HomeMy WebLinkAboutNOVEMBER 12, 1963
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PLANNING COMMISSION, ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA
REGULAR MEETING
November 12, 1963
Tile Planning Commisslall1 met in regular se.ssion in the Council Chamber, City Hall, at 8:00 P. M. ,
November 12, 1963, with Chairman Ferguson presiding.
ROLL CALL
Present: Comm issioners Gol isch, Hanson, Kuyper, Norton, Parker
and Ferguson
Absent: Commissioner Forman
Others
Present: City Attorney James A. Nicklin
Planning Director William Phelps
Senior Planner Ernest Mayer, Jr.
Associate Planner Lewis.t::.:: Pollard, Jr.
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
The Chairman led the pledge of allegiance to the Flag.
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APPROVAL OF
MINUTES
The minutes of October 29, 1963 were approved as ma II ed.
The Publ ic Hearing on this matter was continued from the previous
meeting. Inasmuch as Commissioner Forman, who is chairman of the ad hoc
Zoning Committee, will not be able to attend several meetings due to an
accident., the public hearing should be continued. A continuance will
allow the Zoning Committee to meet and make further recommendations.
PUBLIC HEARING
Central Area
Zoning
I MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Parker
and unanimously carried, that the public hearing be continued until
January 14, 1964.
The publ ic hearing on a portion of the area to be considered in the
Special Height Zone (Zone H) was closed at the last Planning. Commission
meeting. The commercial area in East Arcadia was <Ilnsidered and a
decision rendered by Resolution No. 500. This. decision affected that
portion of the Central Area plan proposed for revitalization with commercial zoning. Action
on the balance of the area recommended by the Zoning Committee to be placed in the Zone H
in East Arcadia was not taken. Commissioner Parker stated he felt the audience should know
why it is beneficial to the city to include in the H zone the residential portion shown on the
map recommended by the Zoning Committee.
PUBLIC HEARING
H-Special Height
Zone
I. Statistics of the past indicate that by 1965 in the State of Cal ifornia there will be
18, 835P00 people, by 1970 there will be 21,734,000, and by 1980 there will be 28,737,000.
These figures are impressive from the standpoint that the southerly area of Cal ifornia will more
than receive their portion of the people coming into the State. This steady stream of growth
cannot be stopped. It is practical to look ahead for ten to fifteen years and plan accordingly.
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It is good business, and planning-wise, to avoid many mistakes and problems due to this growth.
Had this been done in the past, the existing R-3 development with its many problems would not
have occurred.
2. The interest and the respanse to the publ ic hearings on the medium or high rise
consideration has shown that residents of the city are not opposed to such zoning.
3. Taking into consideration the redevelopment and revitalization of the City of
Arcadia, residential areas must be taken into consideration as well as commercial areas.
MOTION Moved by Commissioner Parker that the area along Santa Anita Avenue
south to Duarte Road be placed in Zone "H" in accordance with the pion
as outlined by the Zoning Committee.
Commissioner Norton stated that he bel ieved Mr. Parker's remarks revealed rather
profound evaluation of .Califarnia as a State and the figures would justify the natural growth
of the area. He felt that northern California would obtain most of this increase especially
around~the bay area. If one were to accept the fact that this growth would actually occur, then
he would concur with Mr. Parker, and this should be planned for. He felt that planning had to
begin at a level somewhat different from this in the City of Arcadia. In most of the major cities
where the same problem is prevalent, it is found that the City had gone to the conversion of
degenerated areas and have developed medium to high rise type of residential development into
the areas closest to the major trading centers. In looking at Southern California, one may ask
himself if this type of development were to occur, it would be reasonoble to believe it would
have to come from the core first. Then it would merge out into the suburban area. Height, so
far as residential living, must begin at an area close to 'the heart of any trading center. In this
area it could be expected to observe many different heights cif buildings, both for residential as
well as for commercial. An individual desires to be close to the metropolitan areas from the stand-
point of his work, etc. The thing that is happening here is taking the steps from the so-called
market into an urban or residential community. The time is premature. Cities, like people, have
personalities and con be judged in two ways; I) by what you see; and 2) by what you feel. The
feeling of most people in this community is that of 0 residential type of community. When you
resolve the thinking to height in relationship to residential community, the personality of this
particular city is placed in jeopardy. It will diminish its personality and will lose the things
that has made the city unique. One major aspect has to be considered. To zone a certain area
in Arcadia for a residential height over two stories is the beginning of an infectious type of pro-
gram in his opinion. He would agree with Mr. Parker thot his committee has made a devoted
and sincere effort. If one were to loak at specific locations within the City, the job was well
done in outlining specific locations; but he did not feel that the City of Arcailia is ready for this
type of height. It is ready for the height already before the Commission for commercial areas.
