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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0118 . � � MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 18, 1977 7 PM - CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Palm Desert Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman Wilson at 7:03 p.m. in the Council Cham- �+ bers of the Palm Desert City Hall . II. PLEDGE - Commissioner BERKEY III. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner BERKEY Commissioner KELLY Commissioner MILLS Commissioner READING Chairman WILSON ° Others Present: Steve Fleshman - Associate Planner Sam Freed - Assistant Planner IV. MINUTES A. MINUTES of the Meeting of January 4, 1977. The following corrections were noted: � Page 2, 12th paragraph, reword as follows: "Commissioner Kelly stated that in relation to the parking deficiency, the future redesign of the main parking lot area would mitigate the deficiency. She further felt that there was a unique situation involved and that she would be in favor of granting the Variance and approving the Conditional Use Permit.° Page 3, 4th paragraph, under Oral Communications, add the following: "CLIFF HENDERSON, 73-597 Pinyon, spoke to the Commission and presented a rendering prepared by a professional planning group which he stated was his concept of how Highway 111 should ul- timately look. He further asked that the Planning Commission consider this in their dealings with the redevelopment of the city. He felt that Highway 111 has the potential of becoming a 'Wilshire Boulevard' in the desert. Mr. Williams responded to Mr. Henderson stating that this rendering would be presented to the Redevelopment Planning Priorities Committee for their consideration at their next meeting." Page 6 of the transcript, change the spelling of "Schneider" to read "Snyder" and also change "Prey" to "Pray". `� A motion of Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Kelly, to approve the minutes of the meeting of January 4, 1977, as corrected, was unanimously carried. January 18, 1977 Page One V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Chairman Wilson directed that letters received by the Commissioners from Mr. Clifford Henderson be turned over to the Secretary for pre- sentation at the next meeting of the Redevelopment Planning Priorities Committee. Chairman Wilson then asked staff if Mr. Henderson' s rendering had been presented to the Planning Priorities Committee. Mr. Fleshman answered that the rendering had not been presented as yet but that it would be presented at the next meeting of the Planning Priorities Committee which is scheduled for January 26, � 1977. At this time, Mr. Fleshman stated that in order to leave the rest of the evening free to discuss the C.O.D. Specific Plan, he was requesting that the Design Review Board items and the New Business items be presented now. The Commission concurred with Mr. Fleshman. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion of City Council Referral of a Proposed General Plan Amendment. Mr. Fleshman explained that the City has received two requests for amendments to the adopted Redevelopment Plan. Further, the said amendments have been referred to the Planning Commission as a single Redevelopment Plan Amendment by Redevelopment Agency Resolution No. 47 for evaluation as to the effects of the request on the City's General Plan. Mr. Fleshman then explained that it would be necessary for the Commission to determine the fol- lowing: �r 1. A portion of the requested amendment does not conform to the City's adopted General Plan. 2. An amendment of the City' s General Plan must be considered before the Redevelopment Plan Amendment may be considered. 3. Initiate a General Plan Amendment No. 01-77, to consider a change of land use designation from very low density residential (1-3 dwelling units per acre) to Service In- dustrial on a 3-acre parcel located westerly of the inter- section of Painter' s Path and 44th Avenue. 4. Schedule a Public Hearing to consider the matter for Febru- ary 15, 1977. 5. Instruct the secretary to notify the City Council of the Commission' s findings and actions. Mr. Fleshman then explained that at this time the Commission must not discuss the merits of this �particular amendment as this was not a Public Hearing. Staff was merely asking the Commission to either set the matter for Public Hearing or not set the matter for Public Hearing. � Commissioner Berkey moved that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 209, setting the matter for Public Hearing on February 15, 1977. Commissioner Reading seconded the motion; motion unanimously carried. January 18, 1977 Page Two � B. Discussion of Proposed C.V.C.W.D. Sewer Line Extensions. Mr. Fleshman explained that the City had received a request from C.V.C.W.D. ; that it was a standard request, but also an unusual request