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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-26-2002ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA L J AUGUST 26, 2002 CALLED TO ORDER 6:05 P.M. City Hall Ross Annex First Floor Conference Room 1600 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, California PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PROCEDURAL RULES ATTENDANCE COMMISSIONERS Present: Alexander Nalle, Chairman Lynnette Verino, Vice Chair Don Cribb Molly Doughty - 6:06 Christopher Leo Glenn Mondo Robert Richardson STAFF PRESENT Joseph Edwards, Acting Planning Manager Benjamin Kaufman, Chief Assistant City Attorney Mike McCoy, Police Department Yolanda Pena, Police Department Laura Johnson, Recording Secretary CONSENT CALENDAR Motion fo approve sfaff recommendations on the Consent Calendar. MOTION: Mondo SECOND: Richardson VOTE: AYES: Cribb, Leo, Mondo, Nalle, Richardson, Verino (7) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: Doughty (1) A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes from the regular meeting of August 12, 2002. B. RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT RECOMMENDATION: The August 12, 2002 Agenda was posted at the City Hall Council Chambers on August 9, 2002 at 8:32 a.m. * * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR BUSINESS CALENDAR C. SITE PLAN REVIEW NO.2002-04 Filed by the Professional Real Estate Services, Inc. to construct a new 301,854 square foot Industrial/Office development at 1601-1671 St. Andrew Place consisting of seven buildings within Specific Development No. 69 (PacificCenter). RECOMMENDATION: LJ 1. Approve and adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration No. 2002-135. 2. Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 2002-04 as conditioned. William Apple, Associate Planner presented the staff report. Discussion was held regarding the height of the stone materials presented on the building elevations. Discussion was held regarding potential tenants of the project. Glenn Allen, representing applicant, advised of prospective tenants and that many would be able to take advantage of Enterprise Zone benefits. Motion to approve Site Plan Review No. 2002-03 as conditioned. MOTION: Mondo 1 SECOND: Richardson VOTE: AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Leo, Mondo, Nalle, Richardson, Verino (7) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: None (0) PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2002-10 AND MINOR EXCEPTION NO. 2002-05 (Continued by the Planning Commission on August 12 to August 26, 2002) Filed by the National Traffic Safety Institute to allow for an Adult Education Facility at 2100 East Fourth Street, Suite 120 and to allow for shared parking on the site. PUBLISHED IN THE REGISTER: August 2, 2002 PUBLICLY NOTICED: August 2, 2002 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council: 1. Approve and adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration and Monitoring Program for Environmental Review No. 2001-146. 2. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2002-10 as conditioned. 3. Adopt a resolution approving Minor Exception No. 2002-05 as conditioned. Mark Staples, Planning Intern, presented the staff report. Discussion held regarding written communication from other tenants in the building regarding parking issues. Clarification of the hours of operation and assignment of parking spaces was provided. Mr. Edwards advised that the City ensures that the parking meets code requirements; however, site management may designate tenant parking assignments. He noted that he had been advised that spaces, which are located farther away from the building, often are not being used. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 26, 2002 Chairman Nalle opened the public hearing. Roger Grable, representing the applicant, advised that they agree with the report and accept the conditions of approval. He noted that the evening school use should not impact the parking, as the parking lot is empty during those hours. Commissioner Mondo asked what had been done to date to alleviate the parking issues stated in the written communication and was advised that some of the parking areas had been used by other buildings in the area but he thought it had been resolved. They will make announcements that parking spaces are reserved and will ask clients when they come in if they are parked correctly. Sonja Berkman, representing the applicant, advised that staff is aware of parking assignments and if they park in a space that is not assigned to them they are asked to move. Striping of parking stalls and registration activity discussed. James Yates, Yates and Associates, spoke in opposition of the request. He advised the Commission that the parking issues have not been addressed and his staff is frequently unable to find parking, particularly after the lunch hour. Clarification of the hours of operation of his company provided. Parking provisions in the lease agreement discussed. Chairman Nalle closed the public hearing. Commissioner Cribb requested clarification regarding basis for approval of a school in a professional use and Mr. Edwards advised that in 1996 the Code was amended to allow school uses in professional zoning districts. He noted that it appeared there was an onsite parking management issue; however, code compliance is the only item for City review. Chief Assistant City Attorney Ben Kaufman noted that