It has a place in the concept, but not to bring a concept that added height in the residential
area which is not needed to support the commercial development. He stated the report of the,
consultants showed that the community could support a fine shopping center. It was a matter of
: having people support or purchase in the Central Area rather than to develop high rise apartments
II to bring in additional purchasing power.
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Commissioner Golisch stated that he would like to reaffirm his stotements at the fost.
meeting. He said that once the City chonges the character of zoning to high rise multiple units
, within the City of Arcadia, it would be difficult to stop the surge of this type of development.
There is a place in the area for a City of prestige such as Arcadio enjoys. He was not in favor
I of changing this concept. He requested that figures quoted in the Arcadia Tribune of November 7,
1963 be incorporated in the minutes.
"Arcadia Schools have a deep interest in the proposed high rise construction zones in
residentially zoned Arcadia." In essence the survey of the Superintendent of Schools found that
the number of students living in apartments had doubled in a year. In 1961 there were 133 children
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from apartments; in 1962 there were 500; and at the present time it is anticipated there will be
1000. This shows very well another opproach to the problem of the effect of high rise apartments
on the school districts.
Commissioner Parker stated that this was one of his orguments. If we do not have a
planned type of building of this noture, in its place will be something and with the growth there
will be 0 continuonce of aportments. His stotistics indicate thot the high rise and medium rise
structure brings with it a lower rate of children for the schools thon the type of sliructure thot is
existing. Unless there are plans for the future with something of this character, there will be
something less desiroble in its place.
Commissioner Ferguson stated that from the meetings he had attended in San Francisco
with the League of Californio Cities, he had obtained information that would confirm Mr. Parker's
statements of the increase in California and the impact this will have on California cities ond the
living conditions that will have to be .provided. He felt it was up to the Commission to determine
whether there will be this type of development or not. If this is to occur, it should be well
planned far in advance so that the problems will not be hondled with piece-meal decisions. What
the Commission should determine if this type of development is to ever occur, is the type of
quality desired in order to obtoin the same quality existing in the single-family dwellings within
the city. He agreed with Mr. Parker from his information the number of school children living
in this type of opartment is much less than in single-family dwellings or other type of apartment
dwellings. He felt there would be a compatibility for this high type quality buildings for
people who presently have homes of high quolity whose children are established elsewhere and
who desire to establish resident with the same quality but without the upkeep ond responsibilities
of a single-family residence. One other condition is that the area proposed is in the older
section of town that has been zoned for apartments over a long period of time. This would up-
grade the area and revitalize this section. If this were done on. a lot by lot basis, there would
be more problems than now exists. It would be far more desirable to have an accumulation of
several lots and developed as one unit. This would be a better means of success and would be
of higher quality. He was not particularly in favor of high-rise as being developed in Los
Angeles, but rather a medium high rise or eight stories.
Commissioner.Parker"s motion was still before the Commission. The Chairman asked
if anyone desired to second this motion. No one responding, he then seconded the motion that
Zone H be passed in East Arcadia to allow Santa Anita Avenue, south to Duarte Road to be
developed in accordance with the plan as outlined by the Zoning Committee.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Parker and Ferguson
NOES: Comm issioners Gol isch, Norton, Kuyper, Hanson
ABSENT: Commissioner Forman
The City Attorney was instructed to prepare a resalution in accordance with the above motion.
PUBLIC HEARING
H-SPECIAL
HEIGI'tT
ZONE
This public hearing was continued from the last meeting and pertains to
West Arcadia. The Planning Director reviewed the proceedings of this
matter, outlining the boundaries of the enlarged area.
These boundories were delineoted in Phoses. The Arcadia Chamber and
West Arcodio Business & Professional Association os well as the Arcodia Business Association
recommended that the area encompassed within the baundaries described as Phase I be approved.
