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MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY - SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
7:00 P.M. - CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
vow 73-510 FRBQ WARING DRIVE
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I . CALL TO ORDER
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� Chairperson Whitlock called the meeting to order at 7: 09 p. m.
II . PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Downs led in the pledge of allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
Members Present : Carol Whitlock, Chairperson
Bob Downs
Rick Erwood
Sabby Jonathan
Members Absent : Jim Richards
StafF Present: Ray Diaz
Kandy Allen
. Joe Gaugush
Phil Joy
Steve Smith
Seyed Safavian
Tonya Monroe
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Consideration for approval the August 21 , 1990 meeting
minutes.
O��ig�L:
Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Er-wood,
approving the August 21 , 1990 meeting minutes as submitted.
Carried 3-0-1 (Chairperson Whitlock abstained ) .
V. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION
Mr. Diaz summarized pertinent August 23, 1' 90 council actions.
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
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VI . CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Case No. PMW 90-08 - VISTA DEL MONTANAS HOA, Applicant
Request for approval of a parcel map
waiver to allow a lot line adjustment at
Vista Corona and Via Domingo.
Ac-t-io!l:
Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner
Jonathan , approving the consent calendar by minute motion .
Carried 4-0.
VI I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Case No. TT 26412 - JEAN HIRSCHI, Applicant
Request for approval of a five lot
single family subdivision north of
Crosby Lane, 225 feet east of Della
Robbia Lane.
Mr. Joy outlined the salient points of the staff report; �
described the letters that had been received in opposition ,
and recommended approval .
Chairperson Whitlock asked staff if the project was part of
a homeowners association and Mr. Joy replied no.
Commissioner Jonathan asked what the smallest lot size would
be if there were five lots and Mr. Joy answered they would
be a 20, 000 square feet minimum.
Chairperson Whitlock gIleaed the public testimony and asked
if the applicant wished to address the commission .
MR. HAROLD HOUSLEy, project engineer, 45-175 Panorama,
Suite F, informed commission that he had a number of
meetings with staff to prepare this development and it
met all zoning requirements. He indicated that the
fire marshal was asking a 24 foot width, but he would
prefer 20 feet, which was equal or larger that other
roads in the area. He stated that he would discuss the
matter further with the fire marshal . He felt their
lot sizes were consistent with other lots in the area.
He also felt that the applicant had a right to build
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
� consistent with projects around the area. Addressing
concerns mentioned in the letter that had been
received , he felt the property values would not go down
since the project was consistent with the neighborhood
and zoning and the project would be improve the area.
MS. JEAN ANN HIRSHY, applicant, felt the project would
be aesthetically pleasing and would not block views.
DR. ROTTSHAEFFER noted that the proposal was within
city requirements, it should increase the value of the
land, and should not to hinder views.
Chairperson Whitlock asked if anyone present wished to speak
in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposal .
MR. EDWARD BRITTONHOUSE, Crosby Lane Homeowners
Association, informed commission there were
approximately 15 different associations in Ironwood.
He expressed concern regarding traffic, lot sizes, and
ingress/egres.
MR. JOE GRANGER, 72-975 Carriage Trail , spoke in
opposition. He indicated that his lot abuts one and a
half of the lots in question; one lot was seven feet
higher and the other nine feet higher than his. He
felt that the proposal would cut his view to the south
and was concerned about road width and drainage.
MR. RICHARD SCHOENBERG, 49-300 Della Robbia, owner of
the lot to the south of the project , spoke in
opposition to the proposal and felt that the lots were
not consistent with the other two tracts that had been
approved in that area. He asked that the matter be
continued to allow more people to return from vacation.
He also expressed concern regarding setbacks. He felt
that the project should join into a legal property
owners association. He indicated that they probably
would belong to the Ironwood Master Maintenance
District and felt they should also comply with
standards within the Ironwood Country Club.
Chairperson Whitlock asked if the applicant would give a
rebuttal .
