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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAUGUST 11, 1959 . ROLL CALL MINUTES ZONE CHANGE West Arcadia M I NUT E S PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 11, 1959 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., August 11, 1959, with Chairman Acker,Presiding. PRESENT: Commissioners Acker, Davison, Forman, Norton, Stout and Wall in ABSENT: Mr. Michler OTHERS PRESENT: Councilman Balser, Nicklin, Lortz, Talley and Mrs. Maroshek The minutes of the meeting held July 28, 1959, were approved as written and mailed. A public hearing was held on the prop,osal to change the zone on the area bounded by Duarte Road, Lovell Avenue, Camino Real and Baldwin Avenue from Zones R-l and R-2 to Zones C-2 and C-3 and D, as contem- plated by Resolution No. 335. The Staff report pointed out that th~ proposed zone change was initiated by the Commission by Resolution No. 335. It covers the area bounded by Duarte Road, Lovell Avenue, Camino Real and Baldwin Avenues, except that portion now zoned commercial. With the exception of a few lots just east of Baldwin Avenue, which are zoned R-2, all of the area is now zoned and developed for R-l purposes. The area bordering on the east side of Lovell Avenue and the south side of Camino Real is also zoned and developed as R-l. If this change to Zone C-3 is recommended particular attention should be given to the requirements of Zone D, which may be imposed, covering such items as building setback and landscape screening to protect the adjacent residential property. The Commission "s attention is also called to the fact that re-zoning to a commercial zone automatically carries a No. 1 Fire Zone classi- fication. This would prohibit any further residential development, additions or remodeling in the area. The Secretary read a petition filed by the owners on the south side of Camino Real, between Baldwin Avenue and 'Lovell Avenue. The peti- tion protested the proposed change as it effected the property front- ing the north side of Camino Real, claiming it would cause considerable depreciation of the value of their reSidential property on the south side. If such a change were granted these homes would face commercial establ.ishments on the opposite side of the street, with all the added traffic and other factors resulting from commercial use. The Chairman declared the public hearing open, and asked for those in favor of this zone change to come forward. Page One August 11, 1959 r /--- , '-~ Mr. James O. Warner, 1225 Lovell Avenue, stated he believed the grant- ing of this zone change constituted a realistic approach. He was one of the first people who initiated the original petition for the pro- posed change. The area concerned, he declared, is to all practical purposes entirely commercial. The light~ from the parking 'lot adjacent to his residence and the noise from the air-conditioning equipment from the nearby commercial establishements make his street undesirable for residential purposes. Mrs. A. L. Wilson, 626 Naomi Avenue, said she felt her property and those adjacent to her's are definitely ruined as a residential dis- trict due to the commercial development in the vicinity. She referred to the southwest corner of Naomi Avenue and Baldwin as being the most unsightly corner in the city; filled with trash and junk ready to be hauled away. No one can sell the immediate property as R-l, and the only logical thing would be to zone the property commercial. She be- lieved the zone change is .forthcoming, and could not see why the alter- ation should not be effected at this time. Mrs. Jason, 644 Naomi Avenue, stepped forward and asked that all the people in favor of this zone change be counted. Mrs. Fred Miller, 630 Naomi Avenue, stated the residents on Naomi Ave- nue are in a curious position on account of the R-l property having lost an the characteristics of R-I. She stated she was also speaking for her neighbors the Freiwalds, who are out of town, as well as the Picks and Mrs. Hamilton, who were unable to attend the public hearing. Mr. Skinner" 1229 Lovell Avenue, s~aid the thing which has made West Arcadia What it is commercially is the adequate amount of parking space it provides. He felt that more parking space is needed for future com- mercial development. Mr. Granville Schumaker, 920 Sierra Madre, San Marino, California, stated he is in favor of this change. He is one of the owners of pro- perty near this proposed zone change, the medical building and the shopping center under construction on Duarte,as well as the four story building. He believed, that pressure will be felt unless parking space is added for future business. Mr. Michael Blake, 1245 Lovell Avenue, also came forward to express his' approval of the proposed zone change. , The Chairman asked for a. count of hands of those present in