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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 24, 2009 ~uPe~ CITY OF ARCADIA ~"'" JOINT MEETING OF THE 'o~ o o~Ae ° ARCADIA CITY COUNCII./REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ANL PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2009, 6:00 p.m. MINUTES Location: Arcadia Police Department, Community Room/Emergency Operation Center 250 W. Huntington Drive Arcadia, CA 91007 Mayor Harbicht called the meeting to order. 1. ROLL CALL City Council/Redevelopment Agency Members: Amundson, Chandler, Kovacic, Wuo and Harbicht Planning Commission Members: Baderian, Baerg, Hsu, Parrille and Beranek r-' OTHERS ATTENDING City Clerk Jim Barrows City Manager Don Penman City Attorney Steve Deitsch Development Services Duector Jason Kruckeberg City Engineer Phil Wray Community Development Administrator Jim Kasama Senior Planner Lisa Flores Assistant Planner Steven Lee Senior.Administrative Assistant Billie Tone General Plan Advisory Committee 2. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Ktuckeberg pointed out that a copy of the Power Point presentation on the General Plan Project and a petition from the Highland Homeowners Association were given to each Councilman and Commissioner. Any w~lRngs ~or documents provided to a mafonty o/ fhe CRy Coundl regerding any Rem on fhls agenda will be made evelleb/e for pubfic lnspecbon /n the City Gedt^s ofSee located et 240 W. Huntington Drive, Areadla, Cardomle, during normal business Irours. Page 1 of 7 3. TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (FIVE MINUTE TIME LIIvIIT PER PERSON) Mr. Phil Consiglio, President of the Highland Homeowners Association, and Mt. Jeff ' Bowen, a past President of the Associatioq stated that members of their organization are strongly opposed to the proposed designation of the area east of Highland Oaks Drive as open space recreation. They feel this would bring excessive traffic and noise to their quiet residential neighborhood. Mr. Consiglio and Mr. Bowen said that their members want this study area to be removed from consideration in the General Plan update. 4. Discussion and/or direction on a. Affordable Housing options and strategies. Ms. Beth Stochl, Principal, Beth Stochl Associates, gave a Power Point presentation describing affordable housing options for the Redevelopment Agency and explaining the state mandate to pFOVide housing units at different levels of affordability. Councilman Chandler said he understood that the affordable housing funds for senior housing had been depleted. Mr: Penman explained that the law has changed, i.e., previously the percentage of seniors in the city was the sole determining factor. Now, however, the percentage of low-income seniors to the overall low-income population in Arcadia is the determining factor. He further noted that some very low-income housing needs can be met through senior , housing. Councilman Chandler asked if only new construction meets these housing requirements or if rehabbed units are acceptable. Ms. Stochl said that 20-25% of the low and very low category can be met by previous market units that are substantially rehabbed and covenanted to provide low-income housing. For example, a building with a history of code violations and in need of substantial rehabilitation might be a good candidate for the city to acquire, rehabilitate and taro into affordable senior housing. Councilman Chandler asked about the city's obligations to provide shelter for people and Ms. Stochl explained that the city must designate sites that are zoned to allow emergency shelters by right; perhaps an industrial site: Councilman Kovacic asked if the city is required to create these units even after the designated funds are depleted. Ms. Stochl explained that the city is obligated to provide the opportunity for these facilities to be built. Councilman Kovacic said that the largest group of low-income residents is at the race track and he asked if the city can meet its housing obligations by assisting this group. , Any wridngs or documents provided to a maJodty of the City Council regarding arty Item on this agenda wifl be made available for public inspection £n the Clty Cledrs o/fice located et 240 W. Hundngton Ddve, Arcadia, Ca!lfomia, during normal business hours. Page 2 of 7 Councilman Chandler pointed out that the low-income housing status must be guaranteed for 55 years and the race track is not in a position to make this guarantee. ' Mayor Harbicht said that should the city fail to meet RHNA requirements the Housing Element of the General Plan may not be certified by the state. He asked what consequences could be expected in this event. Mr. ICruckeberg suggested that state funding might cease, and Mr. Deitsch said that the approval of subdivision maps could also be an issue. Mr. Penman pointed out that the city must make an effort to create a General Plan that will allow affordable housing units to be built. He noted that the RHNA numbers are based on growth projections that are no longer valid and suggested that the city might investigate the possibility of asking the state legislature to revise then estimates. Mr. Amundson noted that the city does not have to provide the housing itself but only the opportunity for development of affordable units. Mr. Deitsch added that these numbers must be reflected in the Housing Element of the General Plan. Ms. Stochl said that there needs to be enough sites available to meet low and very low income level requirements and Mr. Penman pointed out that the city can fulfill a large portion of the very low income requirements with senior housing. b. General Plan Update and Land Use Plan 2030. ' Mr. Kruckeberg, DSD, Ms. Flores, Senior Planner, and Ms. Laura Stetson, of Hogle-Ireland, gave a power point presentation on the General Plan Update and Land Use Plan 2030. Mayor Harbicht opened the meeting to discussion. Mr. Henry Nunez, GPAC member, spoke about the wide range of demographics in the city and suggested that the best way to create a vibrant life style for such a widely diversified goup is through mixed-use development. He said he enjoyed working with the GPAC and although the GPAC members originally found it difficult to project thirty to forty years in the future, he felt that the final product was very good. Mr. Nunez also commended city staff for their efforts on the project. Mr. Scott Hettrick, GPAC member, thanked city staff and the consulting team for the high quality of the staff report and presentation. He said the GPAC was made up of a diverse group of residents representing almost all demographics and geographic areas of the city, yet they were able to set aside their individual needs and evaluate the options for the city as a whole. Mr. Hettrick noted that the GPAC recognized that even though the city is "built out" it is important to develop plans that would encourage new revenue sources and also to address ' Any wrltlngs or documents provided to a me/onty o/ fhe City CouncH re0arding eny iEem on this agenda wDl be made available kr public lnspecdon in tha City Clerk's office located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, Ce71/omia, during normal business hours. Page 3 of 7 areas of the city where change is needed. Mr. Hettrick said the GPAC chose to endorse the mixed-use option to create adowntown-type area that would provide revenue potential. In addition, this option would also provide housing opportunities for people who work in the city but can't afford to live here now, such as policemen and teachers. , Counci]men Chandler and Kovacic expressed concern that the mixed-use concept will encourage accelerated growth causing stress to infrastructure. Mr. Kruckeberg explained that only land use concepts are being explored at this point and the impact to utilities and schools will be addressed later in the process. Ms. Mary Dougherty,, GPAC member, said she enjoyed working with the group and noted that they were all very respectful of each others' widely varying opinions. She said they recognized the importance of developing a plan for adding up to 2100 additional units over the next twenty to thirty years that would still allow enough flexibility to accommodate any required changes. She noted that the First Avenue revitalization effort has not been as successful as hoped and suggested that one of the main reasons for this is parking. Ms. Dougherty said that the proposed Gold Line Station will create an area of opportunity and that it is important to remember to include convenient parking and businesses that attract people. She stressed the importance of building flexibility into the plan for future development. Mr. Rich Dilluvio, GPAC member, stressed the importance of remembering that the plans being developed today will be implemented over a twenty to thirty year period. He said it is important to look to the future of transportation in the city, ' including the Gold Line, and to take this opportunity to improve Baldwin Avenue and First Avenue. He stressed the importance of remaining open-minded in considering the mixed-use option which could attract not only families with children but also working professionals and retirees, i.e., the types of people who want a lifestyle that provides the freedom and flexibility to simply lock thew door and leave. Mr. Dilluvio suggested visiting cities where older neighborhoods have been successfully revitalized such as San Jose. He said the GPAC is a diverse group that, with the help of a forward looking staff; came up with a wide range of ideas for consideration in the Genera] Plan Update. Councilman Amundson asked for the names of other cities besides San Jose that have successfully revitalized older neighborhoods. Mr. Dilluvio said that Brea and Fullerton are two examples of cities where businesses are thriving and property values are rising. Mr. David Lee, GPAC member, pointed out that the high property values in Arcadia make it difficult for young people to purchase homes. He suggested that mixed-use development would provide affordable housing for young families and noted that not all families require a yard, which is usually not available in a mixed-use development. 'He also noted that Arcadia has, and will continue to Any writings or documents provided to a maJorlty o/the Clty Councti regarding any ltem on this spends wdl be made available for , public inspection in the Gfy Clerk's o/gce located et 240 W Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California, during normal business hours. Page 4 of 7 have, a large Asian community, and that many recent Asian immigrants are comfortable with the concept ofhigher-density living. Mr. Robert Lum, GPAC member, said that in the Asian culture, parents sometimes give their larger homes to the children with growing families and move to smaller homes. They would like to stay in the city and mixed-use properties would provide low-maintenance housing options for them. Mayor Harbicht said that over the last 27 years he has seen a lot of change in Arcadia, but that the ideas presented in the proposed General Plan Update seem to be contrary to his vision of the city. He said he often hears residents complain about new condos being built and that when the Caruso project was first proposed, it included residential units, which the public opposed. Mayor Harbicht questioned the necessity of adjusting standards for the sole purpose of allowing population growth, and said that thousands of condos and apartments is not his vision of Arcadia. Councilman Wuo said that his family moved from Alhambra to Arcadia in 1985. He said. that he is very proud of the city and he disagrees with the GPAC about changing the city to make it more affordable. He indicated that his children cannot afford to purchase a home in Arcadia now, but will have to work their way up just like everyone else. He stressed that he is not against growth or change, but that he would prefer to see the city cominue to develop at a pace that will not affect the lifestyle. Councilman Wuo pointed out that many of the comments he heard at the meeting apply to an individual or a group, but the City Council is ' responsible for protecting the entve community as a whole. Councilman Kovacic thanked the GPAC for their efforts on the project. He noted that the GPAC is made up of a diverse group with widely varying interests and that they were dealing with diffwlt issues. He also pointed out that it is important not to implemem a policy that favors one group over another. Councilman Kovacic said that the idea of mixed-use is intriguing, but perhaps the plan proposes too much of it. He suggested that the group clearly define what it is they are trying to promote. He said that this was a great discussion and that he felt the primary concern should be to protect the quality of the single-family residential neighborhoods and schools. He said he bad some concern that the plan may be too ambitious. Councilman Amundson agreed that although the Live Oak area needs change and that the mixed-use concept might be a good option for that area, he is somewhat concerned with the oventse of the concept in other parts of the city. He said he does not view the subsequent increase in density and traffic as positive. Councilman Amundson commended the Architectural Review Boards of the Homeowners' Associations for their work in maintaining the flavor of the neighborhoods they serve. Any writings or documents provided fo a maJodty of the City Council regerding any Rem on fhls agenda will be made evalleble Por pubrrc 7nspecRon 7n the City Clerk's o/(ice located at 290 W. Hunbnpton Odve, Arcadia, Cali/omla, during normal business hours. Page 5 of 7 Councilman Chandler said he appreciated the consideration for long-range planning evident in the proposed plan. He particularly liked the idea of removing certain uses like paint and mechanic shops from the center of the city. He noted that RHNA numbers seem to be a major factor in planning and cautioned that every time commercial land is converted to residential, the city loses an , opportunity to eam revenue. He said that he is not opposed to growth and noted that he supported the Westfield Mall and Caruso projects and Downtown 2000. He reminded the group that when the Caruso project was first presented, there was a lot of opposition to the housing development that was included in the plans. He pointed out that "mom and pop" type shops, though charming, are not usually competitive. Mayor Harbicht said that it is not likely the county would ever stop using Study Area `A' for flood control but if it is designated as a recreation area it means we aze agreeable to this option. He said he envisions this area as an open space area that should be protected. Mayor Harbicht noted that if, in the future, the County no longer needed the area for flood control, the City could adopt a General Plan Amendment at that time. Commissioner Parrille asked, will the city stagnate if housing is not increased? He said he is concerned with the cost of providing services like fire, water, schools, sewage, etc. as housing is added. He pointed out that parking and traffic on Huntington and Baldwin aze already problematic and asked how these problems would be addressed when more businesses are added. Commissioner Baderian noted that the Planning Commission deals with pazking ' issues at almost every meeting and that mixed-use will only create more problems. He said that parking is a major challenge for most cities. He also noted that there were not a lot of pazks and green space proposed in conjunction with the mixed-use option. Chairman Beranek, a GPAC member, pointed out that the plan allows only for the possibility of mixed-use in the city; it does not mean that mixed-use is required. He noted that most of the city is not changed on the chart. Chairman Beranek stressed the importance of planning for the future and being open to possibilities. He said it is important to think 20 to 30 years ahead and that no plan is not a good plan. Commissioner Hsu thanked the GPAC and staff for their work on the plan. He said it was well conceived and quite ambitious, but that perhaps something in the mid-range would be more acceptable. Commissioner Baerg said that he agrees the Live Oak area needs some change and perhaps mixed-use is the answer. He said that it seems the plan changes the character of the city and increases the density to a point where traffic would be unmanageable. Any wn6ngs or documents provided k a ma/onty o/the Clly Council regard(ng any #em on this agenda w~71 be made available for ' public inspection in the City Clerk's office located et 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CeliPomie, during normal business hours. Page6of7 Mr. Kruckeberg said that staff had done a lot of public outreach to gather information before developing the plan, but that they would consider ways to address the issues raised tonight at the meeting, He said that the land use concept must be firmed up before staff can proceed. Mayor Harbicht noted that although the plan leaves most of the city unchanged, he has concern over the dramatic increase in condos and rentals in the community. He said that Live Oak may need special attention, but not other parts of the city. Councilman Kovacic said that all the areas pointed out in the presentation need attention. Mr. Nunez, GPAC member, asked if the Council and Commission were opposed to the mixed-use, transit-oriented .development concept in the proposed -Gold Line area. Mayor Harbicht said that he thought the Gold Line might help to revitalize the . area. Councilman Kovacic said he would support transit-oriented development around the Gold Line Station. Mr. Penman said that downtown is a special area with lots of opportunities and special requirements. Mayor Harbicht thanked stafly the GPAC and the Planning Commission for their work in developing the plan. ADJOURNMENT 9:00 p.m. The City CounciURedevelopmerit Agency adjourned this meeting to March 3, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber Conference Room. The Planning Commission adjourned this meeting to March 10, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. ~~~~~~ Robert C. Harbicht, Mayor (~ R. Edward Beranek, Chairman, Planning Commission ATTE ~. ec ,Planning Commission Any wntinga or documents provided to a meJonty of the City Councfl roparding any item on this agenda w0l be made avalleble for publfe inspectlon In the City Clerk's o19ce located et 240 W Huntlngton Drive, Arcedla, Calilomia, during normal business hours. Page 7 of 7