in that C.V.C.W.D, plans to install sewers on every street in the City located south of Highway 111. Mr. Fleshman further explained that the Water District had been granted the funds to accomplish this project and they did not receive funds to do the north side of the Highway. Finally, Mr. Fleshman stated that C.V.C.W.D, was asking that the Planning Commission find that this project would be in conformance with the adopted Palm Desert General Plan. There was a short discussion as to the effects this project would have on the City' s street overlay program. � Commissioner Kelly moved that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 207, finding that the above described project for the C.V.C.W.D. would be in conformance with the Palm Desert General Plan. Commissioner Berkey seconded the motion; motion unanimously ca rried. VII. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS A. Review of Cases approved at the Design Review Boa rd meeting of January 11, 1977. Mr. Fleshman explained to the Commission that there had been 6 items on the DRB agenda for January llth and that 5 of these items had been approved. However, staff was only presenting 3 of the cases to the Commission at this time as the DRB had rejected one case (which dealt with a request for approval of a 4-unit apartment complex to be located at Ocotillo and Verba Santa) ; and the two other cases would be carried over to the meeting of January 25, 1977, in order to allow the Planning Commission to review the Public Hearing portions of each case. The first case that Mr. Fleshman presented was CASE N0. 40MF- Final construction drawings for 130 new units at IRONWOOD for `�" SILVER SPUR ASSOCIATES. Mr. Fleshman gave a detailed descrip- tion of the project and showed all the plans to the Commission. He also explained that some minor changes had been made at the preliminary stage and that these changes were reflected in the drawings which he was presenting to the Commission tonight. After Mr. Fleshman' s presentation, there were no questions by the Commissioners. The next case presented by Mr. Fleshman was CASE N0. 21�A-New sign program for Geronimo's Restaurant-JOHN McCORMICK, Appli- cant. Mr. Fleshman gave the background on this project to the Commission and explained that the DRB had felt that the design of the new sign was excellent but that the size was inappro- priate. Further, under the new Sign Ordinance, the new sign would possibly be found to be non-conforming; as it was a free- standing sign and under the new Sign Ordinance, free standing signs for a building that has more than one use would not be allowed. There was a discussion regarding the new Sign Ordinance and the fact that the City Council will hold a Public Hearing on same on the 27th of January. The Commission seemed concerned that Mr. McCormick's sign might not conform to the new Ordinance. The Commission decided � to think about the matter and asked Mr. Fleshman to present the next case. January 18, 1977 Page Three Mr. Fleshman presented CASE N0. 48MF-Final construction drawings for five model homes for AFFILIATED CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. Mr. Fleshman explained that the Commission had reviewed the pre- liminary drawings for this project in November. Further, these o � final drawings had all the improvements and modifications which l,e,j � the Planning Commission and Design Review Board had wanted. �, Mr. Fleshman then presented the plans and elevations to the � R Commission. ti � The Commission was concerned about the roof treatment on the back of � � the first model . � .� There was another short discussion regarding the sign for Geronimo's. i�.,r - �-_, . Mr. Fleshman explained that Mr. McCormick could not be present at tonight's meeting; but that he asked that if the Commission could not decide on the matter, he would request that they con- tinue the matter to their meeting of February 15, 1977, so that he could be present and discuss the matter with the Commission. Commissioner Mills made a minute motion that Case No. 21SA be continued to the February 15, 1977 Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Berkey seconded the motion; motion unanimously carried. Chairman Wilson then stated that; the Plann�ng Commission still had a resolution before them regarding the two remaining DRB cases. Commissioner Kelly asked that a condition be added to Case No. 48MF, Model #201, deleting the rock and replacing it with crushed tile. The Commission agreed with Commissioner Kelly. Commissioner Kelly moved that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 208, with the deletion of Case No. 21SA and the addition of a sentence pertaining to the roof treatment on P�odel #201 for Case No. 48MF. Commissioner Reading seconded the motion; motion unanimously carried. � There was a brief recess at 8:03 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:08 