off. What we need to do is make the best possible use of the money we have and if need be, tighten our belts a notch or two. My parents did it for me. Your parents did it for y~u. Can we do no less for our children? Our children grace us with their presence, can we do no less than grace them With our presence? Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you, Mr. Morrison. Scott Sayre and then after that W111 be Amber Young and then it will be phyllis Nimly. e e 106 MR. SAYRE: Hi, I'm Scott sayre, 444 West Huntington Drive. I guess tonight we're supposed to be revi ewing archi tectura 1 desi gn revi ew and desi gn guidelines and development agreement, so I'm going to try to speak to some of those things. I'm generally in favor of the project, but I've always had problems with. the actual design of the site plan. If the caruso folks from the beginning have been tried to link it to the grandstand which I think it's a , mistake. I've always felt that the project should be linked ~th the mall to try and create some sort of Page 98 . e 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 . 13 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) synergistic relationship and try to have the two projects support it each. And the plan that I just gave is an example, it doesn't have to be exactly like that, but there's an example of how that can be accomplished. There is a very obvious east/west access, or axis I should say, that will lend itself to linking the two projects together. And there's a number of ways that could be done with the tram running from the grandstand over at least to the property line of the mall. Anyway, so I think you can see it from the picture how that would work. Another thing'I have a problem with is that the lake is on the south side and it never made any sense to me. It seems to me the lake should be on the north side where you would have a chance to have reflection of the 107 historic buildings in the lake. ,AS you can see on the drawi ng, by movi ng the proj ect south, away from the grandstand, it allows you to retain a historic view where you can actually have a real view corridor and be far enough back to see the entire building. It w111 allow the chance to create a 'real roadway from Huntington, kind ofa like a back way across to Baldwin, which might improve the traffic flows at Baldwin and Huntington and some of the other intersections. Anyway, so that's the idea of the plan. I have a few other items, too, that I'd like to get on the record. I don't know how it's been covered but I just looked through the guidelines real quickly, but, ,I didn't page 99 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 i3 14 15 16 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) see anything particularly about exterior lighting or order of -- or hours of operation or how late those lights would be on. .It is proposing some pretty tall structures. I saw a 65 or the flag poles went up to 85. It would be nice if those lights could it be turned off at a reasonable hour. I don't thi.nk this place is going to have any businesses that are open, at: least I hope not. Anyway, so they can have a condition to keep the lighting turned down for our residences directly ac~oss the street. let's see. Again, linking the properties, it would be nice if it would possible to take the fence e 108 down. Westfield is trying to get approval on its own proj~ct. let's make it a condition that they have to create reciprocal access with this one and we have them both create reciprocal access with conditions of approval. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Mr. Sayre. MR. SAYRE: Yes. COMMISSIONER OLSON: I have to cut you off, you're past your 3-minute ti me li mi t. but we've taken your comments and I appreciate it and if you've got anything you'd like to give us else that's written you down, we can take that into public record. MR. SAYRE: Yeah. I'd love to, but I don't have enough time usually. COMMISSIONER OLSON: I understand it. Thank 4ft you. . Page 100 e 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o e . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) MR. SAYRE: Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Next is Amber Young. okay. Then phyllis Nimly. How about Janice Gallant? It's getting easier. patri ck larki n and after that are wi l' be Scott Hettrick and Sonia Williams. MR. lARKIN: Good evening, folks, I'm here speaking as a third of four generations of a family that has owned property and lived in Arcadia. I've had a 109 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 residence in Arcadia for vi rtually all my life. Most of the comments in support of Mr. caruso have already been addressed thi s eveni ng, so I wi 11 1 i mit mi ne. Many people have voiced a concern about the impact of Mr. Caruso's development on family and our youth. A number of residents are worried about the. negative effect of Mr. Caruso's development. I have, as I said been in Arcadi a vi rtua 11 y all my life. I went to grammar school across the street at Holy Angels, spent a lot of time at the race track duri.ng these years because I liked the horses, and went through this experience with no apparent or no real negative effects. Further, there's an old Maxum that says "Young people go out, old people stay home." And we're not going to stop kids from going out, but wouldn't it be better to invite them with a site ,close to home, one which we as adults could accompany them to. one that is clean. supervised secure, wholesome and provides the Page 101 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) environment that Mr. Caruso offers. In response to the lady who spoke a few moments' ago about being heartbroken over the signs of graffiti and drinking and gang violence at the Westfield Mall. I'd simply .remind everyone obviously that is the westfield Mall and I know that Mr. Caruso has a very strong but unobtrusive security force that would e no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 eliminate any of these concerns. Finally, I'd like to say, I've eliminated most of what I'd like to say. But first, there have been a lot of gambling metaphors and analogies, but we as residents of Arcadia have just won the lottery. Mr. Caruso does not build his concepts everywhere, he's very, very careful in choosing the sites where he reali~es his concepts of all the millions of sites that he could have placed this development, he chose Arcadia and all the opposition is literally looking a gift horse in the mouth, which is a height of rudeness and also none intelligence. And we're also arguing with him, they are I should say that, we hold the winning ticket with the winning numbers. As I said before, something, sometime and soon has to be done with that broad expanse of land, asphalt, tar, sand and -- COMMISSIONER OLSON: Mr. larkin MR. LARKIN: -- if it's not Mr. caruso, then who would it be? COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Next speaker, Page 102 . e e o e . . . 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) Scott Hettrick. After that is sonia Williams and then John -- MR. HETTRICK: Hi, my name is Scott Hettrick and I'm a 16-year resident of Arcadia. I'm one the founding 111 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 members of Arcadia wins which is a group of Arcadia, residents interested in preserving the past and improving the future of Arcadia without spending millions of dollars stuffing mailboxes, newspapers and door knobs full of ads trying to scare you into taking a position. We support Caruso Affiliated's proposed plans and development as the best way to preserve the vitality of historic Santa Anita racing -- santa Anita Park race track and significantly improve the use of that vast and. largely empty asphalt. parking lot while providing great benefits to the school district and the community overall. We would like to ask the planning Commission and Arcadia residents to not only consider the big picture of this project, but also try to learn from our own lessons of history here in Arcadia. Having recently had the pleasure to listen to some. presentations by Carol libby at the historical museum and to read some centennial publications of Arcadia by Core Media and the Anthology of perspective by dozens of local residences in Arcadia, by our new citizen of the year, Jerry cosa, it struck me how nearly every major development in this city including the mall has been strongly resisted by some local residents along the Page 103 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) way, many of whom are clearly here tonight speaking in opposition with this development as well. e 112 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Even the creation of the city itself in 1903 was opposed by neighboring towns using some of the fear-mongering words in their resolutions and protests as we see regarding this project a 104 years later. Those earlier on predicted Arcadia nothing more than, quote, "A gambling and booze pleasure park." Those that oppose the project are worried about extra cars in town. In 1934, the population of Arcadia was only about 7,000 people and those first years the tracks drew crowds of as many as 70,000 people. That was ten times the city's entire population. Can you imagine tryi ng to get a race track approved in Arcadi a today wi th the gambling of horse betting. And yet Santa Anita Park is now considered a treasured historic icon and even the centerpiece of the city. The term (inaudible) park was initially called the Santa Anita Fashion Park weren't around when the mall was proposed in the early 1970s, so they may not be aware of the strong oppositions who had been by local residents. Many here tonight clearly remember there was going to be so much additional traffic that Baldwin Avenue had to be widened. This was the peak of air pollution in Arcadia and in Southern California. TWo lawsuits were brought to try to stop the mall from being built. Also, the lawsuits were settled. e Page 104 . . