HomeMy WebLinkAboutFEBRUARY 13, 1957
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Council Chamber, City Hall,
Arcadia, California,
February 1.3, 1957, 8:00 P. M.
TO: ALL CITY COUNCilMEN AND PLANNING COl'lHISSIONERS
SUBJECT: PLAHNING COMl.JISSION MINUTES
The City Planning Commission met in regular meeting with Chail'lllllll
Robertson presiding.
PRESENT: Commissioners Acker, Balser, Daly, Pratt, RObertson, Sorenson
and Vachon.
ABSENT: None.
OTHERS PRESENT: Carozza, Dennis, Jacobi, Mansur, Nicklin, Phillips,
Reibold, licGlasson and Talley.
The minutes of the l1leet1ng of January 22, 1957, were approved as written
and mailed.
The public hearing on the proposed change to Zone C-M with a liD" overlq
on property bounded by Las Tunas Drive, Live Oak Avenue and El Monte Avenue was
continued. The Secretary read communications from Boller,SUttner <<< Boller,
Attorneys at Law, 50 North First Avenue, who favored the zone change, and the
following persons who opposed it: Omer G. Dawson, 184 Sandra Avenue; Mr. and
Mrs. IJ.oyd Porter, 229 West Las Tunas Drive; Thomas E. Shotton. 2727 Warren Wq;
John E. Godfrey, III West Las TUnas Drive; Howaxd C. OWsley, .331 ,"lest Las Tunas
Drive; Frank Rush, 2326 Sewanee Lane; and Tom Lewis, 43 Woodruff Avenue.
Mr. Ludwig A. Z1ma, 33 F.ast Longden Avenue, O\mllr of property at 120 West
Las Tunas Drive east of the wash. spoke in favor of the proposed change. He
stated that he was interested in improving the area lind would not approve of a
change detrimentcl. to the 'l'riangle. He further stated that he had been unable
to improve the Live Oak Avenue side of his property under the present re-
strictions. He pointed out that there was no demand for stores in this area and
many of those that have tried have failed and moved out. He expressed the
opinion that C-M zoning would attract a desirable type of business.
Mr. John Orsi, 241 Woodruff Avenue, spokesman for a group of South Arcadia
property owners, presented their argument in opposition to the proposed change.
The points brought out by Mr. Orsi were that property owners in this area had
purchased property relying on deed restrictions to protect their investment;
that manufacturing would not contibuta to the best development of the City; that
a manufacturing zone would be the start of devaluation of property values; .and
that this zone change would lead to other zone changes and variances. Mr. Orsi
recommended that jheTriangle remain in Zone C-2 with a liD" overlay, and further
that an R~3 butfer strip be provided to protect ad.1acent residential areas. He
read and submitted petitions containing 501 signatures protesting the proposed
zone change.
Mr. F. M. Brose, 172 west Las Tunas Drive; Mr. Robert E. Hoser, 62 Woodruff
Avenue; Mr. Frank Redmond, 159 Sandra Avenue; and Mr. Lincoln Walter, 362 Woodruff
Avenue, all spoke in opposition to the proposed zons change. It was stated that
the granting of Zone C-M I.,ould be an invitation for the same request on the H:lmes
property. Mr. Robert Fainer, Of Mc Closky and Fainar, Attorneys, representing
the purchasers of property at the southeast corner of El Monte Avenue and Las
Tunas Drive, explained that his clients intend to build a 32 lane bowling alley
and restaurant on this property. He stated that they are not opposed to the
proposed rezoning, but would prefer that the R~l area east of El Monte Avenue be
reduced to 60 feet wide, with the balance to be zoned C-2, and all of said
property to be controlled by' a liD" overlq. He stated that his cliente would
comply with all reasonable architectural restrictions, lath the right reserved
to make minor alterations after the building is erected. 10 other person desired
to be heard. The Chail'lllllll declared the public hearing closed.
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Mr. Robertson stated that the Triangle area and the area on the north side
of Las Tunas Drive had been under consideration for ~ years, and that the
COIIIIII1.ssion had spent many nights attempting to find a solution to the problems
involved. He stated that the Commission had hoped to attract I1paper industiresl1
and light manufacturing. architecturally controlled. in order to ellminate the
existing "eye sore". Mr. Pratt concurred with Mr. Robertson's remarks. He
pointed out that perhaps the 11M" part of the C-M zoning IlI!lY have been misleading.
