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PC MINS 19880531. � v .I" MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP MAY 31, 1988 /' The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. by Chairman Connolly at Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT: Connolly, McNulty, Ortolano, Von Hagen, Wike ABSENT: None Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Associate Planner Greg Fuz, Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham, Assistant Planner Nancy Hutar. COMMUNICATIONS Chairman Connolly indicated that no communications had been received. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Wike recommended the following modifications to the minutes of April 12, 1988: Page Five, New Business should read: For the record, Commissioner Wike noted that the parties involved are family acquaintances. Page Ten, Paragraph Four should read: Commissioner Von Hagen mentioned that a tennis court could be shared by two properties. He .indicated that he could not support a tennis court in the front yard. Motion on Page 12 was not recorded. Director of Environmental Services Benard noted that this item will be researched and amended minutes will be brought to the Commission. Lotion was made by Commissioner Wike, seconded by Commissioner McNulty and unanimously passed to approve the minutes of April 12, 1988 as amended. PUBLIC HEARINGS NEW BUSINESS NONE. Specific Plan V Workshop Associate Planner Greg Fuz responded Coastal Subregions 7-8 and to Commissioner Ortolano's inquiry the Palos Verdes Drive East regarding land owned by Pacific Switchbacks Bell. For the record, Commissioner Ortolano noted that she is employed by Pacific Bell. Director of Environmental Services Benard explained the format and purpose of the workshop. P'linUEes May 31, 1988 `Page Two • Commissioner Ortolano requested information, for purposes"of compari- son, from the staff on previous specific -plans involving the Harbor Heights Shopping Center and Long Point property with regard to guidelines and control. Director of Environmental Services Benard addressed Commissioner Ortolano's question by presenting background on the two projects in relation to the purpose of the plan and development standards being proposed. Mr. Fuz presented the members of Palos Verdes Land Holdings Company discussed the background of the workshops and public hearings, and reviewed the Tentative Review Schedule. He detailed how the Planning Commission and the public would fit into the planning process for the multi -use development concept proposed by the Palos Verdes Land Holding Company (PVLH). Mr. Fuz emphasized that the PVLH plans are preliminary only. Commissioner Ortolano inquired if the Commission will receive input from all property owners in the proposed specific plan areas. Staff responded affirmatively. Commissioner McNulty asked about the Trails Committee's role in the development of the subdivision. Mr. Fuz summarized the Trails Committee review process to date, referred to the documents that would be discussed and detailed the guidelines for a specific plan for Coastal Subregions 7-8 and the Palos Verdes Drive East Switchbacks. Assistant Planner Hutar and Assistant Planner Brigham presented graphics and descriptions of design guidelines and aspects of views and visual elements for the subregions. Mr. Barry Hon, PVLH principal, presented an overview of the proposal. Mr. Han stressed that view preservation is an .important aspect in the project. Chairman Connolly requested the opportunity to closely examine the artist renderings. Peter Herman of the development team explained the significance of each rendering which depicted: 1. Existing Ownership of the PVLH Team 2. Conceptual Land Use Plan 3. Open Space Trail Plan 4. Public Trails Concept 5. Public Parking Facilities 6. Public Golf Course Concept 7. Public Recreation Facilities A recess was taken from 8:45 p.m. until 8:55 p.m. to allow the audience and the Commission the opportunity to closely examine the renderings presented by PVLH. r, i Minutes 'May 31, 1988 Page Three Chairman Connolly reconvened the workshop and announced that he had received several inquiries regarding aerial photographs. He stated that Mr. Jim O'Malley, of the development team could be contacted for copies of aerial photographs at (714)472-3505. The cost of a nine by nine inch photograph is approximately $30.00. Director of Environmental Services Benard responded to commissioner McNulty's question about the VMS Corporation. Mr. Benard clarified the fact that VMS Corporation is not an owner of property in the area. Mr. Fuz pointed out the dividing line