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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJULY 9, 1963 . 'I j MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION, ARCADIA ,cALIFORNIA REGULAR MEETING July 9, 1963 The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, met in regular session on July 9, 1963, at 8:00 o'clock P.M., in the Council Chamber of the City Hall, 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California, with Chairman ~ermit Ferguson, presiding. PRE-MEETING Prior to the 8:00 P.M. meeting, the Commission held an organization session at 7: 15 P. M., in the Conference Room.. Mr. Robert Stevens and Mr. Mike Vallone were present. The Chairman discussed the work program of the Commission for the coming year, the feasibility of holding one meeting per month for planning purposes ond the other meeting for acting on applications; the desirability of appointing a member of the Commission as the Liaison Commissioner to homeowners and business associations; the preparation of the minutes and agenda in terms that the former could be made briefer and the latter should be to the Commission on Thursday preceding the meeting. The Planning Budget was also discussed. Mr. Stevens raised the question as to the appropriate time for him to discuss with the Commission the variance application of his client. He was informed that items such as his would be heard at the formal session of the Commission later this evening. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Commissioners Ferguson, Forman, Hanson, Kuyper and Parker ABSENT: Commissioners Golisch and Norton OTHERS PRESENT: City Councilman Conrad Reibold City Attorney James Nicklin Assistant City Engineer Frank Forbes Planning Director William Phelps Senior Planner Ernest Mayer, Jr. Assistant Planner Edward Morris. MINUTES The minutes of June 11 th and June 25, 1963 were approved as written and mailed. PUBLIC HEARING The Chairman announced, according to published notice, a public hearing will be CENTRAL AREA held to consider the adoption of the Central Area Plan. STUDY Stoff report was presented by the Planning Director, a copy of which is on file in the office of the Planning Department. Mr. Pat Gaffney, representing the firm of Wilsey, Ham and Blair, Consultants employed by the City Council to study the Central Bus'iness Area made a presentation, with slides, outlining the proposed Central Area Pion, cis covered in the brochure and technical report heretofore submitted to the City. ' July9,; 1963 Page One c OPPONENTS: Norman V. Cole, 29-37 Santa Clara Avenue Don Betsinger, 510-514 South Santo Anito Avenue J. O. Warner, 368 Fairview Avenue Ardeen Boller, Attorney at Low, 40-50 North First Avenue Gordon Cutler, 121 E. 6th Street, Los Angeles, representative of the Santa Fe Railroad Co. William K. Callogy, 320 California Street August Geobel, Attorney ot Low, representing the A & A Building Materials Co. 310 North Santa Anita Avenue William Littlefield, 1624 Lee Avenue J. A. Wills, 333 North Santa Anita Avenue Robert Arth, 1017 Catalpa Road, Santo Anito Residents Association, John Givett, 45 Santo Clara Avenue. In general, there was concern with the plan elimihoting the M-l property on which businesses were now locatect 2'5l'!cicaf the area included in the Town Center Plan is presently used for M-l purposes. Many of the owners of property in this particular area are opposed to the present plan. Primorily the opposition was to the proboble chonge of zone in this area. People hove been in business in this area for a great many yearsj large investments have been made for I ight industry. All reol ized , the Downtown Area hod deteriorated but would correction come by eliminating the M-I areas? The businesses are doing wellj the properties rent. This is a relatively prosperous industrial orea. It was the feeling that the entire area could become unhealthy rather than just the Downtown orea. Residents had worked for yeors for a north-south street, rather than Santo Anito; Baldwin Avenue will be constructed in connection with the freewoy, but with this Central Area Pion, First Avenue will be terminated at the triangle. Questions were raised as to how the plan would be implemented. What part would the general public have in raising funds for the implementation? Would the taxes be increased? How.will the owners be forced to conform? Whot would be the problems if property were condemned? If inquiries had been made for stores in the orea? If there wos 0 demand? The primary questions of property owners not in the area are: What will it cost and what benefit will it be to the City? Mr. Boller felt to close First Avenue would preclude the little troffic that does come down that way. The great purchasing power north of Huntington is directed to Footh i" Center and Pasadena. He felt that any action taken now might destroy that business now thriving and with the advent of