HomeMy WebLinkAboutMARCH 12, 1963
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,
ROLL CALL
MINUTES
CONTINUED
PUBLIC
HEARING
R - 3
Zoning
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION, ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA
REGULAR MEETING
March 12, 1963
The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, met in regulor session on Morch 12,
1963, at 8:00 a'clock P. M. in the Council Chomber, City Hall, Arcodio, C"lifornia.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Commissioner Porker
Commissioners Ferguson, Kuyper, Norton, Parker and Forman
OTHERS PRESENT: City Councilman Jess Balser
City Attorney James A. Nicklin
'Aiijstant City Engineer Frank Forbes
Planning Director William Phelps
Planning Technician Ernest Mayer, Jr.
The minutes of the meetings of February 13 ond February 26, 1963, were approved as
written.
The praposed amendments to Arcadia Municipal Code, governing apartment house develop-
ment as pr~ented before the Commission in publ ic hearings prior to th is date was orally
presented by the Planning Director. The City Attorney had been instructed toformulate
the thinking of the Commission and the Department into 0 draft of the ordinance. The
rough draft was present.
The City Attorney advised that this had been prepared for s~dy purposes only and thot
from this draft 0 more comprehensive outline could be made to incorporate these into
resolution form.
The matter was continued until the next regular meeting of March 26, 1963, at which time
o draft of a resolution would be present3d by the City Attorney. Copies of this droft would
be forwarded to eoch Commissioner in advonce of the meeting so that some study and
thought could be given it prior to the consideration at the Commission level,
The Chairman stated that the publ ic hearing had not been closed and if any desired to be
heard they may be at this time.
Mrs. Lois Anderson, 1024 Arcadia Avenue, requested further information as to the planting
strip on each side of the driveway and the side. She felt this was exhorbitant, es:pecially
in view of the foct thot there were many 70 ft, lots within the city.
The Chairman stated this question had orisen in previous meetings ond provisions had been
set up where it could be modified if these conditions could not be met. The preliminory
review would be submitted ta the Planning Department and if the conditions can not all be
met the applicant can file 0 modification application. The Modification Committee is
empowered to make minor modificotions on lots where it is impossible to meet the code.
Mrs. Mary Mcintosh, 800 Arcadia Avenue felt that the properties being discussed applied
to West Arcadia that the requirements could not possibly apply to the 50 foot lots in the
eastern portion of the city. Some of the lots could not be developed under the present
concepts. Consideration. would have to be mode for their development.
March 12, 1963
Page One
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MOTION
LOT SPLIT
L - 62 - 10
Extension of
Time
MOTION
TRACT NO.
27992
Mr. Robert Carr, of the Park Real Estate Co. representing a property awner who had listed
his property with them. He had discussed various matters with the Plonning Department and
some thinking was with reference to height districts. He also felt that the study wos primarily
to upgrade construction, but that the 2000 sq. ft, per unit and the increased size with the
side setbacks, etc. would tend to create difficulties that would prevent constructian and
would in many cases deter sales of real estate.
The Chairman stated thot the present consideration wos bosed on one ond two story develop-
ments. If higher apartments are constructed it may be necessary to set up specific regula-
tions for the apartments exceeding two stories.
Moved by Commissioner Nor.ton, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, and unanimously carried
that the public hearing on the R-3 zoning regulations be continued until the next regular
meeting.
A communicotion had been received from the Miller - Price Development Co., requesting
on extension of time to complete the requirements for a lot-split - L - 62-10 - granted
Apr.il 2, /962. They were requesting this extension inosmuch os a subdivision is being
considered in the area which would provide Wistaria Avenue with an access to Lemon
Avenue. If this lot split were to be developed it would prevent this subdivision. Therefore,
additional time is needed in order to obtain the property needed to extend the street and
provide the access.
Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Ferguson, and unanimously
corried, that on extension of time of one yeor be granted Miller-Price Develapment Co.
on Lot Split No. L - 62 - 10.
Tentative mop of twenty lot subdivision proposed between Tenth Avenue and the Flood
Control channel, north of Camino Real was again considered. This tract wos referred to the
Subdivision Committee at the meeting .of February 13. There has been no change in the map.
Communications hal been received from property owners ond interested porties both forond
against the proposed subdivision.
PROPONENTS:
H. W. Pinkston, 1333 S.outh 10th Avenue
Mr. and Mrs. T. San Filippo, 1323 South lOth Avenue
Flora B. Adema, 1407 South 10th Avenue
Mr. and Mrs. Wayland Lowther, 1409 South lOth Avenue
Darrell K. Clingman, 1411 South 10th Avenue
OPPONENTS:
Sydney L. Mason, State President, Equestrian Troils Inc.
North Mansfield Ave., Los Angeles 56,
Mr. William Hoegee, 1813 South 8th Avenue, Area Trail Coordinator
Equestrion Trails, Inc.
Charles W. Covell, Jr. Arcadia Mounted Police, P.O. Box 771
Arcodia, Calif.
Petition signed by 25 property owners (man and wife).
Morch 12, 1963
Page Two
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Commissioner Norton stoted thot this hod been referred to the Subdivision Committee
opproximatelya month ago and the developer to evaluate this proposed development.
Several items were discussed, one of which was if this tract could be developed in on
orderly monner both to the north and to the south, with ingress and egress. Also a di~-
cussion as to whether or not some type of development could be mode whereby equestrions
could still occupy the area. In essence to develop the property on the basis for consider-
ation for property owners who were involved in the equestrion octivities. The subdividers
at this time fel t that both were reosonable requests ond the extension of time was based
on these two specific items. At this time there hos been no deviation on the plans and it
was the subdivider's request that it be placed on the agenda for further consideration even
though the 90 day extension of time was signed.
The originol Staff Report was re-read by Ernest Mayer, Jr.
Mr. Vernan Jones, Engineer of the Hillcrest Engineering Co. stated thot they were in
accord with all of the recommendotions outl ined in the Staff report and would prepare
maps accordingly.
A study of the extension of the tract to the north and to the south waS made and found it
was impossible to proceed to the south at this time; olso the unit to the north. They are
proposing to put in one unit of 0 three unit development. The street will be 845 feet
long. Other development within the city has been done "piece-meal", They are only
asking for that which has been done in the past. He quoted a number of tracts that hod
been recently appraved in this manner.
Bruce Kitchen, 1516 South 8th Avenue, Arcadia, one of the developers:r.stated that not
one of the properties under considerotion would el iminate horses. Mony people who had
entered into the development still hod horses or were relocating elsewhere in order to
maintain them. As it now stands, riders would have to poss over private property to ride
olong the wash. If the tract is approved, the subdividers would be willing to provide access
on each end to provide entrance to the properties abutting the wash. He fel t that ch ildren
could ride down the new street instead of Tenth Avenue. He also stated that a present
these children are riding bicycles to school on the street right-of-way and he felt thot it
was safer for them to be on a horse rather thon a bicycle. He also stoted that it was not
economicolly feasible to develop the property in a ranch type development where horses would
be permitted on the individual lots.
James A. Wilson, 9100 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, one-hC!lf owner, stated it must be
considered thot this property could be fenced and thereby deny the horses from passing
over this property. He felt that this subdivision would not affect the equestrions one way
or another. He felt they had complied with all the requirements made of them, ond that
under the Code they had developed a subdivision in a normoll11anner. The stoff has
approved or recommended approval and they felt it was a very good loyout for the area.
They had contacted the owners to the north and to the south ond they are not willing to
relinquish any of their property. It is not economicolly feosible to develop the property
in 0 ranch type design. The people who ride horses in this area are trespassing at the
present time. The actual riding troil is on the west side of this channel ond this property
is located on the eost side. He felt thot nothing had been said pertaining to the property
owners who now own the property under consideration. Most of them are elderl y who have
purchosed the property and cannot afford to maintain it, they can now moke a nice profit
on their land and still retain their homes. Thought should be given to these facts. The
City if known as "A City of Fine Homes", and the developers intend to build fine homes
in this orea. The homes would overage 1200 to 1800 sq. ft. ond would be in the areo of
$28,000 to $32,000 retail.
March 12, 1963
Page Three
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Mr, Jack Tallan, 1207 South Tenth Avenue felt the subdivision was nat in the best interests
af the community. He felt the developers were taking the most economicallond in the
area and providing the maximum amount of housing. He stated the street should come in
from Camino Real and com e out obove the proposed street to Tenth Avenue.
Mrs. Ademo of 1507 South Tenth Avenue has owned the property for many years and has
never complained about the horse people using the rear portion to cross over. They have
used 0 portion for a training ring. She understand there is a school in the area for teaching
smaller children to ride. She is now faced with the problem of either fencing the property
or obtoining insurance. They can still use the street. She cannot use her patio because
of the dust. No one has ever asked permission to use the property for this training ring.
She felt they were overstepping in trying to prevent this development.
Mr, De Maio, 45 W. Longden Avenue, owner of the property at 1435 South Tenth Avenue
has tried to sell his property, He had made it known that horses could be kept on the lat.
He hod removed an aid house ond cleared it of trees ond debris. He had olso removed the
fences so that the children could cross over with their horses. He now hod on oppartunity
of selling a portion of the lot. With the type home he desire s to build, it would be over-
~~i1ding in the area at the present time. He fel t the development should be permitted.