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 e 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) U3 the mall was opened in 1975 and is now considered a vital part of Arcadia. There are precious few moments every three and four decades during which Arcadians can make a decision that will have a significant positive impact f'or generations to come. while we encourage others to spread their concerns and make sure city leaders like the planning commissioners and caruso Affiliated satisfactorily addresses the issues, let's make sure that the next chapter is written on the history of Arcadia that we are not embarrassed to tell our grandchildren that we lived among those that had thoughts and begun to develop ~th the future landmark SPECTATOR: Quiet down. COMMISSIONER OLSON: I don't need to hear any comments from the audience, please. okay. The next speaker will be sonia wiiliams. MS. WIllIAMS: Good evening. COMMISSIONER OLSON: And then John -- it's at 118 Ilene way. GO ahead. MS. WIllIAMS: Good evening, everyone, my name is Sonia Williams and I've been a resident of Arcadia for 22 years and I feel very proud and fortunate to have lived here. I ask you to consider the long-term effects of your decisions for this proposal for the Santa Anita 114 Page 105 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) race track. The repercussions will be so self-destructing and lost of all aspects of Arcadian life. If you recommend this proposal you will be letting down the community and creating a snowball effect for quick approval by the Arcadia city council. I know the Pasadena city council as of last week are still mulling over plans for a portion of the former Ambassador college campus housi ng development. Thi s complex plan for the remaining 20 acres of their bigger 47-acre plan as been ongoing for the city residents, the developer and the owner of Ambassador Auditorium for eight years. A consensus of agreement has almost been reached. We're only lnto the second year of this present huge race. track shopping proposal. we're talking about our last 304 acres of spectacular open land left in Arcadia. Thi s cannot be a rush or rash deci si on for the city when so much is at stake. This present development has given us its rather complex proposal that cannot be mitigated, suffice to say, it has divided the city. Good planning and both compatibility, comp 1 i mentary usage, .and ci ty consi derati ons. Thi s proposal calls for specific plan, general plan amendment, zone change, obscurity changes, this historical context of the race track, damages and continued economic 115 1 2 viability of the race track brings more gambling, adds another shopping center and completely overloads our Page 106 e e . e e [] . . . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) infrastructure, it is not viable. I do not want Arcadia to go from a past city of homes to a ci ty of mura l.s. There has to be bi gger and better ,proposal for this property in which all Arcadians and all of the city can work out a more equitable and better decision. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Next speaker is John -- 118 Eileen Drive. I made it easier. I di.dn't have to try to resay that name again. Paul Papuette at 2016 Canyon Road, Arcadia. Paul Papuette then after that will be lula Eskander and then sung Tse. MR. PAPUETTE: Good evening, my name is paul Papuette, as you mentioned, I live at 2016 canyon Road. I am a member with the executive committee of Arcadia First. I've spoken here before. I don't know anybody from Westfield. In the 3-minute time period' I cannot address obviously all of the issues. I'm not going to have time to talk about how this proposed plan changes the general plan of the city in order to open the doors for 450 new houses on this property because we're told that housing is not part of the project. I'm not going to have time to talk about how the 116 1 2 3 4 race track presently is the highest generating, revenue generating race track in the nation. I'm not going to be able to talk about how a traffic plan doesn't dedicate one additional foot of right~of-way is some how going to Pilge 107 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2S o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) cure our traffic woes and account for another million cars a month. What I did come to talk about very briefly is the role is that I think gambling will play in this new development as you know, Caruso has a partner in this venture call Magna Entertainment. Magna has over the past several years been truly a global effort to expand and gather at all of its facilities including the .santa Anita race track. We know they have five million dollars to the proposition back in 2004 in an effort to get 3000 slot machines into the race track. we know that in their annual reports they constantly tout how their well positioned to expand their gambling in all of the facilities. It has been mentioned earlier that there's this 98 thousand square foot, what's ,called the simulcast center. It's actually a casino. We're now told that no expanded gambling in the area, that's because the current drawi ng a l' ows for 47 Horse wizards" whereas the prior drawing had hundreds of them in there. I don't know that folks understand them, you've approved this as it is -- e e 117 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 COMMISSIONER OLSON: Mr. Papuette. MR. PAPUETIE: -- and tomorrow, you don't have any say as Arcadians in what activities go on in this place. That place will fall under the jurisdiction of the state authoriti es., They wi 11 put that i j, the control of the appropriate commissions. Another thing that I think is extremely Page 108 . e e o . . . 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) objectionable about the layout here, is that under the guise of the caruso life-style center mantra, we're essentially going to walk our shoppers to the gambling along with their children. so I think it's a bad idea. I think the entire project should be slashed. I think we should reject it or we'll see you at the polls. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: sir, your time is up. lula Eskander, please. MS. ESKANDER: Hi. My name is lula Eskander and I live at 1826 Anita Crest Drive. I've been in Arcadia for -- in Arcadia for 14 years. As a Arcadia residents, looking at pollution. traffic, noise, services to be met by the police and the fire that's in the EIR report versus what? Versus money? We really need the money. I notice that Arcadia is one the richest cities in california. So what happened? Mr. Caruso is looking here in Arcadia it build this project. It's not because 118 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 of the quality of life in Arcadia because he wants more money in his pocket. Am I right or wrong? He didn't choose Arcadia just to improve our family life quality. NO. He chooses for the money. okay. What guaranty, you know, Members and the city council, that no more residential improvement on the land or no more, you know. gambling. I know that he scratched it, but what guaranty in the future? Do you have any guaranty? It's starting by a page 109 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) hundred thousand square feet, it ended by eight hundred thousand square, another hundred for the Westfield. Do we need over nine hundred square feet commercial, just commercial? Do we need it? please answer those questions because you,come to a conclusion of say "yes" or "nay" on this project. If Mr. caruso is providing ten million dollars for the traffic, okay, what is he requesting to have more w9der lanes and wider turns where? There is three lanes' on Huntington on this side and there is no much lane. where he's going to impr,ove those more lanes and the traffic. Can you answer me, please? can anybody answer those questions? The school district, they have for the 40~year lease. what about after the 40 years? What will happen? Our administration in Arcadia will not have offices or they will be forced to have to pay, you know, e e 119 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 the time after 40 years, the lease at that time. we need to think about that. We need more answers, please. Regarding the mail. I'm receiving also caruso mails, you know, solicitating for the shops it come over and get it. So I am not wi th thi s. I am not wi th that. All I'm saying is please consider, have more answers before you can vote and, make a decision on that. let the residents decide, that's where we live, that's our decision to make. YOU know, looking at the traffic in Huntington Drive in the evening time and the weekend, it's horrible, horrible. And it will become more horrible. please Page 110 . e 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 0 e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 . 