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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPRIL 8, 1958 . \,. I / M I'N,U T E S PL,u,'NING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADI4 REGULAR MEETING April 8, 1958 The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session in the Council Chamber of the City Hall, at 8:00 o'clock P,M., lIpril 8, 1958, with Chairmsn Vachon presiding. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Commissioners Acker, Davison, Forman, ~lichler, Robertson, and Vachon. MINUTES HEARING Masonic Temple ABSENT: Commissioner Pratt OTHERS PRESENT: Councilman Rei-bold, Nicklin, Carozza, Cook, Talley. and Mrs. Andrews. The minutes of March 25, 1958 were approved as written and mailed. Pursuant to notice given, a ,public hearing was held on the application of the Arcadia Masonic Temple Association for a zone variance to allow the rear portion of the property at l40 East Duarte Road to be used for automobile parking. The request was to use the southern portion only for parking purposes, now zoned R-1. Letter from Mr. Westerhouse stated that he was submitting two different comments by two members of his organization. Communication from Glenn R. Jameson, 1029 Greenfield Avenue. This reeoning would have a direct effect on the 23 new homes built in 1954-55 on Tract No, 19712, on M~gna Vista Avenue, Greenfield Avenue, and, La Sierra Drive. He added that the minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of September l~, 1956. were a good background for teviewing the effect of such a rezoning on the property just to the north of these homes for parking, Resolution No. 228 of this meeting recommended for denial such a rezoning, At the time the 23 homes were authorized ~y the Planning Commission the plans were to have an R-2 buffer zone to the north, Greenfield Avenue being dead-ended into a T. This would have protected the present northerly homes as well as the entire development from northerly decay by razoning, Any. thing short of protecting these new homes to a full R-l claSSifica- tion would reflect poor planning on the part of the City, For any rezoning proposal the City should require a complete plan of the entire area north of the reference horoea rather than allow piece-meal development. Communication from Richard A. Nash, l023 Greenfield Avenue, asking an opportunity to be heard in opposition to the petition, stating five items of protest. The Secretary presented a petition 'bearing IT signatures and represen- ting l5 properties. These property owners stated that they would be present at the public hearing to urge the CommiSSion to maintain certain protection for their highly developed and new residential district. Without going into the question Whether or not the Commission should alter present zoning of that portion of the property adjacent to property currently zoned a-I, they were deeply concerned and urgently suggested that the CommisS,ion make certain that the conditions set forth in their letter of protest be observed. Proponants were then asked to be heard: April 8, 1958 Page One (-. '\... William N. Bowie, Jr" 2014 S. Baldwin Avenue, stated that he, along with his fellow officers of the temple, met with the residents in question and reviewed with them the specific points mentiol\ed in their petition and assured them that should the zoning variance re- quested be granted, they liOuld ~omply' insofar as they could, with each and every point mentioned. TIle ;>!:esent plans conter:lllate a solid block wall surrounding the parking area. Thi,s is in the interest of the applicant that no through traffic be permitted off Duarte Road to Greenfield Avenue. They will seek to oppose any through traffic being permitted. That was the principle point mentioned by the so-called opponents. He .felt that the residents, are resigned to the proposition that the area along Duarte Road will one day be occupied by commercial establishments, It was his position that a better tvpe commercial deveiopmant will require off-street parking in order to comply with tIle eListing off-street parking ordinance requirements. If this is tha cese h~ is in affect, pioneering a rezoning of the southerly portion of the lots in question. Mr. Bowie stated that they co\ud not utilize that portion of their lot that fronts on Duarte Road without the rezoning, His plans are avail- able and can be submitted to the Planning Commission. The only problem