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Home My WebLink AboutPC Minutes 01-12-047:00 p.m. Given All present Staff present None Approved None Adopted Resolution No. 3905, as amended MINUTES TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING --7:00 P.M. JANUARY 12, 2004 CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Elizabeth A. Binsack, Community Development Director Doug Holland, Assistant City Attorney Doug Anderson, Senior Project Manager-Transportation Karen Peterson, Senior Planner Minoo Ashabi, Associate Planner Chad Ortlieb, Associate Planner Eloise Harris, Recording Secretary PUBLIC CONCERNS CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DECEMBER 22, 2003, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. It was moved by Pontious, seconded by Menard, to approve the Consent Calendar. PUBLIC HEARINGS REGULAR BUSINESS 2. DESIGN REVIEW 03-016 REQUESTING AUTHORIZATION TO CONSTRUCT A 14,690 SQUARE FOOT RETAIL CENTER INCLUDING THREE (3) SEPARATE BUILDINGS. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission approve Design Review 03- 016 by adopting Resolution No. 3905. Minutes - Planning Commission 1-12-04 - Page 1 Ashabi Director Jennings John Coelho, representing Forum Capital LLC Allen Webster, 120 Lockwood Park Place Ashabi Mr. Webster Ashabi Director Diana Camacho, 150 North C Street Pontious Ms. Camacho Jennings Presented the staff report; and, explained why Conditions 2.24 and 7.21 were added as conditions of approval. Added that this project was deferred to the Planning Commission because the project is located adjacent to residential property; the project could have been approved at the staff level, but staff wanted to allow residents the opportunity to review the proposal through a public process in the evening rather than before the Zoning Administrator at 10:30 a.m.; for this reason, the 300 foot courtesy notification was provided. Asked the applicant if any of the retail spaces have been leased. Indicated no spaces have been leased; and, added that Forum Capital owns forty-two shopping centers and anticipates no difficulty in leasing these spaces. Asked if the location of the wall will be changed. Answered that the wall will be enhanced with brick veneer and soldier clusters, but will not be moved. Asked for clarification regarding the fire entrance. Indicated there is only one access from First Street; the emergency vehicle area is a turnaround only. Added that the first site plan included a gate access off Lockwood; that access was removed. Expressed her concern that this retail center will impact her neighborhood, will not enhance the City, and seems unnecessary since there are abundant vacant retail space sites in Old Town. Pointed out that this site is zoned for commercial use; this project will be an enormous improvement over an empty lot. Reiterated her concerns regarding the amount of empty space existing in the Old Town area; stated her belief that this sort of development spoils the small town appeal; and, expressed concern that the lighting of the center will impact her neighborhood. Affirmed that the Planning Commission cannot limit what the zoning allows; and, added that development is preferable to an empty lot. Minutes - Planning Commission 1-12-04 - Page 2 Nielsen Pontious Amante Jennings Menard Ashabi Pontious Jennings Stated his appreciation of the residents' comments; noted that everyone is concerned about the preservation of Old Town; indicated that staff and the property owner have worked hard to create a lighting situation that will cause minimal glare and a structural design that matches Old Town. Indicated that the Planning Commission is concerned about Old Town, sees it as the anchor for the City, and wants to see Old Town grow and prosper; Old Town cannot survive without revitalization; new businesses will bring additional people to Old Town and benefit the merchants operating now; the architecture of this project complements Old Town; she stated her support for staff's recommendation. Stated his belief that Ms. Camacho's feelings are not disharmonious with feelings of the Planning Commissioners, who are concerned with the development of Old Town and its integral part in the City; Mr. Coelho's team has developed a plan that fits within the First Street Specific Plan and is designed to present a contiguous feel to Old Town; he stated his support for the project. Noted that she and Commissioner Menard live in Old Town and are particularly sensitive to projects planned for that area. Commended Mr. Coelho and his architect for the work involved in this project; suggested that a clear, anodized aluminum would look better with the natural materials planned for the storefronts; stated that he noticed the photometric study shows the lighting standards higher than usual; suggested the standards could be lowered and be similar to those at the water facility; stated his appreciation that Building A was modified so that landscaping shields the residential property; asked for a description of a trumpet tree, expressing regret that ficus trees are being removed; and, stated he supports this project. Indicated that the root systems of ficus trees have caused problems; the City has decided to change the street tree preference; there is a trumpet tree in front of the Acorn Naturalist building. Added that this project exemplifies the spirit and goals of the First Street Specific Plan; suggested the development should be used as the example for future development on First Street; thanked staff and the developer for their commitment to this design. Noted the view exiting El Camino Real will be very nice. Minutes - Planning Commission 1-12-04 - Page 3 Director Amante Pontious Nielsen Director Pontious It was moved by Amante, seconded by Pontious, to adopt Resolution No. 3905, with the amendments noted by staff. Motion carried 5-0. STAFF CONCERNS REPORT OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE JANUARY 5, 2004, CITY COUNCIL MEETING. Indicated there was nothing to report from the January 5, 2004, City Council meeting. Stated the public review period for Prospect Village (Utt Juice site) ends February 23, 2004; a notice was sent was published in both the Tustin News and the Orange County Register, it is anticipated the public hearing process will begin in March or April, allowing time for response to any comments that are received. Stated the appeal of the Planning Commission's recommendation on the Sign Code Exception (Mobil) will be heard at the January 20, 2004, City Council meeting. Introduced Associate Planner Chad Ortlieb to the Planning Commissioners, indicating Chad will be making his first presentation before the Commission at the next meeting. COMMISSION CONCERNS Offered his prayers and good wishes to Jeff Thomas. Congratulated the City for being published in Money magazine as the fourth best small city in the West. Added her best wishes to Jeff Thomas for a speedy recovery. Noted that Jeff Thomas has been an asset to the City for many years; and, wished him and his family all the best. Indicated he has received telephone calls regarding Armstrong; and, asked for an update on the project. Answered that Armstrong may proceed with grading and building permits as soon as the map is finaled. Indicated she received information that Armstrong is a little behind schedule due to work required on a site in Costa Mesa. Minutes - Planning Commission 1-12-04 - Page 4 Nielsen Director Menard Director Jennings Staff Nielsen Jennings 7:37 p.m. Asked if there is a tentative finish date. Stated the only issues she is aware of are with the final map; the building plans are close to being finished. Stated he was pleased to hear that Jeff Thomas is doing well; and, wished him a speedy recovery. Indicated he was also pleased to hear that Armstrong is coming along; and, asked for verification the map is the only issue. Answered in the affirmative. Included her best wishes to Jeff Thomas and his family. Stated that Glenna Weatherman, who writes a column for the Tustin News, has had a stroke and is presently at Health South (corner of Yorba and First) for rehabilitation; and, expressed hope that Glenna will recover and be back writing her column soon. Asked if there will be a project summary at the next meeting. Answered in the affirmative. Noted that the clock is in place at the cell site on Jamboree. Wished everyone a Happy New Year and closed the meeting. ADJOURNMENT: The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 300 Centennial Way. ' . .............. ' L~nda C. J~nnings/"/ ~ ~'~' Chairperson ~/ Elizabeth A. Binsack Planning Commission Secretary Minutes - Planning Commission 1-12-04 - Page 5