HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 01-27-86 MINUTES
TUSTIM PLANNING CO~ISSION
REGULAR )IEETING
JANUARY 27, 1986
CALL TO ORDER:
7:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Wetl, Puckett, Baker, McCarthy, White
Also Present: Don Lamm, Ed Knight, the consultant team, Suzanne
Atkins, Donna Orr and approximately 200 citizens
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION
PRESENTATIONS:
None.
PUBLXC (~)NCERNS:
None.
CONSENT ~ALEMDAR:
1. Minutes from Planning Commission meeting January 13, 1986.
2. Approve Final Tract 8451 by the adoQtion of Resolution No. 2293.
Puckett moved, White seconded to approve the Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC ItEARXNGS
3. EAST TUSTIN PLANNED COMMUNITY
A. DRAFT EIR 85-2
B. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 86-1a, b, c.
C. ZONE CHANGE 86-1
D. SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 8/EAST TUSTIN
Applicant:
Locatt on:
Motion carried 5-0.
An application filed jointly by the city of Tustin and Monica
Florian on behalf of The Irvine Company.
An area bounded by the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) to the south,
existing residential development in the city of Tustin and the
unincorporated communities of Lemon Heights and Cowan Heights to
the west, unincorporated land to the north, and unincorporated
area within the sphere of influence line (Myford Road) for the
city of Irvine to the east.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 27, 1986
page two
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
Request:
To amend the General Plan, Zoning and enact a specific plan to
permit the development of 7,950 dwelling units, plus
neighborhood commercial, general commercial, mixed use {which
includes commercial, office, research & development) and related
public facilities on 1,740 acres.
Presentation:
Donald D. Lamm, Director of Community Development
Don Lamm, after presenting the staff report, introduced the following letters
received for the record:
Foothills Community Association dated January 22, 1986
Tustin Chamber of Commerce dated January 24, 1986
Elinor and Roger Tompkins dated January 24, 1986
Janet Hart dated January 25, 1986
County of Orange dated January 27, 1986
Petition opposed to La Colina as a connector with approximately 46 signatures.
Ed Knt~ht, Senior Planner, gave an overview of the present status of the project.
Larry Webb, consultant, explained the density transfer through a slide presentation.
Montca Flortan, The Irvtne Company, made herself and the other team members available
for questions. She commented they envision approximately 7 church sites and will
sell sites at a reduced value of about 75% of the market rate. They have negotiated
an agreement with TUSD to ensure the provision of school facilities.
Don Lamm recommended that the Planning Commission delete Racquet Hill as a connector
in the specific plan.
Commissioner White clarified that assessment districts will burden the land being
developed and not any other tax payer outside that area. He further clarified that
if a default occurs it will be dealt with by the value of the land burdened and not
any other tax base. Ed Knight responded that is correct. White further questioned
if elevations and other details of the specific products in a project area will be
reviewed by the Commission or in some other manner. Ed Knight responded they will be
reviewed by the Commission; non discretionary review by design review. The
discretionary review would be through the CUP process.
Chairman Wetl opened the public hearing:
Netl Harkleroad, 2252 Lichen Lane, questioned if property taxes would be increased to
pay some or all of the costs of East Tusttn, namely public facilities such as schools
and IRWD services. He further explained in detail how the fiscal impact reports are
inadequate; revenue sources are not in dispute but the amount of sales, property
billed and sold and new people are speculative; and, asked that action on the
specific plan and EIR be delayed until the financial aspects can be addressed.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 27, 1986
page three
Stan Hoffman, consultant, addressed some of Mr. Harkleroad's concerns with specific
revenue sums and explained that assumptions in the report were arrived at by group
decision with either the city staff or The Irvine Company. He agreed that the report
does not show capital costs, however, the city has researched assessment districts
and other forms of capital facility financing.
Larry Webb, consultant, added that this is not a static projection; the project will
be evaluated periodically.
Commissioner White asked that they expound on the phasing plan of fiscal impact with
each sector or map that is submitted. How is that requirement incorporated
specifically into this approval?
Stan Hoffman responded that a development agreement will deal more with performance
standards.
Don Lamm explained that the development agreement will lay out a system to look at
the long term fiscal impacts on a short term basis. The development agreement has
always been a requirement of the project. It had been published to be considered
tonight unfortunately it is not in its final form. The developer cannot proceed
until the agreement is received and approved by the City Council.
