HomeMy WebLinkAbout17A - PP-CUP 21-004 - Memo QAs and Public CommentsCITY OF PALM DESERT
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers
From: Heather Horning, Assistant to the City Manager
Date: August 26, 2021
Subject: City Council Agenda (August 26, 2021)
Below you will find questions received from the Mayor and/or Councilmembers and answers provided
by City staff regarding tonight's Council meeting agenda.
Public Hearings — Item 17: Consideration of a Mitigated Negative Declaration, density bonus,
Precise Plan, and Conditional Use Permit for a 269-unit apartment community with a clubhouse,
recreational amenities, and roadway improvements on an undeveloped 11.943-acre vacant parcel
located on the south side of Gerald Ford Drive east of the Riverside County Sheriff station. Case No.
PP/CUP 21-0004 (Pacific West Communities - Vitalia).
• Question: What community outreach has the developer done over the past month?
o Answer: After receiving approval from the Planning Commission, the developer
reached out to the Gallery HOA President to set up another meeting, but they declined
the meeting request.
Action Calendar — Item 20: Adoption of a Resolution of the Board of the Palm Desert Housing
Authority (i) authorizing the execution and delivery of a conditional agreement between the Authority
and Pacific West Communities, Inc., conditionally approving a loan in the amount of $6,030,000 from
the Authority's Housing Fund to fund the purchase by Pacific West Communities, Inc. of property and
construction of 269 affordable housing units; (ii) appropriating funds; and (iii) taking related actions
(Pacific West Communities — Vitalia).
• Question: Please clarify if Vitalia will be providing 20% Veteran housing. Only income
qualified housing and senior housing are listed in the staff report.
o Answer: The applicant is reserving 20% of the units for first right of refusal for veterans.
They have also reached out to the local Veterans Affairs Office to promote this
program. We missed inclusion of this information in the report and will provide it as part
of our presentation.
Gloria Sanchez
From: mark <markjoiner@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2021 11:06 PM
To: CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject: Case No. PP/CUP 21-0004 - Public Comment
From: mark Joiner and Kristie Joiner
74110 Encore Lane Palm Desert Ca 92211
Subject: Case No. PP/CUP 21-0004
Dear Palm Desert City Council
As citizens and residents of Plam Desert we are asking the PD City council members to NOT approve this
housing development in the current geographical location at the three-story height as submitted by the
developer.
We ask that you read the following concerns in consideration of your vote on this issue.
1) Is there a maximum height allowed for building height in Palm Desert? The proposal is for two- and three-
story buildings in this development. All the surrounding neighborhoods are mostly single -story homes. Why
would Palm Desert allow three story buildings in an area of single -story family homes? These buildings will
take way the beauty and surrounding views of this area.
2) A development of 269 dwelling units is excessive in area of mostly single -story family homes. What else will
be done about the increased traffic on Gerald Ford, Portola, etc? The stated improvements are not much
considering the size of the development (263 dwellings).
3) This development will be lower income. What will be the cost of these dwellings? My concern is this
lowering the value of the existing surrounding neighborhoods. Could you address this concern?
4) How will the occupancy rate be monitored in each of these dwellings? An average family of four or more is
1,052 + moving in this area.
5) There are more suitable plots of land located further west (closer to other multi story apartment homes) in
the vicinity of Monterey and on Monterey that are not in the vicinity of single-family homes.
6) There is also city owned along HWY 10 corridor that would serve to improve that geographical area, fit
more appropriately with regards to single dwelling density, and serve the development community being close
to services and infrastructure
7) There are also substantial plots of land already designated for development, located at the south end of
the Palm Desert Zoning map https://www.citvofpalmdesert.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=5436 that is more
suitable for multiple story apartment homes considering what is already built in that area. Designated P R 7 D
i
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS' SERVICES
GRANT A. GAUTSCHE, DIRECTOR
RIVERSIDE OFFICE
4360 ORANGE STREET
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92501
TELEPHONE: (951) 955-3060
FAX: (951) 955-3063
Mayor Kathleen Kelly
City of Palm Desert
73510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Dear Mayor Kelly:
HEMET OFFICE
749 N. STATE STREET
HEMET, CALIFORNIA 92543
TELEPHONE: (951) 766-2566
FAX: (951) 766-2567
INDIO OFFICE
44-1998 MONROE STREET
INDIO, CALIFORNIA 92201
TELEPHONE: (760) 863-8266
FAX: (760) 863-8478
I am writing to you in support of the Vitalia Apartment Community Project, PP/CUP 21-0004.
This proposal would support the much -needed construction of affordable housing for low-
income families in Palm Desert, California.
If approved, the Vitalia Apartment Community would provide stable and low-cost housing for
nearly 270 low-income families and veterans. This project would put the City of Palm Desert
well on their way to providing 1,132 affordable housing units by 2029, according to the State and
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).