favor of granting this proposed zone change. The Secretary counted 20. The Chairman requested those opposing the chang~ to state their position. Mrs. Dianne Harzke, 611 Camino Real Avenue, stated she is the only one on the street with a new house. She said that those in favor of this change are already~ounded by a commercial zone; that this is a thing wh~ch can grow, and she wouldn't want business property next to her residence. Mr. Irving a Murfett, 616 Camino Real, declared. he did not feel there should be business property on one side of a street and R-l on the other. He felt that any divison of zoning should be made at the rear of the property, not down the middle of a street. He has owned his property since about 1930; and felt his investment would be greatly depreciated in value if such a zone change were allowed. It was his opinion that the proposed change take either both sides of Camino Real or neither side. Page Two August 11, 1959 ZONE CHANGE Baldwin Avenue near Las Tunas Mr. E. Ashley Phillips, 634 W. Camino Real, owner of Lot 13, stated he has lived here since 1925, and that he concurs completely with what Mr. Murfett said. He felt that either both sides of Camino Real should be zoned commercial, or both sides remain residential. Mr. Joseph E. Grossi, oWner of the Baldwin Avenue furniture store, felt that the zoning change shouldn't go any further than where the market on Duarte is now; he couldn't see why benefit should be done for one at the expense of another. He believed the commercial zon- ing should be brought north to Huntington Drive, not including the residential zones on Lovell and other streets of that type. Mrs. A. L. Wilson came forward again and expressed her sympathy with the residents living on the south side of Camino Real; she thought the zone change 'should be to the rear o.f their lots. Mrs. Wilson added there are wonderful possibilities for development in the section between Naomi and Duarte and Lovell and Baldwin. She believed that a mall or arcade could be constructed in that area. The Chairman asked that those opposed to the change be counted. The Secretary reported there were 12 hands counted and that on the petition filed with him there are about 10 properties represented. The Chairman declared the public hearing will be continued for a staff report and a report from the Zoning Committee for a decision at the next regular Planning Commission meeting. '. The Chairman opened the public hearing on the application of Bernard Berk and Ralph D. Stogsdill for a change of zone from Zone R-l to Zones C-2, PR-3 and D on property near the southeast corner of Las Tunas Drive and Baldwin Avenue. The Secretary read the staff report which indicated this is the appli- cation of Bernard Berk and Ralph D. Stogsdill for a change of zone from Zone R"l to Zones C~2 and D on the lots at 2714 and 2720 S. Badlwin Avenue and on the rear portion of the properties at 547 and 541 Workman Avenue; also a change from Zone R-l to Zone PR-3 and 0 on the rear portion of the'property at 535 Workman Avenue All of these lots are now developed with residences. The property adjacent to the north, facing Las Tunas Drive, now has similar zoning, and is now used for a miniature golf course and a restaurant. Across Baldwin Avenue, in territory recently annexed to the city, the lots are developed with apartments and single residences. If this request is approved, the c-2 zone will extend 200 feet further south on the east side of Baldwin than the present business use on the west side. If this request is recommended fot approval, the Commission must consider and recommend the conditions to be applicable under Zone D. The Secretary also presented a petition handed to him ing which protested the granting of this zone change.. contained 77 signatures. during the meet- The petition There being no other communications the Chairman requested those in favor of this application to step forward and state their position. Page Three August 11, 1959 Mr. Ralph Stogsdill, 2710 S. Baldwin Avenue declared the lot on which he resides is zoned C-2; the two lots adjoining him on the south are the two lots requested to be changed to C-2, and it would be on these two lots that the main development would be made. The back ends of the lots facing Workman would be used for parking, and they would adjoin the lot on which the restaurant is located. a 104 foot buffer would be left on the two homes facing Workman Ave- nue, so that the closest of the parking would be 104 feet away from the residence. He stated that the intersection of Bal<!win Avenue and Las Tunas Drive is considered one of the 5 main intersections in the City of Arcadia; the property which was granted C-2 zoning two years ago has been " developed with a miniature golf course and a restaurant, both of which have been fine assets fo the City of Arcadia. Mr. Stogsdill