The orgonizotions obove listed decided thot the north side af Huntington Drive is not
appropriate for the Special Height zoning ot this porticulor time.
The Planning Director stated that Phase I did have some merit, but at the time of the
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applications for the two apartment structures on Huntington Drive were considered, the Commission
denied the appl icati(lns primarily based on the report of the Zoning Committee to the effect that
these areas were not appropriately suited for eight story buildings. Therefore, the recommendation
of the Department in so far as Phase One is concerned has not altered. The area is not appropriate
for Zone H at this particular time.
The Department felt that the areas originally delineated after Staff and committee work
are appropriately located and suited for Zone H.
The Chairman requested those desiring to speak do so at this time.
Mr. Henry H. Hege, 316 W. Norman Avenue, representing the West Arcadia Business
and Professional Associatian, stated that he wanted to point out that Phase One included an area
that was residential as well as the commercial in the original recommendation. He felt that both
sides of Baldwin Avenue were zoned commercial and because a very large area of the Central
Area was included in the H Zone they felt that the area which the Staff recommended for consider-
ation for the H Zone only is that area which is already developed and a goad portion developed in
that which would not qualify in the H Zane. He felt that apartments were a very serious consider-
ation in connectian with school children. Statistics have shown the H Zone apartments do not
overburden the school distrii::t. A very large area had been proposed for the R-3 for east Arcadia
for R-3. The area which the Staff has recommended to be included in the H Zone only for the
West Arcadia is already developed and includes no R-3. A good portion would already qualify
under the H Zone. He had been on a committee studying the schools and he said there was nol
doubt that apartments were a serious consideration; however, a survey shows that the H Zone
apartments of the type being considered shows that the children in these apartments is a very
small percentage - in fact, the children per family is less. The recommendation made not only
excludes R-3 in the West Arcadia area, but does not include certain portions of the commercial
zoned property that would be suitable for a three or four: story commercial building.
A communicotion was' received from the West Arcadia Home Owners Association signed
by Robert Considine, President, protesting the high-rise, high density H Zone far West Arcadia
as presented by the West Arcadia Business and Professional Associatian. Other communic~tions were:
R. J. Anderson, 805 Arcadia Avenue;
Ben C. Willis, D.S.C. owner af property in the Rancho area,
Betty Willis, 1130 S. Baldwin Avenue;
Grace E. Williams, 860 W. Huntington Drive.
The Chairman stated that he would like to advise the audience of the fine models made
of the Central Area by the Planning Department, which depict a very fine conception of the Central
Area and the areas related. He also expressed appreciation to the various organizations and assoc-
iations in Arcadia for expressing their comments on zoning matters.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Parker, that the public hearing be closed.
Commissioner Norton felt that perhaps there was still evidence to
be heard with reference to the West Arcadia area.
Commissioner Parker's motion did not receive a second. Motion was withdrawn.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Gol isch, seconded by Commissioner
Norton that the public hearing be continued, excluding that portion lying north of Huntington
Drive.
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ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Golisch, Norton and Kuyper
NOES: Commissioners Parker, Honson, ond Ferguson
The motion failed.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Golisch,
that ony action on the oreas defined be continued until time within
the thirty-five day period.
ROLL CAll:
AYES: Commissioners Golisch, Norton, Kuyper and Ferguson
NOES: Commissioners Porker and Hanson
The Public hearing continued and discussion had on the area located on. Naomi, Baldwin
and Arcadia Avenues, and Duarte Rood.
~ROPONENTS:
Mrs, A. L. Wilson, 646 Naomi Avenue
Commissioner Hanson stated he felt the Staff report was good. That.~e was 0 part of the
committee that worked up the area arrangement and his persanal feelings were that it should have been
a little larger, but it was the consensus of the Committee and approved by the Staff and is proper at
this time.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Parker, seconded by Commissioner Hanson
that the public hearing be closed.
R'OLL.CAll:
AYES: Commissioners Golisch, Kuyper, Hanson, Parker and
Ferguson
NOES: Commissioner Norton
ABSENT: Commissioner Forman
The final action on this matter will be decided at the'next regular meeting. If not, a decision must
be rendered within thirty-five days.
