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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFEBRUARY 11, 1958 ROLL CALL MINUTES BEAllINC VARIANCE 600 W. HUNTING'l'ON BOULEVARD MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA REGULAR MEETING February II, 1958 The Planning COlllDlbsion of the City of Arcadia met in regular session in the Council Chamber of the City Hall, at 8:00 o'clock P.M., February II, 1958, with Chairman Vachon presiding. PRESENT: ColllDlisBioners Davison, Forman, Michler, Pratt, Robertson, and Vachon.. ABSBNT: ColllDlissioner Acker arBEIlS PRESENT: Councilmen Re1bold, Nicklin, Carozza, Cook, Talley and Mrs. Andrews. The minutes of January 28, 1958 were approved as written and mailed. Pursuant to notice given a public bearing on tbe application of Arcadia Professional Center for a zone variance to allow additional medical offices, a prescription pharmacy, and a post sign at the front property line at 600 W. Huntington Boulevard was held. The request is to build and lease for operation additional offices and a prescription pharmacy on a small portion of said property in conjunction with the practicing doctors and dentists Who constitute the tenants of this medical-dental center. The Secretary read from the application showing that the applicant also requests the right to erect an appropriate sign closer to the street than the present building. A petition was presented signed by eighteen doctors Who are tenants on the property and also by Mr. Marsh, the pharmacist Who is a pro- posed tenant. The Secretary explai.ned that there are medical buildings on the property now. The ftrst ODe wap.built When medical bull dings were allowed in the zone R-3. The second one went in by variance in 1955. At that time, Mr. Merriam, the owner, asked for a variance for the medical and pro,essional offices and a pharmecy. The Planning ColllDlbsion recommended the variance for the medical offices, and recommended against the pharmacy and City Council on June 21, 1955, by Resolution No. 2604, approved the recollllllendation of the Planning Colllllli8sion. The Secretary then designated on the map the subject property at 600 W. Huntington Boulevard on the south side of Huntington about midway between La QDm and Baldwin. The lot to the east is already fully developed with medical buildinga. The subject lot has a medical bulldins and the applicant is asking to add to the rear end of it 60 feet by 40 feet with the pharmacy to be at the extreme rear end of the building. They are also requesting a sign on a post to be at the front property Une in front of the westerly bulldinS. The sign is 4' 7" x 6' and is approximately 15' high. The Chairman declared this was the time and place for the hear ins on said application. ProPOllants were heard on ths application: Ralph Merriam, 600 W. Huntinston Drive, one of the petitioners, has had the responsibility of improving the subject property for a period of several years, and feels that Huntington Drive 18 the Wilshire Boulevard of the City of Arcadia with the .future opportunity for further development. He was requesting a complete medical ~enter. Pebr~'ll. 1958 Page One He wu not aware of any other medical center in Arcadia, or in any of ths adjoining towns that was not complete with a prescription pbarmacy, and !=luil: tblj! request was extremely reasonable, fair, just, and right. On tbeprevious application they had DO opposition from the neighbors. Dr: AlDbler, Who practices on tbe property, stated that the practice was not complete witbout the pri'iJiJe ge of fill ing prescriptions to care for the sick people. He saw .DO reason why this application should DOt be approved. Commissioner Vachon asked if When tb'ey applied before, if they bad applied for the pharmacy in the front of tbe building. Mr. Merriam. stated that he did not believe that they had deSignated any particular place but previously they had a vote of at least three to tliD of the Council favoring the granting of the pharmecy, witb the condition that it be at tbe rear of the building without a s1gn. Dr. Carlton AlDbler, 900 Portola, stated that it was important to bave a pharmacy close to him for tbe use of his patients and it would be a convenience for them and that it would complete their medical setup. Us, 88 well as tbe other doctors, wre in favor of it and hoped the COIIlIIIission 'WOuld grant this request. . Mr. Loren Marsh, 1906 Alta Oaks Drive, Arcadia, the operator of ths Marsh's BI Rancho Pharmacy, stated tbat at the time the matter was brought up before, the ,feeling of the tliD business assoc1atiOUlin Arcadia was that if the granting of the pharmacy license 'WOuld endanger ths other property from Michillinda to the hospital property, or if ft; would cause the property to receive the license merely to open up Huntington