with appropriate signage improperly parked vehicles could be towed away. Motion to approve as recommended with the addition of a requirement that the applicant work with the property owner and other tenants to create a tow away zone and that the item is subject to Planning Commission review at 90 days, 6 months, and 1 year. MOTION: Mondo SECOND: Doughty VOTE: AYES: Doughty, Mondo, Nalle, Richardson (4) NOES: Cribb, Leo, `/erino (3) ABSENT: None (0) 2. DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NO.2001-02 (Sergio Klotz) Filed by Albertsons (Savon) to receive public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the proposed Savon Drug Store and four live/work lofts located at the northwest corner of Main and First Streets. RECOMMENDATION: PUBLISHED IN THE REGISTER: August 16, 2002 PUBLICLY NOTICED: August 16, 2002 RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file public comments on Draft Environmental Impact Report No. EIR 2001-02 for the proposed Savon Drug Store Project. Sergio Klotz, Senior Planner, provided the staff report. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 AUGUST 26, 2002 Commissioner Leo asked what settlement was reached with the City regarding the proposed project. Mr. Kaufman advised that the settlement does not affect the authority of the Planning Commission and City Council to determine appropriateness of the project. The litigation is stayed. The applicant had filed a demolition permit and under Chapter 30 if the project is denied the applicant could go back and pick up the permit and proceed with the demolition. Chairman Nalle opened the public hearing. Alison Young, Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society spoke in opposition to the project due to the loss of a historical resource and concern regarding the appearance of the proposed project and its compatibility with the historic element of Santa Ana. Louise Pass, French Park Neighborhood. Association, spoke in opposition to the project due to the loss of a historical resource and concern regarding the appearance of the proposed project and its compatibility with the historic element of Santa Ana. She also expressed concern that the lot was not adequate for the proposed project. JoAnn Ramirez, Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society, spoke in opposition to the project due to incompatibility with the surrounding area. She also did not believe all of the issues had been adequately addressed. Roberta Reed, Wishire Square, spoke in opposition to the project and advised that she did not believe that parking issues had been adequately addressed. Ginelle Hardy, Heninger Park Neighborhood, spoke in opposition to the project and stated that signage and public services had not been adequately addressed. Tim Rush, Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society, spoke in opposition to the project due to the number of,drug stores in the area and incompatibility with the downtown. He noted that if the five/work lofts are connected to California State University at Fullerton federal law obligates the developer to provide mitigation. He will provide Mr. Kaufman with the federal statue referred to. Rob Richardson, representing Historic Resources Commission Chair Rose Ann Kings, noted her opposition to the project and that written comments had been provided for the record. Chairman Nalle closed the public hearing. Motion to receive and file public comments. MOTION: Doughty SECOND: Richardson VOTE: AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Leo, Mondo, Nalle, Richardson, Verino (7) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: None (0) COMMENTS 3. Public Comments Eulalia Vazquez, Santa Ana resident, expressed concern regarding streets that need paving, trees that have been planted that leave a residue on cars, inadequate street lighting on Raitt, and the sewer lines not being cleaned. She asked how she could obtain improvement to her neighborhood. Chairman Nalle requested that Public Works staff speak with her after the meeting and encouraged her to attend a City Council meeting and express her concerns. Commissioner Mondo asked staff to provide her with a copy of the Capital Improvement budget to see when improvements for her neighborhood were scheduled. 4. Comments from the Staff None. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4 AUGUST 26, 2002 5. Comments from the Planning Commission Commissioner Cribb • Noted that alongValencia Street between Edgewood and Virginia the concrete had been replaced with asphalt some time ago. Mark Lawrence, City Manager's Office, advised him that the asphalt would be replaced with concrete within three months and to date it has not been done. He requested staff to investigate when it would be scheduled. • Requested that the horse property in the northwest section of the city be referred to the Historic Resources Commission for review and potential preservation. • Noted that the brick on the entry to Santiago Park needs repair. • Also noted that graffiti in Portola Park is significant. Please have staff investigate. • Requested that potential development of the area by Discovery Science Center near the creek between Main Street and 5 freeway be placed on a future agenda. • Requested clarification of the Planning Commission role in the proposed Savon project. Ben Kaufman, Assistant City Attorney, advised that litigation had been stayed while the project was in the review process. Planning Commission and City