He stated that it' the proposed plan tfere carried out as the Commission planned.
it would be a definite asset to the city. Mr. Acker stated that the C-M zone.
~lith I1D" overla;y.. was more restrictive than the present C-2. He pointed out
that ~ areas have architecturally controlled industrial development which is
satisfactor,y to surrouniing :residential areas. The Secretary read the allowable
uses in Zone C~. Mr. Balser stated that in view of the proposed bowling alley,
the matter should be held over for reports from the Safety Committee. Planning
Consultant. and City Engineer. Motion was made by Mr. Balser. and secOnded by
Mr. Sorenson, that the proposed rezoning of the Triangle be held over for reports
from the Safety Committee. Planning Consultant and the City Engineer. and further
that a oopy of Mr. Feinsr's report be mailed to the Commission. The motion
failed to carry by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COIIIIII1.ssioners Balser and Sorenson.
tlOES: Commissionsrs Acker, Daly. Pratt. Robertson and Vachon.
Mr. Robertson suggested that certain uses might be eliminated from those
allowed in Zone C-M. 1.1r. Pratt stated that many reports has been made on this
area. He requested that a decision be reached so that those present could hear
the discussion and not have to return. He further stated that the Commission
should consider a buffer strip between the C-~1 Zone and adjacent residential
areas. He suggested that the R-1 area adjacent to El Monte Avenue could be made
FR-1. Mr. Vachon stated that construction of the bowling alley would take care
of the development of the greater part of the triangle west of the .lash, and
provide a buffer for ad.iacent residential property. He suggested that the west
portion of the Triangle remain C-2 with a "D" overlaY, and that the portion east
of the wash be rezoned to Cool1. Mr. Balser stated that the west portion should
be C-2 even it' the bowling alley is not built. and concurred on C-M for the east
portion. The City Engineer stated that the Commission had previOUSly made a
recommendation to the Council that there be no general cOllllllercial use allowed on
the southeast corner of Las Tunas Drive and El Monte Avenue. and no ingress and
egress on El Monte Avenue. Mr. Robertson stated that continuance of the hearing
would only prolong a deoision. and that he would prefer that a deoision be
reached at this meeting. Motion by Mr. Pratt. seconded by Mr. Daly that the
Triangle bounded by Las Tunas Drive, Live Oak Avenue. and El Monte Avenue be
rezoned as follows: The westerly 60 feet to be rezoned from Zone R-l to Zone
FR-l; that portion extending 257 feet from the easterly line of the PR-l Zone
to be rezoned from ZOne R-l and Zone C-2 to Zone C-2; the remainder of the
triangle east of the west 317 feet to be rezoned from Zone C-2 to Zone C-I1; the
entire triangle to be controlled by a "DI1 overlay. The motion was carried by the
following roll oall vote..
AYES: Commissioners Acker, Daly, Pratt. Robertson and Vachon.
NOES: Commissioners Balser and Sorenson.
The City Attorney read the requirements as established by ordinanoe for a
"DI1 overla,v.
PIlrsuant to notice given. a pUblic hearing was held on theapplica'tion of
Johanna M. Wenz for a zone variance to allow property at 6ll Hes't Duarte Road 'to
be used for the purposes of conducting a mortuary. The Secretary read the
application and oommunica1;1ons from Malcolm Davis, Attorney at Law, one of which
included a pe1;11;1on containing 22 signatures of property owners opposing the
proposed variance. Mr. Fred Howser, attorney for Mrs. Wenz, addressed the
Commission in favor of the proposed variance. He pointed out 'that 'this was his
second appearance in the past few months for a variance for a mortuary. He
stated the need for a second mortuary had been brought out at the previOUS
hearing. He stated that it seemed wmecessary to present the proponents again,
since their arguments had already' been heard. He expressed the opinion that
mortuaries do not belong in business areas. but that due 'to the criticism of the
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previous request, the applicant had chosen a site as near to business property
as possible. He stated that Duarte Road from Holly Avenue west would probab1;y
develop into either business or R-3 property. He presented a sketch of the
proposed building, and stated that if the variance is granted the mortuary would
be constructed substantially as shown thereon., He pointed out that the aatual
cost would be closer to $130,000 than the $75,000 stated in the application.
