HomeMy WebLinkAboutFEBRUARY 26, 1957
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Council Chamber, City Hall,
Arcadia, California.
February 26. 1957. 8:00 P. M.
TO: ALL CITY COUNCIll1EN AlID PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
SUBJEX:T: PLANNING COMHISSION MINUTES
The City Plan."ling Conunission met in regular meeting with Chairman Robertson
presiding.
ffiESENT: Commissioners Acker, Balser. Pratt. RObertson, Sorenson and
Vachon.
ABSENT: Commissioner Daly.
OTHERS ffiESENT: Carozza. Mansur. lficklin, Phillips. McGlasson and Talley.
The minutes of the meeting of February 13. 1957. were approved as written
and mailed.
The public hearing on the application of Century Rock Products for a
change of zone from Zone R-l to Zone 11-2. and for a special use permit for the
development of natural resources an property located north and south of Lower
Azusa Road and west of the San Gabriel River. was continued. The Secretary
advised the Conunissian that the following communications had been received:
34 cards requesting that the Commission uphold the previOUS action of the Los
Angeles County Regional Planning Conun1ssion; 45 cards protesting the application
an the basis of the noise and dirt involved in the present operation; 16
individuaJ. protest letters; a petition of protest containing 18 signatures; a
petition of protest containing 643 signatures; and 3 individual protest letters
'which had been delivered to Supervisor Herbert C. l-egg.
Mr. Glenn R. ilatson. a"ttorney for Century Rack Products, addressed the
Conunission in favor of the proposed zone change. He stated that he wished to
clar1:fy the proceedings of the rtegianal Planning Conunissian in 1954 in regard to
a similar request. He stated that the Regional Plaruling Conunission had
unan:imous~ approved a "Q" (quarry) Zone. but that the Board of SUpervisors.
under pressure by competitive firms. had turned down the proposal. He pointed
out that the residents of Norwood Village had been represented at these hearings.
He stated that denial of this request would contribute to the shortage of
aggregate, since this is one of the few available areas suitable for rack
quarrying. Mr. "latson filed an analysis of the number of signatures on petitions
presented at the 1956 hearing. This analysis indicated 1.413 signatures opposed
and 1.514 in favor in the El Monte area. There were apprOJdmate~ 10.000
signatures in favor in all. and 1.600 apposed. He stated that Century Rack
Products was not attempting to establish a new use in the area. He pointed out
that there ware ten gravel plants operating in the area before three-fourths of
the housing was developed. He filed a list of dates on which various quarries
ware established. He stated that they were not widening the gravel quarrying
area, but mere~ extending it in a direct line between existing operations. He
expressed the opinion that it was fair and just to allow this operation in an
area of gravel industry. He stated that the new plant would be no closer to
Norwood Village than the existing operation of Peck Road.
Mr. Ed Beatty. Manager of the Arcadia Chamber of Conunerce, read a portion
of a letter written to the City Council by the Chamber at the time of annexation.
in which that body recoIlllllllnded that the area be annexed and zoned for quarrying
in order to obtain the revenue from the Century Rack Products operation.
Mr. E. O. Rodeffer, owner and operator of Century Rack Products, stated that
he had operated the plant near Norwood Village for three and one-half years. He
stated that he had been receiving letters of complaint, but that the complaints
were not true ar just since the City has received very few protests in the past
three and one-half years. He stated that the numerous protests at this time
were intended sole~ to defeat the proposed rezoning. He pointed out that the
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area 19 not suitable for crops or housing and is flaoded at t1Jnes.
Mr. Anton B. Bagen, 4558 North La Madera, representing the opposition,
stated tlilat the Rocll: Company had obtained eignatures as far 8Ji(1q as Compton and
Pomona for presentation to the Regional Planning Collllllission in 1956. He quoted
from page 14 of Ordinance No. 760 in which it is stated that the City is
relatively unsuited for heavy industrial enterprises. He expressed the opinion
that the City is not poor and does not need to harm its neighbors in arder to
obtain revenue. He pointed out that Mr. Rodeffer had purchased the land, lmowing
that it was not zoned for rock quarrying. Mr. Hagen claimed that Mr. Rodeffer
did so on the gamble that rezoning would be granted. He read a letter from
R. L. Johnson, M;qor of El Monte, supporting the protestants in their 1950
protest. He men1;ioned letters of protest from the El Monte School District, El
Honte High School, El Monte Water Companies (om af which has a liell within 100
feet of the proposed quarry site), City of Baldwin Park, and representatives of
the local dairy industry, written at that time.