Staff Hoffman, responding to Commissioner White's concern, explained that they did
not take into account any increase of taxes in other parts of the city; East Tustin
was examined in it's own entirety.
Harkleroad, further expressed his concern over the possibility of losing 1/3 million
dollars by the loss of revenue sharing; the city will then be in worse shape with a
potential red ink position in East Tustin. If revenue sharing wasn't included in the
fiscal report, it should be, especially with major improvements on Browning, Red
Hill, etc., outside of the East Tustin area.
Marshal Krupp, 1891 Beverly Glen Drive, pleased with the recommendation that Racquet
Hill not be included as a connector. He expressed concern with the lack of current
traffic counts in the EIR to assume what the new counts would be, there is no
justification for the increase in traffic counts and there is no discussion of the
impact in the county area. He wondered who will pay for the needed improvements in
the county area to accommodate the new traffic generated by the East Tustin area.
The EIR discusses mitigation measures for the impact on schools; temporary
facilities, double sessions, busing, etc. But, the EIR does not define what the
impacts of those mitigation measures are on the residents of the area presently using
the system. In addressing density, he related the tax rates applied to the
properties in the area to the number of units; the more units allowed in the area the
lower the rate applied to one particular unit. So, if there is a multitude of
capital projects the more units out there means the less rates the Irvine Company has
to impose on the new buyers of properties. If the buyers want the amenities that go
along with a new area such as East Tustin, they should pay for those no matter how
many units are there.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 27, 1986
page four
Although capital assessment districts using a Mello Roos Facilities Act cannot be
voted out by the owners of properties that would be buying property in that area,
operation and maintenance assessments can be voted out by a 2/3 vote. Meaning that,
if the Irvine Company agrees to an assessment district for operation and maintenance
both for capital and operation and maintenance, and the assessment district is
applied on their property as a whole, those assessments will be passed on to new
buyers of property. Although those new buyers of properties may not have the ability
to vote out a capital assessment cost imposed upon their property, they may by a 2/3
vote determine that their property taxes are too high, i.e., the assessments are too
high and therefore by a 2/3 vote may vote out those assessments. Therefore, he
recommends that the Commission try to restrain in the development agreement the
ability for any 2/3rds body of property owners to vote out the O&M if you don't want
it to fall back to the city as a cost in the future.
His final comment was that any agreement between the school district and the Irvine
Company should be a three party agreement holding the city just as liable as the
Irvine Company.
Jeffrey Oderman, attorney representing residents in the Lemon Heights area, addressed
four concerns: 1) Density and compatibility of the residential adjacent to existing
property; the specific plan fails to implement the goal of compatibility in two
respects a) the existing residential development is mostly on 1/2 acre minimum lots,
the adjacent development can be on lots as small as 5,000 sq. ft. (8 units per acre)
and if clustered as permitted can be on lots as small as 3,000 sq. ft. (12-14 units
per acre). 2) Traffic impacts: a) location of the future extension of Jamboree Road
jogs to the left and comes within 600 ft. of existing residences, b) east west
connectors from the project through north Tustin area. By eliminating Racquet Hill
you solve only 1/4 of the problem because there are three connectors left which will
be forced to accept the spill over from what would have dumped onto Racquet Hill.
The EIR admits that these connectors, "do not serve any vital circulation needs as
far as East Tustin is concerned". 3) School impacts: TUSD and the Company
agreement; the EIR is totally inadequate on the issue of schools in terms of
informing the Commission and public on the impacts and in terms of committing
prevention of impacts. The MOU should be reviewed and publicly aired and analyzed by
way of the EIR process so that inadequacies can be dealt with. 4) Overall density
and intensity of use of the project: the development calls for about 1,000 more
dwelling units than permitted under the city's general plan. Low density residential
has the most positive fiscal affect; high density has the worst revenue impact. Yet,
the specific plan cuts the lowest density in half and the high density is increased
to over 6,000 units. The rationale for the project is contradictory to the proposal.