14 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) answer the questi ons. Make a solid deci si on. Read those twelve folders. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Okay. Thank you. okay. Next speaker, Sung Tse, and then after that Will be Craig Thompson and then Carmen Tibet. MR. TSE: Yes, Mr. chairman, excuse my voice, and members of the committee. My name is Steve Tse, I live at 1145 West sunland Avenue. My Wife and I have 1 i ved in Arcadi a for over 45 years. Arcadi a is 1 i ke our hometown. we want to see good things and quality development come to Arcadia and we believe the Shops at santa Anita is a qua}ity development. I'm not taking anything away from westfield. Westfield is also a good 120 developer, but, Arcadia can certainly accommodate two quality developers. I think people object to the project for various reasons. One of is the primary reason is, people don't li ke changes ,because changes wi 11 bri ng out uncertai nty. So the easy thing to do is not to do anything and maintain the status quo. ~ut progress comes from changes, stagnation comes from status quo. Arcadia Wants progress not stagnation, so let us go on with the project and the sooner the better. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. MR. THOMPSON: GOod evening, gentlemen, my name is crai g Thompson, I li ve at 1622 01 d oak lane in Arcadia, of course. It seems as' if there is a desire on Page 111 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) the part of some to change Arcadia from a community of homes into a city of mega malls and traffic jams. Many of us do not want or need this. First, I have read the caruso traffic specialist suggestions on how to fix is the problem of large increase of cars expected to prevent excessive traffic with an ongoing nature. This solution seems to be just to add traffic compute red controls at traffic lights at most of the intersections. That's not enough. I've also heard a retired traffic control expert from l.A. county who stated that the major traffic problem can't be fixed e U1 by that alone, but really that the streets need to be widened. sorry. They are as wide as they can get now. There is no way to stop traffic jams with the anticipated influx of too many more cars. Next: Another expert stated that there is not enough parking plan to facilitate this anticipated influx. So where do they go? onto adjacent city streets that are already overloaded from outside cars coming in on a regular basis. Just what we needed, too many cars with no places to go. And next, and very importantly: What about the critical nature of police or EMT vehicles not being able to respond to 911 calls on a prompt fashion due to traffic delays. We are in north Arcadia and the closest fi re department with EMT personnel is located at Huntington and Baldwin intersection. I would not like any delays if my wife experienced a stroke or a heart page 112 e . . 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o e . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) attack. I think most of you would agree with me. on an aesthetic note: The idea of the main face of the race track being covered from sight by a bunch of buildings that were on the south parking lot would be very sad for a major landmark that has been in Arcadia for years. Finally, I spent 40 years in international marketing as a career and the major part of my ability 122 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 'was the understanding that to be successful either in proposals or sales, you must give people what they need, not what you want them to have. Those of us who love ~his town do not need what someone from the outside waryts us to have. Thank you, gentlemen. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Okay. Thank you. Carmen Alford, 1215 Oak One Road. Victor Depaula, 322 Fairview. And Kevin Norton. After that will be Gary parker and then DOC Holiday. MR. NORTON: I can"t beli.eve they finally called my name. Good afternoon, commissioners, my name is Kevin Norton. I'm here with the electricians union. we 'also have eight thousand members in the construction industry. we also have workers at the race track. We feel to ensure a good future for these workers and the ensure them at large, this project has to move forward. 'The developers insured us the project will be built with union labor and will provide a friendship opportunities Page 113 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 03~907pcmeeting (2) for local unions in the city and good wages. And finally, this is a beautiful design that complements the race track and will help ensure the viability for the foreseeable future. This project should move forward with the electricians full support. Thank you. . 123 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Next is Gary Parker. MR. PARKER: My name is Gary parker, I live at 297 Marengo and ,I will make this brief. I'm in favor of this project. A few fellows talked about opening up this area and I've also in favor of the jobs that will be created. I feel those are a good things. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. okay. Doc e Holiday. Francisco Alvarado. Steve Carter? Frank sotis, s-o-t-i-s. Christine Ho, we've already heard from her, if I'm correct. Peter Jackson and after that will be lee shuman and then Wilma Johnson. MR. JACKSON: My name is peter Jackson, I live at 482 long lane. I was going to talk primarily about my earlier associati.on with Caruso. I grew up two blocks south of where the Grove is and my dad's business, rest hissou1. It was two blocks, and when it was instituted we had all kinds of fears about what was going to happen, what was traffic going to be like, what property value, Page 114 . I o e . . . 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) what kind of people would frequent it, what his business would happen. Our fears were completely without justification. Even the traffic, because he was that 1.24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 close to traffic, the Farmers Market on Fairfax and ,Thi rd, one of the worse intersections I've ever had the displeasure of having to go through. But once the Grove went, despite the increased traffic it became tolerable, not a great intersection. So I don't know how Caruso managed to improve the traffic situation,I'm just a dumb pediatrician. r don't know about traffic flow, I don"t know about that ki nd of stuff. But they di d it and I'm wi Hi ng to look at it and said, Hey, somehow they found the solution. I can't understand it, I used to drive blocks out of the way to avoid that intersection, but it improved. On another note, on a personal level, I grew up, my first 18 years -- 23 years now here, but 18 years I grew up and the Farmers Market was a place ,I spent many a misspent afternoon. I bought my first Isaac Asimov book and they had a book. rack there. Ate my first cup of jambalaya at the gumbo pot. I spent too many afternoons gobbling Bob's doughnuts. My waistline reflects that. It was a special place for me. And when I heard about some big organization taking over the farmers market and changing it, I was fearful that those childhood memories were going to disappear, that the feeling of the market was going to be gone. Thanks to Page 115 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) Mr. Caruso and design of -- or whoever deserves it. He e 1.25 deserves it. when I went there some years after the Grove was put in, it was a new place virtually, it was cleaner. Got run down for a while, but the integrity of the place was kept much the same. I obviously support getting the Caruso project going. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Wilma Johnson. And then Jeff Bowen. MR. BOWEN: Hi, My name is Jeff and lived in Arcadia for 57 years; and obviously over those 57 years I've seen a lot of changes and most of them good, and I just know as George Haines spoke earlier that something is going to go in that privately owned piece of property, and we've been lucky, enough to be presented with the best possible alternative bar none with the Caruso project, and I just urge you to get to first base quickly before I get too old to enjoy it. let's get it done. