HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03-17-10OV DOtp MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
Yi s
® WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010
C ALIFO RN� 2 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE
DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
6:30 P.M.
A Regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held March 17, 2010. After the Pledge of Allegiance
to the Flag, roll was called at 6:35 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Fernando Vasquez, District 5
Terry Lambros, District 4
Michael Murray, District 1
Louis Morales, District 3, Chairman
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Robert Kiefer, District 2, Vice Chairman
ALSO PRESENT: Brian Saeki, Community Development Director
Edward Lee, City Attorney
John Perfitt, Economic Development Director
William Davis, City Planner
Mark Sellheim, Principal Planner
David Blumenthal, Senior Planner
Theresa Donahue, Secretary
III. MINUTES: It was moved by Commissioner Lambros, seconded by Commissioner Murray and
passed by a vote of 4 -0 -1, with Commissioner Kiefer absent, to approve the Minutes of March 3, 2010,
as submitted.
IV. AGENDA CHANGES: Community Development Director Saeki stated that there were no changes
to the agenda.
V. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: No City Council report was provided.
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS:
There were no Consent Calendar items scheduled.
VII. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS:
TENTATIVE PARCEL MAPS No. 10 -71282 AND 10 -71283
Location:
12214 Lakewood Boulevard
Owner /Applicant:
I RG /PCCP
Authorized Agent:
Tesla Motors
Staff:
Mark Sellheim
CEQA:
As required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), these
requests have been found to be Categorically Exempt from CEQA, per
CEQA Guidelines, Section 15315 (Class 15, Minor Land Divisions).
Requests: 1.
Tentative Parcel Map No. 10- 71282 a request to re- subdivide the
two (2) lots that comprise the westernmost 57.78 acres of the
Downey Studios site into three (3) lots with the following acreages:
Parcel 1 — 46.45 acres; Parcel 2 — 5.48 acres; and Parcel 3 — 5.85
acres on properties zoned SP 01 -01 (Downey Landing Specific
Plan); and
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, MARCH 17, 2010 — PAGE 1
Page 2
VII. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: (Continued from page 1)
2. Tentative Parcel Map No. 10- 71283 a request to subdivide the
easterly 19.12 -acre portion of the Downey Studios site into three
(3) parcels with the following acreages: Parcel 1 — 4.55 acres;
Parcel 2 - 0.06 acres; and Parcel 3 — 14.51 acres on property
zoned SP 01 -01 (Downey Landing Specific Plan).
Chairman Morales opened the public hearing for the above - stated applications
Principal Planner, Mark Sellheim, presented staff's report and accompanying PowerPoint, indicating Tesla
Motors wants to establish an electric car manufacturing plant on Parcel 1 of Tentative Parcel Map No.
71282 and Parcel 1 of Tentative Parcel Map No. 71283. He stated that the new parcels are in line with
the applicants' leasing plans. He also noted that the tentative maps comply with the requirements of the
Subdivision Map Act, as well as several provisions of the City's General Plan.
Commissioner Lambros inquired if an agreement had been solidified with Tesla Motors.
Community Development Director, Brian Saeki, stated that the negotiations with Tesla Motors are on-
going, and are moving forward.
Applicant Tom Messmer, Vice President of Special Products for IRG (Industrial Realty Group) — a
managing partner of Downey Studios properties, 12214 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, addressed the
Commission. He stated that negotiations with Tesla are on -going and they do not have a final agreement
at this time. He also stated that he had read and agreed to all of the recommended conditions.
There were no persons in the audience to address this matter with the Planning Commission. In addition,
Mr. Sellheim stated that he had not received any correspondence on these requests.
Chairman Morales closed the public hearing.
Commissioner comments:
Commissioner Vasquez stated that these applications were a step in the right direction; having Tesla
come to Downey helps to solidify "our stamp in the industry" and adds to the community's identity. Also
noting that high -tech "green" jobs is where the country is headed. He stated he is in favor of the project.
Commissioner Murray stated that he also is in support of the project; and hoped it would encourage
continued use of the land and bring more jobs. He said it was an honor to have this company come to our
City, especially on this historic site, of which all Downey residents are so proud.
Commissioner Lambros said she can only reiterate her support. She said she hoped Tesla Motors will
come to Downey and it will be a wonderful new project for the City - creating jobs, noting that "we will
welcome them ".
Chairman Morales expressed his support as well, and hoped this evening's actions will assist in the
negotiations with Tesla, so that we can go to the next avenue.