He implored the Commission to take their time and thoroughly review all the
information submitted on the plan. Requested the Commission defer action; it is
premature to act tonight because the project itself is so vaguely defined it is hard
to determine what the impacts are. Secondly, he requested they revise the densities
on the western border of the project adjoining existing residential development to
make the project compatible. There is not one location in the EIR where there is a
comparison of proposed and existing. Requested they not permit any clustering at the
boundary.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 27, 1986
page five
Bill Tucker, 2012 La Colina, FCA, he's attended several information meetings
involving the East Tustin plan. Throughout all the meetings, it was made clear that
there was no need to use La Colina as anything more than a connector. With this 12th
hour request to amend the plan to make La Colina a secondary road, it contradicts
what has been intended. One of the ways to mitigate impacts on existing north Tusttn
areas is to keep the east west connectors at a commuter level.
Janet Sanders, 10962 Lake Court Rd., submitted a petition signed by 249 residents of
the Lemon Height, Lower Lake, Skyline area opposed to making Lower Lake a through
street.
Judy Malue~, 10962 Bent Tree Rd., opposed to making Lower Lake a through street which
would create traffic on streets that are inadequate to handle the impact.
John Owen, 9726 Willow Glen, commented the proposed improvements provide much needed
relief to the existing congestion, provide a regional park and golf course. These
land uses are critical regional amenities which will be used by the county and Tusttn
residents. His concern is with transfer of density and wants to ensure compatible
densities are preserved. He supports the plan with implementation of careful review
processes in connection with transfer of densities.
Carl Greenwood, 2102 Racquet Hill, Racquet Hill Homeowners Association, pleased with
staff's support to delete Racquet Hill as a connector. If the Commission endorses
staff recommendation for deletion, they will support the plan.
Gerald Feldman, 13191Wtckshtre Lane, Bellewick Community Association, after meeting
with The Irvine Company, they support the plan.
John Butler, 17431 Parker Drive, supported the plan and expressed confidence in The
Irvine Company's effort to do the best job for the community.
William Durktn, 1451 Sycamore, requested the Commission take into account the
community's cultural arts needs.
Bob Bennyhoff, 10642 Morada Drive, Orange Park Acres Association, questioned the
traffic volumes going north into East Orange.
Terry Austin, consultant, estimates approximately 25~ of East Tusttn residents
traveling into Orange and 25[ from Orange traveling into Tusttn. The estimated
volume on that portion of North Myford Road is about 20,000 vehicles per day.
Larry Sutherland, TUSD, explained that at a special meeting on January 27th the TUSD
approved an agreement with The Irvine Company regarding the provision of school
facilities in East Tustin. Both parties agree that a condition be included in the
specific plan to require that final residential maps shall not be approved by the
city until such time as TUSD and the Company have entered into the
necessary agreements to enable the school district to obtain financing.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 27, 1986
page st x
Commissioner Wetl questioned if the Commission can condition the approval process of
the agreement. Mr. Lamm responded that the city can place a condition stating that
no development can occur or a subdivision map cannot be finalized or recorded without
the approval of the school district on the financing for public schools, or it could
be included in the development agreement.
Commissioner McCarthy questioned if this agreement would have any affect on the
children presently in the district. Mr. Sutherland responded that facilities will be
maintained for current students and no hours would be changed. The specifics are not
in the agreement; it states that as the planning process proceeds such matters will
be resolved. Mr. McCarthy questioned if this would be through a public process.
Mr. Sutherland said, "either or both".
Commissioner White clarified the concept of the agreement is to deal on a map by map
basis. He further clarified that the district's intent would be that those
facilities would be provided in accordance with the district's ability to secure
alternative funding whether private, state or federal. Sutherland responded that
flexibility is the goal.
Tom Tracey, 2232 Racquet Hill, member of the finance committee of the Roman Catholic
Diocese of Orange, focused on the lack of church site availability due to cost
and, lack of security now and during construction of the land. A 25% discount, as
the Company tonight proposed, is inadequate for a non profit organization and he
challenged the Company to produce evidence regarding purchase and existence of church
sites in Irvine. He further stated there would not be a Catholic Church among the
Company's newly proposed seven in East Tustin because of the cost of land.
Stephen Johnson, 420 W. Main St., recommended the Commission not make a decision
until the public review period expires on January 31st and wondered who will bear the
capital improvement costs. He further discussed bonding procedures and negative
financial impacts. He suggested the new TUSD and Company agreement concerning school
facilities be incorporated into the EIR. He further informed that an offer to enter
into a development agreement at sometime in the future is not a contract itself;
unless it ts Incorporated into the plan, It has no btndlng affect.