Drive to promiscuous business licenses, tben he would be opposed. He stated that this was a strictly professional enterprise. He has ascertained from some of the medical centers downtown, as _11 es in Glendale and Arcadia, and tbose that are only small medical centers have to be on the street, have to have signs and they bave to maintain themselves on busines.s brought in from otbers than doctors in that center. He felt that with his experience and bis investisstions of others, that the pharmacy should be located on the parking lot in the rear. He did not desire a sign on Huntington Drive. He had spoken with the pbarmicist of ons of Pasedena's most successful phar- mac~es and was told that 98% of their volume of business comes from their own center, and not much from outside. In asking for this permit, he is doing so strictly on tbe strength of the quality of the pro- fessional men in the center and based strictly upon the idea that there are enough professional men to make .this a success. A professional phar- macy in tbis building 1IIOuld be taking care of the doctors' practice almost exclusively and the patients that call on these doctors. He assured the Collllllission thet if tbe license were granted it would be a professional undertaking and not done in any sense of advertised clllllDlerctalism and it will be run strictly as a professional pharmecy for the service of the doctors in the building. CoIIIDIissioner Robertson asked Mr. Marsh to tell bim tbe diffeeence be- tween a prescription pbarmacy and a drugstore. He ~fined a prescription pharmacy as a place where prescriptions were filled and stock pertinent to the medical profession and its requirements was meintained. He asked if this included magazines, postcards, and things 'that would be found in a so called drugstore. Mr. Marsh answered by saying that the handling of tobacco, cigarettes, magazines, etc. is at a loss, and is only in a drugstore for public service, but he would assure the Collllll1ssion that thsre would be none of this in the proposed pharmacy. Mr. Marsh felt that as f'lr as the pharmacy was concerned, the sign was not too important, but if they could make a case for the medical sign he would like it. Dr. Amel Ruder, 1001 Paloma: Dr. Ruder is one of tbe dcxrtors who is practicing in tbe building and he brought out that tbere were 15 medical doctors in the building, most of whom are in specialty practice. He felt that it would be quite a conveniencs for them to have a pbarmacy right there to serve some of the patients who are quite Ul and it is February 11, 1958 psse Two LOT SPLIT NO. 194 .~. difficult for them to make special.trip~ to otber p~ciesl It is not only a convenience for the pati~ntsj but for tbe doctors also in terms of getting s~plies for their offices, and supplies for their bags, so it would be a great advantage to bave it right tbere. He tbought tbat having the pbarmacy i~ tbe rear of tbe building would prevent any commercialization .of surrounding ne1gbborhoodand it would not even appear from the front street. The buHding is a rectangular building and it would not .be seen except from tbe rear of the building. As far as tbe sign was concerned, he thougbt it would be a help to them. The building is set back so far tbat some of the patients ac.tually drive by tbe building without seeing it. He felt that e/. sign done in a conservative manner would b.e an advantage to t.he doctors as well as to the patients. Dr. Robert Waltua 321 W. Cmolino Real Avenue, Arc.~ Dr. WAlters is also in the building en4 wantod to make a plea .for tbe sian. He agreed with Dr. Ruder in saying that the patients that are coming from other areas have a tendency to drive by and get caught in the race track traffic. He did not want a big neon sign, but just some- thing that the people could see to identify the building. Be felt that the building itself was certainly an asset .to the cOmmunity. Mr. Merriam stated that thay bad asked two or ebree sign makers to make plans for them and only one cOlllpany would do it because Arcaoia has a sign ordinance that requires the sign back against the bullcling Which in this cast would be 65 feet from Huntington Drive and they would not even go to the trouble to make a drawing for him. The buildings are all set back 50 feet from the 15 foot parkway so that the buildings are 65 feet from Huntington Drive, and he thought it only fair for the doctors sake that the sign be at the property liDS. COIIlIIIissioRr Robertson asked it it would be possible for tbe arcbi- tect on the building to talk to Mr. Talley and some of the members of the staff and work witb them on it. Mr. Merriam said that their principal reason for including the drawing was becauBS Mr. Talley said that the sian would have to be on the building, &5 feet back, and they were only asking