Loading...
PC MINS 19880823AIROTES PtmNnt COMMISSION j r' AUGUST 23g, 198$ The meeting was called to order at 7:36 p.m. by Chairman onnolly at Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT: Ortolano, Von Hagen, Connolly, McNulty, Nike ABSENT: None Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Associate Planner Carolynn Petru, Associate Planner Ben Ortega and Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham. COMMUNICATIONS Chairman Connolly reported that he had received a number of communications which would be addressed at the time the agenda items were heard. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Nike requested that Page 3, Paragraph 2 be changed to read: "Commissioner Nike reported that she lived in the Mesa Verde Tract and belonged to the Homeowners Association and received written advisement by the City Attorney that she could participate in the discussions." PUBLIC HEARINGS Associate Planner Carolynn Petru presented the Staff Report and noted Environmental Assess- that due to the amount of public ment No. 556 and EIR input received and the types of No. 27. Marriott Corp. issues raised at the July 12, 1988 CrestridgelCrenshaw Public Hearing, the public review period was extended to August 23, 1988. Ms. Petru also reported that the Staff recommended that the Commission accept any additional public comment, then close the public review period on the Draft Environmental Impact Report and forward all comments to the consultant for response and inclusion in the final Envirommntal Impact Report. Commissioner Ortolano reported that she had not yet had an opportunity to review the Mesa Palos Verdes report and recommended continuance of the public review period. Director of Environmental Services Benard reviewed the purpose of the public hearing and reported that the California Environmental Quality Act requires that the public review period for an Enviromental Impact Report be not less than 30 days and not more than 90 days, except in unusual circumstances. The maximum and minimum review periods are extended in order to allow the public to respond to the Environmental Impact Report, while allowing the Minutes August 23, 1988 Page Two applicants and the public to proceed expeditiously in reaching a decision on the project. Mr. Benard noted that if the public review period is closed, there would still exist -the opportunity for the public to be involved in the project other than to determine the adequacy of the EIR. Chairman Connolly thanked the following people in recognition of their input on behalf of the public: Anthony Segr eta, Bob Rockoff, Michael Riccio, Daniel Blatt, John Arand. Chairman Connolly also said that he was not in favor of extending the public hearing, particularly since the EIR was still a draft document. Commissioner Von Hagen agreed that the public review period should not be extended. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Lee Argubright, 2289 Sparta Drive, represented the Board of Deacons at Peninsula Baptist Church, and summarized the contents of a letter he had sent to the Commission on August 9, 1988, outlining the Church's position regarding the project. Mr. Argubright reported that the Church was not in opposition to the entire project, but requested that view impact analyses be conducted and the safety of the pre-school children be considered, particularly in the grading phase of the project. The Church has also requested that the City minimize the negative effects by limiting the hours and days of construction. Commissioner Ortolano requested that Mr. Argubright forward to the Commission an outline of the pre-school's hours and the number of students attending so this information can be incorporated into the EIR. John Arand, 5731 Mistridge, represented the Mesa Palos Verdes Homeowners Association, and expressed his support of Commissioner Ortolano's proposal to extend the public review period. Daniel Blatt, 29225 Stonecrest Road, noted that the proposed project presented no benefit to the community. It was his opinion that the traffic surveys were faulty and incomplete, and that traffic on Palos Verdes Drive North would be impacted negatively by the project. He also added that the EIR does not take into account air quality and swelling of the soil that is scheduled to be removed from the property. Minutes • August 23, 1988 Page Three Anthony Segreto, 5677 Mistridge Drive, also respresenting Mesa Palos Verdes Homeowners Association, questioned the competence of the independent consultants, and recommended that the Draft EIR be rejected on the basis of "inconsistencies, biasness and wrong assumptions." Mr. Segreto also compared the