Stan Hoffman explained the fiscal analysis will become a part of the development
agreement. Regarding capital improvement costs, he explained that the city has been
undertaking with the Company a series of studies to look at the burden that would be
placed on the land owners through various techniques such as Mello Roos or special
assessments.
Stephen Johnson continued by pointing out that the city is at the height of its
bargaining power to ensure Improvements are made by the developer. If conditions are
not incorporated tnto the EIR and Spectftc Plan In wrttlng, the ctty wtll lose thts
bargaining power.
Don Lamm explained at the specific plan level we are not detailing how capital costs
will be funded. Under subdivision laws the city has the power to condition/exact
improvements at the cost of the developer which could include the widening of Irvine
Blvd., Browning Avenue, the Jamboree Road extension, the widening of Myford, all the
internal local sewers that go within the residential development, all the regional
Planning Commission Minutes
January 27, 1986
page seven
sewer and water delivery systems (IRWD). Regional improvements will be funded by an
assessment district on the land. The first assessment district will fund nearly
$50,000,000 in costs for the E1 Modena channel, E1 Camino Real new road, traffic
signals and 60% of the interchange at Jamboree and I-5. Overall, the residents of
East Tustin will pay for every single expense involved for every single improvement
done.
Stephen Johnson, questioned the impact of Government Code Section 65915 on this plan
should (he developer request 25% more units be permitted for affordable housing.
Don Lamm, the developer is forsaking that right to the increase via the development
agreement that sets the cap of 7950 units.
Stephen Johnson, asked to submit that to the attorney for an opinion because it
doesn't appear to be something that can be waived by the city as a requirement of
development. He further emphasized that these types of conditions should be set out
in writing.
Bill Ordwa¥, 2042 Inwood, requested the Commission not make a decision until the
public input period expires on January 31st. The neighborhood continuity is
challenged by the future road. The EIR has not adequately addressed the impacts on
existing neighborhoods. He strongly encouraged the Commission not rush into a
project of this magnitude. Further, he would like to see the city stay with the
original density established in the General Plan; no benefit to the city to increase
the density. Density has a direct relationship to traffic.
Ida Dickenson, 1429 Bryan Ave., Tustin Gold Key Association, concerned with the
Company's ability to build a density far in excess of what presently exists and the
impacts on the existing residents. She further expressed concern with the number of
apartment and low income developments in Tustin. Less traffic with less building.
Don Lamm explained gross vs. net acres (density). The density transfer issue is
nothing mere than a mechanism whereby each sector has a fixed number of units, but if
for some reason that sector cannot be built in that fashion the Company may ask to
move some of these units around. The overall 7950 cap cannot be exceeded. Regarding
low income housing, the City Council will have to address this issue. The Company
has the right to build single family detached homes, town homes and condominiums;
CUPs (public hearings) would be required for all apartments. To accommodate the
traffic volume on Bryan Avenue, the City Engineer is proposing to restripe it from
its present two lanes to four lanes to increase the flow.
Doris Allen, 2232 Salt Air Dr., concerned with Sector 8 and Future Road; the six lane
highway 600 feet from her property. Would like the road moved closer to Irvine
Blvd. Two schools less than a mile from her home seems excessive. Also concerned
with night lights in the park near her home.
Chairman Wetl recessed at 10:15 p.m. Reconvened at 10:30 p.m.
Jim Scott, (no address given), Challenged the Commission to represent the people of
Tustin, not themselves and special interests. The majority of people are not in
favor of this project. He questioned who is paying for the project. Bren should pay
for the schools, roads, etc. up front in writing, no speculation, no theory, no
possibilities for later action; too high density; overload of existing system (roads,
schools); quality of life will be adversely affected; 25~ low income housing above
what is proposed.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 27, 1986
page et ght
Jeffrey McElderry, 10351 Mira Vista Dr., introduced a letter from the Tustin Chamber
of Commerce dated January 24, 1986 (on file in the Tustin Community Development
Department)," .approving the concept of the East Tustin Specific Plan, reserving
the right to address each section as it progresses..." He personally is in favor
of the project.
Judy Almqutst, 2281 Pavlllton Dr., Committee for Compatibility, addressed the issue
of four connector roads; specifically, the impacts of traffic. Foothill is a most
unlikely commuter due to winding, curving, narrow nature of the road. Secondly,
pollution or air quality is not addressed adequately in the EIR.