p.m. VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. C.O.D. SPECIFIC PLAN Discussion of Housing, Conservation, and Parks & Recreation Elements. Mr. Freed ppesented the Housing Element to the Commission. Said element contains the goals and objectives, existing housing con- � � ditions, analysis of future housing trends, student housing re- o quirements, and census data. z QThere was a discussion pertaining to student housing. Commissioner N � Berkey stated that we seemed to be getting closer to the answers on �+ �► the student housing situation; however, there seemed to be a demand � N for centralizing student housing whereas the report indicated just Z the opposite. � � .,... ... _ Mr. Freed stated that he hoped to get a detailed survey regarding the student housing situation. Chairman Wilson was concerned with the type of questions that would �'" be contained in the survey. Mr. Freed explained that the questions would pertain to the type of housing desired, economic scale criteria, etc. January 18, 1977 Page Four Chairman Wilson stated that the figure for the average age of a C.O.D. student (26 years) was a distorted figure. Further, the adult student was the student who typically already has housing. Chairman Wilson then asked Mr. Freed to explain what types of projects would be contained in the comprehensive program of pub- lic works. Mr. Freed explained that streets, recreational , public insti- tutional and landscaping projects would be included. The discussion then centered on the drainage system for the C.O.D. �' area. Mr. Freed explained that the staff was working with the City � - Engineer regarding the drainage system for the area. Mr. ;�� , Freed also pointed out the areas on the aerial map that are �� subject to flooding. � n� � n; After a lengthy discussion regarding the Housing Element, Chairman ' � Wilson stated that his personal reaction to this report was that i� he was leased with the direction that staff �ras, n f rther, p l����E� Ai��[��D � he liked the idea of a college mediation board. , � � �' �-�s-» .,.y At this time, Mr. Freed distributed to each Commiss�o tual rendering of the C.O.D. Specific Plan Area-Neighborhood Park Plan. Mr. Freed then gave a presentation of the Conservation, Open Space and Recreation Element of the C.O.D. Specific Plan. His presentation included the introduction, goals and objec- �4 tives, and a background of the element. V • �<v`' Mr. Fleshman then explained to the Commission that the City � Council had formed a new Parks and Recreation Commission and ��, �1 that the Planning Commission would be working closely with � =J �' the new Commission. `� � After a discussion pertaining to this element, the Commission seemed � to feel that the reports and information presented were a good bec�in- ning. They did feel that this element should be the last one considered i n order to al���r���� and Recreati on Commi ssi on to get off the ground. . �..�s-�r � X. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None XI. COMMENTS A. City Staff Mr. Fleshman informed the Commission that he would be leaving the employ of the City at the end of the month. Further, he had enjoyed working with the Commission during h�s time with the City. B. City Attorney � None j C. Planning Commissioners Chairman Wilson asked if the City' s Solar Energy Committee was still holding meetings. Mr. Fleshman answered that they had had 4 or 5 meetings in 1976 and that no meetings had been held since September. January 18, 1977 Page Five There was a brief discussion pertaining to the energy situation and fuel shortage situation. Chairman Wilson then asked about the "pad" controversy. Mr. Fleshman explained that the tNanscript from the last Planning Commission meeting had been turned over to the City Council for their meeting of January 13, 1977. Further, the same people who had been at the Planning Commission meeting spoke to the Council at their meeting on the 13th and the City Council has the matter under advisement. � Mr. Fleshman then gave a brief recount of the City Council decisions pertaining to the re-zoning cases which had been heard at their last meeting. XII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Mills moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Berkey seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m. , _ �,�.--�' ST . FLESHMAN, ASSOCIATE PLANNER �"" ATTEST: . �� � u S OY WILS d, HAIRMAN L DESER PLANNING C0 ISSION �r... January 18, 1977 Page Six CLIFFORD W. HENDERSON PRESIDENT FOUNDER PROPERTIES, INC. ARE,. 