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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRDA REMOVE GAZEBO 02-01-88TO: HILLIAIq HUSTON, EXEClJTIVE DIRECTOR FROM: SUBJECT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPIqENT DEPARTMENT REIqOVAL OF GAZEBO AND PUBLIC RESTROOIqS iN LARWIN SQUARE RECOI~qENDED ACTION Direct staff to issue demolition permits for the gazebo and restrooms in Larwin Square. BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION In December of 1976, the Planning Commission approved Use Permit 76-25 which authorized the renovation of the existing Larwin Square and the constrac~ion of new structures. The approved site plan showed a gazebo and restroom area in addition to the required building footprints {new and existing), elevations and ..circulation layout. .,r. Ted Fessler, the property manager of Larwin Square is now requesting demolition and removal of the public restrooms and gazebo in order to alleviate the visibility problems caused by these structures. The 30,000 square foot space located directly behind the gazebo has been vacant for nearly a year. Prospective tenants have found this location undesirable because of the poor visibility of the storefront caused by these structures. {Please see the attached correspondence). While the gazebo and restrooms were shown on the approved site plan, there are no planning or building requirements mandating these types of amenities in a shopping center. The restroom provisions are mandated by the building code for each individual tenant, and constructed accordingly. Staff continues to be concerned about the layout of the parking lot and the traffic fl ow within the center. In May of 1986 the Planning Commission authorized the enclosure of the garden shop area which is adjacent to 500 E. First Street. One of the conditions of approval and findings was the following: That the Planning Commision hereby determines that the subject site has been expanded to capacity using parking ratio established by Use Permit 76-25. Any future additions to the center will require renovation of the parking lot design. Since the proposed demolition is not an addition and 14 new parking stalls will "e provided staff felt that a renovation of the parking area could not be .~quired at this time. However, staff is encouraging Larwin Square to prepare a feasibility study for future realignment of the parking lot lanes within the interior of the center. development Agency Report , ebruary 1, 1988 Page two 0~ January 25, 1988, the Planning CommissiOn (by a unanimous 5-0 vote) recommended to the Redevelopment Agency that staff be directed to issue ~emolition permits for the gazebo and restrooms in Larwin Square. ~4)kC :per /~ttachment: Letter from Applicant P1 ot P1 an Director of Community Development Corn rnunity DeveloPment Deparirnen~ LARNIN QUARE TUSTIN January 14, 1988 To: CITY OF TUSTIN 300 Centennial Way Tustin, CA 92680 Re: Removal of Gazebo and public restrooms in Larwin Square ATTENTION: Christine A. Shingleton Director - Community Development Department Dear Christine, As you know the 30,000 square foot space formerly occupied by Designer Depot (which is owned by the K-Mart Corporation) has been vacant for nearly one year now. There have been a number of excellent potential tenants interested in this space, but all have eventually declined this location because of the extremely poor visibility of the store front caused by the presence of the Gazebo and the adjacent public restrooms. We therefore want to inform you that it is the intention'of Larwin Square to remove these two structures from Larwin Square which will totally open up the visual line of sight to this store location from anywhere within the interior of the Larwin Square complex which in turn Will considerably increase the tax base to the City of. Tustin~. Also, said removal of these structures might possibly open the door sometime in the future to feasability studies-for realignment of the parking lot lanes and the traffic flow through same within the center~ With the removal of the Gazebo and the restrooms, which will be replaced by much needed additional parking, we will then be able to successfully complete leasing negotiations with the caliber of tenant that will further enhance the desireability of Larwin Square-Tustin. In order for us to proceed with the demolition and removal of the Gazebo and public restrooms we respectfully request that the necessary approvals, if any, be issued by the appropriate city department having authority over a request of this nature. In as much as time is of the essence regarding this matter, if there are requirements necessary from Larwin Square beyond this letter please so advise as soon as possible. Sincerely, · 7,,,-'.~ / ,,....-~ ~ .--~--.~D/ FESSLER Property Manager/Larwin Square-Tustin MANAGEMENT OFFICE: 275 Centennial Way. Suite 209- Tustin, Ca. 92680. (714) 5~.~.-3,300 ~.l.l.l±l.g !11~.1.1. I-[' I