Tom Smith, consultant, explained air quality looked at the total emissions from the
project (7,950 units). They monitored existing intersections with high traffic
volumes. The figures are all projections because there is nothing in the project to
monitor.
Judy Almqutst, the roads studied are two to four lanes, Future Road is going to be
six lanes and that specifically should be addressed in the EIR.
The Commission directed Tom Smith pursue including an analysis of air pollution/air
quality caused by Future Road in the EIR.
Commissioner White pointed out that they are not certifying the EIR tonight. This is
a preliminary hearing and the testimony will be referred to the City Council to take
action on the EIR.
Jantne Harmon, 12232 Ranchwood Road, FCA, urged Commissioner White not lose the
opportunity to study the EIR by making specific recommendations to the City Council
and adequately honor the responsibility as a Commissioner to take advantage of
additional comments raised this evening. Mrs. Harmon addressed the following issues:
1) Need for additional fire stations if connectors are put through. 2) Sector 3,
Designations of Land Use, page 3-13, should be neighborhood park, and pointed out the
EIR is short a specific number of acres for parks. Requested clarification of what
the park ordinance mandates for the number of dwelling units indicated as the cap.
If each sector map goes before the Director, you ultimately take the responsibility
of sanctioning the parks or fees and that is the responsibility of the Planning
Commission. In summary, she is concerned with the Commission forfeiting their review
of sector maps relating to parks. She requested the workings of park approval be
spelled out in the EIR. 3) Wondered if the 1.4% tax base based on assessment
district includes an assessment for the schools and if the TUSD and Company agreement
would become a three way joint party agreement. Referred to Sutherland's
recommendation to be included in the EIR that sector map approval not be given before
a financial package is set up. 4) Questioned if La Colina should be a two lane or
four lane; county recommended a four lane, she wondered if the public will know
before action is taken on the EIR. 5) Why was consideration given to a higher
volume on Racquet Hill and that same consideration was not given to Foothill or Lower
Lake at a lower volume. Questioned if the amendment should be honored to dead end
those streets and change the Master Plan of Highways. How will the city circulation
be consistent with the county map. She asked decisions be delayed until County
information is received. 6) Referring to Page 2-21, asked if the knoll could be
restricted to not allow development on the ridgeline.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 27, 1986
page nt ne
Don Lamm explained that OCFD spaces its stations geographically to serve its area.
Depending upon the phasing in this area, OCFD does plan to build more stations. The
phasing of when these stations come on line is unknown. OCFD has addressed in the
EIR that they can serve East Tustin with the present station at Cowan and Newport.
In order to utilize that one station, a connection is needed. So, until the County
builds its East Orange or Northwest Irvine station an interim or permanent station
would have to come on line. He did not recall a third station being proposed but he
offered to research the issue.
Don Lamm clarified the city of Tusttn implements state law allowing the city to
require or take from the developer three acres of park land per 1,000 population; at
the time a subdivision map is processed through the city. This Plan anticipates that
the overall acreage (66 acres) would be required based on the total population. What
is included in the Plan are only the designations for public park land; a community
park and a neighborhood park. It does not show on the Plan private neighborhood
parks. Under the parkland ordinance East Tustin may have up to 25% of its parklands
built out as private neighborhood which includes community associations, swimming
pools, tennis courts, etc. There is a variation that allows for this 25% figure.
The park sites symbolically indicated on the Plan may be expanded or reduced in
size. It is quite flexible because it will actually occur at the subdivision map
level. Staff intends to get every single acre of the 3/1000 possible.
Don Lamm explained that parks are taken by the city when developers submit
subdivision maps. A subdivision map outlines an entire sector and a basic
generalized plan for that sector. Don Lamm is designated to review the generalized
plan in conjunction with this Plan, but the subdivision map and actual plan go to the
Commission. The Commission and ultimately the Council are the bodies who are
empowered to require park acres or fees in lieu of those acres or a little of both.
The city's parkland dedication ordinance is very precise, has exact formulas and
procedures. Also a recreation element of the general plan has all the policies on
precisely what sizes of parks, what should be included in the parks, and how to get
them. The Commntty Services Director ultimately makes the recommendations to the
City Council. The Council says exactly the final size, shape, location and how it
will be improved.