between Subregions 7 and 8 and the ownership of this area in response to Commissioner 0rtolano's question. Director of Environmental Services Benard clarified the specific plan process being performed. The basic design work and analysis is being done by PVLH, with authorization and consent given by the City Council. Chairman Connolly invited the following members of the public to air their comments/questions: SPEER QUESTION/COMMENT Tim Burrel Supported the beach trail and questioned 4038 Exultant Drive who would maintain it and questioned R.P.V. whether Italian Renaissance architecture would be mandated on property Mr. Hon did not own. Brad Veek Questioned what environmental studies 30523 Santa luna Drive would be done, by whom, and at whose R.P.V. expense; who authorizes rezoning and what is the time sequence; inquired about agrarian reserves; requested reduced scale drawings of the various elements displayed be made available (at cost) to the public at large. In addition, Mr. Veek requested reduced copies of the various proposals for the homeowners association he represents. Mr. Hon and Mr. Herman indicated that the land use plan was only conceptual. Commissioner Wike inquired whether equestrian trails have been recommended. Staff indicated pedestrian, bicycle and multipurpose trails were recommeded by the Trails Committee. Minutes May 31, 1988 Page Four Director of Environmental Services Benard responded to Commissioner McNulty's question that the loop trail is not a specific type of trail, and explained that the Trails Committee's recommendation will be submitted along with staff's recommendation. Commissioner Ortolano commented that the Four -Cities Committee has been working on an equestrian loop trail concept. Commissioner Ortolano stated she would not be comfortable to go to public hearings with this issue until the recommendations of the Trails Committee and any other appropriate committees were received. Director of Environmental Services Benard suggested that staff and the Trails Committee come before the Planning Commission at the same time. He indicated that the plans used by the Trails Committee are subject to change. Chairman Connolly asked that the Trails Committee's recommendations be made available to the Commission and the public prior to the next workshop. Mr. Fux noted that the traffic and trails recommendations will be brought to the next workshop. John Plunkett Requested to be put on the mailing Amerimar Realty list for meetings or distribution 450 Newport Dr. of information on Subregion 7 and Newport Beach, CA 92660 8 and also Subregion 1. Laura McSherry Questioned if the switchbacks were 2714 San Ramon Dr. formerly owned by Palos Verdes Proper- R.P.V. ties and if the ownership changed with the development of Seacliff Hills. Director of Environmental Services Benard acknowledged that this land was deeded to the city as open space with the development of Seaclzff Hills, and there is no proposal for residential development. Barbara Covey Questioned how to get a copy of the 2742 San Ramon Dr. aerial photo in the hall of Sub- R.P.V. regions 7 and 8. Mary Knight Questioned water use - sources, drain - 2810 San Ramon age, effect on unstable land. R.P.V. Jennifer Lambelet As a property owner in RPV (28652 416 W. 40th Street Vista Madera) and a property owner San Pedro, CA 90731 in Southern San Pedro, she stated absolute opposition to this project for the following reasons: Negative Minutes May 31, 1988 Page Five • impact on environment; high traffic flow on Western, 25th St. and Gaffey St.; leads Sierra Club hikes in the area every week and the rocky beach is usually inaccessible due to water levels and difficult to traverse due to the rocks. A bluff top trail should instead be provided; loss of area open to the public to an expensive, limited use golf course and expensive resort. She questioned how employees (500-1,000) can get to and from the area. There is no provision for libraries and other services. The concept of a golf course as open space is ludicrous. The description of the trails, parks and other public facilities change with every meeting. If the property owned by RPV in the switchbacks is an unstable alluvial fan - then how can the continuation of the fan below P.V. Dr. South be considered stable? What kind of land/geologic studies have been completed. Director of Environmental Services Benard noted that issues of gross geology and site geology will be investigated in detail. Mr. Hon addressed the reasons for the golf course being designated in that particular area, and explained that no structures are proposed for that landslide area. Jean