stated further that he has waited for the proper improvement to come along, and he believes that this proposed development will be a fine one. He cited the examples of Annexation Nos. 17-A and 19 which in his opinion proved that the trend in this area is moving toward commer- cial development. Mr. Stogsdill displayed a map which depicted the development of south- east San Gnbriel Valley, and B Idwin Avenue and Las Tunas Drive were indicated as major arteries.; it shows that Baldwin Avenue will go on through to Sierra Madre and that it will connect with the Ramona Freeway, and on in to Rosemead Boulevard. He stated that' according to his personal compilation of information there are 15,000 p.eople living within a mile radius of this intersec- tion. The amount of money contemplated to be spent on this improvement will be well over 1/2 million dollars. The Chairman asked what the proposed intentions were for developing this area; he unders.tood that it will be necessary to remove the golf course. Mr. Stogsdill answered that the golf course would be removed, and that there are plans for a 24,000 square foot super market on the site; the prospective developers represent a national organization which owns the 'larges number of markets in the United' States. This is a firm commitment, providing the zone change is allowed. Mr. Forman asked Mr. Lortz about the schedule or plan for the widening of Baldwin Avenue. Mr. Lortz replied the project of widening is completed from Hunting-.l ton to Duarte, and that the city is in the process of acquiring pro- perty to complete the widening to Camino Real, for which there' is' full jus tification. Mr~ David Cook, representative of Bernard Berk and Company conducted a survey of the San Gabriel Valley area, especially around the Temple' City, Arcadia area. The'orga~ization desiring to develop this land is aware of the new markets going in on Duarte Road and on Live Oak Avenue at Santa Anita Avenue, and'it is their feeling they have selected the best of the ftve lDa'jor interse.ctions in the City of Arcadia. Page Four August 11, 1959 This is .one of the last sites available with sufficient room to build such a structure,' with adequate parking facilities. He pointed out the fact that all of the property on the west side of Baldwin is zoned commercial. Mr. Cook outlined the figures he received from Hr. Ed Cline, Traffic Division of the Los Angeles County Road Department. Baldwin Avenue, north of Las Tunas Drive- - - - - - 14,000 cars in a 24 hour per iod Baldwin Avenue, to the south - - - - - - - - - - - -12,920 cars in a 24 hour period Las Tunas., east of Temple City Boulevard - - - - - -i7, 130 cars in a 24 hour period Live Oak Avenue, at Santa Anita Avenue - - - - - - -20,707 cars in a 24 hour period Live Oak Avenue, at Baldwin Avenue - - - - - - - - - 5,000 cars in a 24 hour period Las Tunas Drive, east of Baldwin Avenue - - - - - - 16,000 ca~s in a 24 hour period These figures indicated that a tremendous amount of automobiles go through this intersection everyday. It is their intention to provide a minimum of 3 to 1 parking, which means for every square foot of buIlding area there would be 3 square feet of parking. Location of improvements would be on the easterly 160 feet of Lot 42 and the South- erly 68' feet of the easterly 160 feet of'Lot 41. The restaurant will remain, with the golf course ~eing removed; loading and unloading wo.uld be off of the Baldwin Avenue side, or the west side of the pro- posed market. Mr. Stogsdill'a house, will also come off, as will all improvements effected by the proposed structure. They attempted to purchase the property at the corner of Workman and Baldwin, but they couldn't afford to pay the owner's asking price. Mr. Bernard Berk, representative of the market chain, stated they offered the Seidner's $35,000.00 for that corner, but Mr" Seidner felt he had to get $42,000.00, which made it out of the question. The annual payroll to operate such a .market would be $400,000.00, local advertising in newspapers would be $25,000.00, personal property tax would be $6,000.00, Real Estate Tax would amount to approximately $6,000.00"and the city would get its proportion of the taxes. They anticipate sales tax in excess of $7,000.00 per annum; in addition to local purchases made with local merchants. Considering all expenses, fixtures, stocks and all, the total investment would range from $850,000.00 to $900,000.00. Mr. Berk felt that .the petitioners were not aware of the type of de- velopment proposed on this property; they intend to erect a very beautiful building.. Mr. John Ruth, 529 Las Tunas Drive, stated his property is across from this proposed development. He thinks this is a good plan; if the past performances on this corner are any criteria, this project would also be an asset as the golf course and restaurant have been. Mr. Bernie