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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MR. HOUSLEY readdressed the commission and reiterated
that the configuration and size of the lots met city
requirements. He indicated that they plan to be good
neighbors and these would be nice homes. He also noted
that no parking would be allowed on a 24 foot wide
street and was not an issue. He indicated that the
actual grading plan would come before commission later
with a specific proposal .
Mr. Diaz informed commission that the grading plan would not
come before the commission for a public hearing.
Mr. Housley indicated that commission would be able to
comment on the tentative map and stated that they would
step down the pads from south to north onto Carriage
Trail .
Commissioner Jonathan asked the applicant to give some type
of reassurance to the residents regarding drainage. Mr.
Housley indicated that the conditions of approval require
them to retain a 100 year storm on site and felt that all
reasonable flows would be retained on site.
MR. ROTTSHAEFFER addressed commission and indicated ��
that he had not been aware that there was a Crosby Lane
Homeowners Association and he had owned this land
before Ironwood incorporated and they were not notified
about belonging , but he expressed a willingness to join
the association.
Chairperson Whitlock cl- .2q the public testimony.
Mr. Rittenhouse asked to address the commission to rebut
comments by the applicant; commission informed him that the
public testimony portion was closed.
Commissioner Downs felt the project was not consistent with
the area and stated that an extension of time was in order
or a denial .
Commissioner Jonathan felt that the proposal complied with
the zoning and was not persuaded by the objections. He did
not see a reason not to grant approval . Commissioner Erwood
concurred with Commissioner Jonathan and felt the project
was not inconsistent with the neighborhood. Chairperson
4 moo
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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Whitlock agreed with Commissioners Erwood and Jonathan and
noted the project concurred with current zoning laws.
Commissioner Downs requested a two-week time extension.
� Commissioner Erwood noted that legal notices had been sent
� and did not feel anything more needed to be done.
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Moved by Commissioner Jonathan , seconded by Commissioner
Erwood, approving the findings as presented by staff.
Carried 3-1 (Commissioner Downs voted no) .
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Moved by Commissioner Jonathan, seconded by Commissioner
| Erwood, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1467,
approving TT 26412, subject to conditions. Carried 3-1
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( Commissioner Downs voted no) .
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� B. Case No. PP 90-16 - J & P DEVELOPMENT, Applicant
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Request for approval of a negative
declaration of environmental impact and
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r precise plan of design to allow
construction of a 64, 200 square foot
� mixed use commercial complex in the C-1
zone on the south side of Highway 111 at
the city's western boundary.
Mr. Smith outlined the salient points of the staff report
and recommended approval subject to the conditions of
approval .
Mr. Diaz indicated that two other conditions needed to be
added : 1 ) Applicant shall provide commercial recycling; and
2) Parking lot will meet parking lot tree ordinance. He
also indicated that public works condition no. 9 should say
per Palm Desert Municipal code, not under Section 12. 16 and
26. 44.
� Commissioner Jonathan and staff discussed possible traffic
� flow problems from loading and unloading.
Chairperson Whitlock gpengj the public testimony and asked
the applicant to address the commission.
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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MR. JOHN PETTICINI of J & P Development indicated that
he was requesting approval of a mini -storage facility
that would be next to self-storage in Rancho Mirage and
felt that because of the unusual shape of the parcel
and adjacent uses, this would be a good use. He
informed commission that he was providing more parking
than other Palm Desert self-storage sites and the
corridors were similar to existing self-storage sites.
He indicated that it was uncommon to have more than one
or two cars using the facility at a time.
Chairperson Whitlock asked if anyone present wished to speak
in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposal . There was no one
and the public testimony was qd.
Commissioner Jonathan felt that while the use was
acceptable, the building was too much and more landscaping
was needed.
Chairperson Whitlock also felt the project needed scaled
down and landscaping was a concern.
Mr. Petticini informed commission that it would be reviewed
again by the architectural commission. Commissioner
Jonathan stated that he would like to see the project again
showing the smaller footprint. Commissioner Erwood
indicated the matter should be continued and the applicant
submit a drawing reflecting commission comments. Mr.
Petticini concurred.
Chairperson Whitlock Eggggppq the public testimony and asked
for a motion.
Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner
Jonathan, continuing PP 90- 16 to October 16, 1990. Carried
4-0.
C. Case No. P9» 89-5 - 0R. S.C. SHAH, Applicant
Request for approval of an amendment to
an approved precise plan of design for a
19, 750 square foot office building at
the southwest corner of Highway 111 and
Lupine.
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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Mr. Smith explained that the applicant was requesting to
� delete public works condition no. 7 from Planning Commission
Resolution No. 1378 adopted on August 15, 1989 relating to
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undergrounding of utility lines. He also informed
commission that staff was unaware at the time of processing
this application that a lawsuit had been filed. He then
deferred the matter to the city attorney.
Ms. Kandy Allen recommended that commission open the public
� hearing and take testimony and then continue the matter to a
date certain.
Chairperson Whitlock gggnpj the public testimony and asked
if the applicant wished to address the commission.
MR. LYNN CRANDALL, 74-361 Highway 111 in Palm Desert ,
indicated that if a continuance was considered, then
they would prefer it be to the earliest possible date,
which was September 18, 1990.
Commissioner Downs asked what would happen if the matter had
� not been settled by September 18. Mr. Crandall indicated
tow
that they were exercising the legal remedies available to
them.
Mr. Diaz informed commission that additional time was needed
for evaluation and indicated there was a lot of back log
cases.
Chairperson Whitlock asked if anyone wished to speak in
FAVOR of the proposal .
DR. S. C. SHAH, owner of the land, stated that he
requested approval of the project a year ago and felt
� that a continuance of three months was too long and
felt that staff had complete knowledge of the project .
Dr. Shah indicated that this was a small owner-occupied
project and the city was requiring them to go across
Highway 111 for utilities for this small project. He
informed commission that he did not "get anywhere" with
city council and was spending a lot of money for
Caltrans to improve sidewalks, parking and the cul -de-
sac and landscaping. He indicated that the city was
asking him for $300, 000 more to get the utilities from
across Highway 111 and he wanted the planning
commission to be reasonable and let him proceed.
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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Chairperson Whitlock indicated that the commission would
listen to the advice from the city attorney. Dr. Shah asked
that the continuance be to the next meeting, because the
project had already been held up for 15 months.
Chairperson Whitlock asked if anyone present wished to speak
in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposal . There was no one.
Mr. Diaz indicated that because of staff workload, the case
should be continued to the meeting of November 20, 1990.
Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner
Erwood , continuing PP 89-5 to November 20, 1990. Carried 4-
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D. Case No. C/Z 90-11 - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant
Request for approval of the prezoning of
the property north of Country Club ^
Drive, west of Washington Street, south
of the railway right-of-way to the
existing city limit for the purpose of
facilitating annexation of the area to
the city and a negative declaration of
environmental impact thereto.
Mr. Smith outlined the salient points of the staff report
and recommended in favor of the proposal .
Commissioner Jonathan asked how many feet away from the
railroad the office professional use would be and Mr. Smith
replied it was 800 square feet south of the first street.
Commissioner Jonathan asked for and received clarification
regarding the fly-over concept and traffic impacts by Mr.
Safavian of the public works department.
Chairperson Whitlock ggened the public testimony and asked
if the applicant wished to address the commission.
MR. GORDON E. PAULUS, 44-419 Sorrento Court ,
representing Equity Directions, informed commission `
that this pertained to their item which was next on the
agenda. He noted that in the North Sphere Plan it was �
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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recommended that a 2, 000 square foot buffer be provided
because of vibrations, smells, etc. He stated that if
the office professional/service industrial zoning were
approved, the city standards would be much more
restrictive than those in Riverside County. He
indicated that the applicant will comply with the city
standards and with mitigation factors and felt the
project would be a good neighbor. He informed
commission that they sent out many notifications and
had meetings in the late spring/early summer and
invited members of homeowners associations to come and
� review their proposal . He indicated that they had met
with Palm Desert Resort's association officers and with
� Sunrise Company, who was in favor of the project . He
� indicated that possible tenants would be restaurants, a
� financial institution, church, and day care, which
would be beneficial to the area. He reiterated that it
would be a high-quality project and with landscaping
and setbacks being provided next to the already
` approved county uses, this was an appropriate project .
