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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/23/2010MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA August 23, 2010 CALLED TO ORDER CITY HALL -ROSS ANNEX FIRST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM 1600 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 5:35 P.M. ATTENDANCE COMMISSIONERS Present: FRANK ACOSTA ERIC ALDERETE ' VICTORIA BETANCOURT JAMES GARTNER MARIO TURNER (arrived 5:36 p.m.) MICHAEL WALTERS PATRICK YRARRAZAVAL STAFF Present: JAY TREVINO, Ex. Dir. Ping & Bldg Agency KAREN HALUZA, Planning Manager RYAN HODGE, Deputy City Attorney MARTHA RAM I REZ, Recording Secretary CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS A. MINUTES RECOMMENDED MOTION: Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 9, 2010. MOTION: Approve the staff recommendations on the Minutes of August 9, 2010. Commissioners Betancourt and Gartner abstained due to their absence at that meeting. MOTION: Acosta SECOND: Yrarrazaval VOTE: AYES: Acosta, Alderete, Turner, Walters, Yrarrazaval (5) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: Betancourt, Gartner (2) ABSENT: None (0) B. AMENDMENT TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2008-32 Filed by Dolce Group to allow a modification at the Geisha House Restaurant at 2773 North Main Street located within City Place and Specific Development No. 59 (SD-59) zoning district. • RECOMMENDED MOTION: Affirm the Zoning Administrator's action approving amendments to Conditional Use Permit No. 2008-32 as conditioned. Planning Commission Minutes Page 1 of 8 August 23, 2010 MOTION: Affirm the Zoning Administrator's action approving amendments to Conditional Use Permit No. 2008-32 as conditioned. MOTION: Betancourt VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Gartner Turner, SECOND: Gartner Acosta, Alderete, Betancourt, Walters, Yrarrazaval (7) None (0) None (0) None (0) * * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR BUSINESS CALENDAR C. COMMISSIONER COMMUNICATION DISCLOSURE (REGARDING AGENDIZED PROJECTS) No disclosures were made. WORK STUDY SESSION D. DISCUSSION ON TOWN AND COUNTRY PLAZA SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT AT 555 EAST MEMORY LANE Principal Planner Vince Fregoso provided background information on the proposed 8-story, 174-unit project. Town and Country Plaza representative Steve Lazarian, Project Manager, stated that he had worked with the City's architectural design consultant, John Kaliski, to address design issues on the project based on Planning Commission in 2007, but that the architecture had remained essentially the same due to the desire of Town and Country to respond to its market base which, they believe; will favor a neo-classical design over more modern architectural interpretations. Marshall Smith, project architect with Pancake Architects, provided a presentation on the architectural design for the building. The presentation featured a 3-D computer model of the proposed building that depicted the neo- classical design and the building's attempt to provide a strong street image and enhanced glass-window corner tower at Lawson and Memory. Following this presentation Commissioner Alderete invited members of the Planning Commission to provide feedback. Commissioner Betancourt stated that, although the Commission provided extensive comments regarding the architecture at the previous Study Session, the project has changed little. She further stated that the design of the new building doesn't fit stylistically, nor does it share any architectural consistency with the buildings in the surrounding area. She expressed ~ concerns with the design of the corner element, particularly the fenestration of the tower, which she found to be lacking in a sense of inspired design. She further stated that the overall architectural design, though it purported to be a n.eo-classical design reminiscent of grand apartment buildings found on Park Avenue in New York City, was a hodge-podge of unrelated styles that was not a gold interpretation of the Park Avenue vernacular. She also refuted the notion that the demographic being targeted for the project, people seeking senior housing, would not be attracted to a more modern architectural style. In general, she stated that the project needed substantial design changes, specifically as to putting a different skin on the facade, providing step-backs on the upper stories to break up the blocky massing, providing a sense of entry from the street, making the corner attractive and making the parking entry more distinguishable. Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 8 August 23, 2010 Commissioner Turner expressed concern with the developer's request to change both the General Plan land use designation and the zoning and questioned the appropriateness of the project within the existing development context. Commissioner Turner further stated that the architectural style of the proposed project wasn't complimentary to the City Place development, nor with development in the surrounding area. In response to this comment Executive Director Trevino provided background information regarding the potential for compatibility of this project with future projects, such as the Sky Lofts project that may be constructed on the parcel immediately across the street from the proposed project. Commissioner Turner stated that the project design had changed for the better in regards to the improved relationship between the building and the street at the ground level, but that the building lacked horizontal and vertical articulation. He stated that it appeared that thesite had been been designed for maximum yield at the expense of design and functionality. He stated that the building resembled acasino-style of design, rather than a high quality residential building. He encouraged the developer to do neighborhood outreach. Finally, Commissioner Turner expressed the opinion that the developer should be able to demonstrate substantial community benefits