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PC MINS 19890124PLANNINGCOMMISSION MEETING (�d MINUTES JANUARY 24, 1989 The meeting was called to order at 7.41 p.m. by Chairperson Wike at Hesse Park Community Building, 29391 Hawthorne Boulevard. I� PRESENT: Connolly, Von Hagen, Wike, McNulty, Ortolano Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Senor Planner Greg Fuz, Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham and Assistant Planner Marcia Smith. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of November 30, 1989 PUBLIC HEARINGS Environmental Impact Report No. 27 Conditional Use Permit No. 131 Variance No. 182 Grading Application No. 1066 Crestridge;Crenshaw The minutes of the November 30, 1988 meeting were withdrawn from the consent Calendar as Staff corrections had not been made. Chairperson Wike reviewed the following correspondence that was received relative to the Marriott proposal: (1) letter from the City Attorney regarding review of the Final EIR; (2) letter from the Terraces Homeowners Association on trails recommendations; (3) recommended changes to the project from Edward Hall of the Terraces Homeowners Association; (4) letter from Sunshine which included a position statement regarding h6vswa ern G-�,-A` - Director of Environmental Services Benard presented the Staff Report and announced that the EIR has undergone two circulation processes and numerous public hearings. In addition to the Final EIR, the Commission will be provided with a Resolution containing proposed mitigating measures and other information which could reduce the impacts which have been identified. The Commission could either approve or deny the Resolution. Minutes January 24, 1989 Page Two I Ed Novak, Director of Development for Marriott Corporation, stated that roof -top structures would be placed only in those portions of the building that could not be accommodated by individual heating and cooling units. He added that these structures would be located in the cutaways in tne roof, would not be visible from the street, and would not raise the height of the building. Mr. Novak also said that a number of walking paths and viewing platforms have been added to the site plan. Director of Environmental Services Benard noted recent action by the City Council to not include horse trails through this area, but to review the project for pedestrian systems and vista points. Mr. Benard said that copies of the minutes of the City Council meeting will be made available to the Commission at the January 31, 1989 Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Ortolano reviewed the focus of the EIR, and questioned certain aspects of the document, particularly Page 8.1 which deals with significant environmental effects of the proposed action, and she questioned whether the trails system would compensate for the fact that the visual corridor would be impacted. She said her primary concern was with the scope and intensity of the development. Commissioner McNulty said the Final EIR responded to most of the concerns of the citizens, and he was prepared to vote for its certification as a document in order to proceed with the other application processes related to this project. Commissioner Von Hagen was also concerned about the intensity and use of the property, andadded- that the developer went to all, reasonable means to reduce the impacts to the residents of Mesa Palos Verdes. He was also concerned about trucking of the material to be excavated and the proposed truck routes, but stated this could be handled through a Conditional Use Permit. Commissioner Connolly stated that pedestrian trails would provide a reasonable trade-off for the view corridor, and said he was prepared to certify the EIR.. Chairperson Wike commended the Marriott team for being cooperative in working with the residents to resolve their concerns, but she still felt that the facility was too large and contained too many independent living units. She was concerned that no alternative designs have been presented since city Council denied the three parcel split. A suggestion the Marriott may consider is placing the hospital Minutes \ January 24, 1989' Page Three on the flat pad at the corner of Crenshaw, former Parcel #2, and bridging traffic over the extreme slope. This may reduce the amount of soil export from the site. It was also suggested rearranging the independent living units and place them on either side of the community center to reduce the walking distance between units for elderly residents. She said she was not prepared to certify the EIR because of the substantial amount of dirt being removed and transported through the community. Motion was made by Commissioner Connolly and seconded by Commissioner McNulty to certify Environmental Impact Report No. 27. Motion passed 4 to 1. Chairperson Mike dissented. Chairperson Wike opened the public hearing. Michael Riccio, 29356 Quailwood Drive, representing the Mesa Palos Verdes Homeowners Association, presented the Association's position on several items concerning the project, including placing limits on the weight of the material to be hauled, the impact of the trucks on the roadways, and the height of the facility. He noted that the developers have given a fair amount of consideration to the concerns of the Association, however, no alternatives have been presented with regard to the intensity of the use, and he requested that the developers be required to compensate the City for use of certain facilities and services during the construction phase. Mr. Riccio concluded that his highest priority is the safety, health and