Mrs. Edith AdalllS, lU35 Hallwood, pointed out that although there has been
some Objection to the gravel pits to the north, lthich have been operating since
the 1920's, the ones south and east of Narwoad Village .constitute a real hazard
on account of dust. Mr. P. B. Robinson, representing the League of Civic
Associations of the San Gabriel Valley, asked if this move was for the good of
the Valley. He requested that the Commission consider the matter as if the
quarry were to be in their own back yards. Mr. O. l-!ustad, 12106 Roseglen,
expressed the opinion that the land could be used for residences. He stated
that contrary to Mr. Rodeffer's statement, complaints have been made during the
three and one-half years of operation. He stated that as an owner of shares in
the local water company, he felt that the water supply ltould be ruined by this
operation. No other person desired to be heard. The Chairman declared the
publio hearing closed.
Mr. Robertson denied that the Commission had made an;y decision before the
hearing. He pointed outh that there never were a.n.y Commission meetings on any
subject prior ta the public meetings. Mr. Balser asked when the quarry would
begin operation if rezaning is granted. Mr. Rodeffer infal'lllEld him that they
would start as soon as arrangements could be made with the Los Angeles County
Flood Cantrol Distriat as to the temporary channel for the San Gabriel River.
Mr. Pratt concurred with Mr. Robertson that no prior decision had been made.
He. stated that the 'Commission' ape rated on demOCratic principles, and .would give
a fair decision whether it involved citizens of Arcadia or Norwood Village. He
stated that he considered a quarry as a temporary use until the material is
depleted. He stated that he would prefer long tem consideration of land uses
in this area. l-lr. Vachon asked the City Engineer the status of the Flood Control
Channel, and was infol'lllEld that there ltould be a 600 foot channel in tl1l3 future.
Mr. Acker asked Mr. Rodeffer whether the present quarry was nearly depleted.
Mr. Rodeffer infamed him it could be utilized until 1968, at which time it
would become a settling basin far Los Angeles County Flood Control. He stated
that they were not comtemplating its future use as a dump. Mr. Rodeffer stated
that the City owns a ltell and pump, installed by Century Rook Products at a cost
of $5,000 to ~;;6,ooo, located on the Peck Road property. He expressed the
opinian that water returning to the well through a distance of 500 to 600 feet
purifies i tsell'.
Mr. Robertson stated that IIIOst of the Commission had viewed the property
in question. He stated that 34 cards had been received requesting consideration
of restrictions. He asked if anyone would tell the Commission what restrictions
were desired. Mr. Hagen stated the following as being restrictions desired by
the opposition: That the plant be located- in the northeast corner of the
property as far from Norwood Village as possible; that the restriction for a
"Q" zone be written in; that the tem "emergencY" be defined as regards hours
of operation; that the method of sprinkling to reduce dust be defined; that
policing to protect children be established; and that trucks be required to
leave on River Grade Road.
Motion by Mr. Sorenson, seconded by J~. Balser and carried that the proposed
rezoning and special use pennit application be held over for further study and
to receive reports from the Staff and the Planning COllSultant.
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Mr. Pratt asked that the City Engineer obtain infol'll1ation regarding the
possibility of underground water pollution, and a report from the Water Resources
Board. The City Engineer stated that he has a r~port by Nr. A. M. Hawn, Chief'
Engineer of the county Sanitation District, on the ways and means of filling
pits without oontaminating water supplies. He stated that probably no definite
informatian could be obtained in two weeks. The City Attorney pointed out that
it had taken approximately 5 months to reach a fiIwl deoision on a similar
situation. Mr. Robertson requested that complete reports of the previOUS
meeting and this one be supplied to the Commissionere. The City Engineer stated
that he had the "Q" zone restrictions on file in the Engiileering Office.
Mr. .Robertson requested that copies be sent to each Commissioner.