Birnbaum, 601 Las Tunas Drive, felt that the changes which have occurred on the corner have been nice to look at, particularly Page Five August 11, 1959 .the restaurant. He stated the traffic on Las Tunas has been so heavy it is no longer useful for residential purposes. Ha believed that eventually all of the property at Las Tunas and Baldwin will be commercial; instead of waiting for the eventual, progress should be made right now. . Mr. Stout asked Mr. Cook to list, in his estimate, the five major intersections in the City of Arc.adia. He replied that they believe the five are: Baldwin and ihlar te Santa Anita and Live .Oak Huntington and First Santa Anita imd Foothill and Las Tunas and Baldwin. Mr. Cook answered Mr. Stout's question about.the significance of the automobile count by replying that this count 'is very instrumental for purposes of obtaining a change in zone; it indicates when a particular area ceases to be residential. Mr. Berk added to this by stating that most of the cars which pass an intersection are from nearby residences; that because of the large amount of automobiles :passing by, it would be very difficult to secure financing for apartment units or homes on either one of these streets, because it is no longer considered a residential street. Mr. Merl Collins owner of property on southwest corner of Baldwin and Workman, claimed he was asked to sign the petition against the granting of this zone change, but he wished to see the plans for the development .before he would sign. He saw no objection to putting a super market on this site; he be-lieved the property is already commer- cial. Mr. Joseph Rubash, 502 Workman, had a question about the status of the property,whether there were any options on this property on the south side of Workman Avenue. Mr. Cook answerm there were no options on the south side of Workman Avenue. Mr. Rubash wished to know also if someone owned the majority of the property on a street, and they wish the zoning changed, would this mean that they could secure the change automatically1 Mr. Nicklin quantity of given area. a persuasive replied that zoning is not determined necessari~y by ownership but presumably by what is good planning for a The majority of property ownership would undoubtedly be factor, but not a controlling one. The Chairman asked for those opposed to this zone change to please come forward. Mr. George Seidner, 561 Workmap, spoke against this proposed zone change. He stated that he offered to sell his home for $42,500.00, but the applicants informed him that too much had been paid for the golf course and other property. His property is improved with a swimming pool, and a rumpus room in addition to the dwelling, and would side on the property on which the proposed market would be constructed, making nis residence a buffer. He added that there are two houses east of him as "ell as the house north of him; his con- cern was that if the applicants remove the house next door, north of his property and put a driveway next to him this would destroy Page S Lx August' 11, 1959 ,r~\ \ /,-" his privacy and comfort. Mr. Stogsdill stated that he would go on record right now; that he will be the owner of the two houses east of Mr. Seidner on Workman, and that he has no .intention of removing them as a buffer. Mr. Seidner, Jr.., 561 Workman, state.d that there was more disturb- ance from the golf course than there was from the traffic described. He thanked Mr. Stout for his awareness in questioning the appli- cants. Mr. Joseph Reynolds, 2804 Baldwin, stated that the signers of the petition were fully aware of what they were signing. He also wished to know why the applicants have an option to buy the two pieces of property on Workman. Mrs. Starkenburg, 540 Workman, stated that the residential property on this street has been here for some time; that the lots are 300 feet deep; they are not allowed to build anything additional on their iand, yet across the street there is the possibility of a super market being built, with all the nuisance realized from such an establishment. She vigorously opposed this zone change. Mr. Wayne Withrow, 2708 Bradford, stated there was no need for another market in this area. This matter came up last year in an attempt to re-zone the area, and was defeated; the sane people are just as opposed to it now as they were last year. Mr. Phil Wheeler, 5819 Baldwin, stated. that he was recently annexed to the City of Arcadia, and that his property which had recently been zoned R-3 by the County, was changed to R-l, although there were apartment houses and. multiple dwellings .00. most of the adjoining properties. Mr. Nicklin explained to Mr. Wheeler that although it is possible to zone properties concurrently with annexation, it was not done in the Arcadia Annexation 'No. 17-A, because the area was quite sizeable, and the uses in the area