Marriott project to the Canterbury Development project and asked that the .demographics associated with a luxury facility be considered. He noted that the EIR does not address issues of air quality, structural integrity and sewers. Warren Sweetham, 7 Top Rail Lane, presented copies of a letter which expressses the Rancho Palos Verdes Homeowners Association's concerns about the project. Franklin Weiss, 30711 Via La Cresta, referred to the Marriott's response to Congregation Ner Tamid's concerns and reported that the Marriott had agreed to many of the Synagogue's proposals, in- cluding: mitigation of view impacts; scheduling trash pickups so as not to interfere with Synagogue functions; adequate landscaping; public meetings will not be scheduled in the community center; 24- hour security guard; not supporting a horse trail along the west property line; reasonable visiting hours; Monday to Friday construc- tion and flexibility on inside construction; the property should be fenced but not gated. Ed Novak, Marriott Drive, Washington, D.C., announced that he under- stood the purpose of the public hearing, and said he was available to answer questions from the Commission or the public, if needed, but he did not have a prepared statement. Karen Savich, 27135 Shorewood, discussed the impact of increased traffic on Ridgecrest School, and noted her support for an equestrian trail. Sunshine, 6 Limetree Lane, presented the Peninsula Horsemans Association's opinions on the proposed trails, including the trails from the mid -block crossing on Crestridge and a westerly public access to the open spaces and vista sites. The Association also felt that the project would reduce recreational opportunities. Arlan Osborne, 6343 Villa Rosa Drive, urged that the trails be pre- served. Michele Kenney, 26 Sweetbay Road, representing Mr. and Mrs. Brown of Broadacres Pre -School, also asked for preservation of the trails. Director of Environmental Services Benard addressed Commissioner Ortolano's inquiry about the application to split the property by discussing zoning for the property and said that an analysis of the development potential for Parcel 3 is being conducted and a recommendation will be made to the Commission. Minutes August 23, 1988 Page Four Commission Wike requested that the EIR address access to the property from Crestridge and Crenshaw. Commissioner Ortolano withdrew her recommendation to continue the public hearing. Motion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen to close the public hearing. Motion passed 4 to 1. Com- missioner Wike dissented. Chairman Connolly asked that Staff explore the possibility of leaving Parcel 3 as open space. Director of Environmental Services Benard addressed the consultant's obligations with regard to responding to the comments made, and said that subsequent to final action on the EIR, public hearings will be held on the Conditional Use Permit. Mr. Benard also addressed the method of notification to all concerned about the availability of the EIR. A recess was taken from 9:10 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. Draft EIR No. 28 Tentative Tract Map No. 45667 Grading No. 1061 CUP No. 130 Watt Palos Verdes Inc. 6500 Block of Palos Verdes Drive South Commissioner Von Hagen excused himself from discussion on this item for his previously stated conflict at 9:21 p.m. Director of Environmental Services Benard announced that Commissioner Von Hagen is not required to repeat the position statement each time the Watt issue is addressed. Chairman Connolly reported that he had received the following corres- pondence: (1) Letter from Susan Robinson referencing Commissioner Von Hagen (2) Letter from Watt Palos Verdes referencing Robert Stone & Associates (3) Staff's response to Watt Palos Verdes (4) Letter from Franklin Weiss. Associate Planner Ben Ortega presented the Staff Report and noted the Staff recommendation to continue the public hearings to September 13, 1988, at which time the Final EIR will be presented to the Commission concurrently with draft conditions of the Tentative Tract, Conditional Use Permit and Grading applications. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Sunshine, 6 Limetree Lane, clarified the Trails Committee's recommendation to specify design standards and designated usage for their recommended trail locations. She added that the Trails Committee will also try to arrive at clearly defined standards for the multipurpose trails. Minutes August 23# 1988 Page Five Questions were raised by the Commission with regard to scarring of the terrain by the proposed fire road, the implications of dedicating the foot path to the community rather than to the City, and about Motion #2 in the August 11, 1988 Trails Committee meeting minutes. Commissioner Wike requested statistics on trail easements and on the number of Rancho Palos Verdes residents who are viable horsemen. Sunshine concluded her statement by stating that the City Council has officially endorsed the loop trail concept. Larry Schmidt, 3330 Palos Verdes Drive West, representing Watt Palos Verdes, Inc., commented on the Staff Report and on the Trails Committee suggestions, and stressed that Watt Palos Verdes is not proposing any geotechnical alternatives. Director of Environmental Services Benard clarified the Staff request for an alternate configuration and cross-section of the ravine area without the proposed lot intrusion. Greg Axten, 25202 Crenshaw Boulevard, representing American Geo- technical, said he was confused with the Staff request for an alternative to the cross-sections; it was his opinion that the filling was sufficiently appropriate to address the geotechnical questions. With regard to trails, he discussed the negative aesthetic impact of the plan as proposed. Art Keene, 2601 East Victoria, noted his concurrence with Mr. Axten's analysis, and added that this project does not represent a major tract development. Tim Burrell, 4038 Exultant Drive, announced his availability to answer any questions, if needed. Don Loynd, 2601 East Victoria, representing Monaco Properties, expressed various concerns, including: (1) Adequacy of the grading plan (2) The length of the EIR process (3) The requirement for additional geotechnical analyses. Emily Cramer, 1590 S. Coast Highway, representing Richard Price & Associates, announced her availability to answer questions on landscaping, if needed. Philip Robinson, 3205 Barkentine Road, representing Abalone Cove Homeowners, thanked the developers for providing for paleontologists, for proposing fire -retardant roof tiles, and for their commitment to revegetation. He noted the problems associated with policing trails, and asked for careful review of the Sheriff Department report on traffic. Mr. Robinson then briefly addressed grading, hauling and traffic density in general. Minutes August 2 3, 1988 Page Six Franklin Weiss, 30711 Via La Cresta, summarized his written comments, which included his opposition to the development and his suggestion to scale down the project. William Totliffe, 6347 Tarragon Road, said that the project was not in keeping with the general plan of the Peninsula and would destroy the area's topography and natural terraces. He presented several recommendations, including elimination of the sites proposed for the canyons; increase the lot sizes; reduce the sharp distances in levels; increase the variety of house styles; cluster the development. Hamilton Stanford, 32859 Seagate Drive, representing Palos Verdes Bay Club, expressed concern about the negative impacts of dust and dirt, construction nose, traffic congestion, landslides and floods. Don Handelsman, 32646 Coast Site Drive, representing Palos Verdes Bay Club, addressed the EIR relative to the traffic count on Palos Verdes Drive South, and also asked that the Sheriff Department's recommendation be taken into consideration. Thomas Hause, 161 West Oak Knoll Avenue, representing the Salvation Army, noted that the Salvation Army has no objections to the project as long as the guidelines of the EIR are met. They were, however, opposed to trails going up the canyons and to easements for trails Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, expressed her opposition to the project and displeasure with the makeup of the Commission. She presented maps showing the acreages that cannot be developed. Sunshine then presented the Peninsula Horsemans Association's official position in response to the EIR. Chairman Connolly noted that this will be placed in the record and will become part of the project file. Notion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Ortolano to close the discussion on Draft EIR No. 28 and continue the public hearing to September 13, 1988 as proposed by Staff. Motion unanimously passed. In the discussion that followed, Associate Planner Ortega clarified issues of acreage and density as proposed by the developers, for Commissioner Ortolano's benefit. Commissioner Wike inquired of Staff whether the number of lots could be reduced, and noted her concern about security on the North and South trail that would intersect the property. Minutes August 23, 1988 Page Seven Commissioner McNulty said he had no objections to the canyons being filled in as a result of the project, nor did he object to the proposed density. Chairman Connolly noted that he was in