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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0519 M i NUTES PAIM DESERT PLANNING OOMMISSION !£ET1NG TUESDAY - MAY l9, 1987 7:00 P.M. - CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FREO MARING DRIVE ... . �► �► � * « « » . « * * . * . « » . �► « * � . � « » . NO STUDY SESSION WAS HELD PRIOR TO THE MEETING. I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chairman Richards called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner powns led in the pledge of allegiance. III. ROIL CALL Members Present: Jim Richards, Vice Chairman Bob Downs Faith Ladlow Carol Whitlock Members Absent: Richard Erwood, Chairman Staff Present: Ray Diaz Tim Connors � Phil Drell Catherine Sass D1ck Folkers Greg Holtz Tonya Monroe IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Consideration of May 5, 1987 meeting minutes. Action: Moved by Commissioner powns, seco�ded by Cortmissioner Whttlock, epproving the minutes as submitted. Carried 4-0. V. SUIHIARY OF OOUNC 1 L ACT I ON Mr. Ofaz s��miarized perttnent May 14, 1987, city council actions. VI. OONSENT CALENDAR None. �... M I I�JTES PALM DESERT PLANNING (�OMMISSION MAY 19, 1987 V I I. ORAL (AMMUN I CAT I ONS '"'� None. V I I 1. F�UBI.I C HEAR 1 NGS A. Case No. PP 87-19 - SION G1INMON, Applica�ts Request for approval of a negative declaration of environmental impact and precise plan for a two story, 9800 square foot retatt/office building to be located at the southeast corner of Highway 111 and Larkspur Lane. Mr. Orell outlined the salient points of the staff report. Upon questioning by Commission Downs, Mr. Orell explained that there was no way to add parking spaces in President's Plaza and indicated that each lot is entitled to have a certain number of spaces. Mr. Diaz indicated that if there ts a shortage in pa�king the� the businesses making the demand should 3otn an assessment district. Commissioner Qowns noted that when Keedy's Restaurant applied for expansion, they were denied. Mr. Dtaz explafned that restaurants required a special consideration in the President's Plaza because of the traffic they � generate. Commissioner powns expressed concern regarding ac�ing a two story building and the impacts on parking. Mr. Orell potnted out that the owners of the empty lots have a right to develop. Vice Chairman Richards o ened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the cortmission. MR. CHARLES MARTIN, 40-840 Thunderbird Road, Rancho Mirage, explained the ownership and future plans of the developer. Mr. Martin felt that more spaces could be added ff the parking lot was striped in a different directlon. He explained that the present tenants did not wish to move, so the developer would be building over the present tenants. He explatned that the pro,�ect went before the architectural cortmission and it r�quired addltional landscaping and a water element. He also indicated that this pro,�ect went before the p�oJect area committee to get started and at those meetings frontage road parking was atso discussed. Mr. Martin noted that the Mobil Station was fairly visible a�d did not feel this building would block any other buildings. He indicated that he agreed to the conditions of approval . 2 � MINUTES PALM DESERT PLAI�N�I I NG COMM I SS i(kl MAY 19, 1967 � Vice Chairman Richards asked if anyone present aished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the p�oposed. MR. SANOY BAUM, 45-800 Deep Canyon Road, indicated that his position was neutral and that he was present to represent a client. Mr. Drell addressed Commissioner pown's concerns by noting that condition #9 deals with parking problems in that tf a problem is determined at a future date the applicant would ,�oin a future parking agreement. Vice Chairman Richards closed the public testlmony and asked for comrt�ents Dy the commission. Commissioner Ladlow stated that she looked at the site and did not have any ob,�ect i ons, but was concerned about the bu i 1 d 1 ng be i ng two story. She asked what the future plans were for that street. Mr. Ore l l exp l a i ned that the goa l of the spec i f i c p l an for th i s area i s to deve 1 op n i ce new bu i 1 d 1 ngs on the H i ghway 1 1 3 F rontage Road and redesign older neighborhoods to improve the overall visual appearance. Commissioner Ladlow questioned the two story and one story uses. Mr. Drell indicated that this was a an alternative ` to having the ahole area two story. Commissioner Whitlock stated that this upgrading would enhance the corner, but expressed concern for the two story height. Commissioner Downs agreed with Cortmissioner Whitlock and felt thet more parking space was needed. Vice Cheirman Richards asked if there were plans for any changes to the diagonal parktng on the frontage road. Mr. Drell stated that the plan makes a general statement about two-way perking. Staff also indicated that they hed not seen any plans for buildings to the east, but had some initial discussions about what would happen to Keedy's. Vice Chairman Richerds reopened the public testimany and asked the applicant to address the cortmission. MRS. JOYCE GANNON explained that atl the buildings would blend and indicated that part of the reason they were working around Keedy's was due to the fact that it was considered a lanclmark. Vice Chalrman Richards asked Mrs. Gannon if in the discussion regarding Keedy's that it be torn down and rebuilt. Mrs. Gannon stated that they offered to move Keedy's to the other 3 �r.. M 1 NUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING OOMMISSION MAY 19, 1987 side of the wholesale business, but they did not wa�t that and � informed cortmission that Keedy's was offered a lease, but they have not taken it. Vice Chairman Richards asked if anyone eise wished to speak regarding the proposed. Cortmissioner powns suggested a continuance. Mr. Diaz explained that if it were to include the entire pro,�ect area and additional lot�, it would have to be re-advertised and would recannend a four-week continuance. Commtssioner powns stated that he would like the architect to come in with a larger pro,�ect. Mr. Martin fndicated that he would need some time to dlscuss this N1th the applicants. VICE CHAIRMAN RICNARDS CALLED A F1VE MINUTE RECESS AT 7:41 P.M. Vice Chairman Rfchards reconvened the meeting. Mr. Martin stated in discussions with his client, he intends to remodel the existing buildings in the future in a single story configu�ation, but is not ready to do it at this time. Vfce Chairman Richards asked Mr. Martin if he would be in favor of a contlnuance to research �ny possible redevelopment agency help and � study other ways to look at the pro�ect or if he would like to call for a vote. Mr. Martin stated thet he would not be in favor of a re-advertisement and noted that they had already taken a longer route. Commissioner Whitlock esked what the purpose was of this proposal only betng two story and all the other one story. Mr. Martin replied that ft was less of a� impect than the entire pro,�ect being two story and noted that there was a lot of two story along Highway lll . Vtce Chetrman Rtchards Indicated that commission was concerned because of parkfng and recent occupency problems in the President's Plaza. Mr. Diaz asked for a two Neek contlnuance to allow the applicant to work wlth staff to come up with a plan to remoclel the facade for one building on the whole thing, as well as look Into redevelopment agency assistance. Action: Moved by Commissioner powns, seconded by Commissioner Ladlow, contlnuing PP 87-l9 to June 2. 1987. Carried 4-0. 4 � MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNiNG COMMiSSION MAY 19, 1987 '� B. Case Nos. PP 87-14 and C/Z 87-3 - RAY-Al ENTERPRISES, Applica�t Request for approval of a negative declaration of enviro�mental impact, change of zo�e from R-2 to Office Professionel and a precise plan for a one story 18,550 square foat office compiex on the north slde of Fred Waring Orive west of Monterey Avenue between Acacia Drive and Adonis Drive. Mr. Drell outlined the salient points of the staff report and recomnended approvel . Commissio�er Ladlow noted that Fred Waring and Highway lll are gateway entries into Palm Desert and felt thet the proposed building was lacking the quality Palm Desert expects and would not add to the city. Vice Cheirman Richards opened the public testimony and asked if the applicant wished to address the commission. MR. BOB HARMON, 2090 Bernie, stated that he felt this was a good plan with a nice modern look about it. Vice Chairman Richards asked if Mr. Hermon concurred with the conditions of �"" approval . Mr. Harmon replied yes. Vtce Chatrman Richards asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposed. There being no one, the public testimony was closed. Vice Chairman Richards clarified the purpose of the Palma Village Plan was to create a use that would support development as a buffer zane. He noted that some citizen were unheppy with some development that hes taken place. He suggested the use of covered parking. He felt the applicant dtd a c�ood Job in bringi�g to the city what was asked for. Commissioner powns noted thet it exceeds everything required by ordinance. Mr. Drell informed commission that he had received a petition from ad,�acent property owners expressing concern for traffic and suggesting sig�s directing treffic to Fred Waring at each entrance. He noted that if this does not alleviate traffic problems, traffic circulation might be improved by the installation of cul-de-sacs. Mr. Harmon agreed to the added condition for directional signs. 5 �... MINUTES P11LM OESERT PIANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 1987 Actlon: � Moved by Gommissioner powns, seconded by Commissioner Whitiock, adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 3-1 (Commissioner Ladlow voted no) . Moved by Commissioner powns, seconded by Commissioner Whitlock, adoptt�g Planning Commissio� Resolution No. 1221 , approving PP 87-l4 sub,�ect to conditions as amended, and recomn�ending approval of C/Z 87-3 to city council . Carried 3-1 (Commissloner Ladlow voted no) . C. Case I�bs. PP 87-5 and C/Z 87-4 - CHAZAN OONSTRUCTION, Applicant Request for approval of a zone change from R-1 to R-2 (5) , precise plan of design a�d negattve declaration of environmental impact to construct a seven unit apartment pro,�ect at the intersectton of Portola Avenue and San Jacinto directly south of Oe Anza Way. Ms. Sass outlined the salient points of the staff report and recortmended app�oval . Vice Chatrman Richards opened the public testlm�ny and asked the � applicant to address the commission. MR. CHARI.ES MARTIN, archttect, stated that he concurred with the conditions and was present to ansNer any questlons. Vice Chairman Richards asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPf'OSITION to the proposed. MR. JOSEPH SCALISE, 44-706 San Jose, spoke in opposition to the pro,�ect. He noted that this pro,�ect wes one block from h1s home and other single family homes occupied by rep�esentatives of the backbone of the working people on the north side. He felt this use was not compatible because 1t would be occupied by translents and would depreciate the neighborhood property values. Vice Chai�man Richards info�med Mr. Scalise that 15 meetings with his neighbors had taken place to form the Palma Village Plan to help improve this area and promote development. 6 � MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANN[NG COMMISSION MAY 19, 1987 ,r,,., Commissioner powns asked if this pro,ject could be adapted for senior citizens only. Mr. Diaz stated that the city can't require en age limit without allowing for density bonuses. Vice Chairman Richards closed the public testimony and asked for comnents from the commission. Commissioner Ladlow expressed concern for the narrowness of San Jacfnto street a�d driveway access. Commissioner powns fndicated that he was concerned about this also. Commissioner Ladlow asked if there could be any other driveway. Mr. Diez explained that access was being limited onto Portola. Vice Chairman Richards noted that only one person was present to speak regarding this case and asked staff about advertising. Ms. Sass replied that the case was advertised, legai notices sent to within 300' , and that a sign was posted on the property. Commissioner Whitlock stated that she liked the pro,�ect a�d the layout on this unusual piece of property. She expressed concern regarding traffic demands, and felt that the size of the units and rental rates would generate a more stabie tenant. Commissioner powns felt there would be too heavy of a traffic for � this area. Vice Chairman Richards noted that this was e problem lot on a busy street and stated that development needed to be encouraged. After further discussion, cortmission determined that a condition should be added to provide a gate at the south entry. Action: Moved by Commissioner Whltlock, seconded by Commissioner powns, adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 3-1 (Cortmissioner Ladlow voted no) . Moved by Commissioner Whitlock, seconded by Commissioner powns, adopting Planning Cortmisston Resolution No. 1222, approving PP 87-8 subJect to conditions as amended. Carried 3-I (Commissioner Ladlow voted no) . Moved by Commissioner Whitlock, seconded by Commissioner powns, adopting Planning Commisslon Resolution No. 1223, recommending approvai of C/Z 87-4 to city council . Carried 3-1 (Cortmissioner Ladiow voted no) . 7 r.r M I I�1TES PALM DESERT PLAN�IING OOMMISS[ON MAY 19. 1987 D. Case No. PP 87-15 - CHAZAN CONSTRUCTION, Applicant � Request for approval of a preclse plan of design and negative declaratlon of environmental impact to construct a twelve unit apartment pro,�ect in the R-3 zone on the south side of Fred Wari�g Drive, 420 feet west of Portola Avenue. Ms. Sass outlined the salient points of the staff report and recomrt�ended approvel . Commissioner Ledlow asked for clarif9cation regarding the reduction in wall height from six feet to four feet. Ms. Sass explained that the crime prevention officer recortmended four feet. Cortmissio� stated that it preferred six feet. Vice Chairman Richards opened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the commisslon. MR. CHARLES MARTIN stated that he agreed with the conditions and revlewed the setbacks, height, landscaping, and agreed with the wall being six feet. Vice Chairman Richards asked if anyone present wlshed to speak i� FAVOR or OPF'OSITION to the proposed. There being no one, the public testimony was closed. �rr� Vice Chairman Richards felt that it was a nice looktng pro,ject and Commissioner powns noted that it exceeds requirements. Actton: Moved by Commissioner Ladlow, seconded by Commissioner powns, adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0. Moved by Commissioner Ladlow, seconded by Commissioner powns, adopting Planning Cornnis�ion Resolutlon No. 1224, approving PP 87-15 subJect to condittons. Carried 4-0. E. Case No. PP 87-17 - CFIAZAN OONSTRUCTION, Applicant Request for approval of a precise plan of deslgn and negative declaration of environmental impact for construction of a 10,637 square foot retall building in the C-t, S.P. zone on the south side of E1 Paseo, 217 feet west of Sage Lane. 8 � MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING OOMMTSSION MAY 19, 1987 �"" Ms. Sass outlined the salient points of the staff report and recommended approval , Vice Chairman Richerds opened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the commission. MR. CHARLES MARTIN steted that there was always access from the back to the front. He indicated there would be a walkway along the Polo Shop and aiso along the east prope�ty line. Ne informed commission that the architectural commisslon and required an additional flve feet of setback next to the Galleria for a total of 15 feet and 10 feet from the Harris property line. Mr. Mertin described the design of the buildings and landscaping and noted that Mr. Chazan did not went any restaurants as tenants. Cortxnissioner Whitlock expressed opposition and concern regarding the pink color of the building rendering and asked for assurance that the building wouid not be thet color. Mr. Martin stated that the colors would be to�ed down and could be worked on. Vice Chairman Richards asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposed. � MR. JIM FOXX, Galleria owner, stated that he was concerned that the owner had not contacted him and ind9cated that no easement exists for access to the site through the Galleria parking lot. He also indicated that he wouid also like to discuss an additional setback to allow a cafe appearance with tables and chairs and pedestrian access and condition the landscape plan to be done as late in the proJect as possible with the applicant possibly conferring Nith POD for the E1 Paseo design landscaping. Vice Chairman Richards asked if there was an easement agreement to link the parking. Mr. Foxx replied that no easement exists, but felt that a unified parking lot would benefit everyone. He indicated that some physlcal changes would need to be done o� the Gelleria to obtatn a smooth blending and sidewaiks would provide a united access. He stated that since he had no contact with the owner, he did not know if they were willing to enhance the Gelleria. V1ce Chatrman Richards asked if anyone else wished to speak regard9ng this case. There being no one, the public testimony was closed. 9 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 1987 � Mr. Oiaz stated that staff would not recommend a seating area between the buildi�gs due to fire protection. Further discussion commenced regarding possible access easeme�ts through the Herris property and possible options and commisslon determined that the case should be continued to allow staff to resolve some of the unanswered questio�s. Commissioner Mlhitlock noted that she was pleased with the design of the different store fronts. Action: Moved by Commissioner powns, seconded by Commissioner Ladlow, continuing PP 87-17 to June 2, 1987. Carried 4-0. IX. MISCEIL/►lIEOUS A. Cese !b. PP 87-10 - MIRALESTE INVEST!£NT OOR(�., Applicant Request for approval of a resolution of denial prepared per planning cortmission direction. Act i on: .,rr Moved by Commissloner powns, seconded by Commissioner Whltiock, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1225, denying PP 87-10. Carried 4-0. B. Case No. C/Z 87-3 - RALPH J11� V�OI�M�lA MESTFALL, Appi ica�ts Request fo� approval of a resolution of denial prepared per pla��ing cortmission direction. Action: Moved by Commissloner powns, seconded by Commisstoner Whitlock, edopting Pianning Commisslon Resolution No. 1226, denying PP 87-19. Carried 4-0. C. Redevelop�ent ProJect Area 2 - ClTY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant Request for discussion , comments , and recommendation to city counc9l . 10 .� MINUTES PALM OESERT PLANNING OOMMISSION MAY 19, 1987 "'�' Act i on: Staff explained that thls item was withdrawn until further notice. X. t)OII�NTS Mr . Sandy Baum spoke to the commisslon and asked that oral communications be placed both at the beginning and end of the meeting. After some discussion commission determined that it would like the oral communications to eppear at the end of the meeting. Action: Moved by Cortmisstoner pow�s, seconded by Chairman Richards, moving oral communications to the end of the meeting by minute motion. Cerried 4-0. X I. ADJOURt�N�NT Moved by Commissioner powns, seconded by Chatrman Richards, adJourning the meeting. Cerrled 4-0. The meeting was ourned at .... 9:24 p.m. ����,��'! . . RAMON A. DIAZ, Secreta AT ST: � , / � �l � JIM RI ARDS,` Vice Chairman / /tm 11 