07_20140311_PC_SR_Green_Hills_Operational_ReviewCITY OF
MEMORANDUM
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FROM:
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RANCHO PALOS VERDES
HONORABLE MAYOR & CI Y COUNCIL MEMBERS
JOEL ROJAS, COMMUNITY A�VE/Lll PMENT DIRECTOR
DATE: MARCH 17, 2014
SUBJECT: OPERATIONAL REVIEW OF GREEN HILLS MEMORIAL
PARK CEMETERY MASTER PLAN (CASE NO. ZON2003-
00086); Location: 27501 Western Ave ue
Project Manager: Eduardo Schonborn, ACCP, Senior Pla ne
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt P.C. Resolution No. 2014-_, imposing a moratorium for a maximum period of 90 -
days on all rooftop ground interments/burials on the Memorial Terrace Mausoleum,
located in Area 11 of the approved Green Hills Master Plan, while Staff' finalizes mitigation
measures to address specific noise, visual and privacy impacts identified by the Planning
Commission based on public testimony.
BACKGROUND
On February 25, 2014, the Planning Commission reviewed Staffs suggested mitigation
measures and conditions to address concern raised by the condominium owners to the
north in the City of Lomita. The Commission also heard some options from the Green
Hills representatives that they believe could be implemented to address some of the
concerns; and heard testimony from some of the condominium owners regarding the
impacts associated with the mausoleum building and the activities that are performed on
the rooftop including burials.
After hearing public testimony and discussing the cemetery operations, the Planning
Commission moved to continue the public hearing to March 11, 2014 to allow Staff to
draft the appropriate resolution to impose up to a 90 -day moratorium on all rooftop ground
interments/burials on the Memorial Terrace Mausoleum, located in Area 11 of the
approved Green Hills Master Plan for a maximum period of 90 -days, while Staff finalizes
mitigation measures to address specific noise, visual and privacy impacts identified by
the Planning Commission based on public testimony. The Planning Commission's motion
was supported by a 7-0 vote that evening; and, thus, the Resolution implementing this
March 11, 2014
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MEMORANDUM: Operational Review of Green Hills Memorial Park Cemetery
Master Plan
March 11, 2014
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directive is before the Planning Commission for further discussion, consideration and
adoption.
DISCUSSION
CITY ATTORNEY INPUT.-
After
NPUT:
After the Planning Commission's February 25th meeting, Staff discussed the
Commission's directive regarding the imposition of the 90 -day temporary moratorium with
the City Attorney. The City Attorney felt comfortable with the proposed temporary
moratorium provided that the language is clear that the moratorium is temporary and up
to a maximum of 90 -days. This would leave open the possibility that Staff could bring
back finalized mitigation measures to the Planning Commission sooner than 90 -days.
Staff will be working with Green Hills and the condominiums' representative with the intent
of bringing back finalized mitigation measures as soon as possible. Staff will present the
finalized mitigation measures to the Commission for consideration at a noticed public
hearing.
In addition, at the City Attorney's suggestion, Staff has included an exemption to the
moratorium, whereby the moratorium would not be applicable to burials where the burial
plot was purchased prior to the effective date of the adoption of the resolution. Thus,
ground burials and services on the Memorial Terrace mausoleum rooftop could be
conducted within the moratorium period only for those plots that meet this criterion.
PUBLIC COMMENT. -
After the February 25th Planning Commission meeting, the Commission and City Staff
received an electronic correspondence (attached) from Ms. Julie Keye, a resident of the
abutting condominium in the City of Lomita. Ms. Keye indicates that the only indication
in the 2007 plan that there would be burial plots on the roof is a drawing with "...some
rectangle on top of the roof of the mausoleum", which she is referring to a floor plan of
the building. Staff has reviewed the Commission -approved Master Plan booklet, which
was distributed to the Planning Commission as part of the February 27, 2007 and April
24, 2007 Planning Commission Staff Reports and agendas. The booklet shows the
different Areas of development and includes schematic sections of all mausoleum
buildings throughout the Green Hills site (including the Memorial Terrace mausoleum
building), which all contain illustrations with notations depicting ground burials on the
rooftop of the mausoleum buildings. While the Planning Commission Staff Reports did
not mention rooftop burials, Staff reviewed the video of the 2007 hearings, and the issue
of the impact to neighbors from ground burials on the top of a different mausoleum
building (Area 2) was discussed briefly during the Planning Commission's April 24, 2007
meeting. There was no discussion by Staff or the Planning Commission about rooftop
burials related to the Memorial Terrace Mausoleum (Area 11).
March 11, 2014
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MEMORANDUM: Operational Review of Green Hills Memorial Park Cemetery
Master Plan
March 11, 2014
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Attachments
• P.C. Resolution No. 2014- , imposing a 90 -day moratorium on all rooftop ground
interments/burials on the Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building, located in Area
11
• Email from Julie Keye
March 11, 2014
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