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you, Mr. Bowen. IS it laurel latchet? Not here? okay. Then go to lorrie Thompson? And after Miss Thompson will be Beth Castanzas and salem Bang. MS. THOMSON: Good evening, Chairman and commissioners. My name is lorrie Thomson, and I live at 229 South Altura Road in Arcadia where I served as ARB Chair of the santa Anita Village. Tonight, however, I speak for myself. The naysayers to the Caruso project e 126 . Page 116 e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 e 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) suggest that Arcadia is not equal to having such a magnificent project in our midsts. The evidence or factor or truth can be found in the EIR, the fire, and police department research,the water authority research, even the applicant's proposal contains the truth. Thi s research shows that the, naysayers' thi nking is faulty. As a science educator, I would give an "F" to the naysayers scientific abilities. The truth supports that Arcadia is completely capable of supporting and reaping the results of the wonderful caruso Project. I urge a unanimous yes vote, and as a senior citizen make it timely. Thank you. MR. OLSON: Thank you. Miss Castanzas, please.. SPECTATOR: You. mentioned my name, but? COMMISSIONER OLSON: oh, I'm sorry. And you are? MR. SIMMONS': lee Simmons. I'm past president of the Chamber of Commerce. I've been a resident of Arcadia for 31 years. We've resided at 1014 West Fairview Avenue, and I love Arcadia, and I always have. I love the spirit of the discussion of these kinds of projects. I think we should have those who object. .So we get all the issues out. The positiveness of this project would bring this community to a view of ownership and presence of our community within the project itself. 127 page 117 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) I had 'the prlvilege of going to Kansas city, and they have the country club. They have -- it's the second largest city of fountains fountains in the world. First is Rome, and they took the idea from spain to build this community in the twenties. It stands today because it's quality~ This is a quality project. 00 not let this go away from you. You have an excellent opportunity to help the schools, to help jobs. we don't know what the job picture is going to be in the future. We're going to make it for our children. I have a daughter that grew up here, went to Longley way, went through the all the schools, and these are opportunities for young people, and we need to think of this. Future of Arcadia, all the pollution and things will go out with pink oil. YOU have to understand this is not just a 10-year project. This is not' a normal kind of building. This is a monument, and when yo~ think. of the world and the monuments you have, there are very few because it's just not for a fast buck, because of the quality in the motor of that project. This is Arcadia. They've always made good decisions right from the beginning all the way through, and this is the. jOb of the council to look at all the positives and the n~gatives. We have hope here. let's approve the project and get it moving. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. e e 128 1 2 3 okay, Beth? MS. CASTANZAS: Beth castanzas, and I'm the director of the Arcadia chamber of Commerce, 388 west Page 118 . . 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 e 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) Huntington Drive. I. would just like to say that the chamber of Commerce has a mission statement, and the mission statement is this to playa critical and integral role in maintaining a healthy business environment, contributing to the economic growth of the city and enhancing the city's image. With that, we have -- the board of directors has voted to support the Caruso project. I have a letter here that states that, and I am not going to read it because this is very late tonight, and I would just like to say that at the end of it it says, "Based on observations at -- and reports from other caruso efforts, it is our belief Caruso Affiliated is a highly ethical and conscientious developer that can be trusted to build a first class, secure, family friendly development with input from the chamber and other city organizations at every step of the way. The Chamber voted that The Shops at Santa Anita will have an immediate, growing, and 'lasting positive impact on Arcadia's commerce as a whole, and wholeheartedly support the project. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. It's singh, 650 west Duarte Road. Okay. we'll move on to John 129 1 2 3 4 5 Twitchell, Arcadia's Firefighter Association. MR. TWITCHEll: Good evening. My name is John Twitchell. I'm current president of the Arcadia Firefighter's ASsociation. last year, when The Shops at santa Anita was announced, our association took notice. page 119 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) Just like the citizens of Arcadia, we also SKWEed the existence and viability of such a large scale development that, would be located on the south parking lot of the Santa Anita race track. A great, deal of thought and consideration was given to the proposed shops of the santa Anita project. Meetings were held with Caruso Affiliates to gain a greater understanding of what was being proposed. Careful consideration was given to both pro and con input from citizens and city council. The potential impact on services provided by the Arcadia Fire Department have been evaluated on many levels. Tremendous time and effort has been spent gathering and reviewing facts. in order to make the best decision. The decision to support this project was made based on facts, as it pertained to the fire department and it's continued level of service to the city. Miti9ation plans have already been developed by fire department staff to address the concerns of such a large scale development. We are confident that our e e 130 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 mi ssi on as a Cl ass one fi re department wi 11 be strengthened and our level of commitment to the citizens of Arcadia will be sustained. The benefits of this development are far reaching to the City of Arcadia and its residents. The Arcadia Firefighter's Association would not agree to support it if we felt it was not ,going to be a benefit to the city as a whole. please understand this, that our Page 120 . . 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 e 23 24 25 o . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 . . 031907pcmeeti.ng (2) support does not establish acts, but a reassurance to you, the citizens, that we have the city's interest at heart. The project will provide revenue in excess of what the city already receives, therefore providing economic stability for years to come. commissioner parrille has agreed to fix the city's antiquated traffic system, a long overdue problem. which would improve response times for both police and fire departments, and at the cost -- and the cost of modernizing the traffic system would be done at caruso's expense, and not imposed on the citizens of Arcadia. This proposed project would also provide much needed office space and recreational district at no cost, a gesture that shows its commitment to the residents and thei r children. In turn, this would alleviate the overcrowding in Arcadia High school, by providing the desperately needed space to expand classrooms and provide 231 better use of the Bond Measure R monies. The proposed shops at Santa Anita will also ensure the long term benefit of santa Anita Park. This, along with the new performing arts theater, would give families a safe environment together and enjoy time together. The Arcadia Firefighter's Association firmly believes that together, westfield shopping Town and the shops at santa Rita can coexist and will be able to foster a sensible growth for all who call this great city Page 121 o . . 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 home. 031907pcmeeting (2) . COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Next is Perry Torry. 330 coral Avenue. THE WITNESS: perry Torry is gone. COMMISSIONER OLSON: okay. Jim Romo. And after that will be Rob Mathias. MR. ROMO: Good evening, Mr. Chairman and members of the planning commission. And a special hello to those of you up there that are personal friends of mine. My name is Jim Rome, and I'm a 24-year resident of Arcadia. And I, currently serve as the president of the Arcadia unified school District Board of Education, and I'm just about ready to complete my tenth year of service as a member of the school board. I wanted to address some of the issues that have 132 e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 been brought up this evening. I'm probably no better person to be speaking to some of the concerns that were raised by our residents about the benefits that the school district may derive by the approval of this particular project. And as Mr. caruso mentioned in his slide presentation earlier, the board did, in fact, pass a resolution in support of the ,project, and there's obvious reasons for it. Because as he mentioned, and as other speakers did this evening, there's a direct benefit that the school district derives from approval of this project: A 22,000 square foot facility where we can house our di strict admi ni strati on offi ces, It wi 11 Page 122 . e 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 0 e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 . 