the freeway there would be octivity regordless of the Master Plan. He has clients interested but will not move until the freeway is constructed. This area between the tracks and the freeway will develop, in his opinion, without the aid of public funds. Actions by the City now moy preclude certoin developments which might come olong and the "dream 'world" may never be obtained that is being shown in pictures. Mr. Gordon Cutler, Assistont Industrial Agent for the Santa Fe Railroad Co., brought. out the point that in his work of assisting corporations to locate neor the railroad he had found that reseorch and development corporations would not locate in th is area. His work is jto bring industry to the area. He felt the railroad had contributed to areo. A number of industries are receiving service from the railroad here; and had there been more land odditional industries would have located here, The railroad is to remain and they would like to see the trocks produce something for the City other than the assessment on the right-of-way. This plan would eliminate industries producing revenues for the city and for the railrood. Mony people have the feeling that the July 9, 1963 Page T wo are absolete and that the ideal situation is to have research ond developments. He said plans often made were so restrictive that buildings could not be constructed with the parking, landscoping and 011 of the things that go in to moke a beoutiful picture. He felt it was necessary to be practical. Dead-weight goes over the trocks and the vibration occurs and the proposed development will not locate next to the tracks. He said that if a Master Pion is to be mode thot it should be of the natural resources so that if the area is zoned for a high grode industrial such as the Airport areo and Redondo Beach - Lowndale tract - where manufacturing buildings are landscaped to become as attractive as office buildings. They could assist in locating people who are desirous of coming to Arcadia with a worehouse site, etc. They offered their services and would cooperate with the City. Mr. Callagy asked if consideration had been given in the event the additional zoning is imposed as to what would become of the Bonita School. If the tracks were not to be relocoted and the additional apartments woukJ bring odditional children, it would require additional classrooms. He was not opposed to the pion, as the deter- ioration of the Business Area was evidenced and needed revitalizing. Mr. Goebel stoted the Company he is representing had already been hurt. Improve- ments had been desired but because of being in the moratorium area they had been curtailed. The company also had plans for increasing their production and buildings over Q five-yeor period, but would not do so if they were not going to be permitted to remain in the area. A plan of orderly development is necessa...y;, but if there is a plan it should hove some assurance of success; none of the property owners in the respective areas hove been consulted. The Commission wos urged to give some thought of consulting people who own property or have property under leose in the respective areas, either by way of Committee or otherwise, prior to odoption of any Master Pion. This plan was termed "0 dream". The property connot be condemned be couse of the expense involved. The buildings would deteriorate over the leosed period and the property owners would probably be deprived of a valuable property right. It is easy to plan what to do with some one else's property. Planning with the p'roperty owners should be done rother thon by on "ethreal planner". The industrial orea has been here a long time and the question is now is it going to be el iminated? It is unfoir ito rezone downward without the property owners' approval. William Littlefield, 1624 Lee Avenue, an academic economist, felt there was some- thing wrong with the plan os it stands as there were discreponcies. Many things had been proposed. The areo is a prime area for industrial enterprises. The freeway has not been discussed and this is one phose that is importont. He had observed an attempt in Orange County to develop a Research and Development area and nothing had become of it. There is 0 scarsity for this thing. The buildings are nice and desirable ond most people ore not interested in 0 porcel as small as 120 acres. He questioned the reseorch given in the technical report. He also questioned the projection of the convenience goods. Approximately 25% of the purchasing power in the primary area is going to find its way to the conven ience center ond the freeway is not considered. If this is built across First Avenue, then the traffic is bound to be congested. He felt that many people finding their way to the Central area would tend to downgrade other areas where they are now shopping. Mr. J. A. Wills, stated he had been in research and development for many years, but that