Pursuant to notice given, a public hearing was held on the application of
Dr. . J. Kendall HcBane for a change of zone classification from Zons R-2 to Zone
C-2 on property located. at the rear of llOS South Baldwin Avenue. The Secretary
read the application and stated that no connnunications had been received.
Mr. Henry Hege', attorney for tile applicant, stated that the application was
actually for Arlinic Properties rather than for Dr. McBane individually. He
pointed out the number of cOlllIllBrcial properties in the BlU'rounding area and
stated that, in his opinion, commercial is the only feasible use for the praperty
in question. Mr. Robertson inquired about the residential bnn,lil"lg which had
been moved from the front to the rear (R-2) portion af the lot. Mr. Hege' stated
that it had been moved when the nsw medical building l-Tas aonstructed. He stated
that there has been a request to use the building for a speech therapy class.
He also stated that there was a small building in the rear which is not being
used, and which will be removed. The City Engineer pointed out that Arlinic
Properties had signed a statement agreeing. to remove the small building when
the new construction was completed. Mr. ,Robertson asked about the proposed use
of the land in question. Mr. lIege' informed him that they planned to build a
new office building thereon. There being no one else who desired to be heard,
the Chairman declared the public hearing closed.
y.
Mr. Robertson mentioned that at one time there had been a plan to extend a
street west from La Cadena north of Arlinicls property. The possibilities of
this future street were discussed. Motion by Mr. Pratt, seoonded by 1-11'. Acker
and oarried that the hearing be oontinued at the next meeting on March 12, 1957,
for the sole purpose of reoeiving reports from the staff and Planning Consultant.
The proposed zone varianoe to allow property at 6ll \>Test Duarte Road to be
used for the purpose ai' oonductinga mortuary, was considered. The report of the
City Engineer was read. A report by the Planning Consultant was read. ~lr. Acker
pointed out that the mortuary was proposed for an area which tended toward
cormnercial use. He stated that the new building would be an asset and an aid in
the development of the area. Mr. Sorenson stated that if all automobiles were
oontained on the lot the operation would not be detrimental, and would, in fact,
be good for the area. Mr. Vachon brought out that Mr. HOWser had indicated that
his client would be agreeable to oompliance with therecOlllIllBnded conditions.
Mr. Vachon expressed the opinion that this use would provide a good buffer
between residential and canunercial properties on Duarte Road. He stated that
placing the drivewa;ys on the west side adjacent to commercial property would be
more desirable than on the east side next to residential property. The City
Engineer mentioned that the existing residence on the lot would be redesigned
and incorporated into the new building. ~lr. Balser stated that completion of
the new hospital will necessitate another mortuary. He stated that he favors
this lacation. Mr. Robertson stated that he recClgnizes the need for the mortuary
and considers this a desirablelacation.Mr. Howser stated that ~.rs. Wenz would
abide by all conditions established by the City Engineer. Motion by Nr. Sorenson,
seconded by Mr. Vachon. and carried that the City Attorney be instructed to draw
the necessary resolutiOn recO/1Dllending that the request of Johanna M. Wens 'for a
zone variance to allow property at 6ll ,lest Duarte Road to be used for the purpose
of conducting a. mortuary be granted, subject ta the following conditions:
1. That 12 feet be dedicated for street widening along Duarte Road}
2. That 30 feet be dedicated for future street purposes at the rear
of the property, with the stipulation by the owners of their
willingness to contribute their proportionate share for the cost
of improvements for street opening, if and when it occurS}
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3. That concrete block ~'lallS be constructed surrounding the
parking lot wherever it abuts residential property, and
also along the driveway from the parking lot to the
bllilding line, consistent with the requirements for
cOllllllercial property abutting residential property}
4. That no chimes, bells, or other music'be permitted that
could be heard beyond the limits of this property;
5. That the parldng lot entrance and exit an the easterly
side of the property be increased to 20 feet to allow two
lane traffic, rather than the proposed 12 feet;
6. That the parldng lot plan be redesigned to provide greater
maneuverability within the lot sa that processions can be
aligned within the praperty rather than an the streets;
7. That there be substantial compliance with the plot plan
and architectural rendering submitted.