14 15 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) double the size of our current district office, which sits on the northwest corner of the high school campus. we will have more rooms for meetings. We will have bigger space for staff development, which is a very important issue; training our teachers to be the best possible teachers that they possibly can. And having better locations and facilities for our board meetings, to invite the public to attend. It's very close quarters as they exist now. It;s not a very inviting facility. It's nothing like the city council chambers. ~nd we think if we had something better that we would have more people showing up to learn 133 a little bit more about what's happening in their public school system. But in November of 2006 a vast majority of the ci ti zens in thiS communi ty approved a $218 mi 11 i on bond. About a 130 million of those dollars are going to be spent on renovating and con~tructing new buildings at the high school. Many of you here who have students at the high school or who had students at the high' school, know that space i.s at a premium on that campus. one of the things that this school board has looked at, certainly during my term on the board, is how we could better use the space facilities at the high school. In order to do the project that we anticipate to be able to do, with that amount of money, we need that space. We need to move that district to another location page 123 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) within the city. Thanks to Mr. caruso's generosity, we will have that opportunity to expand and have the better faci 1 i ty. But more importantly, we're going to be able to maximize the space at the high school to do the types of project that I thi nk thi s communi ty expects thi s board to spend this money over. It'S a very crowded campus as it stands now. By improving that space ,we will have better opportunity to service our children. Thank you very much. e 134 COMMISSIONER OLSON: Next is Rob Mathias. After that Jan Anderson and then Alexander zajack. MR. MATHIAS: okay. Mr. Chairman, commission. My name is Rob Mathias. My wife and I reside at 816 coronado Drive in Arcadia. we've been there for 25 years. And that's about two blocks away from the Westfield Mall right now, but we don't really enjoy shopping there. The parking is terrible. To walk there, you have to it's not pedestrian friendly to walk off Huntington Drive to get into the mall. You have to zig zag through the parking lot. It's actually not a direct way to get into their mall for pedestrians, either Ba 1 dwin or Hunti ngton. This project is terrific. I love it. I can't wait for it to happen, and I encourage you to go ahead and pass the proposition. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Is Jan Anderson Page 124 e . I o e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 . . . 19 20 21 22 23 24 031907pcmeeting (2) here? Alexander zajack. And after that will be Tommy Sinclair and then Jack lin. MR. ZAJACK: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My name is Alexander zajack. I reside at 126 Alta Street. I'.m a young person, I'm only 21 but I've lived here for much of my life, for seven years. And from my perspective, although I do drive 25 135 now, I haven't always. And this project is too insular. It is -- it is it has no provision for people who don't drive. And it is pedestrian oriented only from the perspecti ve of once you dri ve your car there. .Just 1 i ke the westfield Mall, as the previous speaker said, it's hard to get to. I do like the change that there's no more southern asphalt moat; however, it's still very difficult to get onto the property from anywhere else. The trolley is a very nice feature. It's more than -- is l~ttle more than a novelty at thi s poi nt . It is li mi ted to the area on the site, it doesn't even go up to the ~dge of the site. perhaps if there was some extension to the new Gold line station that will be at corner of First and santa Rita, it could be bring in people from outside of the area without bringing cars and pollution. I'd also like to point out that this mall is being touted as a downtown Arcadia. well, Arcadi a already has a downtown. About ten years ago the city council put a lot of money into revitalizing the area of Page 12 5 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) that is 21 East Huntington Drive. It's an neighborhood very 22 nice. It's a safe neighborhood, but 1 i ke any 23 neighborhood has problems. And this project, it wi 11 24 probably detract from that true Arcadia downtown and 25 create this new Arcadia downtown. which is -- it's very e 136 nice but it will detract from an area that has already been invested in quite heavily by the city, by public tax money. Also, as mentioned by some earlier speakers, the mitigation measures will only seek to reduce the pain of whatever -- we'll call it problems traffic will cause. The mitigation tactics being used are primarily the same ones being used in orange county, which has seen explosive growth over the last 20 years, and these mitigation tactics has not helped the traffic. If anything, traffic is at an all time -- it rivals los Angeles county. And that's all have I to say. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Next is Tommy sinclair? okay. Jack lin, 865 W. Foothill Blvd? calish schol1n. 522 west Harmon Avenue. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Go ahead. MR. LIN: Yes. MY name is Jack lin. I have lived in Arcadia since the 80's. I have many memories. Arcadia is a quiet suburban city. I like Arcadia. The big question: what kind of city do you want Arcadia to be? Is Arcadia the Newport Beach in santa Monica? A metropolis. The mall will bring in thousands more people. I have not .seen the road so I'm not totally Page 126 e . . o e . . . 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) informed', but I will make my decision, final decision tonight. please take some more time before advancing B7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 with the plan. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you, Mr. lin. Okay. IS Ca 1 shephard here? okay. Joseph Fi n at 740 singi ng wood Drive? Ray Azu at 150 west las Tunas Drive? okay. Robin Moore, 2015 s. Eighth. And after that will be larry williams and then Kathleen Vanderwen. MR. MOORE: Gentlemen, I'm really tired. I want .to go to bed. unfortunately, I lost my ride home so I'm going to have to walk. unfortunately, you deci ded to fast track this and not allow for another session. I feel that's really too bad because there's a lot of comments that you'll .mi ss out on. So that's your loss and Arcadia's lost. I'm a civil engineer. I've lived in Arcadia since 1975. I have limited experience in traffic management. This I know for sure, is that when I leave to go home from work, and I take the eastbound 210, the traffic is backed up Rosemead and beyond. And it's the traffi cis abso lutel y i inpossi b'l e. It's goi ng to be made worse with 50,000 more cars on weekends, 30,000 cars duri ng the day. If you know it's going to be in the afternoons and the eveni ngs, it's not goi ng to be in the morni ngs; 'I think there's going to be hell to pay on the 210. And I'm doubting the veracity of the traffic statements, Page 127 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) . B8 because you haven't taken into the consideration the traffic on the 210. You also haven't taken into consideration the traffic in Monrovia. You haven't taken the traffic that's backing up going into Monrovia. If ,the 210 is backed up, peopJe are going to have to go down Huntington. :They're goi ng to have to go down Hunt; ngton to Duarte. And Monrov;ans, the El Monte, all the surrounding areas, they probably don't have any kind of traffic management or good signs, so I think that's an issue. I would also challenge the veracity of the city council. I don't think they've done south Arcadia much good. They've made ;t into a homes of -- a community of mansions. They've created a ton of homes with no back yards. It's like the New Orleans shotgun homes, one home backed up to the other. Tons of condominiums. when is this growth going to stop? when;s there going to be enough revenue? That's about all I have to say. Thank you and good n; ght. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Next, larry Williams. MR. WIllIAMS: I'm larry williams. I'm from 130 Greenfield Place. I'd like to talk about benefit versus risk and I'd like to talk about the water --so called e 139 Page 128 . . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 e 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) water feature. I feel this lake, here, has essentially no real benefit to either people at the proposed mall or to anyone else. It's basically anaesthetic feature but it has two downsides. one, of course, is the threat of drowning or injury in the water, and the other is the west Nile virus. NOW, if you can imagine a situation at night, when you're with a small child and that child goes missing, you're in one of these restaurants and you try to find that child along the periphery of this body water in the dark. There are no preventions for access to this water, so you can simply walk into it. The West Nile virus, which is the second issue I'd like to raise, is a serious issue in this area. And it's an issue for not only Arcadi a but for a 11 the surrounding communities. The problem is that with humans,for example, up to ten percent of those who show symptoms die. But for horses, the number now rises to 50 percent. And I've always found it particularly ironic that this feature is set up right next to a race track. The states, both of California and New York, have given, on their websites, that the best way to reduce West Nile virus is to eliminate all sorts of standing water. This implies things like removing dishes from the outside for your animals and spare tires, and so 140 1 on. Page 129 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) The alternative to this is, I think, a grassy area or better yet, a xeriscape, which would allow some increased parking. we've already heard that parking is inadequate on the proposal for the traffic flow. And also, a xeriscape or green area would allow us to have athletic events in the summer. So because we have essentially no benefit and two downside risks, I propose that this water feature be eliminated. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Next is Kathleen vanderwin, 637 west olive Avenue, Monrovia? Okay. Dorothy Gonzales? Denny Boultinghouse, 460 Fairview Avenue. And after that will be Steve Son and then Beverly street, MR. BOULTINGHOUSE: Members of the commission, I think tonight was a very significant meeting relative to the Caruso project. I, personally, am very disappointed as a resident of Arcadia and the source of the opposition to this project, which I feel and I think many people here tonight, far more eloquent than I, have said, very very quality project and an asset to the city of Arcadia. I thought the presentation tonight certainly informed everybody in this room, gave a clear picture of what the Caruso project is and what it is not. I think . e 141 1 2 3 4 that every resident of Arcadia, man, woman, and child, if they look and think about the motivations of the Caruso project will come to the conclusion that I've come to. And that is. very simply, that the Caruso Page 130 . . e o . . . 5 6 7 8 g 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) project offers the residents of Arcadia an opportunity to increase the quality of their lives, and i think you gentlemen know that. or, if you don't, if you're on the fence or whatever, think deeply about it. And I thank you very much for the opportunity to speak this evening. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Steve Son? Beverly Street? And after that will be phil consiglio. MS. STREET: Thank you very much for your time this evening. I know it's been a long evening for you, and for those of us who of us that have wished 'to impart our thoughts. I am Beverly Street. And my husband. Ron, and I have reside in Arcadia since June of '55. our two soris went through Arcadia's schools and graduated Arcadia High. And we truly are very happy that Caruso Affiliates have thought to put this project in Arcadia. personally, I wish it was the only project 'going in and that our mall wasn't here, but it is, and I really am grateful for what Caruso has tried to do for us as Arcadians. He's'seemingly made every effort, he and his company, have made every effort to make westfield and their projects cooperative. And I think that's to be 142 1 2 3 4 5 6 commended. I'm sorry it seems the other parties have no interest in trying to make it beneficial to all. I think all of us have heard how many people do feel this project is important. And I personally think when you have the school district, the police department. the fire Page 131 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2~ department, the chamber of commerce, all validating this project, it does tell us this is a good thing for us. And again, I thank you very much for your help. And I do hope it's approved and I do hope it '5 approved soon. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: phil consiglio. MR. CONSIGLIO: I live up in the highlands on canyon Road. I was not born in Arcadia. was not raised in Arcadia. I grew up in Alhambra and I remember, as a child, coming to the Santa Anita race track with my father and saying, Gee, Dad, why don't we live here? This is really nice. And he said, We can't afford to, you have to be rich to live in Arcadia. I took that to heart as a child, and as time passed, my career allowed me the ability to move here with my family. My wife was born here, raised here. Went to Highland oaks Elementary, Foothill's Middle school, Arcadia High School. I won't say when. our goal was to raise our children here because . e 143 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 it's a g,reat place. They're acti ve in the band. The band that Arcadia High has, 400 members; it's phenomenal. And no place to perform. The school board meets in a trailer, in a city that you had to, when I was a child, be rich to live in. Now I feel because I'm blessed and I am rich, and I want to see the city better. I now am the father of three teenage daughters, we could open a. shopping tour. We really could. And when they go to the current Page 132 . I e o . . . 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) mall, I worry about'them. when they go to a Caruso property, I don't, because of their security. I know when they drive in the parking structure, from the moment they drive into the parking structure until they drive out, that they're going to be safe. And I believe that will occur here as well. I was a nay sayer in the beginning. and r must say that all of the things that I disagreed with have been mitigated. And I don't intend to define the word "mitigate" to anybody here, but I do believe that everything that I disagreed with is gone. And I believe that it wi 11 be an outstandi ng property. I know it's going to cost a little more to have my kids shop there, and my wife, because it's going to be a 'high-end development. As a resuit, we're. going to get a higher end clientele. And if you're worried about 144 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 smog, believe me, the cars they drive produce a lot less smog than the lower end clientele; and I've got a couple of lower-end clientele customers. But I believe very strongly in this project and I want you to vote in favor of this project unanimously and keep my kids in Arcadia, so they don't have to wander off to go shopping. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Ann -- I can't even say that. It's like 122 East Foothill or 113. THE WITNESS: I'm right here. Give me a minute. COMMISSIONER OLSON: come back in a minute. page 133 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . . 03190i'pcmeeti ng (2) Jerry Durgerlan. MR. DURGERIAN: Thank you and good evening, members of the planning commission. Some of the names you've been calling, as I hear, there's about 70. First, to clarify the difference in traffic they've been talking about, Caruso will be 804,000 square foot, Westfield is only a 150,000 square foot. That's the main difference there. Also, the traffic mitigations that Westfield is proposing to have done, has been done except for Baldwin, and that, was because of Cal Trans. And so, as you know my name is Jerry Durgerian, and my questi on is who, rea 11 y, has the fi na 1 word about the proposed mall project, Arcadia or Caruso Affiliates? If in doubt, read the Final specific plan for the Shops 145 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 at santa Anita park, also known as Caruso Affiliated. Quote: "wherever it relates to (inaudible) of Santa Anita Park speci fi c pl an contai n provi si ons whi ch establish regulations including but not limited to heights, 1 and space usage, parki ng, si gns, open space, landscape requir.ements which are different from, more restricted than, more permissive than will be allowed pursuant to the provisions contained in section 9263." 9263 is one of Arcadia's municipal codes. And thi s is the ki cker: "The Santa Ani ta Parks specifi c pl an shall prevail and supercede the, applicable provisions in the Arcadia Municipal Code and various ordinances," unquote. In view of this paragraph, how can you, in good Page 134 I e . . 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o e . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) conscience, vote to approve this project? This language is derived to remain unchanged and the hard work of elected city officials. both past and present, will have been for naught. All the countless hours of meetings by the planning commission and city council would have been a sham and their efforts have been negated. why should any developer demand special attentions to prevail and supercede all Arcadian munic1 pal codes and vari ous ordi nances? Every enti ty should be obligated to follow the same rules. If this atrocity is allowed. this planning commi.ssion and city 146 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 council would have advocated the responsi bil i ti es to protect and serve our community. I sincerely hope that you'll carefully consider this question and the negative impacts brought on by the proposed project. Thank you for your time and consideration. COMMISSIONER OLSON: okay. Thank you very much. I'd make a comment that we -- COMMISSIONER KRUCKEBERG: We delivered speaker cards with written comments. For the record. we'd like to acknowledge that, from Mr. Baderian. We'd also like to acknowledge Mr. pickett's earlier submittal, which were a number of form e-mails which have been submitted into the record as well. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. Is Ann Durgerian here? Page 135 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 II 9 10 11 12 13 14 IS 16 17 i8 19 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) MS. DURGERIAN: Yes. okay. I've been here since 431, and I really appreciate you taking the time to call me since it's almost 11 o'clock. can you hear me now? COMMISSIONER OLSON: Yes, we can hear you now. MS. DURGERIAN: Good evening, planning commission. My name is Ann Durgerian and I have lived in Arca~i~ for over 36 years. My husband Gerry, who just spoke, and I had a,very successful business in the past, 147 for many years., and have been active members of the Arcadia community and organizations in which our two sons participated and, and with substitutions we believed could use our support. Each year our hospital, Methodist Hospital of Arcadia, receives thousands of emergency room patients. unfortunately these days, these patients are often far sicker than was the case in the past, and many more of them need to be admitted to the hospital. Thank you so much for your approval of the hospital's plans to improve the vital services they supply. I'm concerned, how~ver, that the proposal before you tonight could have many negative impacts on our precious hospital, and you know we have one of the f,fnest in the United States. I'm sure you know that; right? The Caruso Magna Mall's proposal environmental documents indicates that we have spent one million cars per month on our local streets. As the proposed mall and downtown center would be located just across the street page 136 . e . . o - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 . . . 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) from the hospital, it seems reasonable to expect that a lot of those cars will be traveling the very roads that lead to our emergency room. They are already times when ambulances are trying to get to the hospital have to jump the street medians, which I'm sure you know what that is, and travel 1.48 through oncoming traffic to timely deliver those in need of emergency medical services. The City of Arcadia selected Methodist Hospital for many reasons, and I'm sure that one of those was Methodist's commitment to provide quality services to Arcadi a's resi dents. And they have lived up to thei r expectations. AS the city grew, so did the hospital always maintaining quality patient services. The closure of other area hospitals has put pressure on Methodist to continue the tradition, and I think it is our responsibility 'to do our part by keeping the emergency room exit easily available to arriving ambulances. And I'm sure you'd all agree; right? What if that was your family having to be rushed to the hospital in an emergency situation. Think about it. Visitors to the hospital will of this traffic, making the experience pleasant one. be caught in a less 'than all COMMISSIONER OLSON: Mrs. Durgerian, I'm going to have to cut you off. You're, past your 3-minute time. MS. DURGERIAN: okay. well, I would also like Page 137 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 . . 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) to turn in, and I'm sure you won't mind a few extra seconds. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Ma'am-- MS. DURGERIAN: I'm going to finish this. 149 COMMISSIONER OLSON: Ma'am-- MS. DURGERIAN: Arcadian residents COMMISSIONER OLSON: Ma'am, everybody has the same time limits. If you want to turn that in, you can turn it in over here and we will add that to the public record. Thank you. The next speaker is Barbara Colton. Alexis Parker. Douglas Carstens, 325 Ocean park Boulevard. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Then after that will be John Berlin and Judy Packer. MR. CARSTENS: Good evening, Mr. Chairman. My name is oouglas carstens. I'm an attorney with chatten, Brown & Carstens. Forgive me for speaking fast, I only have three minutes. I wish I had a half an hour or more. NoW, I am here on behalf of Arcadia's First, who are including 4,950 members and supporters. Again, I wish I had more than three minutes. But I submitted a letter. I'm a patient guy, it's five minutes until 11 o'clock, and I've seen a lot of hearings. I just haven't seen one where all the supporters go up in the first half and everybody else goes in the second. Mr. chairman, I heard you say that those cards would be called in a random selection, but then at 9:55 we hear that it was called in the order received. Page 138 . e . . o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 . 11 I? 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 . . . 25 031907pcmeeting (2) Whatever. We just wanted to know what the rules are. 150 We have been receiving response cards from the community, maybe a thousand of them. And they've come in with independent people sending cards saying 900 -- about 900 supporting, maybe SO support the project. looking at this tonight, you wouldn't think that. But you'll find it out, you know; we'll see. Time will tell. NOw, the impacts of this project, we've heard traffic air quality, noises., aesthetics, we laid them all out, they're there in the staff report, pages 35 to 38. Look, if you're going to continue this to wednesday, all those people wanting to say something to you, why can't you let them come and speak to you on wednesday? Why can't you continue it? what have you got to lose but a couple days, and you'll get to hear from people? Mr. Caruso said he wanted to talk to the people. That's a welcome thing. why not start with continuing this until wednesday so a lot more talking can be done, instead of waiting until 11 o'clock to wear people out? What has not been Qiscussed here, the development agreement, it became available, what, March 9th? 10 days ago. 11'1 there there's a guaranty of S2 million. where's the no million. It's not in the development agreement. we looked. There's a traffic impact fee. I think it's maybe calculated at 5..6 million. That's not 10 million. Page 139 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) Bl . And in this joint venture agreement, september 28th, 2006, between Caruso and Magna. It says, "The tenant may use the premises only for retail, entertainment usage and (inaudible) residential, rental and/or for sale housing." I thought residential was off? why is it in there? It also says there's a residential management agreement in the event there's a residential component to the project, and it provides for a residential management and leasing fee. why all this provision for residential if it's off the table? why? we have a lot of questions. I have three minutes. It's probably up by now. can't really make that out. you've got my long letter. I invite you to read it. I invite you to read the two and a half feet of documents that support this decision. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Mr. carstens, your time is up. Next is susan Berlin. okay. Judy Packer. MR. DEITSCH: Mr. chairman, one of the speakers questioned about the order of cards. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Yes? MR. DEITSCH: Although the cards were accepted, and we thought it was on a random basis, it appeared early on that most of the speakers were actually favoring as opposed to opposing the project. As a result, at the e 152 page 140 . I 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 - a . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) first break we shuffled the cards intentionally, in order to allow, at least the perception, if not the reality. And I think it has been the reality of a more balanced presentation of speakers. And truly, again, at random, but this time based on a shuffling of cards. And that's the way it's been since the first break. CUMMISSIONER OLSON: And I'd like to point out that in almost all of our public hearings that we have, that the -- there's no favoring of one side or the other. The applicant has always given their chance to present their case. And we normally ask for those people that support on the side of the applicant, and then we 'hear a lot' of testimony for those that don't support it. Then the applicant's given one final time to rebut. A 11 that sai d, I thi nk thi s has been very fai r and I don't see anything that's created a, problem for how we've taken our testimony and for what we're looking at. MR. DIETSCH: If ,I may say one more thing. The chair is correct. It's certainly been a lawfully conducted order. There's nothing unlawful about the way the cards have been handled. And you are correct in saying that at most, public hearings, often those in favor of a project are permitted to come up to the microphone first, fo 11 owed by those in opposi ti on, fo 11 owed by those who are nei ther here no.r there. 