raised by the petitioners is that they provide adequate drainage. He was advised, h9wever, that this was an engineering problem and that there !JJightbe an honest differencll of opinion as to what constitutes adaqqcte draining. But if the Commission sees fit to pose, or interpose such a condition upon the variance, he would comply with whatever ordit~nce3 exist w1th reference to the provisions and the adequate draining. His lodge is composed of a membership of 600, 65% of whom, approximately, reside in the area. The Temple Ascociation has tenants other than the Masonic Lodge itself, There are other related bodies that will also occupy the Masonic Temple, Principally, among which are certain youth groups. He was told that the youths that would utilize the faci- lities contemplated to be constructed on the lot in question will be approximately 90% local childres. Opponents were than asked to be heard: Richard A. Nash, I023 Greenfield, stated he was appearing as the owner of lot 14, Tract No. 19712, the northern most iot in the tract of 23 modern homes, and the most nearly adjacent property in said tract to the property for which this variance is being sought. He was appearing with his neighbors of Greenfield Avenue end the adja- cent street of Magna Vista Avenue, all of them interested in main- taining the prote~tive zoning pattern in the area, Naturally, because of certain lots being closer ~o the property in this petition, some of them &re much more acutp.ly concerned. He wes authorized to speak, and he reprecsnted not only himeelf, but was speaking for certain of his immediate neigh~ors: Mr. and Mrs. Glen R. Jameson" lot 13, l029 Greenfield; Mr. and Mrs, Hanry Wicke, 1033 Greenfield, lot 12; and Mr. and Mrs. William Hafan, l032 Greenfield, lot 15. These are the four lots in the most contiguous position to this area in question, Mr, Nash presented R letter .from Mrs. M;yrtie MUllU:d':, the owner of lot 16, Tract No. 808. The western most portion of this is directly adjacen~ to the south of the property concerned in this petition, Mrs. Millard's property is situated directly across Greenfield Avenue from the homes of Mr. Jameson and himself. This is undeveloped property and is zoned R-l. This letter stated her opposition to the petition for zone variance. The opposition that Mr. Nash was expressing was directed to the petition for zone variance for the spproximate rear half of the western half of lot 14, Tract No, 808, and did not directly, or in any manner, op;>ose the proposal to erect a Masonic Lodgs on the C-lportion of said lot. He brought up that this lot had unusual dimensions; its frontage on Duarte Road is a mere 108 l!2'; and is l07 l!4' in width, at its rear property line. Meanwhile, its length, along its eastern line, is 464 1/4'; more than l50 yards long; far more than four times as, long as it is wide. The actual portion for wbich the variance is being sought is 107 li4' wide, and about 252' deep. April 8, 1958 Page Two .,.....: HEARING Girl Scouts Mr. Nash based his opposition on the following contentions: l. That any varience in the present zoning of the property ~n question ip contrary to sound public planning, 2. That it will lo'wer property values of directly adjacent R-I property. 3. That it will tend to create a public nuisance and consequent policing problems, 4. That adjacent property and streets would be subjected to potential damage and flooding by faulty drainage from said property. 5. !hat a precedent would be established for zoning of adjacent property fronting on Duarte Road which wculd destroy the pressnt protective zoning pattern in the cr~R, th~reby threatenIng an udjacent highly-develope1 residar.tiel district in contra6iction to past decisions of y~ur co~ission. R. E. Tobin, lllO Greenfield Avenue made a few brief cOllDl1ents. He bad signed the petition for and if this variance is granted that he wanted cer.tain stipulation; however he did agree with Mr. Nash in that that comprehensive basic zoning plan of the City of Arcadia was checked by all of the property owners on Greenfield Avenue prior to buying their homes. He wanted to see the property protected. He felt that the basic problem, was to uphold the basic zoning plan. If parking space is needed, it could be found on regular commercial property along Duarte Road, The granting of this request would establish a precedent which could be injurious to the adjacent pro- perties, not only here, but allover