714-348•8588 January 10, 1977 � 73-651 EL PASEO�P. O. BOX 1 �� PALM DESERT,CALIFORNIA 92280 Palm Desert City Planning Commissioner P .0 . Box 1977 Pa1m Desert, California 92260 Dr. Roy Wilson, Chairman At a Recent Date , the Pa1m Desert City Planning Commission extended me the Courtesy of Presenting a Proposal to Create for our Community a Safe, Broad Smart Avenue as a Replace- ment to the Present State Highway 111 and the adjoining Frontage Roads as they involve the Palm Desert Community. The Regrettable, Cumbersome Traffic Hazards of this Im- portant Sector of our Community has long been acknowledged. There comes a time when the Circumstances such as now Exists must be Intelligently Corrected. The Opportunity is Unique because of the extensive Land Area extending from Curb to Curb through Palm Desert. �, The Time is Now for Palm Desert: The Creation of a Fashionable, Merchandising Avenue from what Exists Today would forever be a Credit to those of you who Exercise the Civic Fortitude to Activate this Project. Very cordially yours , C � �d'f��� � / / � "Palm Desert—Smartest Address on the American Desert" . LIF O L W. HENDERSON PRESIDENT - FOUNDER PROPERTIES, INC. �..�. ARlA 714 FIR@SIDE 6-6'S88 (� �J 78-651 EL PASEO� P.O. OX , January �O� �;J�/ PALM DESERT. CALIFORNIA 92260 Planning C�ommissioners City of Palm Desert P .O. Box 1977 Pa1m Desert, Calif. 9226� Attn: Roy Wilson, Chairman Dear Sirs: This Communication is being Forwarded to Amplify the Scope and Objec- tives embodied in the Proposal which I submitted to the Pa1m Desert Planning Commission on January 4, 1977 . The City of Palm Desert enjoys the unique Opportunity of Creating from the Impractical, Unsafe, and in a sense - Ugly Roadway through our City into a Broad, Smart , Fashionable Avenue extending from Curb to Curb through the Palm Desert Community. Most importantly, it would permanently Correct the prevailing Traffic Confusion which must be �"' anticipated will Multiply as our Community Grows . Furthermore, it would establish an Avenue which would Complement the Smart and Success- ful Character of E1 Paseo . The End Result would be the Envy of every V illage and Sma11 City of the Nation. The Present Highway and Service Roads are, in Fact, the Unanticipated Result of the Fact that a Major Planned Post War Community Developed in the Beautiful and Protected Barren Cove extending South of the Original Highway 111. This Proposal Utilizes the Present Highway 111 plus the two Accompanying Service Roads and the Barren Strips . In brief, it is proposed that all of the Land Area, from Curb to Curb , be Utilized . A further Study could very well Establish the Adviseability of provid- ing Broader and more unique Sidewalks in front of the ma.ny fine Shops and Financial Establishments that will most definitely Materialize as a Plus for the Tota1 Community. This Alternative would only slightly reduce the Curb to Curb distance of the Avenue . This is a matter of Record - approximately 25 years ago the Major Prop- erty Owners of Wilshire Boulevard in both Beverly Hi11s and Los Angeles Activated a Concerted drive to Recreate from the present Wilshire Bou1e- vard a Wider , Smarter A�venue comparable to the Champs-Elysees in Paris �,,,,,,, or the Broad and E1ite Avenues in V ienna and other Cities in Europe and South America. About that same time the Property Owners and Merchants "Pad»a De.rert—Smartest Addre.r.r on the Amet�ican Detert" + • Palm Desert Planning Commissioners Jan. 10, 1977 of Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, Devoted at least three years in a Comparable Effort to Widen the Present Palm Canyon Drive and to Create � a Broad Avenue. Both Projects obviously would have involved the De- molition and Major Reconstruction of the Front Portion of a11 Buildings Facing the existing Sidewalks . Both Programs were eventually Abandoned because of the excessive Costs in Millions . It is a Matter of Record that State Highway Funds have been Shared with Local Communities to accomplish Urgently Needed Highway Improvements and Realignments invol�ving Traffic Safety and Convenience . This Problem as it involves the Palm Desert Community must of necessity be Identified as ACUTE . This Project, would of necessity, be a Joint Venture with the Califor- nia State Highway Commission and the Owners of the Frontage Properties on the present two Service Roads . The Costs , however , would not be Prohibitive in relation to the End Result. IN SUNIMt�RY - It must be Honestly Acknowledged that the Present So-Called "Main Streeto' of Palm Desert continues to be an Ugly, S�rious Traffic Safety Problem. Civically it no�ca represents our Community as being Far Short of the Quality Image which the Total Community Deserves . IN CONCLUSION - It is my earnest Hope the present Palm Desert City Plan- ning Commission will, without delay, Present this Proposal to the Palm Desert City Council with their Strong Recommendation that the Council '"�"" Activate the required Formal Procedures to accomplish the Objectives incorporated in this Communication. Respectfully Submitted, � �--� � � ` C � ��,2 SO / l! 1 CC: George Berkey, Vice Chairman Charles Reading Gloria Kelly Nelson Mi11s �