According to the most recent U.S. Census data, Palm Desert has a higher percentage of
individuals living under the poverty line than the national average. As the cost of living
continues to rise, housing costs are becoming too burdensome for many Palm Desert residents.
That is why I fully support more affordable housing options, like the Vitalia Apartment
Community, for my fellow veterans and their families.
The Vitalia Apartment Community would provide families the stability they need and deserve. In
addition, the project would allocate 20 percent of its housing units to veterans, making it one of
the first of its kind in the Coachella Valley. By providing a roof over their heads, our veterans
and most vulnerable individuals can afford to focus on their overall health and wellbeing; earn
and keep a decent living wage; and provide for their children without the fear of eviction or rent
spikes.
If approved, this investment in our communities would contribute exponentially to the
overall growth and success of the City of Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley at large.
I believe the Vitalia Apartment Community Project is a deserving candidate. I support the
affordable housing proposal and urge you to give full and fair consideration, consistent with all
relevant program rules and regulations. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to
contact me directly at 951-955-3044.
Respectfully submitted,
lt..._
Grant Gautsche, Director
Riverside County Veterans' Services
Gloria Sanchez
From: Norma Alley
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2021 12:08 PM
To: Gloria Sanchez
Cc: Niamh Ortega
Subject: FW: Multi -Family Housing Project Adjacent to P.D. Sheriffs Station
For supplemental material
Norma Alley
City Clerk
Ph: 760.346.0611 Direct: 760.776.6304
nalley@cityofpalmdesert.org
From: Eric Ceja <eceja@cityofpalmdesert.org>
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2021 1:54 PM
To: Norma Alley <nalley@cityofpalmdesert.org>
Subject: FW: Multi -Family Housing Project Adjacent to P.D. Sheriff's Station
Hi Norma,
Below is the email from the Sheriff Captain with comments on the Planning Conditions for the Vitalia public hearing. We
discuss this morning about including the email as part of the Council packet.
Thanks,
Eric Ceja
Deputy Director of Development Services
Ph: 760.346.0611 Direct: 760.776.6384
eceja@cityofpalmdesert.org
From: Agnoletto, Dean <dagnolet@riversidesheriff.org>
Sent: Friday, August 20, 2021 9:04 AM
To: Steve Aryan <sarvan@citvofoalmdesert.org>
Cc: Martello, Matthew <mmartell@riversidesheriff.org>; Andy Firestine<afirestine@citvofpalmdesert.org>; Eric Ceja
<eceia@citvofpalmdesert.org>; Lori Carney <Icarnev@citvofpalmdesert.org>; Nick Melloni
<nmelloni@citvofpalmdesert.org>
Subject: RE: Multi -Family Housing Project Adjacent to P.D. Sheriff's Station
Morning and thank you for considering our concerns. If there are any renderings or a more descriptive interpretation of
the proposed conditions, we would be more than willing to take a look. Other than that, the listed proposed conditions
are good with us.
Dean
From: sarvan@citvofpalmdesert.org <sarvan@citvofr almdesert.org>
Sent: Friday, August 20, 2021 7:47 AM
1
To: Agnoletto, Dean <dagnoletPriversidesheriff.org>
Cc: Martello, Matthew<mmartell@riversidesheriff.org>; afirestine@citvofpalmdesert.org: eceia@citvofpalmdesert.org;
Lori Carney <Icarney@citvofpalmdesert.org>; nmelloni@citvofpalmdesert.org
Subject: FW: Multi -Family Housing Project Adjacent to P.D. Sheriff's Station
CAUTION: This email originated from outside the Riverside Sheriff email system.
DO NOT click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Good Morning Captain Agnoletto,
am following up on the proposed multi -family housing project adjacent to the Palm
Desert Sheriff's Station. As part of this project, there are proposed conditions for
window film and landscape to serve as acceptable solutions in limiting visibility to the
Station's rear parking area. What are your thoughts on this solution?
Stephen
Stephen Y. Aryan
Risk Manager
Ph: 760.346.0611 Direct: 760.776.6326
saryan@cityofpalmdesert.org
73-5101=red Waring Drive, Palm Deserl, CA 92260-2578
www.cityofpalmdesert.org
Install the Palm Desert In Touch app to stay in touch with your community
Android Apple Mobile Web
From: Aryan, Stephen
Sent: Monday, August 2, 2021 2:05 PM
To: dagnoletPriversidesheriff.org
Cc: Firestine, Andy <afirestine@citvofpalmdesert.org>; Carney, Lori <Icarnev@citvofpalmdesert.ore>; Ceja, Eric
<eceia@citvothalmdesert.org>; Melloni, Nick <nmelloni@citvofpalmdesert.org>
Subject: FW: Multi -Family Housing Project Adjacent to P.D. Sheriff's Station
Thank you Captain Agnoletto,
This information is very helpful; I will share your email with the team.