welfare of the residents. Director of Environmental Services Benard addressed Mr. Riccio'W comments about the building height, and stated the 16 foot line that runs parallel to the ridgeline is used as a standard for a perspective on how high the building will be from the existing grade. He also explained the purpose of the variance. Edward Hall, 48 Cottonwood Circle, said his primary concern was with the large amount of dirt that would have to be removed from the site and the effects of noise and traffic. David Bence, 27533 Longhill Drive, inquired about the possibility of dedicating the lower portion of the site near Crenshaw Boulevard for a conservation easement. He also requested that the existing trees be kept within the trails system. Anthony Segreto, 5677 Mistridge Drive, addressed the number of parking spaces that would be required at the site, and the proposed height and the resulting visual impact. Sunshine, 6 Limetree Lane, representing the Palos Verdes Peninsula Horseman's Association, reviewed terracing of the property near the Congregation Ner Tamid. i Representing herself, Sunshine said she supported Chairperson Wike's recommendation about placing the health facility on the east end of the lot. Minutes January 24, 198 - Page Four Notion Was made by commissioner Von Hagen and seconded by Commissioner McNulty to continue the public hearing on CUP No. 131, Variance No. 182 .and Grading No. 1066 to January 31, 1988. Notion unanimously passed. Mr. Novak explained that the recommendation to use the easterly portion of the lot would not be economically feasible because of the topographical changes, and clarified that the total number of residents in the independent living units would be approximately 350. Director of Environmental Services Benard noted that staff and the applicant need direction from the Commission as to the issue of pad elevation, and addressed Chairman Wike's suggestion to redesign the project. He said a redesign would require the creation of a new Environmental Impact Report. Discussion followed regarding the safest route for hauling and regarding Commissioner Connolly's request that an independent surveyor review the export portion of the truck route prior to and after the grading activity in order to determine if serious roadway damage has been caused to the roadway system, thus the Marriott could provide for the repair. Kevin Smith, Assistant Director of Public works, described the primary haul routes which will be investigated. He added that the Traffic Committee will look into the safety values and make a recommendation on the befit route. A recess was taken from 9:45 p.m. until 9:53 p.m. Conditional Use Permit No. 141 Environmental Assessment 558 Hawthorne Boulevard Senior Planner Greg Fuz summarized the Staff Report and reviewed the No. Sheriff Department's 28041 activity log for the period January 1988 through December 1988. Chairperson Wike opened the public hearing. J.D. Green, 28041 Hawthorne Boulevard, operator of the 7 -Eleven store, presented the Commission with the financial information that had been requested. Anne Ruona, 6327 Ridgepath court, who lives directly above the 7 - Eleven store, emphasized that noise coming from the store is worse in the summer. She urged the Commission not to allow the store to remain open all night. Commissioner Von Hagen stated that he had no involvement in the sale of the sub3ect property, however the company he works for was involved with this transaction, and he has no conflict of interest in the current matter. Minutes January 24, 1989 Page Five Chris Ferraris, 120 S. State college Boulevard, Brea, representing the Southland Corporation, questioned the relationship of the crime log to the 7 -Eleven Store. Chairperson Wike closed the public hearing. Commissioners Connolly and McNulty noted that they were not in support of the alternative to require closure before midright Commissioners Von Hagen and ortolano were in approval of the requirement to close the store between 11.00 p.m and 6:00 a m Chairperson Wike recommended closure of the store between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. She also requested that this issue be reviewed after one year to determine whether the conditions in the Conditional Use Permit are being adhered to. If the conditions are violated, then the Commission could review the operational characteristics of the store on an annual basis. Motion was made by Commissioner Von Hagen and seconded by Chairperson Wike to require closure of the 7 -Eleven store between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. This issue will be brought before the,Commission after a twelve month period for review as to compliance and appropriateness of the operation. Motion passed 4 to 1. Commissioner McNulty dissented. Tentative Parcel Map No. 19016 - Revision Grading No. 1048 - Revision 30600 Block of P.V. Drive East The Staff Report on this item was waived. The Commission was presented with revised copies of Exhibit A with an insertion that there will be a requirement consistent with other conditions regarding submission of a landscaping plan, and a revision to Condition No. 16. Chairperson Wike opened the public hearing. Michael Nichols, Lanco Engineering, 1010 Crenshaw Boulevard, Torrance, stated that he supported the revisions to Exhibit A The applicant is also aware of, and accepts the revised conditions. Motion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen to approve the revision to Tentative Parcel Map Condition. No 16 with the conditions as stated in the conclusion of the Staff Report and approve the revisions to