for the risht to put it out where it could be seen. Be did not care about the desian, but wanted an attractive, professional, modern White plastic sign with the letters inside. Opponants were tben asked to be heard: Sll1C8 there were none, it was moved tbat tbe matter he held over UDeil the next regular meeting for study and report from the Zoning Committee. Nelson L. Schott, 1414 S. Tenth Avenue, referred to Mr. Acker and Mr. Michler. This application was actually made by James J. Cecke, who bas an option to buy the property. The Engineer's report was ' read. This split, witb its street dedication will make the two streets corner, but not connect. This split should be held until other splits will provide a complete connection between Loganrita and Altern. When the split was approved to the soutb the Commission expressed tbe the opinion that any further extension of Loganrita Avenue must provide for a full connection to Altern Street. If approval is siven, Losanrita must be dedicated and fully improved with curb, gutter, and pavement, sewer, water, gas, etc. Approximately 20 feet of additional lot depth should be required on the lot. Commissioner Miehler looked at the property and he felt along the same lines as tbe report of the staff. It appeated co him that they bave some very deep lots and that it could have been improved but with keeping with the recommendation of the previous Commission dscisioo, that his recommendation would be to deny tbis split witbout pre- judice until such time as perhaps the owner of tbe property could get togetber with the people to tbe north and work out something Whereby Losanrita could be extended with the requirements of tbe previous recommendation. 1}eb:-:t1~r.~Y ..,~1~. ) g 'i~ ~~.~,.',~~ . :'.l~':'.t! LOT SPLIT NO. 166 Lar SPLIT NO. 176 TRACT NO. 20952 MORTUARY CHANGE OF ZONE MULLENDER Moved by Mr. Michler ,seconded by Mr. Davison and carded that Lot Split No. 194, Nelson L. Scbott, 1414 S. Tenth Avenue be recollllll8nded for denial without prejudice. Delores Hustedt Dickens, 1004 S. Alts ViSta Avenue Which was approved on August 13, 1957 and the Secretary has had a request for a modifi- cation of tbe approval. It wes approved tbat ons lot of. tbe split, be 53 feet and the other 54 1/2 feet. The applicant bas asked that that be modified to make 50 feet on one sids and 57 1/2 feet on tbe other, which will require the removal of the garage and the Secre- tary felt that it warranted going back to t:hs CoIIlIIIittee. Mr. Michler and Mr. Acker were on the Collllllittee originally. The Chairman fel t that it would be better referred back to the COlllDlittee and add two new members. It wes decided to add Mr. Davison and Mr. Parman. Joseph J. MuscoUno. 1400 Highland Oaks Drive. deuied October 8, 1957, and the Secretary had received a request for reconsidertaion. CoIIIDIunication from Fred M. Howser, attorney, stated thattbree months ago the application of Mr. Joseph J. Muscolino, owner of lots 6 and 7, Block 94 and part of lot 7 and 8, Block 95, Santa Anita Tract was recommended by the Planning CoIIIDIission to be denied. He had prepared further information Which perbaps more properly indicated the advisability of such a split. He requested that the Collllllission put on some future calendar an opportunity for botb Mr. Muscolino and Mr. Howser for a few minutes in order to represent this to the ColllDliss1on in.' a more understandable manner. It was referred to Mr. Robertson and Mr. Davison to be studied furtber. Tentat1.ve map of Tract No. 20952, located on Magna Vista Avenue east of Lyndon Way, containing 6 lots. The Secretary received. a call from tbe subdivider who requested that the item be withdrawn from tbe agenda, and asked to meet witb tbe subdivision collllll1ttee to discuss it at some time next week. She had agreed that by Thursday, tbe Secretary would bave a written request to witbdraw and also waiving any time Umtt that might apply to the tract. The matter was referred to the Subdivision Collllllittee to meet with t~ subdivider. Letter of intent to remodel tbe existing dwelling at 611 W. Duarte Road was received from attorney Fred Howser in relation to the dwelling on tbe mortuary stte. He stated that be had been advised tbat the Commission had been concerned as to whether or not, as indicated in the application, the applicant fully intended to pro- ceed with the remodeling of the old bome now indicated on the pre- mises to conform witb the new structure constituting the mortuary property. This tbey fully intended to do, and the Commission could be assured that Mr. Bowser wes authorized by his client to reaffirm this poBit1.on. In fact, his contract with Mr. Freeman Campbell includes tbis work to be. done. But rather tban delay the main port1.on of the structure, they concentrated all efforts towards that end lea'lling the conformation to follow later. The Commission considered a decision on the application of J. D. Hullender for a change of zone from R-l to Zone C-2 on abandoned Facific Electric Right of way north of Huntington Drive. At ebe public hearing there was a recommendation from the Zoning Collllllittee which was beld and referred to the City Council to see if tbe property should be acquired for street purposes to open a connect1.ng street to Monrovia, The City Council had determined that it is not feasible for street purposes on account. of cost and other things, and the property bas.;been sold to Mr. Henessy, and he has asked that b:l.s rezmning be brought to a final conclusion. It was asked if this could be cbne under the original application 0% if it had to be resubmitted under a new owner. February 11, 1958 Page Four , . RESOLUTIoN NO. 275 '1'- RESOLUTION NO. 276 mmINANCE NO. 990 Mr. Nicklin lIaid that it refers to the laild and not to the indivi- dual and the determination should be predicated upon facts appli- cable to tbe ground and not to the ower. Be would state that if the COIIIDIission was inclined to make a decision on it that tbey do so and send it to the Counof,l. The Secretary read the report of the Zoning Collllllittee and the recommendation. COIllDl1ssloner Robertson stated that he remembered that the driveway to the property and the drainage .sttuation had been under dis- cussion. The Secretary read from the report ~t some mention was made of a driveway into the property. This will require alterations to the 'traffic signal installations. Both tbis alteratlon and the 10- cetion of the driveway will require approval by the State Division of Highways. Huntington Drive is a state highway and the.City cannot issue eny permits for driveways on it. As far as the drainage is ' concerned, considereble area drains southwesterly along this abandoned right of way. There is en existing culvert under Huntington Drive that has been extended southerly along Huntington Boulevard. Provisions should be made to maintain this drainage th~ough the property at least unti.l a permanent structute is provided to relieve tbe channel throngh the property. Moved by Mr. Pratt, seconded by Mr. Michler that the application of J. D. Hullender for a change of zone from Zone R-l to Zone C-2 on a portion of tbe abandoned Pacific Electric right of way north of Huntington Drive be recommended for approval subject to the conditions as specified in the Zoning ColllDlittee I s Report and that adequate drainage is worked out to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. ROLL CALL~ Ayes: COllllllissioners Davison, Forman. Michler, Pratt, Roberteon, and Vachon. Noes: None The Secretary stated tbat he had a notice that on Thursday, February 20, 1958, the League of. Cities Meeting is scbeduled to be held at the 2Urf Club and stated that reservations were required. The City Attorney presented and read the findings of Resolutlon No. 275 recommending tbe granting of a zone variance to permit the construction and maintenance o.f apartments over a proposed mortuary at 611 W. Duarte Road. The findings were discussed. It was determined to fix six montbs as the time within Whicb the existins dwelling sbould be remodeled. Moved by Mr. Pratt, seconded by Mr. Forman and carried that the reading of the full body of Resolution No. 275 be waived. Moved by Mr. Robsrtson, seconded by Mr. Davison and carried that Resolution No. 275 be adopted.' The City Attorney presented and read tbe findings of Resolution No. 276 recommending the reclassification of certain real property from Zone R-3 to Zone C-O and Zone D located on the south side of Huntington Boulevard. The findings in the resolution and the pro- posed regulations of the Zone D were discussed. It was determined that copies of the resolution should be prepared and sent to each COlllllliseioner for study before tbe resolution was adopted. The minutes of the meeting of the Zoning CoIIlIII1ttee and Counc1llJlaD Reibold with a group of citizens regarding Ordinance No. 990 were presented tO,the COllllllission. Mr. Reibold euggested that all Commissioners study the minutes and that ths ColllDlission give the matter consideration and possibly reach a decision as to tbe proper action at tbe next meeting. February 11, 1958 Page F:lvt' . . CBURCB ANDBRSON c Mr. Robertson called the atten.tion of the Collllll1ssion to the passing of Church Anderson who served on the Collllll1ssion for many years and moved that a letter of sympatby be prepared, signed by the Chairman, and forwarded to Mrs. Anderson. Said motion was seconded by Mr. Davison and carried. There being DO further business the meeting adjourned. '-. 1...,'\ . \ i \ .,: I : .'M.J6v}/ I. '.. /'0 I . , . I '--~ .f t/\ " ~.. " ''I" f- ,1 J. L. M. TALLEY Planning Secretary