Council had full discretion to grant, modify, or deny the application. If it is denied, litigation will resume. Also, the applicant has indicated that he would go back to the demolition permit and proceed with demolition as all items required had been complied with. Asked if it was possible to obtain any further concessions prior to demolition of the building. Mr. Kaufman advised that option had been discussed and were not found feasible. Commissioner Verino • Noted that the condition of Main Place Mall had considerably deteriorated. The landscaping around the exterior has not been rriaintained. Mr. Edwards advised that staff has been working with the new owners of the mall. Mr. Edwards advised that he has met with the management company regarding proposed signage and expects to have further discussions. He advised that the landscaping is an issue that we should be able to resolve. • Advised that she had been in Orange and Fountain Valley and both cities have neon signs in front of the schools for children crossing and perhaps it should be considered in Santa Ana. • Expressed concern regarding the mobile taqueria that does business at 17th and King Streets across from the Post Office. She noted that it has a permit but asked if conditions could be placed to restrict locations of operation. Mr. Kaufman advised that vehicular street vendors is an item that is currently being addressed by the NI/CE committee as a priority. Commissioner Mondo • Asked if the speed limit for Bristol Street was posted correctly for 35 miles per hour and was advised that it was correct. Public Works staff will find out why the speed was set at that level. • Noted that the response to his concerns about the Pop Warner games at Lilly King Park did not fully address the issues. Staff efforts to encourage clean up are not working and he would like to know what they propose to motivate clean up after the Pop Warner games. He would also like to know if a reservation for use of the park for these games is made. Also, while he understands that staffing is limited, he would like to know if clean up after the games has been made a priority. Commissioner Richardson • Agreed with comments expressed by Commissioner Verino regarding the conditions at Main Place. He met with Counciimember Franklin and Mr. David Dahl from Westfield Properties and he believes that there is a desire to lower the overall standards of the mall. Rides for children and other activities are now available in the mall. He noted that the mall is a major part of the community and the owners should appreciate the resource that it is. He encouraged community involvement in upgrading the standards. • Noted that he will be on vacation and will miss the next two meetings. Commissioner Leo • Requested information on proposed speed humps on Westwood Street. He noted that the notice he received doesn't state the location for the proposed speed humps on Westwood Street. He also `noted that Artesia Pilar had a traffic plan and Santa PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 5 AUGUST 26, 2002 Anita neighborhood was considering one. He noted that Public Works was scheduled to return to advise the Commission of what was being planned. • Requested update on the issue of Trench Cut fees and Ben Kaufman advised that litigation is still in progress. • Requested update on the Garden Grove litigation regarding cyber cafes. Mr. Kaufman advised that it is scheduled for hearing on September 29, 2002. • Requested a copy of Judge Carter's decision on eminent domain. Mr. Kaufman will forward a copy to each Commissioner. • Requested status regarding One Broadway Plaza and Mr. Edwards advised that nothing had changed and plans had not been submitted. Chairman Nalle • Requested clarification of previous complaints regarding the VA house on Main and Santa Clara. Noted agreement with the conditions at Main Place and that some retailers have left. And asked if this was the reason for requesting signs. Mr. Edwards advised that the signs were for the new owners branding campaign and that they appear to have a vision for a different tenant mix. Mr. Mondo requested locations of other malls owned Westfield Corporation and was advised that they owned Fox Hills in West Covina and Horton Plaza in San Diego, • Noted that discussion with Big Saver had been continuous and asked when compliance was anticipated. Mr. Edwards advised that they had been cited. He asked if it would be possible for the issue to be settled by the next meeting and Mr. Edwards advised that he will personally address the issue with Big Saver and report back at the next meeting. • Commented that the traffic lights on East 17t" Street are not coordinated in the morning to allow traffic to flow without having to stop at everyone. Frank Orellana, Public Works, advised that many of the lights are set to allow side street cross traffic to proceed after stopping at 17t" Street. Commissioner Cribb • Noted that traffic becomes backed up .on Civic Center due to steady stream of pedestrians crossing the street and asked if traffic lights had been considered for the area between Flower and Ross. He was advised that since there are already lights and Flower and Civic Center, and Ross and Civic Center, placing a light in that area would exceed the number of lights allowed in the area. 6. Excuse of Absences No absences. 7. Adjournment - 8:00 our Johnson Re ording Se ry LJ PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES G AUGUST 26, 2002