Loading...
PC MINS 1985102810 r s M I N U T E S PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 28, 1985 The meeting was called to order at 7 35 PM by Chairman McNulty at Dodson Junior High School, 28014 Montereina Drive. PRESENT: MCNULTY, HODGE, ORTOLANO, VON HAGEN, WIKE ABSENT: NONE Also present were Councilwoman Bacharach, Councilman Hinchliffe, City Manager Guluzzy, Director of Environmental Services Sharon Hightower, Associate Planner Alice Bergquist Angus, Associate Planner Steve Rubin, and Assistant Planner Jack Roberts. COMMUNICATIONS NEW BUSINESS None Specific Plan No. 2, The staff report on Specific Plan E.A. No. 478 No. 2, for commercial redevelopment 28821-28839 S. Western or rennovation of the Harbor Heights Shopping Center and vacant Texaco service station properties, was pre- sented by Alice Bergquist Angus. Based on information contained in memo dated 28 October 1985 and inclusion of the mitigation measures, staff has determined that Specific Plan No. 2 would not have a significant environmental impact, a negative declaration has been prepared She reviewed the features of the Plan. The Commission questioned staff regarding compact parking space maximum -- not to exceed 20% of spaces according to Code Amendment No. 20 and regarding the number of restrooms recommended -- one in each building. There was additional discussion regarding walkways for pedestrian traffic from across and along Western Avenue, pastel/white color scheme consistent with Mediterranean theme, and Class II bikeway in which lines are painted on the roadway vs. Caltrans' recommendation of Class III bikeway where signs are post- ed on roadway (lane may be needed to expand Western Avenue). Chairman McNulty opened the public hearing. ;P' Minutes 28 October 1985 Page 2 The following residents voiced concerns over or questions on Specific Plan No. 2: Pat Condon Joanne Culver Larry Gonzales Scott Lindsay David Roche John Yeakel Suzie Yerkevich Nina Yoshida 28703 Gunter 28918 Gunter 28820 Gunter 28825 Gunter 1884 Peninsula Verde 1829 Caddington 28826 Gunter 28808 Gunter Resident concerns and questions were as follows: development height, air/noise pollution increase, slide possibility due to grading, Conditional Use Permit leeway, view obstruction due to air conditioning units, and encouragement of maximum development. In addition, Mediterranean theme, Plan vagueness, 2p- view °view plane, traffic access, and high rents/vacant buildings were also areas of concern. The Commission reminded the audience that the October 28 public hearing was to inform interested parties as to what the proposed Plan includes. And, the Com- mission will take into account the fact that views are a most important asset in their effort to protect the interests of homeowners and the developer. The Commission stressed the fact that the area of concern was recently annexed into the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and the Plan is an effort to formulate guidelines with which developers must comply. Discussion continued regarding air conditioning unit placement. According to the Plan, air conditioning units must be placed in screening/buffer areas on the ground away from homeowners. It was mentioned that standards limiting deliveries should be included in the Plan to reduce noise pollution. Also, geological studies for grad- ing slope stabilization are required by the City. The Commission emphasized that the 2° envelope will, hopefully, protect the residents allowing building developments with heights closer to the back enabling good views over the areas closer to Western. Mr. Von Hagen moved to continue the public hearing for Specific Plan No. 2, E.A. No. 478, to an adjourned Planning Commission meeting, seconded by Mrs. Wike and passed unanimously. Staff to decide date of hearing. Chairman McNulty advised interested parties to call the City, watch publications, and so on, to find when the next meeting will be. Councilwoman Bacharach suggested a press release be made to insure accurate notice distribution. Minutes 28 October 1985 Page 3 CUP No. 98, E.A. No. 470 Steve Rubin presented the staff report Texaco Inc. for request to remodel and convert an 28821 S. Western Avenue existing vacant service station into a self-service station and convenience store. Staff recommended the Commission take public testimony, discuss the proposed project per the Specific Plan, Development Code and concerns raised by the public. Direction was requested for staff and the applicant with the recommendation to continue the public hearing as appropriate. Staff noted that many letters regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages at service stations have been received. It was noted that many businesses in the area provide the same conveniences as the proposed market. It was also mentioned that the Specific Plan could include land use issues whereby the number of convenience stores in a particular area could be limited. Also, parking for the proposed site was discussed, emphasizing that the proposed plan is not convenient. The Commission questioned staff regarding the building size of 2,660 sq. ft. as opposed to 1,620 sq. ft. without the canopy. In addition, it was mentioned that there is currently a vacant Thrifty station in the City which has not been occupied for approximately two months. Chairman McNulty opened the public hearing. The following residents voiced concerns over CUP No. 98, E.A. No. 470: Melinda Downing 1914 Caddington Drive Robert T. Riffel 2144 M6ndon Drive David Roche 1884 Peninsula Verde Drive John Yeakel 1829 Caddington Nina Yoshida 28808 Gunter Road Resident concerns over CUP No. 98 were as follows: traffic flow, type of elements drawn by establishments such as the Proposed convenience store, alcohol sale, crime increase, noise pollution,'negative influence on neighborhood children, duplication of services in the area, disruption of residential looks/tranquility, and hours of operation. Texaco's quick reaction to complaints was also emphasized. Mr. Doug Elston, Texaco, 3350 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, addressed concerns. Mr. -Elston emphasized that Texaco cannot properly evaluate its project until a complete review of Specific Plan No. 2 has been made. He also stressed that the station will be Texaco owned and operated as opposed to being franchised as was previously the case!. He noted that, today, the basic revenues made are not from the sale of gas but from items bought in convenience stores. Regarding hours of operation, Mr. Elston stated that Texaco requested twenty-four hours in order toldetermine what the market will bear. He mentioned that he will make an 'effort to determine Texaco's stand should hours of operation be limited andithe sale of alcohol be prohibited. In addition, Mr. Elston requested a 90 day extension for application of CUP No. 98, E.A. No. 470. Minutes 28 October 1985 Page 4 Mr. Von Hagen made the motion to continue the public hearing regarding CUP No. 98, E.A. No. 470, seconded by Mr. Hodge and passed unanimously. The hearing will be continued until the date of the next hearing on Specific Plan No. 2. Chairman McNulty advised interested parties to call the City, watch publications, and so on, to find when the next meeting will be. QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC (REGARDING NON -AGENDA ITEMS) Melinda Downing, 1914 Caddington Drive, questioned the possibility of children in the newly annexed area attending RPV schools. The Commission explained how the school districts are set by State law and that, in order to change same, legislative approval is needed. REPORTS STAFF None COMMISSION None ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10.35 PM to joint meeting with City Council October 29, 1985, 7:30 PM, Hesse Community Park.