Don Lamm clarified Section 2.14 in the EIR. The Company must submit the conceptual
site plan which will outline the location of a school, park, streets, etc., and also
submit the overall subdivision map. The way this Section reads it sounds like the
Director of Community Development is responsible for approving both of them. That is
not the case. This position is responsible for approving the conceptual site plan
for that area and sending it on to the Commission with the subdivision map. City
staff cannot approve at any time subdivision maps; it requires a public hearing. He
will have this section clarified.
Don Lamm explained the present assessment on the property is approximately 1.4~. 1~
Prop 13 - .4~ to retire the debt service on the IRWD bonds on the property. Staff
is trying to keep the property tax level under 2~ with the capital assessment
districts placed against the property. If there is an assessment district or a Mello
Roos Community Facilities District, which is an assessment on property to build
schools, it could go above 2~.
Stan Hoffman explained that the IRWD tax is only on land value.
assessments do apply to the total value.
The other
Planning Commission Minutes
January 27, 1986
page ten
Referring to the school district agreement, Don Lamm stated the agreement is between
the school district and the Company. The two bodies are asking for the City Council
to implement this agreement through the development agreement. So, the city will
probably not be a signature to the agreement but will be a consenting party if the
Council approves it. As far as a financing package, no, this agreement does nothing
more than give the district authority of yes or no over projects in the future until
there is a way of financing them. Under subdivision law, the city is only involved
in the school process when subdivision maps come through. In the agreement between
the district and the company, Don referred to the statement, "... the two agree
that until such time the district and the company have entered necessary agreements
that the city shall not allow a final subdivision map to be approved or recorded."
City staff concurs with this and would recommend that this be included as part of the
package that goes on to the Council. The Council has the jurisdiction to do as they
choose. They do not have to follow this unless they actually implement it into the
Plan. The Commission could recommend to the Council that this agreement be a
condition of the project.
Don Lamm explained the confusion over either a two lane or a four lane arterial on La
Colina. There is some confusion between what the county wants and what the city is
intending. Either way, the county has indicated there is supposed to be a
connection. The actual right-of-way width and number of lanes is unclear. The
county's input will be in response to the EIR. It is the city's impression the
county intends that connection to be made. If the county says no, staff will advise
the Council the county objects.
Don Lamm explained the city felt Racquet Hill is the third of the least necessary in
the upper area. It is not in the county Master Plan of Arterial Highways for
connection. The city sees it as a lesser of a vital link across the hills as that of
Lower Lake and Foothill. Lower Lake and Foothill are shown on the master plan as
connections into the area. If ultimately the Council objects to connecting any of
these roads, another conflict with the county master plan arises. FCA has requested
that the county amend its master plan to delete these connections. That particular
move would take up to one year. If and when the county does so, and it is after East
Tusttn is acted upon and East Tustin does indicate connections, the county will haye
to request to sever those connections. The city would then have to amend the plan to
do so.
Don Lamm explained that the knoll is half a community park site and the other half is
the residential development facing the golf course. The issue is adequately covered
in the specific plan. It is a dual zone. The knoll is predominately in the CP
(community park) zone; the southwesterly face is the medium high (condo/apartment)
zone. Staff feels it adequately addresses the protection of the knoll for what it is
intended for. The ridgeline development policies are part of the sector plans. As
each sector is proposed, if it has a ridgeline in it, a plan has to be submitted that
says how this ridgeline will be treated. In this particular case, it would be within
sector 7. At that point in time a treatment of this knoll would be submitted. Staff
does not concur with total abolition on this knoll because it is unknown if it will
be partially used for private development or for a community center. The knoll is
split for public and private use. To totally preclude its use may totally preclude
development of a public building on the park site.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 27, 1986
page eleven
Janine Harmon admonished the Commission on why public testimony is being taken at
this point if each and every tract map is going to have to be bird-dogged due to the
indefinites in the guidelines of the specific plan and EIR.
Janine Harmon continued as follows: 7) The EIR specifically needs to pin down
capitalization or funding or responsible agents for things such as flood control and
wants to know why has that not been done for one of the channels. Urged the
Commission to delay decision on approval of the plan until figures are available on
who will be responsible. 8) Asked for justification in the EIR and Zone Change for
the increase in density from 6950 to 7950. 9) Eastern Transportation Corridor is
considered as a proposed possible alignment through Peters Canyon along Myford. Why
in the circulation plans a traffic volume on Myford is considered and yet in the ETC
alignment the noise studies are not considered. She encouraged the Commission to
wait for the county's comments on this alignment and then further study the noise
impact in conjunction with Jamboree. Questioned if the Noise map in the EIR is a
noise summary for all hours, for all impacts with the exception of the Corridor.