He felt that the eventual Cook Street Interchange would
help reduce traffic in that area. Mr. Paulus told
commission that Mr. Dennis French and Mr. Rick Jacobs
were also present.
Chairperson Whitlock asked if anyone present wished to speak
in FAVOR of the proposal .
MR. EDDY BUSH, Vice President and Treasurer of the
Tandika Corporation, of which Avondale Golf Club was a
major asset, indicated that he has a small piece of
property and on the north end of it they would like to
have a small residential project. He was informed by
Riverside County Planning Department that if he did not
have final approval prior to annexation, he could be
� forced to start completely from scratch within the city
of Palm Desert.
Mr. Diaz informed Mr. Bush that if a subdivision was
approved by the county the city would accept it, and the
city policy has been to accept county approvals and abide by
those conditions of approval for as long as the development
approval was valid. He also suggested that Mr. Bush apply
to the city, although he would not be able to start
' construction until the annexation was complete. He named
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION `
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several examples of developments where this procedure had
been done.
Chairperson Whitlock asked if anyone present wished to speak
in OPPOSITION to the proposal .
MR. WAYNE GURALNICK, 74-399 Highway 111 in Palm Desert,
informed commission that he was representing the
homeowners at Palm Desert Resorter, which has
approximately 1000 units. He felt that while the
request was for a change of zone, he felt the change
was actually a change to the general plan, which was
presently residential , not office professional or
service industrial . He stated that the residents in
Palm Desert Resorter bought property under the
assumption that the property would remain residential .
He indicated that it was designated through hearings on
the north sphere as R-1 ; and was now beomg proposed as
a dual designation of O. P. /S. I . He noted that the
zoning and general plan must be consistent and
indicated that the change of zone and general plan
amendment were being done in one action by the mini
prezoning arrangement and felt the commission was
making a choice between the R-1 dual designation by the
adoption of the change of zone to an O. P. /S. I . zone.
He also indicated that this was the fifth time they had
been before a public agency opposing this development.
They appeared four times before the Riverside County
Planning Commission, who was going to deny Equity
Direction's plan, but it was thereafter withdrawn
before it went to the Board of Supervisors. He stated
that there were hundreds of people present at those
meetings. He requested that after conducting the
public hearing the matter be continued to a date in
October to allow a more representative number of the
opposition to be present. He felt the issue of traffic
was a major concern. He indicated that there seemed to
be one consistency in the different traffic studies and
that was the doubling of traffic that would occur for
uses other than residential . He noted that there was
residential there now with the Regency Estates. He
felt that residential development could successfully
occur in the buffer zone and felt that the developer of
Regency Estates was proving that point. Mr. Guralnick -
felt the scenic corridor on Country Club was nice until
getting to the existing Equity Directions development , �
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� PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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which was adjacent to the property in question. He
indicated that when Equity Directions received approval
� of their 40 foot buildings, it was their "pride and
� joy" . He also did not feel that a negative declaration
was appropriate for this type of action. He suggested
! that the general plan be left as residential and the
annexation go through, then let them come in for the
change of zone and general plan amendment and not part
� of the annexation process. He felt the development
' should stand on its own with an environmental impact
study.
MR. DOUGLAS E. MILLER, past president of the Regency
� Palms Homeowners Association and appointed by the
Regency Palm Homeowners director and residents to act
on their behalf. He asked if commission had a copy of
� the letter, that was delivered; Chairperson Whitlock
confirmed that they did and he requested permission to
� read the letter to the audience which was unanimously
opposed to any pre-annexation zoning and requested a
denial or continuance to the 16th or 23rd day of
October (see attached Exhibit A) . He indicated that
the board members of their association had heard
nothing from Mr. Paulus regarding the Equity Directions
proposal . He indicated that the proposal was denied
twice by the Board of Supervisors per the Palm Desert
Resorter and Regency Palms and he did not want to be
part of Palm Desert if the property zoning was going to
be changed. He felt the matter should be continued or
denied.