quite divergent. There has been a land use survey in process, which is not quite complete as yet, but should be in the very near future. A comprehensive report will be made to the Planning Commission, and then area by area the land included in the annexation will be studied by the Commission, who will submit their recommendations to the City Council. It is hoped the zoning, when adopted, will be as nearly as possible in accordance with the uses of the property as it now stands and the desires of the owners in that area. '. Mr. F. P. Gorey, 2718 Bradford, stated he opposed this change, because they don't want another marketowne in their area. The people on Bradford Avenue don't want this change, because this would tend to devaluate their homes. He asked for a count of all the people-present who are against this zone change. The Chairman asked for a count of those opposed. The Secretary reported there were 19 hands counted. The Chairman asked also for a count of those present who are in favor of the zone change. 'There were 15 hands counted. The Chairman explained that this count of people for or against would not necessarily effect the commission's decision. Mrs. Wheeler, 5819 Baldwin, stated she was vigorously opposed to the change; she didn't want to be across from an access road to a market. Page Seven August 11, 1959 RESOLUTION No. 340 The Chairman announced Mr. Stogsdill was very anxious to expedite the decision on this zone change, due to the time limit of the options involved. Bec'ause of the amount of protests .at the meeting, along with the petition filed with the Secretary, the Chairman recom- mended that the members of the Commission review the request. He wished to satisfy any request for speed if the Commissioners felt that they had sufficieQt information to make a decision tonight. Mr. Davison stated regardless of the pros or cons of the ultimate decision in this matter, he did not think it correct policy to rush into such a decision. He considered the issue of major importance to a number of people, and possibly of ultimate importance to the entire city. Mr. Stout agreed with Mr. Daviaon'ls observations. He added that whenever business abuts residential property, in almost every case the residential area suffers for it.. It causes a devaluation of the residential property, resulting in a dissatisfied group of citizens. This matter should be studied very carefully before a decision is handed down. Mr. Norton concurred also with t.he attitudes expressed by the preced- ing Commissioners. Mr. Forman added his agreement to the desire of the Commissioners to make a decision on the basis that perhaps a carefully considered decision might resolve problems of this nature which occur quite often in the city. Mr. Stogsdill came forward once more, and stated that some of the people oppoaed to this change were located over a thousand feet from the' property in question. He asked for a clarification of Mr. Forman's refer.ence to the area as a "problem child". . Mr. Forman replied that when a particular area has repeated prob- lems that extreme care should be taken in handing down a decision to resolve, if possible, the situation for a reasonably permanent time. Mr. Stogsdill stated they had encompassed themselves to avoid spot zoning, and had purchased certain properties in order to assure a buffer to the R-1 zone. Mr. Wayne Withrow, 2708 Bradford, came forward once more, and declared that it is very evident what 1s happening to this vicinity with the property owned by the Stogsdills; that it is their inten- tion to cause re-zoning of most of the area. He was concerned about the devaluation of his property as a result of the proposed super market. Mrs. George Seidner, 561 Workman, stated that everything was fine in the area until Mr. Stogsdill moved into the vicinity. Little by little he is bringing about a change which is unwanted by the sur- rounding neighbors. The Chairman declared the hearing continued until August 25, 1959. for reports from the Staff and Zoning Committee. No. 340 - The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 340, entitled: Page Eight August 11, 1959 RESOLUTION No. 341 ZONE VARIANCE Schavoni "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS ~D RECOMMENDATIONS RELATIVE TO THE PROPOSED AMENQ- MENT OF SECTION 15 OF ORDINANCE NO. 760 OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA." . .. '. , .. Moved by Mr. Forman, seconded by Mr. Davis,on and carried to waive the reading of the full body of Resolution No. 340. Moved by Mr. Davison, seconded by Mr. Forman for the adoption of Resolution No. 340. ROLL CALL: AYES: Acker, Davison, Forman, Norton, Stout and Wallin NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Michler No. 341 - The City Attorney presenteo Resolution No. 341, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PllANNINGCOMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS AND. RECOMMENDATIONS RELATIVE TO THE PROPOSED AMEND- ME~T OF' SECTION 7 OF ORDINANCE NO. 760 OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA." The Chairman asked about the driveway requirements contained in the resolutlon'; he stated that the width allowed is clear, but the resol- ution does not refer to any overhang'limits. It was agreed to'modify the wording by stilting' "Unobstructed, except by ellve overhang". Moved by Mr. Norton, seconded by Mr. Wallin and carried to waive the reading of the full body of Resolution No. 341. Moved by Mr. Norton, seconded by Mr. Davison for the adoption of Resol- ution No. 341. ROLL CALt.: AYES: Acker, Davison,Forman, Norton, Stout and Wallin NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Michler Pursuant to notice given a public hearing was held on the application of Rocc1e J.and Lorraine R. Schavoni for a zone variance to allow.a second dwelling on the property at 141 W. Colorado Boulevard. The Secretary read a communication from S. R. May, 506 San Luis Rey Road, which stated he .was one of the prqerty owners who originally signed in favor of Mr. Schavoni's variance, but has since taken a' different stance on 'this matter, retracting his approval. The Chairman opened the public hearing requesting that those in favor of this variance come forward and state their position. Mr. Schavoni, 141 W. Colorado Boulevard, stated that he bought this property with the intention of residing in the home on the site. The home is a two story structure; his wife has suffered two heart attacks, and is restricted from climbing stairs to protect her health. Page Nine August 11, 1959 LOT SPL ITS ~ The Chairman asked those opposed to the varianc~ to come forward. Mr. S. R. May, 506 San Luis Rey Road, stated he s1gned Mr. Schavoni' s petition without giving it too much thought, but after thinking it over with the effect it would have on his property. he changed his mind. He strongly opposed the granting of this variance. , Mr. Donald Tobias, 501 San Luis Rey Road wanted to go On record as opp~sing this variance. Mrs. SChavoni, 141 W. Colorado Boulevard, stated that she has a whole acre of pro~ty, and cannot, see why the zone variance could not be granted. The Chairman asked if there were any recommendation as an alternate solution to this problem. The Secretary recommended that Mr. Schavoni get toge~her with the property owner on the east and see if the three acres effected could not be subdivided along the lines of what has been done in the past. Mr. Davison stated that while he could sympathize with the applicant's situation he could not favor taking an ~rea of single family res~ dendes and starting anyone lot o'f 2 houses. Mr. Schavoni stated that he had attempted to locate the the property to the east, but was unable to locate him. that subdividing this prop~rty would solve his problem. owner of He felt Moved by Mr. Davison, seconded by Mr. Norton to recommend denial .of the zone variance at 141 W. Colorado Boulevard. ROLL CALL: AYES: Acker, Davison, Forman, Norton, Stout and Wallin NOES: None ABSENT: Commiss.ioner Michler Lot Split No. 262 - Bernard Berk, 541 and 547 Workman Avenue, referred to Mr. Forman and Mr. Stout. Since the decision on this lot split is hinged on the decision of the zone variance for Berk and Stogsdill, this matter will be continued until the next meeting. Lot Split No. 259 - C. Van Der Stad, 1715 S. Santa Anita Avenue, referred back by the City Council. This lot split was recommended for denial at the last Planning Com- mission meeting, and Mr. Van Der Stad, wanted it to be reconsider- ed because he wished to submit,new evidence supporting his request for a lot split. The Secretary displayed the plot plan which showed that the applicant has a lot 58 feet wide; by securing 30 feet from the rear portion of the lot facing Santa Anita the applicant would reali~e a frontage of 88 feet. Mr. Van Der Stad spoke in support of his application. He stated that he felt the proposed house would be an asset to the neighbor- hood. Mr. Stout sated that he believed the additional frontage would allow the construction of a nice home adding beauty to the neighborhood. Page Ten August 11, 1959 TRACT NO. 22862 LOT SPLIT No. 263 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS ANNEXATION NO. ll-A Zoning ANNEXATION NO. 19 ;; The Secretary read a petition signed by five immediate neigh- bors, concerning this request, which stated that they were in full accord with Mr. Van Der Stad I s request for a lot spl it. Moved bY.Mr. Stout, seconded by Mr. Davison and carried that Lot Split No. 259 be recommended for approval, subject to the follow- ing condition: 1. File a final map with the City Engineer. No. 22862 - This matter was held over from the last regular Plan- ning Commission meeting; . the tract is located on the south side