agreement with the cluster concept, and would like a decrease in the amount of grading. Commissioner Wike discussed the trails issue in general, and requested more analysis on maintenance and custody of the trails. Mr. Schmidt again addressed the Commission, and expressed concern about communication within the City departments, and addressed lot sizes, trail easements and hauling of dirt. Director of Public Works George Wentz briefly commented on guidelines for street grades. Commissioner Von Hagen returned to the meeting at 11:32 p.m. NEW BUSINESS Site Plan Review No. 3936 Associate Planner Ortega presented 2175 Rockinghorse the Staff Report and noted that Staff's primary concern with the existing satellite dish is its extreme visi- bility from adjoining properties, particularly as viewed from 2177 Rockinghorse and 2144 Toscanini Drive. Based upon a site visit, Staff believes that the applicant's evidence presented at this time does not substantiate a decision to permit a rqof mounted satellite dish antenna on the property. Stefano/Josephine Finazzo, applicants, presented the Commission with a letter from Tony Perozzi of Tony's TV Sales and Service which explained why the satellite dish was located in what Mr. Perozzi determined to be the only technically feasible site on the property. Mr. Finazzo also asked the Commission's opinion about construction of a fence which would shield the antenna from the neighbors who are offended by it. Commissioner Ortolano requested a technical analysis on all the alter- nate sites proposed. Commissioner Wike said another alternative would be an analysis of whether to place the antenna along the steep slope on the property. Gilbert Alberio, 2177 Rockinghorse Road, presented photographs to the Commission of the offending view, and discussed alternate locations on Mr. Finazzo's property where the antenna could be located. Minutes August 23, 1988 Page Eight Carmen Alberio, 2177 Rockinghorse Road, asked the Commission's opinion about contracting an expert to conduct an analysis on the Finazzo property. Notion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Wike to continue this item to September 27, 1988, directing the property owner to obtain an analysis from a second satellite technician determining if any ground mounted locations exist in the rear yard. motion unanimously passed. Conditional Use Permit No. 23 Revision "CC" Grading Application No. 1149 The Staff Report was waived on this item. Robert Kessel, 260 S. Lake Avenue, Pasadena, architect and consultant, said he was confused by the Staff's interpretation of the Code as it relates to retaining walls. Mr. Kessel emphasized that the wall in question is not a retaining wall. Fred Kermani, 423 South Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, said that the wall was designed in compliance with the guidelines of the Development Code. Notion was made by Commissioner Wike and seconded by Commissioner Ortolano to approve Staff Recommendation No. 2. Motion withdrawn by Commissioner Wike and restated to approve Staff Alternative No. 3 which states: Approve the subject application subject to the following conditions: A. All retaining walls shall be brought into conformance with the Development code as follows: (1) The driveway retaining wall shall be no higher than 5 feet; (2) Only one downslope retaining wall and the sideyard retaining wall shall not exceed 3 1/2 feet; and (3) all other downslope walls shall be less than 3 feet. B. The applicant shall submit an on-site drainage plan acceptable to the Department of Public Works. C. Prior to issuance of building permits, the applicant shall have approved a landscape and irrigation plan by the Director of Environmental Services and in conformance with the Seacliff Hills development Guidelines. D. Prior to a building occupancy, the owner shall record a deed restriction disallowing the conversion of any space to create a kitchen for a second dwelling. Minutes August 23, 1988 Page Nine Restated notion seconded by Commissioner Ortolan and unanimously passed. Specific Plan VI. The introductory presentation on VMS this item was deferred to the next Portion of Coastal meeting due to the lateness of the Subregion One hour. Discussion followed regarding formal process of communication between the Trails Committee and the Planning Commission; the wall on Palos Verdes Drive South and Forrestal; late construction by ES Development Co.; lot coverage moratorium. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was duly adjourned at 12:47 a.m. to August 30, 1988, 6:30 p.m., Fred Hesse Community Park for Work Session with City Council, Planning Commission and other City committees.