the City of Arcadia, and for this reason, he personally felt that such a variance should not be granted, and that parking should be provided on regularly'established commer- cial zone. The Chairman declared the public hearing on the application of the Arcadia Masonic Temple Association continued until the next regular meeting for Staff Reports and the report .of the committees. Pursuant to notice given, a public hearing was held on the application of the Arcadia Local Council of Girl Scouts for a zone variance to allow the erection of a new building on the property at 590 S, Third Avenue, The Secretary pointed out on the map the general location of the property, on the east side of Third Avenue, between Eldorado Street and Genoa Street. The Girl Scoutb have a variance for their opera- tion there at the presect time. The present building sets back quite a few feet from Third Avenue with a garage &t the rear. They propose to build a new I>',ilding, L-shaped shown on plot plans and elevations. ~he f>ecre::ary read the applir:",tion stating that the building contains 8ppr':>Jd::illltely l,.920 sq. ft. p!HS a covered l'orcb, 3' x 36 I . [laid bt~i1dbg to hE.ve a E:~,t"ack of 35/, wh:!.::h is the regulE.. setback e,>tablbh~d on' the fi!;'C..:.et. This nill p13ce the new builcling 5' west of th2 existing building. The Council requests permission for the continued use of the existing building until tbe completion of the new one, at \/hio:h time I:ho cO.l"cil o:::fers to demolish tt,e old buildiDZ. Proponants were the:l asked to be heard: Mrs. Fr~k R?ynolds, president o~ the Local Girl S"-oQ~ Council, spoke in behalf of their petition stating that they are qot asking for any fa'l1Ors other than to1!:Iat they are alrea-ly en}>ying. They did w1.sh to put up a new builci~g, to replace an old b~~lding. Their' building was bought with tile understanding it 'las structurally sound end found out it was not. They fel~ th'l.t Third Avenue was entitled to a good building; they have a n~~ Beni~a Park School that is CQ asset to Third Avenue. Tb.~y <"be =""'~ thct I:<.is buildi,,& wocld be an asset. They intend to have it landsc.!1ped, and it would be in keeping . April 8, 1958 Page Three " .... \...._- / with the quality of buildings that they like to see in Arcadia. Their building. according to their plans. will have two meeting rooma. They have senior high school girls, and junior high school girls that have no place to rteet. The local grammar schools, with the exception of Bonita Park. have youth huts. and they are able to maintain their meetingo in the youth hut, but the senior troops, sponsored by the AJnerican Legion, meet in their quonset hut. They have a new troop now that has no place to meet. They are presently meeting in the old building. The building is not large enough, and the room is small. She felt it woUld be an advantage to Arcadia citizenry to have a building of character erected on Third Avenue. Opponents were than asked to be heard: Ray Riley. 330 EI'cPrado Street, wanted to know what is a zone variance classification, and whether or not it extends beyond the property now owned by the Girl Scouts, The Secretary answered by saying that the zoning of the property in that area is R-2 and the zone variance is for the scouts to conduct their business and hold their meetings on that property. and it affects only the one lot in question. The Chairman declared that the public hearing be' closed. Moved by Mr. Robertson. seconded by Mr. Michler, and carried that the application of the Arcadia Local Girl Scouts for a zone variance to allow the erection of a new building on property located at 590 South Third Avenue be recommended for approval, and that the City Attorney be instructed to prepare the necessary resolution. LOT SPLIT NO. 201 Lot Split No. 20l, Garnet M, Barrick. 2517 S. Second Avenue, referred to Mr. Acker and Mr. Michler. The application is adjacent to the tract on Lee Avenue, on the west side of Second Avenue. The preperty is 90' wide, and the application is for a lot 80' in depth off of Lee Avenue. The City Bngineer's report was read, A study had been made of the property in order to establish some uniform rear line. Mr, Michler and Mr. Acker stated that ,it was almost impOSSible to establish a uniform rear line. but both felt that the patio should be removed and extend the lot at least another 7 feet, if possible. , Moved by Mr. Acker. seoonded by Mr. Michler. that tot Split No. 20l. Garnet M. B~rick. 2517 S. Second Avenue be recommended for approval subject to the following conditions: l, File a final map with the City Engineer. 