of Orange Grove Avenue, between Baldwin Avenue and San Carlos Road, consisting of seven (7) lots. The Secretary read a letter from Attorney Patrick Hillings, which confirmed a telephone request for continuance of this matter to the next regular meeting. The Chairman ordered the matter held over to the next regular meet- ing, August 25, 1959. Lot Split No. 263 - Mrs. Laura R. McCormick, 560 W. Longden Avenue, was assigned to Mr. Wallin and Mr. Stout. The Chairman announced the following committee appointments: Zoning Committee - Mr; Michler - Chairman Mr. Davison Mr. Norton Subdivision - Mro Stout - Chairman Mr. .Forman Mr.. Wallin - Mr. Forman - Chairman - Mr. Stout Modification Liaison to City Council The Secretary .recommended that the Planning Commission start study- ing the zoning to be applied to Annexation No. 17-A. He suggested that a meeting be set up by the Commission to commence study of the map. It was decided to meet at 9:00 A.M., Sunday, August 16, 1959. Counci1man Balser advised that thE City Council had initiated action to annex the property on the south side of Live Oak Avenue from El Monte Avenue. to the city limits east of Sixth Avenue, and it is the desire.of the. Council to zone the area concurrently with the annex- ation proceedings. The Secretary advised that the Commission should set up a date of hearing on September 8, 1959 gi~ing time to send out notices. Moved by Mr. Forman, seconded by Mr. Norton and carried to set up a public hearing for the zoning on Live Oak Avenue Annexation No. 19 on September 8, 1959. Page Eleven August 11, 1959 MODIFICATION Ingwersen DtFINITION Ordinance LEAGUE OF CITIES Annual Conference MATTERS FROM TH& COMMISSION , j The Secretary brought up the modification of Mr. Nicholas Ingwersen., 118 E. Duarte Road. The Modification Committee's decision to grant Mr. Ingwersen's req~est for modification was based on ~is dedicating 10 feet to the city for purposes of widen- ing'Duarte Road. The applicant was reluctant to grant this dedic- ation; the 'vast majority of property owners have already dedicated 10 feet to the city. After considerable discussion, motion was made by Davison, seconded by Mr. Forman to approve the modif~cation, subject to the dedication or the submitting of an offer to dedicate in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Secretary Was requested to define the'word "Basement". He stated this procedure was leading up to something that would control, or prohibit some of the underground parking for apartment houses, which are partially underground and partially above ground. The Secretary read from the Zoning Ordinance the definition of the word "Basement": "A story partly underground and having one-half or more of its height below the average level of the adjoining ground. A 'basement, when designed, for or occupied' by dwellings, business or'manufactur- ing shall be, considered to be a story. " If the wording of this definition were &mended to ,include "the parking of automobiles" considered as a story, and with the present height limit or two stories, then underground parking of cars could be regulated. After discussion. it was moved by Mr. Stout, seconded by Mr. Wallin and carried that the City.Attorney be instructed to prepare a resolution to initiate a public hearing on regulation or parking in basements. The Annual Conference of the League of Cities of California will be held in San Francisco, October 18 - 2l, 1959. The deadline for reservations is approaching, and the Secretary wished to know how many plan to go to the Conference. Discussion followed. This year's budget provides $650.00, which won't begin to cover the expenses of very many to San Frencisco. The Secretary was advised to do some further checking, and then to ma~e a request to City Council for an amount to cover the neces- sary expenses. It was indicated that possibly all seven Commis- sioners intend to attend the Conference. Mr. Davison reminded the Commission of a move made some time ago to review the requirements of the area of lots in R-I, R-O zones in new subdivisions. Regardless of past situations, he thought the matter was ripe for re-study, He thought the 7500 square foot minimum was adhered to a little too closely, not resulting in well-planned family' living. He believed the Commission should make a thorough study for the purpose of making some concrete recommendations to alleviate this situation. The Chairman advised Mr. Stout, the Subdivision Committee Chairman to make such a study, and come up with a recommendation for the Commissiofu Page Twelve August 11, 1959 It should be noted that Mr. Nicklin was excused from the Planning Commissio'n meeting immediately after the adoption of Resolution Nos. .340 and 341. ADJOURN There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned. f~.~ L. M. TALLEY Planning Secretary page Thirteen August 11, 1959