The rear lots of many of the parcels should be cleored. Some horses are being boarded in
the area.
The Choirman stoted that it was not the purpose of the Commission to debote the question
of horses; they were ottempting to make a decision on 0 subdivision. If the lots meet the
requirement of the code a certain obligotion is on the Commission to make a decision.
Commissioner Porker stated the plan had the opproval of the Planning Department and it is
found that it would be on asset to the City ond an injustice would be done to the property
owners and the subdividers to not pass favorably on it. In the past it has been the attempt
to have the street extended. This could be done, but in some instances it tokes time.
The Commission could not demand that this be done os one unit. He.is sympathetic to the
equestrians.
Commissioner Ferguson stated thot the Commission had an application for a troct which
would have to be looked at as normal business. This tract map applies most of the require-
ments usually applied to subdivisions; this is not terminating in a cul-de-soc but rather
the intent to develop further to the north and to the south. From this ttandpoint the tract
complied to the subdivision requirements. The people who have the land and desire to
develop jit should have the right to do so.
Commissioner Kuyper felt the length of the street and the possibility of developing the
balance were of concern to thim. He felt the discussion relative to horses does not have
much beoring on this problem. He felt that it might be difficult to extend the tract either
north or south. He felt the subdivision did not do what he would like to see in the
development of Tenth Avenue. There were many lorge lots with small houses ond he would
,
like to see Jenth Avenue, proper be developed on the street side rather thon the rear lots.
Commissioner Norton felt the subdivision was not an orderly development for the orea.
He felt that in the past subdivisions had been approved with the future development
anticipated of extending the street. He felt in this area it was going to be very difficult
and also that the occess to the tract should be from 0 northerly-southerly direction. From
the aerial map it is seen thot this ,would be very difficult to obtain. He thought the
equestrian hod a right to be heardi that if it is the objective of the City of Arcadia to remove
horses from the City, then this subdivision is 0 good way to start it;. that if the city intends
to develop a recreational concept, as was shown by the joint meeting of the Plonning
Commission ond the Recreation Commission, that this would be el iminating recreation
rather than providing it for the citizens. Much money has been provided for the ocquisition
and development of the riding ond hiking troil. He felt that this type of recreation is
o part of this community ond 0 part of the Master Plan.
Page Four
MOTION
REPORTS
ANNEXATION
NO, 30
CENTRAL
AREA
PLAN
PUBLIC
PARTICI-
PATION
ADJOURN-
MENT
v
Commissioner Parker stated that Planning was a field in which one looks to the
future and that there~ an interest in further develapment in this area and the full
utilization of .the land. If this type of application is jeopardized, the ultimote orderly
development of Arcadio is jeopardized.
Moved by Commissioner Porker, seconded by Commissioner Ferguson, that the tentative tract
map of Tract No. 27992 be recommended for approvol, subject to the conditions as
outl ined in the Staff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Ferguson, Parker and Forman
NOES: Commissioners Kuyper and Norton
ABSENT: Commissioners Golisch and Michler
The motion was not carried because of the three-.two vote,
The subdivider had signed 0 waiver so that the time element prevailed. It did not of
necessity need to go on to the City Council without recommendation; therefore, the matter
will be continued until the next regular meeting of the Plonning Commission on March 26, 1963.
The Planning Director presented 0 schedule of fees which hod been. ,considered by the City
Council, setting up a chdge of fees to be chorged for the filing of'the various applications
in the Planning Department. The City Council had instructed the City Attorney to prepare
an ordinance to be considered at the next regular meeting of the City Council. The change
was based on 0 survey made by the Planning Department of various cities comparable with
the City of Arcodia, with the County of Los Angeles and with the Regional Planning Commission.
Property owners within the boundaries of Annexation No. 30, east of Peck Road, had
requested the Planning Commission to reclassify the property recently annexed. The City
Attorney was instructed to prepare a resolution setting a time for hearing on the reclassi-
fication of the property located east of Peck Road. This resolution will be considered ot
the next regular meeting of the Commission.
The Consultants for the study of the Central Area are nearing the completion of their study
and have presented the prel iminary plan to the Central Land Owners Associotion and it
was recommended by the Central Land Owners that a moratorium or restrict measure be placed
on the property within this study area during the time that it required to adopt the plan
and fix the necessary zoning.
The Planning Commission requested the Planning Director to formulate a letter to the
City Council requesting oction be taken to delay any construction or use not compatible
with the Downtown plan.
No one in the audience desired to be heard.
The meeting adjourned at 11: 15 P. M,
cV~~
WILLIAM PHELPS
Planning Secretary
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