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I (NOTE: The Commission acted on five areas in West Arcadia. Area One was north of Huntington
I Drive; Areas 2, 3 and 4 were those recommended by the West Arcadia Business and Professional
I Association, and Area 5 was the original recommendation of the Zoning Committee. In substance
: the publ ic hearing was closed on each of the above areas after separate consideration was given
I to each).
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TRACT NO.
29011
Tentatave Tract Mop No. 29011 - 730 Old Ranch Road (Foothill
Boulevard, east of Old Ranch Road) was continued from the lost
meeting.
The Planning Director reviewed the report formerly submitted.
MOTION Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Golisch,
and unanimously carried, that Tentative Tract Map No. 29011
be recommended for denial in as mucK as it fails in many respe!=ts to meet the regulations of the
Subdivision Ordinance and the standards of the City of Arcadia.
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EXTENSION
OF TIME
TRACT NO.
25965
A communication was received fram Barnett, Hope, Smith and Salit,
Engineers, developing the subdivision located in the northern
section of Arcadia, adjacent to Sierra Madre, request.ing an
extension of time in which to complete and file a final map of
this tract.
Moved by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner.
Parker, and unanimouslylcarried, that the developers be granted
a one year extension of time for the completion of Tract No. 25965 from December, 1963.
MOTION
REVISED
PLANS
V-63-20
The revised plans for the home for the aged deaf at 529 West Las
Tunas Drive were presented and reviewed by the Senior Planner.
A communication was received from the applicant requesting a change
from a two story structure to a one story. The number of guest rooms would be reduced to 12. The
general service room and the parking, landscaping, etc. would not be involved. The Planning
Department recommended the revised plans be approved.
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MOTION Moved by Commissioner Gol isch, seconded by Commissioner
Norton, and unanimously\arried, that the revised plans for the
building to be located at 529 West Las Tunas Drive as a home for the aged deaf be approved.
Mr. Norton stated that in seconding the motion he would like it understood that the
approval of the revised plans shows 0 single story buildin9i that this Cammission would not at some
future time consider allowing it to be increased to two stories. This was incorporated in the above
motion.
RESOLUTION
NO. 501
The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 501, recommending
against the classification of specified property in East Arcadia in
Zone H.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Golisch
and unanimously carried that the reading of the full body of said
resolution be waived.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner
Hanson, that Resolution No. 501 be adopted.
ROLL.CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Golisch, Norton, Kuyper and Hanson
NOES: Commissioners Parker and Ferguson
ABSENT: Commissioner Forman
AUDIENCE
PARTICIPATION Mr. Dave Barron, 5 West Sycamore Avenue. He could not under-
stand why a decision could not have been made on the West
Arcadia area. He felt the delay was not good. This could have been done even though the thinking
of the Commission or some of the Commissioners were opposed to Special Height Zone for residential
property .
Mr. Henry Hage spoke for himself, and not representing the West Arcadia Business
and Professional Association, osked jf any construction was pending in the Central Area so that time
was of the essence. Commissioner GoJisch stated he was not considering time as of the essence.
Mr. Hege asked if any members of the Planning Commission had asked Mr. Phelps for further
information pertaining to the Special Height Zone. The recommendation of the West Arcadia area
had been before the Committee for a considerable time. He desired information as to whether or
not a study had been made by the Committee on the extended area proposed by the Business Associa-
tion.
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The Planning Direct ar stated that the Central Area Plan and the zoning that will stem
fram that plan will be applicable to West Arcadia. What remains to be dane is to more thoroughly
define the new zoning regulations and have public hearings. When these steps are completed Zone
H could be applied.
The City Attorney stated that the Commission conscientiously, or unconscientiouly, are
aware of the fact there are a number of facets that must be solved as soon as possible in order to lift
the moratorium which by pieces has been done. The determination of the zoning in the Cen'tral
Area and H Zone is just one of the many facets that has been done. This was one they felt they could
arrive at a decision. It has been necessary to do this step by step.
Mr. Hege asked if it were tlie intention to appoint a committee to study this further.
Mr. Ferguson stated he felt It was of such importance that it should be considered by the entire
Commission. There was considerable evidence to be reviewed prior to making a decision on this area.
MOTION Moved by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Norton,
and unanimously carried, that the Commission extend the best
wishes of this Body for a speedy recavery for Commissioner Forman.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:25 P. M.
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WILLIAM PHELPS,
Secretary
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