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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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