MRS. MARY STROSNYDER, 41-793 Preston Trail , a permanent
resident in Palm Desert Resort County Club. She
indicated that the Palm Desert Resort Homeowners
Association has an over 960 family membership and they
were vehemently opposed to the proposed project. She
noted that there were only about 90 residents at home
during this time of the year. When they purchased
their homes they were assured that the tract in
question would remain zoned for residential . She
expressed concern regarding traffic, the environmental
impact of traffic, noise, truck traffic with the
service industrial , and any restaurants or day care
facilities. She felt the property values would
devaluate and the quality of the residential life would
wow be incompatible. She asked that commission continue
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this case to allow appropriate membership
representation to be present.
MR. PETER SOLOMON, 76-857 Abby Court in Regency Palms.
He indicated that he and his family were the developers
of Regency Palms and Regency Estates. He noted that in
the staff presentation the existing buildings by Equity
Directions were described as "big, boxy and bulky" to
describe the two 40 foot buildings along Country Club
Drive. He reminded staff and commission that the
developer who approved and advocated these existing
buildings were the same applicant. He felt that
ultimately what was built was what the developer wanted
to be built and disagreed with Mr. Paulus blaming the
county for their standards. As a developer of Regency
Estates he was opposed to the proposed project. He
indicated they were extremely sensitive to the time and
value of the present homeowners and future homeowners
property. He could see no compelling reason for a zone
change and felt there were plenty of other, places for
office professional/service industrial development and `
the proposal would impact negatively on the Country
Club corridor. He noted that Bermuda Dunes just east
of Washington was an ideal place for this type of
development, as well as the Palm Desert industrial area
or in the large, vacant north sphere area.
Commissioner Jonathan asked for and received clarification
as to the location of Regency Palms and the location of the
railroad and potential adverse impact. Mr. Solomon noted
that Palm Valley developed right up to the railroad tracks
and they also had homes in close proximity in Regency Palms,
but indicated that the 30 homes in that last phase sold out
in under two months. Mr. Solomon informed commission ti��it
he lives in the last phase of Regency Palms and while the
trains could be heard, after a couple of days he did not
notice them anymore. He felL there was such a big demand
for housing in that corridor that they bought that
additional property to develop as residential .
MS. MARY KING, 77-027 Preston Trail in Palm Desert
Resort, and a member of the board of the homeowners
association. She stated that they were opposed to the '
project and she lived directly across the street and
bought the property knowing that it would be
residential . Maio
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� PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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MS. ADELAINE DOMICO, 77-055 Preston Trail in Palm
Desert Resort, expressed appreciation that the
commission allowed anyone to voice their opinion. She
indicated that they were from Ohio and were "snowbirds"
For about sight years before deciding to move and
buying property in Palm Desert Resort . She knew about
the residential zoning and was opoosed to any zone
change. She did not want to see the Country Club
atmosphere damaged.
MR. BRUCE LEGOWITZ, in Regency Palms, looked at the
proposed zoning before purchasing property. He was
concerned about traffic and was opposed to the
development and the potential negative impact.
MR. FRANK GONZALES, in Palm Desert Resort Country Club,
appealed to the commission for a continuance to allow
^ other residents to be present.
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MR. DAVID NICHOLSON, in Regency Palms, felt the is
sue
was the request for the prezoning. He indicated that
they cut their vacation short so they could be present
for this public hearing. He suggested a park as a
transitional use between the residential and commercial
area. He did not see a problem with the annexation to
Palm Desert but was opposed to the prezoning.
MS. JEANNIE ROSE STEIGER, broker/owner of Crestview
Realty in Palm Desert, informed commission that she had
purchased and sold many homes in Regency Palms and felt
that changing the residential zoning would devaluate
the homes in the area.
MR. JAMES STROSNYDER, 41-793 Preston Trail , indicated
that he and his wife selected that area because of the
scenic value of Country Club Drive and found out the
zoning and owner and information on the proposed
Sunterra development, and the land opposite their gate
was zoned residential and would remain so. He based
his decision to buy on this information. He felt the
project would make it impossible for the existing
homeowners because of the traffic. He indicated that
the Riverside County Planning Commission and Board of
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Supervisors voted against the change of zone.