in light of the fact that they are seeking a significant change in policy with the requested modifications to both the General Plan and zoning for this site. Commissioner Acosta stated that it didn't look as though the project was a good fit for this location and stated that substantial community involvement would be required. Vice Chair Gartner stated that buildings that try to mimic the past, but with modern materials are often not successful from a design perspective. He agreed with Commissioner Betancourt that the project is not compatible with the modern architectural vernacular of the surrounding developments and did not achieve the goal of emulating a New York "Park Avenue" feel. He echoed Commissioner Turner's comments that the current design looks like a casino. He made specific comments as to the need of the corner element to be more of an entry feature. S He did not find issue with the proposed density of the project if it can be done within the context of a good design. Chairman Alderete commented that the design is not a cohesive mix of styles, but is more reminiscent of an attempt to blend two styles that don't fit with one another. He stated that he found the massing to be overwhelming and a poor fit with the nearby low-scale residential neighborhood. He stated that there could be the potential for cumulative environmental impacts related to the project's density. He agreed with Commissioner Turner that the significant changes requested in the General Plan and zoning should result in substantial public benefit and that the project was not currently exhibiting this benefit. He expressed disappointment that the project design had not changed in keeping with the comments provided earlier by the Planning Commission. Commissioner Yrarrazaval commented the project, as currently designed, does not fit into the area and that the design should be more modern in style. E. DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED AZURE PLAZA RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY FOR ELDERLY AT 1600 EAST FIRST STREET Senior Planner Lucy Linnaus presented an overview of the proposed senior residential care facility that will occupy an existing 10-story building that was a . former hotel site. The project sits on three acres and is located on First Street, near Lyon Street. The developer intends to convert the 150 room hotel into a 128-room residential care facility for the elderly. Ms. Linnaus discussed the interior tenant improvements, the improvements to the site circulation, parking lot and landscape, and the architectural update and remodeling of the restaurant. All the glazing on the buildings will be new while maintaining the current footprint. She indicated that the residential rooms will not have kitchens, instead, a common dining area will be provided on the first floor. Additionally, amenity rooms and service rooms are proposed on each floor. Ms. Linnaus stated that a Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 8 August 23, 2010 conditional use permit will be scheduled before the Planning Commission on September 13, 2010 along with an amendment application for some minor zoning modifications in order to clean up the three existing zoning designations on the lot. Commissioner Turner stated that the proposed project is consistent with the City's housing policy. • Commissioner Acosta requested clarification on the clarification of the kitchen area, the front/rear elevator locations and emergency exits Planning staff will obtain a report from the Fire Department to address egress using elevators. Commissioner Betancourt requested clarification on the new cladding for the exposed elevator shaft and commented on the proposed facade changes. Ms. Linnaus discussed the design for the exposed elevator as well as stairwells which are visible from First Street. They will be encased with metal louvers to update the architecture. She stated that the cloth awnings and marquis will be removed. Discussion held on horizontal banding at the roof level. Ms. Linnaus indicated that the panels will have a splash of color to avoid monolithic color of the building. Commissioner Betancourt requested renderings for commission to view. Commissioner Yrarrazaval expressed support for the project and stated that the new investment in the building was welcomed. F. Recess to Council Chamber (6:37 pm) Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 of 8 August 23, 2010 CITY OF SANTA ANA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER 22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA ROLL CALL 6:51 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG LED BY CHAIRMAN ALDERETE Meeting reconvened with the same staff present. PROCEDURAL RULES PUBLIC HEARING 1. AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO. 2010-01 AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2010-15 Filed Nabile Anz, to convert an existing hotel to a licensed residential care facility for the elderly and change the zoning for a portion of the lot from Single Family Residential (R1) and Multiple Family Residential (R3) to General Commercial (C2) zoning for property at 1600 East First Street. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: August 13, 2010 PUBLICLY NOTICED: August,13, 2010 RECOMMENDATION: Continue to September 13, 2010 per staff request. MOTION: Continue to Planning Commission as public hearing item on September 13, 2010. MOTION: Yrarrazaval SECOND: Betancourt VOTE: AYES: Acosta, Alderete, Betancourt, Gartner, Turner, Walters, Yrarrazaval (7) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: None (0) 2. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NOS. 2010-04, 2010-05 AND 2010-06 Filed by Dennis Lluy, to allow a restaurant with a Type 47 ABC license, after- hours operation and a banquet facility at the Yost Theater/Ritz Hotel buildings at 301-307 North Spurgeon Street located in the Downtown (DT) zoning district. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: August 13, 2010 PUBLICLY NOTICED: August 13, 2010 RECOMMENDATION: 1. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2010-04 as conditioned for after-hours operation from lam to 2 am 2. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2010-05 as conditioned for a Type 47 ABC license. Beer, wine and distilled spirits 3. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2010-06 as conditioned for a banquet facility. Associate Planner Hally Soboleske presented the staff report and recommendation. Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 of 8 August 23, 2010 Commissioner Yrarrazaval requested clarification of security guards/patrons ratio and recommended changing condition to have 24 hours as the standard for graffiti removal. Chairman Alderete explained that action being taken deals with both the Ritz Hotel and Yost Theater; approving Phase 1 and expansion into the Ritz Theater. • The Planning Commission was provided with a letter from Bob Stewart with Santa Ana Downtown Inc. expressing support for the proposed project and an email from Ana Carricchi with Latino Health Access expressing lack of support for the proposed project. The public hearing was open. David Hastie resident and general manager of Memphis Restaurant spoke in support of the project. Nathan Hittle spoke in support of the project. Mayra Mejia representing the Latino Health Access and speaking on behalf of residents located close to the theater expressed concern with an over concentration of alcohol licenses in the area and stated that illicit activities were occurring at the Yost. Irving M. Chase, General Partner of the Fiesta Marketplace, spoke in support of the project. Dennis Lluy, the project applicant, spoke in support of the project. Gil Marrero, Santa Ana resident and business owner, spoke in support of the project. • James Kendrick, Santa Ana resident and downtown business owner, spoke in support of the project. Jess Dyrenforth, downtown Santa Ana resident, spoke in support of the project. Allen Moon, resident of French Park, spoke in support of the project. William Beaubeaux, resident of French Park, spoke in support of the project. The public hearing was closed. MOTION: 1. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional conditioned for after-hours operation. 2. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional conditioned for a Type 47 ABC license. 3. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional conditioned for a banquet facility. Use Permit No. 2010-04 as Use Permit No. 2010-05 as Use Permit No. 2010-06 as 4. Planning Commission added and/or revised the following Police Conditions: No. 5 -The applicant(s) or an employee of the licensee(s) will be present in the patio and theatre areas of both the Yost and Ritz (when the Phase II Ritz portion is completed) at all times that alcoholic beverages are being served or consumed. No. 8 -Any graffiti painted or marked upon the premises or on any adjacent area under the control of the licensee(s) shall be removed or painted within 24 hours of being applied. Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 8 August 23, 2010 No. 17 - In addition to the number of guards, the applicant shall provide a minimum of one State licensed uniformed security guard to ensure patron safety when going to and from the surface parking lot at Third and Birch Streets and the parking structures at Spurgeon and Fifth Streets. Said guard is specifically assigned to this function until all activity on the premises has ceased and patrons have cleared the parking area. No. 24 -Applicant will provide permanent directional signage instructing patrons to park in either of the parking structures located to the north of the project site at Spurgeon Street and Fifth Street.. Any promotional materials for events held at the project site also shall .include parking instructions directing patrons to use the Spurgeon Streit and Fifth Street parking structures. MOTION: Betancourt VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: SECOND: Gartner Acosta, Alderete, Betancourt, Walters, Yrarrazaval (7) None (0) None (0) None (0) Gartner, Turner, 3. AMENDMENT TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2008-35 Filed by Dolce Group to allow modifications to the Geisha House Restaurant located at 2773 North Main Street within City Place and Specific Development No. 59 (SD-59). PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: August 13, 2010 PUBLICLY NOTICED: August 13, 2010 RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving modifications to Conditional Use Permit No. 2008- 35 as conditioned for after-hours operation. Principal Planner Sergio Klotz presented the staff report and recommendation. No written communications were received. The public hearing was opened. No public members spoke. The public hearing was closed. - MOTION: Adopt a resolution approving modifications to Conditional Use Permit No. 2008-35 as conditioned for after-hours operation. Planning Commission deleted Police Condition No. 16 to allow dancing as stipulated in upcoming city council ordinance and added Condition No. 24 -Two state licensed uniformed security guards shall be located in the parking lot from 8:00 p.m. until 30 minutes after closing, whenever dancing is held at the restaurant. MOTION: Acosta VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: SECOND: Walters Acosta, Alderete, Betancourt, Walters, Yrarrazaval (7) None (0) None (0) None (0) Gartner, Turner, 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS (for items not on the agenda) No members of the public spoke. Planning Commission Minutes Page 7 of 8 August 23, 2010 5. STAFF COMMENTS Planning Manager Haluza announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Courtyard by Marriott at MacArthur Boulevard at MacArthur Place on Wednesday, August 25 at 5:00 p.m. 1 _~ 6. PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS No comments were made requiring action from staff. 7. EXCUSE OF ABSENCES ADJOURNMENT 8:09 P.M. A Ma a Ramirez Recording Secretary Planning Commission Minutes Page 8 of 8 August 23, 2010