Mr. Edgar A. DunCOmbe, 1018 Paloma, owner of the property in question,
stated that he was in favor of the proposed variance. He stated that he had
attempted to circulate a petition among the adjacent property owners, but due to
the mixed reaction he 'had returned the petition to Mr. Howser unsigned.
Mr. Howser stated that his client had agreed to a 12 foot dedication for widen-
ing Duarte Road, and also to dedication of 30 feet in the rear for a future ..,
street.
l.fr. Malcolm Davis, 534 West Duarte Road, spoke in opposition to the
proposed variance. He stated that allowing a mortuary would cause a decrease in
property values and a gradual deterioration of residential property.
Mr. George Jelinek, 615 West Duarte Road, read a letter from Mr. Herbert Hill,
Treasurer of King Cole Markets, Inc., owners of the property at 631-645 West
Duarte Road, opposing the proposed ohange. He presented a petition containing
29 signatures of property owners opposing the request for zone variance. The
letter and petition were filed with the Secretary. Mr. Floyd. Hill, 618 Fairv1ew
Avenue; 1>11'. vi. H. stevens, 620 West Duarte Road; Mr. C. S. Penney, 612 West
Duarte Road; and Mr. B. Franklin Berry, 604 ;iest Duarte Road, all spoke in
opposition to the proposed varianoe.
There being no other persons who desired to be heard, the Chairman declared
that the hearing be continued at the next meeting; on February 26, 1957, for the
sole purpose of receiving reports from the staff and the Planning Consultant.
Pursuant to notioe given, a publiohearing was held on the application of
Century Rock Products for a change of zone from Zone R-l to Zone M-2 and for a
special use permit for the develppment of natlU'al resources on property located
north and south of Lower Azuea Road and west of the San Gabriel River. The
Secretary read a letter from Luther Grotke, 5380 North Durfee, E1 Monte,
protesting the zone change. The Secretary advised the COIIIlIIi.ssion that he had
received a telephone call from Mr. Kennedy of the Los Angeles County Regional
Planning Commission stating that the same type of request had been denied by that
body in 1952. The Secretary read a communication from the Los Angeles County
Flood Control District requesting that any plans for quarrying in the San Gabriel
River bed be made subject to approval by the District. The communication was
referred to the City Engineer and his staff for study.
Mr. Glen R. Watson, attorney for Century Rock Company, addressed the
Commission in favor of the proposed zone change. He presented pictures of the
area in question, and pointed out that only on the west was there any residential
development. He also presented several photographs showing present land usage,
and indicating its suitability for quarl""Jing. Included were several pictlU'es
showing typical rock quarry operations. Nr. Watson explained the featureS of a
modern quarrying operation, and the controls required by the County. He pre-
sented an artists sketch of the plant and surrounding area as it would be. The
sketch showed a row of trees and a six foot masonry wall between Norwood Village
and the proposed plant. The plant is to be located south of Lower Azusa Road
near the flood control ohannel. The primary crushed is to be underground, with
stock piles to the west of the plant, being between the plant and surrounding
homes, in an effort to decrease noise that might reach the homes. He filed a
letter from the State Division of Highw~ to the Regional Planning COIIIlIIi.ssion
in t-lhich the Division eDlphasized the critioal need for sand and gravel. He also
filed a letter which he had received from the State of Call1'ornia Division of
Mines in which t he effect of zoning upon aggregate supplies was explained.
Hr. Watson also filed a photostat of a portion of a report from the California
Journal of Mines and Geology. He pointed out that annual taxable sales would
amount to approximate1;y ~l,OOO,Ooo, with approx:imate1;y;.\lO,OOO resultant sales
tax revenue to the City, in addition to the business license fee.
Mr. Robertson inquired about the delivery of raw materials to the plant.
He was infonned that trucks would travel southwest from the pit, the property,
to Lower ~usa Road and unload at an underground tunnel to the crusher. World.ng
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hours are to be between the hours of 6:00 A. M and 10:00 P. M., except in the
event of an emergency. Delivery of finished products l~ould be northeast on
Lower Azusa Road to River Grade Road.
Hr. Anton De Hagan, Nol'li'oOd Village, stated that property owners in the
"Village" had been confronted with similar requests three times previously. He
expressed disfavor due to the inconveniences caused by this type of operation.