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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MS. VELMA DICKENSON, 41-969 Preston Trail , speaking for
her husband also, stated that they purchased their home
approximately three years ago and were told that the
property across the street was zoned residential and
they fought and won with the county to keep it that
Y. She requested a continuance to a later date.
MR. BCE WILEY , 76-77 Queen's Court in Rege RU 1 ncy Palms,
expressed concern regarding the outcome of the
pr`ezoning annexation and the affect on his property.
He also expressed concern regarding the traffic and
road conditions. He felt these issues should be
addressed and was concerned about the short time for
the meeting notice.
R. SOLOMON'S son, 76-857 Abbey Court, addressed the
commission expressing concern regarding traffic ,
especially trucks going by when he's out riding his
bike. He was concerned about children playing around `
the edge of the curbs/gutters at the bus stop and the �
danger to them when trucks pass by. He felt it would
be harder to get out of Regency if more traffic were
added.
Chairperson Whitlock asked staff for rebuttal and
clarification on the possibility suggested by Mr. Guralnick
of this project coming in on its own, and addressing the
traffic issues.
Mr. Smith informed commission that there was a video tape of
the area if commission wished to view it . He also noted
that letters had been received in opposition from Carey
Wicke, Susie Solomon, Michelle DeSilva, Cammie Merkin, Linda
and Paul Fulterton, Keith Robinette, Buck and Donna Pruett ,
Mr. and Mrs. John Mann and they attached names of nine
others, Barbara and David Nicolson, Mr. and Mrs. Bird, Bruce
and Helen Wylie, Marjorie Coons, and Paula and Dorian
Freeman. He also received ten letter in support from Robert
Eschelle, Michael Smith, Jack Corkill , Cynthia Ewing, Robert
Simms, Brad Nestie and others. Mr. Smith noted that many
residents spoke about the scenic corridor and he found the
14 course wall on a five foot slope by Mr. Solomon at `
Country Club and Oasis Club Drive very objectional . He also
indicated that the landscape strip along the west side of
a
the Resorter did not have any plants and was dirt from
Country Club to 42nd Avenue. He hoped that if the area was
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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annexed into the city, a better job would be done and felt
strongly that residential did not belong on the property in
question and in the report it was staff's recommendation
that if the property had to be developed residential because
of the neighborhood concern, the county should do it because
of the long-term implications from noise and the potential
Eagle Mountain dumpsite and the railroad transporting the
trash. He noted that the residents north of Preston Trail
were notified because they were within the 300 feet. Mr.
Smith deferred the traffic issues to Mr. Safavian.
Commissioner Erwood asked if the two issues could be
separated and if they were, the city should not annex this
area into Palm Desert because the service industrial area
would have protected the area against noise and smell from
the trains. Staff concurred. Mr. Diaz explained that when
the north sphere plan was done, the county rezoned the
triangular portion of Washington and Country Club to service
industrial . The county also approved the existing two 40
� foot buildings and a grading plan on Oasis Club Drive which
put the street three to four feet above the property to the
west , as well as the railroad to the north and the county
was in the process of approving a measure to increase the
railroad traffic. He could not recommend R-1 zoning in that
area; addressing Mr. Guralnick's points, he indicated that
the area was dual designated and they were not amending the
General Plan or Specific Plan and the city has development
standards that are more stringent than the county. He
indicated that the grading in Whitehawk and Regency Estates
would not have been approved in Palm Desert, nor the
Resorter landscaping along Oasis Club Drive. He expressed
confidence in the city's development standards and any
project built there would go through public hearing and
landscaping would be put in and maintained.
Mr. Safavian explained that staff requested a traffic study
be done as though no previous study had been completed
because the one done for the county was not as comprehensive
as Palm Desert wanted. He felt it addressed the traffic
concerns and took into consideration future traffic demands.
He explained the proposed changes and diversions for traffic
to the area.