The tentative map af Tract No. 18568, located north of Longden Avenue
between Santa Anita Avenue and Second Avenue, was considered. The report of the
City Engineer was read. Mr. Vachon discussed various substandard lots and the
prablems involved in enlarging them, particularly as regards Lots 6, 26, 27 and
28. He also discussed the possibility of making the east portion of Dolores
Way a !)O foot street with a 5 foot planting easement in order to add depth to
the lots along that portion. He stated that after speald.ng with tha.se developing
the subdivision, he felt that all the owners should share in the cost of street
improvemente. Mr. Hoffeditz, engineer for the subdivision, stated that reducing
the width of a portion of Dolores Way from 60 ta 50 feet would be welcomed as a
means of adding depth to the substandard lots. He stated that it might be
possible to change the ali.gmnen1; of Greenfield Avemie. but that he could do
nothing until the owner of the property returned from the east. He mentioned
that the property remaining at 2113-2117 South Second Avenue would not be large
enough for the three d\ielling units thereon. The City Engineer pointed out that
the two rental units in the rear would also be non-conforming on the basis of the
4 foot rear yard. Mr. Hoffeditz stated that it might be possible to move these
rental units east. Mr. Robertson suggested that if this were done then the east
line of Lot 26 could also be moved east. There followed a discussion by
Mr. Hoffeditz, Mr. Halliday (owner of the property to be included in Lot 6) and
the Commission regarding the possibility of revising lot and street lines.
lir. Hoffeditz stated that he appreciated the cooperative attitude of the
Commissian, but felt that street paving of First Averme from Las Flores Avenue
to the north line of the tract could be accomplished by use of gas tax fUnds.
The City Engineer informed him that gas tax money oannot be used for developing
streets within subdivisions,_ and further:.that city fUnds have not beeli used
formerly far improving subdivision streets. Mr. Vachon recOIIIIIIended that the
subdivider submit a revised map incorporating the recommendations brought out in
the discussion, and also that metal street light poles be required.
The tentative map of Tract No. 23767, located north of Sierra Hadre
Boulevard and east of Sierra Madre vlash, was considered. The. report of the City
Engineer was read. Mr. Vachon stated that the map was substantially in conformity
with the requirements of the SUbdivision Ordinance. Motion by Mr. Vachon,
seconded by Mr. Balser and carried that the tentative map of Tract No. 23767 be
recOllllllended for approval subject to the followingcanditioIlS:
1. That a 5 foot sidewalk and planting easement on each side of the
50 foot street be granted;
2. That a garage be provided for the existing house on Lot 5;
3. That rear line easements for utility pole lines be provided;
4. That all street improvements be made as required by Ordinance,
including catch basins and conneotions to the existing float control
channel:
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5. That the following fees and deposits be paid:
steel street light pasts
26 street trees @ $5.00
$435.00
1 street name sign
Reoreation fee - 10 lots @ $25.00
130.00
25.00
250.00
The tentative map af Tract No. 20065 in County territory on south side of
Huntington Drive, west 01' Rosemead BouleVard, referred by the Regional Planning
Commission for reoommendation, was considered. The Commission noted that this
tract is above the usual County standard, but still below the standard 01' the
City. Mr. Balser reool1ll1l8nded that the COIIIIIlission go on reoord as approving the
proposed tract.
Architeotural design standards in a "D" Zone were considered. The City
Attorney pointed out that the City 01' El Home adopted a "D" Zone ordinance,
Imowing that it was a persuasive type of ordinance, aild have had considerable
suacess in enforcement. He stated that with the establishment 01' a "D" Zone on
certain areas in the City, there must be definite standards established. The
City Attorney suggested the following examples: 25 foot parking area; planting
setback; building heights; front 100 feet to be reserv~d for administration
buildingS, etc,.; all storage and all industrial operations to be in enclased
buildings.
~fr. Pratt suggested that all buildings in C-M and }I1Zanes should be masonry.
The Planning Consultant stated that he had prepared a report suggesting 12
standards far a "D" Zone. The Cha:l.1'lIIlUl appointed a committee consisting 01' the
Planning Consultant, City Attorney, and City Engineer to study and sum:l.t a
report on standards for a "D" Zone. The resolutions involving "D" overlqs are
to to be held until this study is completed.
There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting
adjourned.
Y! l% C~~F
L. M. TALLEY (/
Secretary .
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