his business was supported by good, honest, hard manufocturing products. In order to do this it is necessory to have a ploce to work. It may not be the best looking buildings, but c1eon and satisfactory. Dawn to earth manufacturing is necessary to support this pion. He felt that other communities were urging business to come and they would help, but in Arcadia people ore frightened for fear they could not quolify because their building isn't pretty and because it is not reseorch and development. He attempted to put up a building equal to that which he now had, but the requirements for incidentals were such that he could not offord to do it and he built elsewhere. July 9, 1963 Page Thr ee c \~ '- He felt the improvements required would be torn up when 0 plan is decided upon. He did not object to the redevelopment, but desired some manufacturing in that would suppart it. These peaple would patronize the Centrol Area and wauld bring money in to the community. Mr. Robert Arth stated there were three months of the year when the races were in session that property owners to the north avoided this area because of the heavy traffic. This becomes such a habit that they continue during the other nine months. The Junior High School to the north has olso diverted many people who, did come to the orea. They have no occasion to come downtown. He said the trend was to bring people in ond "stacking'them. He felt that people in the community did not want to go to 0 more dense population in order to support a Downtown area. They should keep in mind that this is a City of Homes. PROPONENTS: Mr. Kermit Hartzler, 46 Woodlond Avenue, representing same of the Arcadia Business Association, and also serves on the Board of the Central Area land Owners Association. Paul Doleshal, 1235 Oak Glen Avenue. It was determined that whether the plan is good or bad they did nat hove the information; however, there was a plan, which is important. It may have to be modified. The orea would have to be revitalized and he would not wont to see the plan scropped. It moy have to have modification, but he would like to see some constructive action. The office building being planned may ossistin bringing people to the area. He urged careful and thorough consideration. He recommended modificotions along the railroad track. He is a real estate broker and has 0 client in research ond development but he will not consider moving next to a railroad. He felt the plan was good but may need same changes. I MOTION Moved by Commissioner Parker, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, and unanimously carried, that the publ ic hearing be closed. The second hear.ing on this matter will be held on July 23, 1963, at 8:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING Publ ic hearing is scheduled for the zoning in connection with the adoption of any CENTRAL AREA Master Plan or General Plan. ZONING If the Commission is to odopt a plan, .i::omponion zoning must be accomplished. If these are the functional areas oppropriate far Arcodia it would be necessary to prepare specific regulations to govern the plans. New regulations for the new zones which would be required if the Central Area Plan is adopted may be oppropriate for other commercial areas. As a result of the heoring on the plan it may be necessary to incorporate in the zoning regulations for the research and development area some other uses. The consideration under this public hearing would be to develop regulations for new zones which would not become operative until a plan were approved allocating specific property to be used for the specific purposes. The same objections raised in the previous publ ic hearing could well be restated as applying to the zoning. I MOTION Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, and unonimously carried, that the public hearing pertaining to zoning in. the Centrol Areo be continued and should coincide with the consideration of the general plan. July 9, 1963 Page Four .... PUBLIC HEARING R-l Area MOTION MOTION PUBLIC HEARING MODIFICATION REFERRAL i "-/ Publ ic Hearing was scheduled for the purpose of considering changes in portians of the R-l zone regulations permitting more than one dwelling per lot. Stqff Report wos presented by the Plann ing Director. A copy of wh ich is on file in the office of the Plonning Department, OPPONENTS Mr. Ardeen Boller, representing George and Helen Woolf, 120-124 E. Longden Avenue presented a sketch of the two properties. The lots are 62 and 66 feet wi.de and 300 ft. long. There was a question os to any further development since the lot spl it had been approved on Lee Avenue. The Planning Director advised that 0 proposed plan had been submitted in connection with the Pat Brown lot split extending Greenfield Avenue. This would cul-de-sac and the reor properties of the Woolf's could be developed. He felt that his clients should not have to apply for a