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� Commissioner Jonathan asked that if the zoning could be left
ftw' PR-5 and the property annexed into Palm Desert, then the
applicant could come in later with a zoning request and Mr.
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION �
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Smith replied that PR-5 was not an appropriate zoning for
the site from staff's view point.
Chairperson Whitlock Kanyd_ the public testimony and
informed commission that per advice from the city attorney,
she would be abstaining.
Commissioner Erwood concurred with the concept of taking the
annexation issue separate from the zone change, especially a
zone change that seems to be incompatible with adjacent
properties. He also noted that an applicant, by timing and
continuances, can wear down the opposition. He felt it was
appropriate to look at the existing buildings done by an
applicant and could not see a compelling reason for a zone
change. He noted the success of the other residential
developments in the area and felt the matter should be
separated. Commissioner Downs concurred.
Commission determined that staff should prepare a resolution
recommending approval to city council of the annexation, for °
adoption at the next meeting, and reflecting the current
county zoning.
ectign:
Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner
Erwood, instructing staff to prepare a resolution
recommending approval to city council annexation of the area
and reflecting county zoning. Carried 3-0-1 (Chairperson
Whitlock abstained ) .
E. Case No. PM 25270 - EQUITY DIRECTIONS, Applicant
Request for approval of a negative
declaration of environmental impact and
a tentative parcel map for a 75 lot
service industrial/office professional
subdivision on a 118 acre parcel at the
northeast corner of Country Club Drive
and Oasis Club Drive.
Mr. Gordon Paulus informed commission that the application `
was being withdrawn.
A cti���:
No action was needed.
16
/
` MINUTES
^ PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
VIII. MISCELLANEOUS
A. Request for determination of use for indoor batting
cage/miniature golf course in the service industrial
zone - STEVEN SPRINGER, Applicant.
Li�Ln:
Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner
Erwood , determining by minute motion that recreation
facilities are a potential conditional use within the S. I .
zone. Carried 4-0.
IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
' X. COMMENTS
None.
XI . ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner
Erwood, adjourning the meeting. Carried 4-0. The meeting
was adjourned at 10: 31 p. m.
ATTEST:-A t't-'L----4.--�-----�- � ..
'
CAROL WHITLOCK, Chairperson
/tm
17
Exhibit A Douglas E. Miller
Cotistruchon Consultant `� � wl
39-640 Regency Way V
Palm Desert, CA 92260 JG 2 9 1990
(619) 345-9586
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
City X PALM DESERT
City of Palm Desert
C/O Raymond A. Diaz, Secretary
Palm Desert Planning Commission
73-510 Fred Waring Dr.
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Subject; Prezone Case No. C/Z 90-11
(Equity Directions )
Dear Mr. R.A. Diaz,
I received a copy of your notice of Prezone Case No. C/Z 90-11 ,
(Equity Directions) Tues. Aug. 28, 1990 . You state that a meeting
will be held Sept. 4, 1990 at 7 P.M. , in the council chamber, at
the Palm Desert City Hall.
My name is Douglas "E" Miller, I am past President & Board Member
of the Regency Palms H.O.A. , & represent 110 Homeowners . The two
Homeowners ( 110) were unanimously in opposition to the Zone
Change requested by Equity Directions. As you know the Riverside
County Board of Supervisors, & the Riverside Planning Commission
have unanimously rejected this request TWICE.
Now Equity Directions is coming in the back door & you are open-
ing that door. The Homeowners of Regency Palms are unanimously
against any pre-annexation disscussion, because of the above, &
we will. appose any attempt by the City of Palm Desert to Annex
Regency Palms into the City of Palm Desert.
As the Elected Director & Representive of the Regency Palms
H.O.A. , I am requesting that you either cancel, or re-schelude
the pre-zone Case No.. C/Z 90-11 too at least the 16 or 23 day of,
;,Oct.. 1990 'Please Advise &. thank you. '
r r
<<, T S c rely, .
ri4 t� Douglas "E" Miller
cc; PALM Desert Resort H.OA.
Whitehawk H.O.A.
Peter Solomon
Palm Desert City Manager Mr. Altman
Customer Relations Quality Assurance Job Management