Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1027 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY - OCTOBER 27, 1987 7:00 P.M. - CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE NO STUDY SESSION WAS HELD PRIOR TO THE MEETING. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Erwood called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. 11. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman Erwood led in the pledge of allegiance. Ill . ROLL CALL Members Present: Rick Erwood, Chairman Bob Downs Faith Ladlow Jim Richards Carol Whitlock Members Absent: None Staff Present: Ray Diaz vow Tim Connor Dick Folkers Tonya Monroe IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: No minutes were submitted for review. V. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Diaz indicated there were no pertinent actions from the October 22, 1987 city council meeting. V1 . CONSENT CALENDAR None. VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Continued Discussion on the North Sphere Specific Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant Request for consideration of the North Sphere Specific Plan and Draft Environmental Impact. Report for the area generally located south of MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 27, 1987 Interstate 10, west of Washington Street, north r of 42nd and the Whitewater Channel , and east of Monterey Avenue. Mr . Diaz distributed the technical studies to go with the Environmental Impact Report portion of the plan. He explained that at a joint planning commission/city council meeting on October 2.3, city council created a subcommittee composed of two members of council and two members of planning commission to evaluate all testimony received and written communications and re-evaluate critical areas. Staff recommended that after taking public testimony the hearing be continued to a date certain. Commissioner Richards reviewed the purpose for the study. He noted that the members of the subcommittee are Ray Diaz, Carlos Ortega, Bruce Altman, Dick Kelly, Jean Benson, Carol Whitlock, and himself. He stated that the purpose of the committee was to bring back results as soon as possible, and all testimony would be on record. He felt that the committee would have a recommendation for the planning commission at the next special meeting. Chairman Erwood noted that at the last meeting an area was designated as dormitory housing and asked for further information. Mr. Diaz stated that dormitory housing would be deleted. low Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION. GORDON E. PAULUS, 33711 Peacock Circle in Rancho Mirage, stated that he appreciates the efforts of staff and commission. He asked about applications in the study area and how they would be processed. Mr. Diaz replied that applications would be evaluated against changes to be made, but they will be processed in a timely manner. Commissioner Downs asked if items stopped by the moratorium have been allowed to proceed and Mr. Diaz replied yes. MR. DAVE CASE, 1160 S. Harbor 1n Fullerton, representing property on the northeast corner of Monterey and Country Club stated that they are planning a high-quality retail center. He stated that they were willing to work with the city in coming to a solution. He also indicated that they will be starting the planning process and wish to amend results of WRT plan. 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 27, 1987 �rrr Chairman Erwood noted that the WRT plan has not been finalized or adopted. MR. CHARLES MARTIN, 40840 Thunderbird in Rancho Mirage, described the Visa Development on the corner of Gerald Ford and Monterey. He also described the layout of the development and setbacks. MR. MIKE SMITH, 73280 El Paseo, engineer for the above project, stated that they are working on elevation and drainage with staff. MR. JAMES WARD, Visa Development 9300 Wilshire Boulevard, stated that the city has their full cooperation and indicated they would like to move forward as soon as possible. Commissioner Richards felt more time should be spent on the golf course. MR. BILL CARVER, 555 S. Palm Canyon in Palm Springs, expressed concern regarding rezoning of residential property down to PR-3, which could mean development of a golf course, because open space could not be done, or possibly developing country tow clubs. He felt that the north slope ridge toward the freeway would be a good place to increase density for family type housing although noise levels become a problem from railroad tracks and he did not know a mitigation measure. He suggested a regional center somewhere along I-10 for a future date at Rancho Mirage and Bob Hope Drive or at the Dinah Shore intersection. He felt that some consideration should be given to the property at the southeast corner of Monterey and Dinah Shore and is being considered as a regional shopping center. Outside the city in sphere in County, he didn't feel the city would get the property owner to come into Palm Desert with county zoning changed from industrial to commercial . He indicated there might also be a problem with density for property adjacent to apartments on Country Club. He also expressed skepticism regarding the wind belt idea. Commissioner Richards stated he was concerned with residential zoning at the freeway and railroad tracks and asked for Mr. Carver's comments. Mr. Carver stated that in Mexico they have some beautiful walls that are 18 feet high and this area needs some kind of sound barrier next to tracks. He indicated that drainage is also a problem along the tracks. 3 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 27, 1987 Chairman Erwood asked for any commission comments. Commissioner Richards also asked for any comments for the subcommittee to review. Commissioner Ladlow commented that it seems that corner properties are being used for hotels and markets. Mr. Diaz explained that when studying large parcels staff looks to see what can be allowed. He indicated that the corner is 20 acres. He noted that staff would prefer to see the commercial area of the Visa Development built first. Commissioner Ladlow stated that she would like to see more creative architecture done for future generations. Chairman Erwood stated that adequate provision needs to be made for athletic fields. Mr. Diaz indicated that the Parks and Recreation Commission looked at the plan and stated they do not want to see open space and parks to adversely impact the open space and park areas and programs already in the city. Chairman Erwood stated that he felt that issues for property in the area zoned open space have not been adequately addressed. Commissioner Downs stated that when he spoke to WRT he indicated that industrial along the railroad tracks is the only way to go and would be the proper way to block noise. Chairman Erwood questioned if light industrial down in the northeast corner of the project across from Palm Desert Resorter was appropriate. Commissioner Whitlock recalled a gentleman objecting to industrial uses across from the country club. Commissioner Richards indicated that Monterey and Cook would be arterial entrances and this should be taken into account. He felt there was a problem with PR zoning near the railroad tracks and any type of down-zoning. He noted pre-schools and medical clinics should also be considered. Mr. Diaz asked if commission wanted a separate hearing date for the continuance . Commission indicated a special date would be appropriate and selected November 24, 1987. Commissioner Richards stated that this would allow the committee to make some recommendations. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Ladlow, continuing this matter to November 24, 1987. Carried 5-0. 4 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 27, 1987 VIII. MISCELLANEOUS None. IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. X. COMMENTS None. XI. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Whitlock, adjourning the meeting. Carried 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8: 18 p.m. RAMON A. DIAZ, Secret +�wr ATTEST,: L RICHARD ERWOOD, Chairman /tm 5