Tentative Parcel Map Conditions No 27 and 28 with modifications,and adopt Resolution No 89 Motion unanimously passed. r Minutes January 24, 1989 Page Six • Variance No. 219 Chairperson Wike read a letter Coastal Permit No. 63 from Mr. Farman requesting 4118 Maritime continuance of this item in order to give him the opportunity to decide whether he still wishes to pursue this matter. Motion was made by Commissioner Von Hagen and seconded by Commissioner McNulty to continue this item to March 14, 1989. Motion unanimously passed. Variance No. 221 Chairperson Wike read letters Grading No. 1176 from Maryann Rimoin, Jack 3153 Deluna Patton and expressing concerns about the overall height, size and non -rural appearance of the proposed structure, the amount of dirt to be removed, and a request that the Commission ensure that geological problems are avoided. Senior Planner Greg Fuz presented the Staff Report and noted that the proposed multi -story single family residence is before the Planning Commission because the height necessitates a variance and because the proposed grading exceeds 1000 cubic yards. Chairperson Wike opened the public hearing. Francesco Funicello, 3257 Starline Drive, whose residence is above the subject property, addressed the height and size of the proposed structure and the effect the excessive amount of grading would have on the surrounding properties. He was also concerned about the privacy in his home being violated by the proposed residence. Jack Patton, 3482 Newridge Drive, representing the Crestmont Community Association, was concerned that the residence would be out of scale with other residences in the area, and requested that the Commission require the proposal to be scaled down in order to be compatible with the surroundings. Richard Hellmann, 3131 Deluna Drive, also agreed that the proposal would be out of character with the neighborhood, and said he did not agree with the Staff recommendation for a two- story house. Minutes January 24, 1989 Page Seven Harold White, 3147 Dianora Drive, said the building would be inappropriate in the designated location because of its height and size, and urged the Commission to disapprove the variances so the result would be a structure that is in character with the surrounding community. Mrs. Patrick Hanlon, 3139 Dianora Drive, objected to the height variance because the building would then not be in keeping with the other structures in the area. She also objected to the amount of dirt that would need to be excavated. Charles Hillinger, 3131 Dianora Drive, noted that the residents on starline and on Deluna would be negatively impacted by the height and size of the proposed structure. David Risoin, M.D., 512 A. Palo, Beverly Hills, did not agree with the Staff criteria for requesting a variance, and said that the grading on the subject property could lead to other major problems. He also objected to the fact that the structure would overlook his property and create a major loss of privacy. Maryann Rinoin, 3141 Deluna Drive, emphasized the fact that there is no justification for this proposed structure. Chairperson Wike closed the public hearing. Commissioner Ortolano noted that she did not approve of the present configuration of the project. Chairperson Wike and Commissioners McNulty and Connolly were of the opinion that the structure should be redesigned. Director of Environmental Services Benard noted that the applicant should be advised whether to obtain an extension on the application, to redesign the project to address the height issue, or to withdraw the application, without prejudice, and resubmit a revised plan. Guy Grant, 1204 Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, agreed to withdraw the application, but said he felt that the uniqueness of the property created a hardship in designing a structure that would be appropriate to the community Motion was made by Commissioner Von Hagen and seconded by Commissioner McNulty that the application be received and filed per the applicant's stated intention to withdraw the applications. Minutes January 24, 1989 Page Eight Tentative Parcel Map No. 19847 4105 Palos Verdes Drive So Senior Planner Greg Fuz presented the Staff Report and noted that the proposed project is consistent with the City's development criteria and Staff believes the application should be conditionally approved. The applicant is in agreement with the Conditions of Approval. Motion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Connolly to approve the final negative declaration for Environmental Assessment No. 560 and adopt P.C. Resolution No. 89- conditionally approving Tentative Parcel Map No. 19847 and Grading No. 1180. Motion unanimously passed. Conditional Use Permit No. 138 Variance No. 205 Grading Application No. 1101 31270 Palos Verdes Drive So. Senior Planner Greg Fuz presented a model of the project and noted that revised plans were not received in time to allow time for review and analysis by Staff. Motion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen to continue this item to February 14, 1989. Motion unanimously passed. CONTINUED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE There were no questions from the audience regarding non - agenda items. STAFF REPORTS Director of Environmental Services Benard reported that a SWAPO meeting was scheduled to be held on January 27, 1989 at the China Gate Restaurant in Gardena. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was duly adjourned at 11:23 p.m. to Tuesday, January 31, 1989, 7:30 p.m , Hesse Park Community Room, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard.