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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1004 MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION THURSDAY - OCTOBER 4, 1979 7:00 P.M. - GEORGE WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL I . CALL TO ORDER The special meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order at 7:03 P.M. by Chairman Snyder at the George Washington Elementary School Auditorium. vow II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Berkey III. ROLL CALL Members Present: Commissioner Berkey Commissioner Fleshman Commissioner Kryder Commissioner Miller Chairman Snyder Staff Present: Paul Williams, Director of Environmental Services Murrel Crump, Principal Planner Dave Erwin, City Attorney Linda Russell , Secretary Sheila Gilligan, City Clerk Others Present: Tom Mitchell , Barton-Aschman, Special Traffic Consultant to Redevelopment Agency IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NONE V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - NONE vow VI . PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Case Nos. CZ 08-79, CUP 09-79, DP 12-79, 120 C and related EIR, ERNEST W. HAHN, INC. , Applicant. Request for a Change of Zone from PR-6, S.P. (Planned Residential , maximum of 6 d.u. per gross acres, Scenic Preservation Overlay) to R-3 (9) (Multifamily Resi- dential , max one d.u. per 9,000 sq. ft. of land area) on approximately 16.0 + acres located at the northeast corner of E1 Paseo extened and Hwy 111. Request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow commercially related parking and a City Fire Station in the proposed R-3 (9) Zone District on approximately 16.0 * acres located at the northeast corner of E1 Paseo extended to Hwy 111. Request for a Development Plan for a regional shopping center on approximately 62 ± acres in the P.C. (3) , S.P. and proposed R-3 (9) Zone Districts located generally at the northwest corner of the intersection of Monterey Avenue and Hwy 111. Request for preliminary Design Review approval of the total complex. Chairman Snyder announced that the Commission had met prior to this meeting, in Study Session for the purpose of discussing agenda matters to obtain idenification of the reports from staff. Chairman Snyder introduced Mr. Williams at this time. Mr. Williams began the presentation with a review of the requests before the Commission. He then asked Mr. Crump to present the staff report on the E.I.R. MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 4, 1979 Page -2- Mr. Crump presented the EIR, beginning with a brief background on the process of the environmental evaluation, resulting in a draft EIR. He stated the draft EIR was distributed for comments to the Public and Agencies on August 15, 1979. Mr. Crump, in reviewing the report, pointed out the Commission and Council 's responsibilities in relation to this case. He also noted the procedure required by the City Council before they grant approval ; and, noted that the Planning Commission must examine the effects of the project *AM noted recommends to the Council . He proceeded to review the significant effects the project would have. Air Quality would appear to have the most significant unmitigated effect. In the Case of Transportation/Circulation, Mr. Crump pointed out the estimates of design day shopper traffic represented in this report were most likely to occur on the 20th to 30th highest traffic days of the year. Other Significant effects he mentioned were: Surface Water Runoff, Energy Cunsumption, Economic Loss, Noise, Land Use, Fire Protection, Police, and Aesthetics. Mr. Crump then reviewed the comments received on the draft EIR, from various agencies. Comments had been received from Riverside County Planning Department, Southern California Association of Governments, the City of Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert Property Owners Association. In conclusion, Mr. Crump read proposed revisions to the EIR Text, indicating tht the revisions would become an attachment to the draft EIR. Mr. Williams then completed the presentation of the EIR by stating that Mr. Tom Mitchell , of Barton-Acchman, was present for response to questions on traffic. Also, a representative from Ultrasystems was present to respond to questions regarding the Environmental Document. He then began to describe the issues that relate to the project and solutions to these issues. Mr. Williams first pointed out the location of the project, the size, and the Zoning Districts involved. The request for a proposed Change of Zone was summarized by Mr. Williams, who indicated approximately 62 acres would be acquired for the project. He further noted that the total building complex, except for the Fire Station, is located in the area zoned P.C. (3) , S.P. The proposed Change of Zone would be for that portion of the parking lot now in the PR-6, S.P. to R-3 (9). He then indicated that the development would have a total square footage of 937,755 for the center. This would include various department stores, mall shops, cinemas, ice skating rink, food service, informational center, child care center, the Valley Players Guild Theater, and a community hall . Mr. Williams stated that the applicant has provided 3,940 parking spaces on the site, noting that this is deficient by 38 spaces from the proposed Ordinance. He indicated that the Ordinance can be met. He further pointed out the major acesses: Hwy 111, extension of E1 Paseo, and Monterey Avenue. He felt that in addition to the Change of Zone, a Development Plan and Conditional Use Permit was also being requested The CUP consideration was for the parking and the proposed Fire Station, and would be a part of the Commission's review. He suggested that the Commission include the recommendation of the Design Review Board, pointing out that a list of all the concerns of the DRB had been provided in the recommended conditions of approval . On the subject of traffic, Mr. Williams stated that a traffic study had been done by Barton-Aschman Associates, Inc. , on the project, and it suggests the street improvements. traffic signals, and intersection modifications that would be necessary. Drainage was another issue discussed by Mr. Williams who stated that two issues must be resolved. These issues were related to the Palm Valley Channel and Hwy 74/Monterey Avenue corridor. MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 4, 1979 Page -3- Further, Mr. Williams indicated that because of the size and potential number of people the project will be serving, fire protection would have to increase. He suggested a new Fire Station be built on the proposed project and a site has been provided by the developer. If the Commission agrees to a new Fire Station, he stressed that the issue then becomes "how does the facility get built and how does the specialized equipment be acquired". Housing was another matter brought up by Mr. Williams who pointed out that 5% of new employees would be brought into the Valley. He r stated that because it is not expected that these employees would qualify for housing, he feels this has a substantial impact. Mr. Williams emphasized that noise would become a problem on the east side of Monterey for the existing residential development. This is a problem that should be considered. In conclusion, he felt that if the Commission could solve these issues than the adverse impacts would be narrowed to one--Air Quality. He stated that he did not believe there are mitigation measures available to reduce the Air Quality impact. Mr. Williams then presented the staff's recommended resolutions to the previously described issues, using the illustrations provided, Mr. Williams pointed out the impacts on Hwy 111. He stated that a solution to this would be to improve Hwy 111 from Monterey to Parkview Drive. Further stating that signals should be installed at Hwy 111, at El raseo, 44th Avenue, and Bob Hope Drive. Four lane streets should be provided at Monterey, E1 Paseo extension, and 44th Avenue. Also signals should be installed at El Paseo and Hwy 74, Monterey and 44th Avenue. The solution to drainage, Mr. Williams felt was some improvement to the Palm Valley Channel and a need for interseptors from Hwy 74 to Palm Valley Channel , the Hwy 74 flooding. Mr. Williams indicated that the question of funding for all these improvements is the major problem. He presented a lengthy review of the ' potential funding sources. The conclusions reached by the staff were that neither the applicant nor the City were capable of funding all the necessary improvements. Therefore, in conjuntion with the County of Riverside an applicantion for Federal Assistance was being made. The Grant would include some on-site and off-site improvements. Mr. Williams stated all the recommendations of Planning Commission to the City Council , including the improvements that should be made subject to obtaining a Federal Grant. He recommended that the Planning Commission approve all the requests by Resolu- tion No. 536 which included several pages of conditions and a unique action which was to forward the total request package to the Council for final action. He suggested some revised wording to one of the WHEREAS'S which require referral back to the Commission any major changes made by the Council . He concluded by stating that he would answer any questions regarding the recommended conditions which the staff felt included all the necessary mitigation measures. Chairman Snyder stated he believed all the data on this project has been provided, and at this time, he opened the Public Hearing by first asking the applicant to make his presentation. MR. ERNEST HAHN, Applicant, 47-015 E1 Dorado, Indian Wells, began his presentation with a brief background on the research process. After he completed the research, Mr. Hahn stated that he entered into option agreements with Home Savings and Loan, the owners of the property. He indicated that his philosophy was to put a store with each type of relative merchandise without increasing the size. Further, taking a scientific approach, he knew of the traffic problems that exist. He also indicated that he analyzed all the businesses on E1 Paseo and believed that the center would not take away business from them because of the proposed location of the center. He felt that his philosophy would keep this business district intact. MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 4, 1979 Page -4- Mr. Hahn then showed slides of the proposed project and gave a short discussion on each slide shown. He introduced Mike Curby at that time