HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-17 PC Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM DESERT
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021 – 6:00 P.M.
ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
Acting Chair Joseph Pradetto called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Absent:
Commissioner Ron Gregory Chair John Greenwood
Commissioner Lindsay Holt Vice-Chair Nancy DeLuna
Commissioner Joseph Pradetto
Also Present:
Craig Hayes, Assistant City Attorney
Eric Ceja, Interim Director of Development Services
Rosie Lua, Senior Planner
Nick Melloni, Associate Planner
Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner
Monica O’Reilly, Management Specialist II
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Ron Gregory led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTIONS
None
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of July 6, 2021.
Rec: Approve as presented.
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 17, 2021
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Upon a motion by Commissioner Holt, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, and a 3-
0 vote of the Planning Commission, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented
(AYES: Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: DeLuna and Greenwood).
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
None
IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to the City Council for
approval of General Plan Amendment and Change of Zone 20-0002 to establish a higher
residential density (12 units per acre), Tentative Parcel Map 38033, and Precise Plan
20-0010 to construct a two-phased, 48-unit condominium project, clubhouse, and
pool/spa on 3.91 acres at the southwest corner of Gerald Ford Drive and Shepherd
Lane; and adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Case Nos. PP 20-0010, TPM 38033, and CZ/GPA
20-0002 (Desert Luxury Apartments, Las Vegas, Nevada, Applicant).
Associate Planner Kevin Swartz presented the staff report (staff report(s) is available at
https://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/our-city/committees-and-commissions/planning
commission-information-center).
After staff answered questions from the Planning Commission, Acting Chair Pradetto
declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this
matter.
Interim Director of Development Services Eric Ceja noted that the Zoom information on
the agenda was incorrect, and some individuals from the public are having difficulty
logging into the meeting.
The following individuals were in opposition to the proposed project for the following
reasons: Loss of privacy, the change of zone, the two-story buildings, and decrease in
property value.
Vicki McClellion, Scholar Lane West, Palm Desert
Kent Hanson, Scholar Lane West, Palm Desert
Steve Glickman, Scholar Lane East, Palm Desert
Lucy Furuta, Windflower Lane, Palm Desert
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 17, 2021
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With no further comments, Acting Chair Pradetto left the public hearing open until the
September 7 Planning Commission meeting.
By Minute Motion, Commissioner Gregory moved to continue Case Nos. PP 20-
0010/TPM 38033/CZ and GPA 20-0002 to September 7, 2021, to provide the applicant
additional time to correct inaccuracies in the draft Initial Study (IS)/Mitigated Negative
Declaration (MND) and allow the City to initiate a recirculation of the updated IS/MND. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Holt and carried by a 3-0 vote (AYES: Gregory, Holt,
and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: DeLuna and Greenwood).
XI. MISCELLANEOUS
None
XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
Commissioner Lindsay Holt reported that the approval for the San Pablo Avenue
roundabout art piece is going to the City Council on August 26. Additionally, the public
grand opening of San Pablo would be on October 11.
B. PARKS & RECREATION
None
XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
None
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
With the Planning Commission concurrence, Acting Chair Pradetto adjourned the meeting
at 6:38 p.m.
JOSEPH PRADETTO, ACTING CHAIR
ATTEST:
ERIC CEJA, SECRETARY
MONICA O’REILLY, RECORDING SECRETARY