variance which is expensive and takes tim'e. Mr. Boller was advised that the properties could not qualify even under the present R-I regulations for a second house. PROPONENTS Mr. Rabert Townsend, 321 Le Roy Avenue was in favor of the zoning as many lots were in an orea where a second house would not be of benefit to the orea. He wOUfld permit some lots in an orea to have two houses when they would not change the area to other than R-l. Mr. Peer Claussen, 925 Eighth Avenue felt that eoch property should be considered on its merit as to whether it should be allowed a second house ar not. Mony of the houses which qualifies for a second house are recanverted garages ond chicken coups and this would tend to clear the area. Moved by Commissioner Kuyper, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, and unanimously carried that the public hearing be closed. Mr. Phelps stated that the Commissian should decide whether or not the desire is to continue with the permissive regulotions 9f two houses on 0 lot or to have the areo subdivided. Problem lots which could not be subdivided could apply for a variance. Moved by Commissioner Parker, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, and unanimously carried, that the City Attorney be instructed to prepare the necessary amendments to the R-I zone, the effect of which would be to permit the construction ofo second dwelling on an R-l lot by Zone Variance only. This matter was referred ta the Planning Commission by the Modification Committee and was continued from the previous meeting. The Staff report was submitted by the Senior Planner. A complete copy of this report is on file with the office of the Planning Department. There was a question on the proposed plan that with the removal of the gorage from the front dwell ing and reconstructing it would leove a non-conforming July 9, 1963 Page Five .' !- ',,--/ distance between the two buildings. OPPOSITION - None PROPONENTS: Mr. Harry Casina, 1330 Greenfield, stated he had purchased the property under the present Code which he hod been told would permit the construction of a second dwelling under specific conditions. His property met these conditions and he requested approval of his application. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, and unanimously carried that the publ ic heoring be dosed. MOTION At the time this application was received steps had not been taken to amend the Code for the construction of a second dwell ing and inasmuch as this property conforms under the automatic rules for a second dwelling, it was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, and unanimously carried that Modification Application M-63-37 be recommended for approval, subject to the plot plan conforming as nearly as possible to the Code. . PUBLIC HEARING Trust & Final Map Notice had been mailed and public hearing scheduled on the Trust to be placed on the property at 29 West Palm Drive, which is the property directly ta the east of the newly created street. The Public Works Department had submitted the cost breakdown showing the amounl of the trust to be ploced against this property in the event thot future development is requested the portion assessed against a. new lot to be created. Mr. Edith K. Dunn, owner of the property, submitted a letter to the Commission ond copies of letters to be ,forwarded to the City Council. She opposed the trust and the amount assessed, which has been placed in the omount of $8,192.67. The Staff repart was presented on the finol map of this tract. A copy of the report is on file in the office of the Planning Department. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Formon, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, and unoni:- mously carried, that the public hearing on said trust be closed. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Hanson that the amount of trust expense be calculated on the basis of 1/15 rather than 3/17 if a covenant is ploced running with the land prohibiting future lot splits on the property. The motion did not receive a second. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, and unani- I mously carried, that the final map of Tract No. 27619 be recommended for apprQIIQ subject to the conditions as outl ined in the Staff report; and further to the condition that the amount of $8,192.67 be set up as a trust on the westerly one foot of the property located at 29 West Palm Drive. July 9, 1963 Page Six . ~ . .,,;- TRACT NO. 28273 MOTION TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 28623 MOTION tAOTlON LOT SPLIT L-63-20 MOTION LOT SPLIT L-63-22 MOTION VALLONE VARIANCE c House arrangement approval on Final Map and the Final Map of Tract No. 28273 locoted on Santo Anita Avenue, south of Christina Street~was considered. Moved by Commissioner Kuyper, seconded by Commissioner Parker, and unanimously opproved, that the house arrangement as presented on the