to give a short presentation on the Ice Capades. Other representatives Mr. Hahn introduces were: Joe Dueno of Bullocks, Stew Cory and Ed Hamerick of May Co. , Bob Westerfield of Buffums, and Dick Donavan of Montgomery Ward. Each representative gave a short introduction of their store. Mr. Hahn concluded by stating that the company's philosophy was to provide more merchandise to all members of the "" family and to serve their needs. At this time, Chairman Snyder asked if any of the Commissioners had questions. There being none, he opened the Public Hearing, asking if there was anyone present who wished to speak in FAVOR of this project. DON MC NEILY, General Manager of Chamber of Commerce, stated that many people have showed favoritism to this center. Additionally, the space provided for the Chamber of Commerce in the proposed shopping center, would be shared with a list of other organizations. FLORENCE HAFER, expressed that she was very pleased to see that the Valley Players Guild Theater will have a place in the center. MICKEY KNIGHT, 72-627 Beavertail , stated that the City needs this center and also spoke in favor of the Valley Players Guild. HENRY HOYLE, stated he was in favor of the project but would like to see the Planning Commission do something for E1 Paseo, in terms of preventing anymore banks being built on the street. Chairman Snyder then asked if there was anyone present wishing to speak in OPPOSITION of the project. JAMES MC LAUGHLIN, 73-896 El Paseo and Rancho Mirage, asked a number of questions relating to the traffic survey. Chairman Snyder indicated to him that this information would be available and can be obtained through the City. Mr. McLaughlin further stated that he had reservations about the center. He does not believe the current population can support the center and it would take away business of existing stores. He stressed that this would not be consistent with the life style of this area. Chairman Sndyer asked for a rebuttal from the applicant. Mr. Hahn stated that the retail stores do not create people but rather serve them. The national average of this area has not been reached for department store space. He further added that the future of the existing stores lies with bringing more people to this community to serve those stores. Chairman Snyder asked if the Commissioners had any questions at this time. Commissioner Berkey asked Mr. Hahn to clarify why he chose this area rather than one of the other 10 sites he examined. tow Mr. Hahn responded by stating that the area he chose was because it is protected and not in a wind/blowsand area. Commissioner Kryder expressed a concern in relation to the. traffic at the intersection of the extended El Pas�eo. 'and 44th •Avenue. Mr. Hahn stated that that particular intersection would serve the center and that if it later required a signal , he would be more than glad to install it. MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 4, 1979 Page -5- Chairman Snyder added that a complete study had been made on this project and hoped the people would concur with the Commission's findings. He then closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Kryder questioned the drainage plan. Mr. Williams explained the proposed improvements to the Palm Valley Channel and that interseptors would be provided from Hwy 74 to Palm Valley Channel . Commissioner Berkey indicated that there was no metion in the conditions of the future signal on E1 Paseo and 44th Avenue. Mr. Williams noted that this would be added to the Special Conditions, Item No. 4, Listed as "e". Commissioner Fleshman expressed concern for the lack of data regard- ing the ratio of jobs vs. the available qualified personnel . He requested that the applicant provide additional data on this matter. Mr. Hahn indicated that this was an opportunity for high school , college, and senior: citizens. Further, that the major portion of employment would be for part time help. Chairman Snyder concluded by stating the problems related to the project have been discussed thoroughly and decisions should be made. He reviewed the alternatives and asked for a motion. Mr. Williams, at this time, summarized the revisions to be made on the Resolution: In the last WHEREAS, the last phrase to be deleted; in the same paragraph, after "request" add, "and the Planning Commission decisions and recommendations"; add to the same paragraph, the last sentence, "However, any major changes made by the City Council shall be referred back to the Planning Commission for conformation. " And, add to Special Conditions No. 4, Item e, to read, "44th Avenue and E1 Paseo when it meets warrants as determined by the City". Upon motion made by Commissioner Fleshman, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, Case Nos. CZ 08=79, DP 12-79, CUP 06-79, 120 C, and certification of related EIR were recommended to City Council approval by adoption of Resolution No. 536, as amended. Carried unanimously (5-0) . VII. OLD BUSINESS - NONE VIII. NEW BUSINESS - NONE IX. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS - NONE X. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NONE XI. COMMENTS - NONE XII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at t_9:57 P.M. NA PAUL A. WILLIAMS, Secretary ATTEST: WAL ER SNYDER, Chai,,rgan /lr