Does that take into account the Browning Corridor and the traffic of the roads and
the John Wayne Airport flight pattern (CNEL 60-65)? Isn't it the responsibility of
this Noise study to address both the helicopter, the air traffic and the noise within
the Jamboree area even if the transportation corridor isn't considered?
Don Lamm explained that the draft EIR did not include consideration of the financing
of capital costs for channel improvement. A new law that took effect January 1, 1986
now requires that be covered. In the final EIR, the environmental consultants will
address where the commitments will come from for the flood control improvements and
the other tnfrastrucutre improvements in the East Tusttn area. The information is
not available for the Commission's review tonight.
Regarding justification for the increase in density of 1,000 units, Don Lamm stated
it is not required by law to be in the EIR. It was a policy decision of the Steering
Committee and there is no reason to justify. Unless the Steering Committee decides
to issue a policy statement, it is doubtful a justificatin would come forward. At
the Council level, the two Council members who sat on the Steering Committee may wish
to give their personal opinions but, it is not required ~y law.
Don Lan~n explained that Terry Austin, the traffic consultant, has estimated the
Eastern Transportation corridor will be outside the boundary area, east of Myford
Road. It is unknown if the consultants could come up with a noise analysis not
knowing exactly where the road would be.
Tom Smith explained that the exhibit in the EIR takes into account only traffic
noise from the arterial network within the specific plan boundary. Environmental
documentation that will accompany the Eastern Transportation Corridor will analyze
the noise impacts of that facility and will make recommendations regarding the types
of mitigation measures that are specific wherever noise standards are exceeded
including the East Tustin Specific Plan. His opinion is that the Eastern
Transportation Corridor EIR is the appropriate vehicle to do that level of analysis.
To do it at this point in time for this project would basically get the city involved
in determining impacts that are within the purview of the county and other regional
transportation agencies.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 27, 1986
page twelve
Dolores Nlven, 2112 Salt Air Dr., opposed to opening the connector roads; build a new
fire station.
Nell Narkleroad, 10562 Mira Vista, NTMAC, submitted a letter dated January 27, 1986.
Issues highlighted: opposed to connections on La Colina, Racquet Hill, Foothill or
Lower Lake Roads; public services appear to be inadequate for the projected
population; additional fire station needed; if the school district were forced to
proceed to additional bonded indebtedness which would result in tax bill additions
there is no distinguishing way it could now act to have those bond issues only
addressed to the East Tustin area. The bond issues would be spread throughout the
area including the city of Tusttn tax payers as well as the county tax payers within
the district.
Seeing no one further wishing to speak, Commission dtscussin ensued:
Baker questioned when the figures on the financing of the channel improvement be
available. He further questioned how the Commission feels about the letter request
from the EMA to continue consideration of the plan. Don Lamm responded the figures
are available now; borne by the assessment district.
Puckett is in favor of the plan and wants to proceed recommending it to the Council.
McCarthy commented that there have been two meetings on the EIR; people have come in
to speak with a lot of thought. Since the County hasn't answered on the EIR or
specific plan the hearing should be continued to review the comments still not
received.
McCarthy moved, Baker seconded to continue the hearing to the next regularly
scheduled meeting. Commission discussed ensued regarding the correct procedure for
the next meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
White recommended the comments and answers from tonights meeting be answered; gather
the balance of the comments on the EIR; and, lastly the staff should reduce the
concerns to a check list of issues to help format the discussion.
AI)NINISll~ATIVE II. AlTERS
Old Business
None.
New Business
None.
STAFF CONCERNS
4. Oral Report on Council actions of January 20, 1986.
Presentation: Donald D. Lamm, Director of Community Development
Planning Commission Minutes
January 27, 1996
page thirteen
COMlqZSSZON CONCERNS
None.
ADJOUR~qENT
Puckett moved, McCarthy seconded to adjourn the meeting at 12:20 p.m. to the next
regularly scheduled meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
Dt)N'NA ORR, RECORDING SECRETARY
KATHY WE~L, CHAIRMAN