153 1 2 COMMISSIONER OLSON: That's correct. Thank you. John Berlin. Eric perry. Patty Hund. Then after that Page 141 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o . . 031907pcmeeting (2) will be Judy MCKinley. MS. HAHN: patty Hahn, 1410 Oakmont Road. And I'm not related to Kenny or James Hahn. sorry. I'm in favor of the shops at Santa Anita, and I've been a resident here for over 30 years. I've been a school teacher for 35, and I'm in the business of solving problems every day, with my kids. And the main thing that I wish -politicians and Westfield would remember is, if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all. The whole world would be a,better place if individuals or groups would follow these simple words. I'm tired, very tired, of negative advertisements. And I think tonight a lot of people have supported Caruso's project and I truly support the project, and I can't wait for the shops at Santa Anita to arrive in our town. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: okay. Thank you. Judy MCKinley. Paul laird. Edmund serine. carrie Basset at 937 coronado? MS. BASSET: Basset. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Okay. sorry. And the last card I ,have is Kathleen vanderwen. MS. BASSET: I'm Carrie Basset at 937 coronado. I'm really sleepy. My husband and I have lived here all , e 154 1 2 3 4 5 our lives. our children -- my son graduated from Arcadia High . well ,actua 11 y, we both graduated from Arcadi a H~gh. My son graduated from Arcadia High last year and my daughter will graduate this year. I came looking and I think a lot of p~ople came Page 142 . . 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 . o . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) here to hear facts. I have not heard any facts, again, for the project. I have a fact for you: My entire outfit is from Pasadena. My purse and wallet is from south Coast Plaza. It's a real demographic fact. My thing about the race track is it's private property, they should be able to do whatever they want with it. 'They can do whatever they want with it. Caruso is the best thing that we have in front of us. I think we should take it. Thanks. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. IS there anybody ~hat filled out a card that has not spoken, that we might have missed? okay. And that's it for comments at this point. Now what I thi nk we'11 do ,. it's 11 0' clock. I know there going to have to take a break for a couple of minutes. Why don't we take another 10-minute break and then the applicant will have a IS-minute time to -- Pardon me? MR. DIETSCH: MR. CARUSO: You want to do that now. If it's easier. 155 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 COMMISSIONER OLSON: Well, I've got to check. Are we okay, ti me wi se? MR. DIETSCH: We're okay. MR. PENMAN: we're going to need some time to address all the comments. And the question is -- I understand that we -- COMMISIONER OLSON: oh, I would agree. You can Page 143 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) complete the public participation portion, then you can decide what you want to do. MR. PENMAN: Yeah. I would suggest that you do e that. COMMISSIONER OLSON: GO ahead, Mr. Caruso. MR. CARUSO: Members of the commission and staff, I just wanted to thank you for your time tonight. I have no comment to make other than a thanks to the public who have hung in here tonight. And particularly our supporters, I appreciate all the nice comments and thank you for spending a long evening and consideration. And I would certainly ask you for your support and your vote of confidence on this project, Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Thank you. MR. DIETSCH: Mr. chairman, I would like to ask the applicant if he has revi ewed the staff report and is in agreement with the pros and recommendations set forth in the staff report? . 156 MR. CARUSO: Yes, I have and I am. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Is there any questions of the applicant before he sits down again? okay. Can I have a vote to close the public heari ng? COMMISSIONER PARRIllE: so move. COMMISSIONER BADERIAN: Second. COMMISSIONER OLSON: okay. Roll call, please. THE ClE~K: Mr. Baderian? COMMISSIONER BADERIAN: Yes. Page 144 . I 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 . 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 . 12 . . 031907pcm~eting (2) THE CLERK: Mr. BERANEK? COMMISSIONER BERANEK: Yes. THE CLERK: Mr. HSu? COMMISSIONER HSU: Yes. THE CLERK: Mr. parrille? COMMISSIONER PARRIllE: Yes. THE CLERk: And Commissioner Olson? COMMISSIONER OLSON: Yes. okay. The public hearing is closed. We're going to take a short break and then we'll adjourn and discuss further what we're going to do. (Recess.) COMMISSIONER OLSON: okay. Thank you. After a discussion with staff and for the additional material that was turned in toni ght and speakers, as well, it will 157 take them several hours, at least, to put it all together for us to properly review it. so we've been asked if we will, then, reconvene this meeting until Wednesday at 7 o'clock. The public testimony is over with. There will be no public hearing. But it is an open meeting and everybody is ~ore than welcome to, obviously, come and listen to our discussions that we'77 be making and the recommendations, if any, to the city council at the time. Do you want to add anything, Steve? MR. DEITSCH: Yes. The planning commissioner's recommendation would be to adjourn this meeting for an Page 145 o . . 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 031907pcmeeting (2) adjourned meeting of the planning commission on wednesday March 21st, at 7 o'clock, P.M., at this location, where we are now, at the Masonic Center. COMMISSIONER OLSON: okay. Then before anyone makes that motion, I do want to acknowledge our council liaison i,s here, Councilman peter Amundson, is there anything you'd like to say, or is it too late? COUNCIlMAN.ADMUNDSON: NO. COMMISSIONER OLSON: okay. DO I have any matters from the planning commissioners? Yes, Steve. GO ahead. MR. DEITSCH: Chairman, commissioners have one more reminder, that the public hearing has indeed been I 158 . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 closed and it will not be subject to reopening at wednesday's meeting. wednesday's meeting will be devoted solely to getting advice from staff regarding any recommended responses to comments and to deliberate amongst the commissioners themselves, regarding the recommendation to the city council regarding the land use items that are on tonight's agenda. NO further public hearing. Thank you. COMMISSIONER OLSON: okay. Thank you. Then I can have I a motion? COMMISSION BADERIAN: you're good at this. I wish you would have wrote down the city attorney's. comment relative to the, motion. could you repeat that motion, please? MR. DEITSCH: The recommended motion was to Page 146 . . 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 o 8 . . . 031907pcmeeting (2) continue to adjourn this meeting to an adjourned meeting at the planning commission regular meeting. On wednesday, March 21st at 7 o'clock P.M. at this location. COMMISSIONER BADERIAN: I will make that motion as so stipulated by the city Attorney. COMMISSIONER PARRIllE: second. COMMISSIONER OLSON: The motion is seconded, but before we have the final vote, then, tonight, I do want to thank the audience for good behavior. And I'd also like to -- a personal matter, adjourn this meeting in 159 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 honor of my son's 21st bi rthday. He's down i.n San Di ego today. I know the city council does this all the time, they adjourn in memory of somebody and I said I would do it in .honor of him. But I told him he better not drink too much because it might be in memory, if he gets in trouble. Anyway, so in honor of my son Derek, I'll call for the roll. THE CLERK: Mr. Baderian? COMMISSIONER BADERIAN: Yes. THE CLERK: Mr. BERANEK? COMMISSIONER BERANEK: Yes: THE CLERK: Mr. HSU. COMMISSIONER HSU: Yes. THE CLERK: Mr. olson? COMMISSIONER OLSON: Yes. THE CLERK: Mr. parrille? page 147 . . 18 19 031907pcmeeti ng (2) COMMISSIONER PARRIllE: Yes. COMMISSIONER OLSON: Okay. we stay adjourned . 20 until 7 o'clock, wednesday, March 21st, here. Than~ you. 21 22 23 24 25 o 160 1 2 3 4 5 e 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 . Page 148 . . 031907pcmeeting (2) 21 22 23 24 25 o 1 2 3 4 5 6 e 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 . 22 page 149 . 161