Stephen
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Stephen Y. Aryan
Risk Manager
Ph: 760.346.0611 Direct: 760.776.6326
saryan@cityofpalmdesert.org
CITY OF PALM DE
73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Deseri, CA 92260-2578
www.cityofpalmdesert.org
Install the Palm Desert In Touch app to stay in touch with your community
Android Apple Mobile Web
From: Agnoletto, Dean <dagnolet@riversidesheriff.org>
Sent: Monday, August 2, 2021 1:49 PM
To: Martello, Matthew <mmartell@riversidesheriff.org>; Aryan, Stephen <sarvan@citvofpalmdesert.org>
Cc: Jimenez, Matthew<mgiimene@riversidesheriff.org,,>
Subject: RE: Multi -Family Housing Project Adjacent to P.D. Sheriff's Station
Gents, I spoke with Sgt. Jeremy White, from aviation. He had a change to speak with the previous aviation sergeant and
the lead -pilot, both said they are not aware of any flight pattern rules regarding any adjacent structures to our station.
Sgt. White had not spoken to any member of the public but did mention the former sergeant, Curt Bright, fielded a call
from an unknown HOA president. The HOA president was very passionate regarding his objection to the proposed
project. Sgt. Bright made it clear that he was not aware of any regulations for the helicopter and that they could
approach from any direction, typically depending on the wind. Lastly, Sgt. Bright told the caller to contact me (station
commander); however, I have not received any such call.
Sounds as if the call may have heard what he wanted and is trying to embellish. Regardless, the Department's position
remains the same, where we do not have an issue with any proposed projects near our Palm Desert Station.
Dean
From: Martello, Matthew <mmartell@riversidesheriff.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2021 5:17 PM
To: sarvan@citvofpalmdesert.org
Cc: Agnoletto, Dean<dagnolet@riversidesheriff.org>; Koser, Matthew <mkoser@riversidesheriff.org>;
afirestine@citvofpalmdesert.org; eceia@citvofpalmdesert.org; imoore@citvofpalmdesert.org; Lori Carney
<Icarnev@citvofpalmdesert.org>
Subject: RE: Multi -Family Housing Project Adjacent to P.D. Sheriff's Station
Stephen,
I received a call from a resident named Steven Nelson yesterday who left a message on my voicemail requesting a call
back concerning a meeting he was to attend shortly with Mayor Kelly. He requested that I call him to discuss the
proposed development being constructed next to our station on Gerald Ford Drive. This morning, I spoke to Mr. Nelson
who was inquiring if the Sheriff's Department was aware of the development, and if we had discussed the project with
city officials. I informed him we had, and that we meet with team members associated with the developer. Mr. Nelson
had concerns about the street traffic and possible flight issues with our helicopters landing and taking off from the
3
helipad on the southside of our station. I am unaware of any FAA regulations restricting our airships from landing on our
helipad, and no one from our station provided information regarding FAA regulations to residents.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention, and I look forward to receiving the crime stat format you're forwarding.
Please let me know if you have any questions,
Matt
From: sarvan@citvofoalmdesert.org <sarvan@citvofoalmdesert.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2021 10:47 AM
To: Martello, Matthew <mmartell@riversidesheriff.org>
Cc: Agnoletto, Dean<dagnolet@riversidesheriff.org>; Koser, Matthew <mkoser@riversidesheriff.org>;
afirestine@citvofoalmdesert.org; eceia@citvofoalmdesert.org; imoore@citvofoalmdesert.org; Lori Carney
<Icarnev@citvofoalmdesert.org>
Subject: Multi -Family Housing Project Adjacent to P.D. Sheriff's Station
CAUTION: This email originated from outside the Riverside Sheriff email system.
DO NOT click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Good Morning Lt. Martello,
wish to follow-up on our conversation yesterday. As you will recall, City staff and the
Mayor recently met with residents who are opposed to the multi -family housing project
adjacent to the Palm Desert Sheriffs Station. They indicated they conversed with the
flight crew (or possibly someone else at the Sheriff's Department) who indicated that
this project will create an unsafe condition for air operations at the station. This
meeting was the first we heard of any potential conflict with helicopter operations. Can
you please verify if this information is accurate because when we met with you and
Captain Agnoletto, no such issues were raised. We would need to know what specific
issues exist, if any, and applicable FAA regulation. When we go before the City Council
in late August, we want to be prepared to answer this allegation with fact and not
similar anecdotal accounts. It would also be helpful to know, on average, how many
times the helicopter lands at the facility and hours of operation. On a related note, I will
have the crime stats for the last five years to you by next week in the desired
format. We need the same information for select multi -family housing locations within
the City no later than August 12th.
Thank you for your help on both these matters!
Stephen
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Stephen Y. Aryan
Risk Manager
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
(760) 333-3034-Mobile
sarvan(c�citvofr almdesert.oro