finol map of Troct No. 28273 be approved; ond that the finol mop is in substantial compliance with the opproved Tentative Map and is, therefore, approved, subject to the conditions of approval. This tract is located south of Palm Drive, least of:.Santa Anita Avenue. The Staff report was presented by the Senior Planner, a copy of which is on file in the office of the Planning Department. The front setbock on Palm Drive was suggested to be 20 feet; Mr. Alfred Allen, the developer, stated he ",as willing to have this setbac~30fuet. The arrangement of rots 9 and 10 should be reol igned so that the front or lot 9 should hove 110 f!'let, and lot 10 would be 95 feet; that each lot equals or exceeds the 7500 sq. ft. minimum in lot size. ~ - Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, and unanimously corried that Tentative Tract Map No, 28623 be recommended for approval subject to the conditions outl ined in the Staff Report, and with the addition the 5 foot change between lots 9 and 10. Mr. Allen requested the Commission eliminate bringing the house location plans before the Commission. In many instances time is of the essence and this usually causes a delay of at least two weeks. The Planning Department checks for yord requirements and locations and makes its recommendations. Moved by Commissioner Kuyper, seconded by Commissioner Parker, and unanimously carried, that the house location plans for Tract No. 28623 be filed with the Planning Department for approval. Lot Spl it No. L-63-20 - Kenneth R. Mergen -900 West Orange Grove Avenue, in the R-O zone, was considered. Moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, ond carried (Commissioner Forman abstaining) that Lot Split No. L-63-20 be approved, subject to the conditions outlined in the staff report filed in the Planning Department. Lot Split No. L-63-22 - 1108 Hugo Reid Drive - Richard F, Young and C. K. Eaton was considered. Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissianer Kuyper, and unonimously carried that Lot Split No. L-63-22 be approved, subject to the conditians outlined in th e Staff report. Mr. Robert Stevens, Attomey at Law, representing Mr. Mike Vallone, requested the Commission to delay action on the Resolution for Denial of the Zone Voriance No. 63-18 for the erection of an eight story apartment bui Iding at 614 through 642 West Huntington Drive. He felt that the plans desired more study because of the aesthetic appearance of the building and what such a building would do for the City of Arcadia. They felt they had met all of the objections of the various associotions with focts which were substantiated, and that the objections were more emotional than factual. He requested that the 5 acres of land be considered in the area af tall buildings in connection with the Height District study being made. He~stated that if this property were considered olong ',with the study it could be eliminated at the hearing level where it could not be added. He requested that the Resolution be tabled tUnfif' the Height District Study is completed. July 9, 1963 Page Seven ..~. . ' >~ Commissioner Parker felt there may be some value in these statements. Under the Code the matter could be continued for two weeks and be within the time limit prescribed therein. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, that the Commission proceed with the Agenda items. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Forman, Hanson, Kkyper and Ferguson NOES:Commissianer Parker ABSENT: Commissioners Norton and Golisch RESOLUTION The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 485, recommending denial of Zone Variance NO. 485 Application No. 63-16 - Dr. Erlingheuser. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Kuyper, seconded by Commissioner Forman, and unanimously carried, that the reading of the full body of said resolution be waived. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Kuyper, seconded by Commissioner Forman, that Resolution No. 485 be adopted: ROLL CALL: AYES: CommissionelS Forman, Hanson, Kuyper and Ferguson NOES: Commissioner Parker ABSENT: Commissioners Golisch and Norton RESOLUTION The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 486, recommending deniol of Zone Variance NO. 486 Application No. V-63-18 Mike Vallone. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Kuyper, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, and unanimously corried that the reading of the full body of said resolution be waived. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, that Resolution No. 486 be adopted. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Forman, Hanson, Kuyper and Ferguson NOES: Commissioner Parker ABSENT: Commissioners Golisch and Norton AUDIENCE PARTlCI- No one in the audience desired to be heard. PATION ADJOURN- MENT The meeting adjourned at 12:25 A. M. ~~ WILLIAM PHELPS, Secretary to the Planning Commission