Longacre Indicated that the Trails Committee 6 Martingale Drive voted unanimously that their property R.P.V. is a bluff top trail. Also, the trail from Friendship Park should connect to Shoreline Park and the coastal access. In answer to Commissioner Ortolano's inquiry, Ms. Longacre described her understanding of the loop trail as it relates to an equestrian project. Mr. Hon then commented on the liability issues that would come into effect if hiking trails were proposed immediately adjacent to the golf course on the bluff top, which accounts for the proposed beach trail. Mr. Hon was also questioned by Commissioner Ortolano about the with- drawal of roadway traffic adjacent to the golf course and about city planning processes for designating commercial/recreational uses within certain portions of Subregions 7 and 8. 'Minutes May 31, 1988 Page Six • Commissioner Ortolano expressed concern about the preservation of open space and ownership of the land. Commissioner Ortolano hoped that a land use pattern could be created that would be most beneficial to the city. Director of Environmental -Services Benard detailed the basic land use precepts his department is working on and recalled the processes and procedures for zoning changes which will be incorporated in the planning review process. Commissioner Wake voiced her concern about the large sizes of the proposed homes in proportion to the small lots. Mr. Hon stated that the Commission will ultimately have to make a decision in this matter, and proposed conducting a study of individual lots to determine what size residence can be accommodated on each lot including the 25% required lot coverage standard. The results of the study are to be disclosed at the next public workshop. Commissioner Wike also asked about the housing element requirements referred to in the Coastal Specific Plan and about how low-cost housing could be provided for hotel employees. Director of Environmental Services Benard related that the staff is currently working with SCAG and HUD on low and moderate income housing. A housing element update is scheduled to be completed by July 1989. Robert & Sheryl Ballew 4338 Exultant Drive R.P.V. Dennis Jaconi 133 Sea Urchin R.P.V. John A. Feyk 2727 San Ramon Drive R.P.V. Robert Agli 3200 La Rotunda Drive 1115 Representing five homeowners in addition to themselves, they were in full support of the hotel, golf course and residential use as proposed by the P.V. Land Holdings Company. A signed letter will follow. Supported the development as proposed. Questioned the geology of the area and the .impact of water from an irri- gated golf course. Whether there will be an indemnification bond to recompense San Ramon Drive home- owners if the irrigation triggers a resumption of the slide. He also referred to a trail running from end to end of -Subregions 7 and 8 and questioned what is to become of this trail concept. Will prepare a written position paper. Minutes . lay 31, 1988 Page Seven In response to Chairman Connolly's question about realignment of Palos Verdes Drive South and about the proposed sanitary system. Mr. Hon explained that the plan calls more for straightening and flattening than realignment, and the sanitary system will be addressed in the Environmental Impact Report. Chairman Connolly also inquired about the structural integrity of the hotel encroachments into the coastal structure setback. Mr. Hon replied that the hotel will probably be redesigned. Chairman Connolly then thanked the members of the public and of the development team and concluded the New Business portion of the agenda. He announced that all who submitted requests will be sent notices of the next workshop. Director of Environmental Services Benard announced that minutes of the Public Workshop would be available to the public at a nominal cost, once adopted. STAFF REPORTS Director of Environmental Services Benard reviewed the Agenda Forecast. Chairman Connolly asked about the availability of Commission members for a workshop on Wednesday, June 22, 1988. The location of the workshop will be Hesse Park, with Ladera Linda as an alternate choice. COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Von Hagen reported on the California Contract Cities Convention he attended in Palm Springs. Commissioner McNulty reported on the Four Cities meeting in which code enforcement was addressed. Director of Environmental Services Benard reminded the Commission of the SWAPC Luncheon on Friday, June 3rd. Mr. Fuz made a clarification that this was an adjourned regular meeting, not a special meeting. ADJOURNMENT At 10:45 p.m., the meeting was duly adjourned.