2. Pro~ide a sewer lateral for parcel'2. 3, Dedicate 12 feet for widening Second Avenue. 4. Pay $25.00 recreation fee~,. 5. Remove patio and make the new lot 87 feet deep. 6. Provide rear line utility easements. 7. New lot to have 25 foot front setback. 8. City to dedicate a portion of lot lO. Tract No. 19707 along the Lee Avenue frontage. TRACT NO. Tentative map of Tract No. 21228 located on Louise Avenue and Le Roy 21228 Avenue, containing 9 lots. The Secretary read the report from the Subdivision Comm~ttee. Commissioner Robertson stated that the lots that ars shown on the plot plan are 86' and 88' wide, with 130' depth. He then asked Mr, Allen, Bpril 8, 1958 Page lour ,-" ,~ USE CLASSI- FICATION TRACT NO. 24461 /~" What the possibility was of more property coming in on this sub- division. Mr. Allen sdd that the 110' piece was offered at an excess price. The owner asked for twiCe the offered amount plus $1,000, so he felt that this would preclude the possibility of including that property. The statement was made to him that they had the subdivider where he had to buy it, and for that reason they were not going to sell. So the Commission's approval of the subdivision would place him in a bargaining postition which he did not presently have. Insofar as the property to the north is concerned, there is one 92.5 foot lot on the east side of the street which he bas tried on three occasions to get an ane';l81: by mail, but never succeeded. The other two lots, a 75' lot and a ISO' lot are owned by Don Strawn who intends to ask for :a lot split on those and divide them. Beyond that there is a piece of property he Iiad never talked to the owner about. On the west side, there are two l15' pieces Which the owners intend to ask for a aplit on to be divided into thr~e lots. He would be glad to let them join his subdivision on an equitable basis, It was the recommendatiOn of the Subdivision Committee that ten- tative map of Tract NlO.. 21228 be recommended for approval subject to the conditions set out in their report. The Secretary added the conditions of providing rear line utility easements. Moved by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr, Davison, and carried that tentative map of Tract No. 21228 located on Louise Avenue and .LeRoy Avenue containing 9 lots be recommended for approval, subject to the following conditions: 1. Install water service connections to each lot. 2. Deposit money for the proportional share of the cost of install&ng street lights. 3. Pay $25.00 per lot recreational fee. 4. Pay the required fees for the planting of street trees. 5. Provide rear line utility easements. Resolution No. 28l recommending that the business of a roller skating rink be classified as a C-2 use referred back to the Commission with the recommendation bhat a public hearing be scheduled. Commissioner Davison stated that there had been considerable opposition to the application for a roller sl~ting rink but at the present time ~hey were only concerned with zoning. But since there had been some opposition indicated, he felt that they should protect the use of any property by a roller skating rink in C-2 by proper restrictions so that is is under control. Moved by Mr. Davison, seconded by Mr, Acker, ,and carried that the public hearing on the matter be set for May 27, 1958. Final map of Tract No. 2446l, located on Lee Avenue waa presented. The original tentative map showed the lots to be 75' x IOO'. In the way that the property was purchased in Tract No. 19707, to the south, there was an excess of property', so that the lots on the west side of Lee Avenue were made 100.l4 feet in depth. To continue Lee Avenue streight required the aame dimenSion, but this property was purchased as a flat 260 feet of the west end of the property, which leaves 99,86 feet on 'the lots on t~e east side of the street. Moved by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Davison, and carried that Tract No, 2446l be recommended for approval subject to the obtaining of the ,full 7,500 sq. ft. area on lots 4, 5, and 6, and the other conditions as set forth in the City Engineer's report, upon the approval of the tentative map. ' , There being no further buainess, the meeting was adjourned, t (vv, ~~ L. M. TALLEY, secretar~ April 8, 1958 P.!':\~e "ive