He stated that other uses could be found for this property. He requested that
if the zone change is granted that the Commission consider writing in all condi-
tions offered by the Century Rock Company as well as the conditions set forth for
"Q" zone in LOs Angeles County. Several photographs, shOwing the type of
residential development in the area, were presented. . Mrs. &lith Adams,
1213$ Hallwood, protested on the basis of dust and dirt conditions, appearance
and devaluation of property values. She requested that the plant be restricted
to the northeast corner of the property if the proposed change is granted.
Mrs. B. H. Wilson, Norwood Village; Mr. Luther Grotke, $380 North Durfee Avenus;
Mr. Albert E. Smith, 5127 North Durfee Avenue; Mr. Lester Monahan, 2227 sterr
street; Mrs. Gwendo~ Van Pelt, $3$8 North Durfee Avenue; Hr. Baker, 11716 Lower
Azusa Road;. and 1'1r. and Mrs. Gordon F. l-lordes, 121$9 Cherrylee Dl'1ve, all
protested the proposed zone change.
Mr. Watson explained that the plant should be adjacent to Lower Azusa Road
in order to facilitate access to Iliver Grade Road. He. presented photographs ot
homes adjacent to the property in question. He also filed a copy of the Los .,.
Angeles County "QIt Zone restrictions and a map of the area. Mr. Robertson
suggested that the hearing be continued for study and f'urther discussion.
Hr. Pratt requested that the Planning Consultant report on the history of this
matter and the actions of the Regional Planning Commission. He cOl1lll\ented that
it was poor planning to rezone annexed areas contrary to the decisions ot the
Regional Planning Commission. He requested a plan ot the "N" zOning surrounding
this area. Mr. Robertson requested that Century Rock CompaZV furnish a complete
la;rout of the proposed plant ani details of hours of operation. He also
requested that transportation be arranged for the Commission to view the property.
Mr. Pratt requested that all future annexations be first approved by the
Planning Commission. The Plaming Consultant was instructed to prepare a complete
report on the proposed zone change. The Chairman declared that the publio hearing
would be continued at the next meeting on February 26, 1957.
The proposed change of zone on the west side of Fifth Avenue from Zone R-3
to Zone C-N with a ''D1t overla;r was considered. The report of the Planning
Consultant was read. The City Engineer requested that a requirement be made for
installation of curb and gutter along Fifth Avenue prior to rezoning. He
suggested that the proper fire zone for this area. be considered. Motion by
Hr. Vachon, seconded by Mr. Acker and carried that the City Attorney be instructed
to draw the necessary resolution recol1lll\ending that the request for ohange of
zone on the west side of Fifth Avenue fram Zone R-3 to Zone C-M with a "D" over~
lay be approved subject to the following conditions:
1. That the proper fire zone be determined and established;
2. That curb and gutter be installed along Fifth Avenue prior to rezoning.
Lot split No. 140. being the request of viilliam J. Hornung to divide
property at 1ll1J. Sunset BouleVard, lihich had been referred to Mr. Vachon and
Mr. Balser for investigation, was considered. ~Ir. Vachon stated that this was
a logical split. He, mentioned that houses had been built on both lots prior to
sale of the property. Motion by l~. Vachon, seconded by Mr. Balser and carried
that the request to divide the southerly 50 feet of Lot 104, Tract No. 2731, be
reoommended for approval subject to the following conditions:
1. That a final map be filed wit.h the City Engineer;
2. That a recreation fee of $25.00 be paid.
Tract No. 19863, located at Shamrock and Central in the City of MOnrovia,
was considered. The Chainnan ordered that the map be filed.
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The Chairman appointed l.fr. Sorenson and Mr. Acker as members of the
Budget Committee.
The COIlIlII1.ssion was advised that the City will be host to the League of
California Cities on February 21, 1957, am that the Commissioners and their
wives are invited to attend.
Mr. Robertson inquired about the curb and gutter which is to be installed
along Mich1llinda Boulevard, south of Colorado Boulevard. The Ci~ Engineer
advised that he was checking with the County regarding proper grades. He added
that the curb and gutter is to be installed in the near future.
There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting
adjourned.
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L. U. TALLEY
Secretary
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