It was moved by Commissioner Murray, seconded by Commissioner Lambros and passed by a vote of
4 -0 -1, with Commissioner Kiefer absent, to adopt Resolution No. 10 -2628, approving Tentative Parcel
Maps No. 10- 71282, to re- subdivide two parcels into three lots that involve the westernmost 57.78
acres of the Downey Studios site; and Resolution No. 10 -2629, subdividing the easternmost 19.12
acres of the Downey Studio site.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, MARCH 17, 2010 — PAGE 2
Page 3
Chairman Morales stated the action of the Planning Commission will become final unless the matter
is appealed to the City Council, with the appropriate fee, within the specified time period as set forth
in the City's Ordinance.
2. SITE PLAN REVIEW No. 09 -41
Location:
8317 & 8323 Davis Street
Owner /Applicant:
Dr. Kaushal Tamboli
Authorized Agent:
Dale Moen /Moen Architecture
Staff:
David Blumenthal
CEQA:
As required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a Negative
Declaration of Environmental Impact has been prepared for this application
and is available for review.
Request:
Site Plan Review 09 -41: A request to allow the construction of a 6,197 square
foot medical office building, on property zoned H -M (Hospital - Medical Arts).
Chairman Morales opened the public hearing for Site Plan Review No. 09 -41. Ms. Donahue affirmed
proof of publication.
Senior Planner, David Blumenthal, presented staff's report and accompanying PowerPoint. He
explained that staff supported the request which, as redesigned, now fully complies with all city code
requirements. He added that because the required on -site parking can be met, the Conditional Use
Permit is not longer necessary and will be withdrawn. He provided a review of the building's
architectural features, comparing the design to the one previously reviewed by the Commissioners at
their November 2 and December 4, 2009 meetings. He stated there will be 31 parking spaces on site.
Mr. Blumenthal also noted that the design incorporated open air framing for the stairwells, which
helped to reduce the size of the building. He stated that all seven findings can be made in support of
the project. As a point of clarification, Senior Planner Blumenthal stated that only the elevator access
and equipment room would be on the first floor.
Applicant's representative and architect, Dale Moen, Moen Architecture, 320 Pine Avenue, Long
Beach, California, addressed the Planning Commission, noting that the new design is basically in
character with the building design previously reviewed, and the redesign meets on -site parking
requirements while maintaining leasable area for his client. He said he had opened up the stairwells
providing a terrace area. Mr. Moen stated that he was able to meet the conditions as recommended
by staff.
Chairman Morales asked if correspondence had been received on this matter.
In response to Chairman Morales' inquiry, Mr. Blumenthal stated that no new correspondence had
been received; however, he noted that Dr. Robert Flynn, who had testified at past hearings, had come
into City Hall and reviewed the new plan. He noted that Dr. Flynn was in favor of the request as
redesigned with all parking provided on -site.
There being no further testimony, Chairman Morales closed the public hearing.
Commission comments:
Commissioners Lambros and Murray expressed their delight with the re- design. Commissioner
Vasquez asked if the facade of the building invited graffiti and the measures that would be taken to
prevent graffiti, since the facade appeared to be vulnerable.
Senior Planner Blumenthal responded that Condition #7 addresses the need to use anti - graffiti
materials.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, MARCH 17, 2010 — PAGE 3
Page 4
Commissioner Vasquez responded, noting that he felt it was important to continue to provide quality
health care and he is in support of this project.
Commissioner Morales stated that he is in agreement; and thought this design is an improvement from
the previously reviewed plan. He said he was glad that the Commission had taken the time to review
the development standards for the H -M zone and that the adjustment makes for a better development.
It was moved by Commissioner Lambros, seconded by Commissioner Murray and passed by a vote of
4 -0 -1, with Commissioner Kiefer absent, to adopt the Negative Declaration and adopt Resolution No.
10 -2630, approving Site Plan Review No. 09 -41.
Chairman Morales stated the action of the Planning Commission will be final unless the matter is
appealed to the City Council, with the appropriate fee, within the specified time period as set forth in
the City's Ordinance.
VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: The Planning Commissioners addressed the following items:
1. The vacant parcel at 9126 Florence Avenue is starting to become an eyesore.
2. The buildings at Downey Landing, south of the retail center have 30 or more broken windows and are
becoming a target because of it's proximity to the sidewalk (literally a stones throw away).
3. Students from Cerritos College and Cal Poly Pomona were acknowledged, as well as Mr. Jerry
Andrews.
4. Commissioner Vasquez noted that he'd met with members of the community recently and they had
shared the following concerns: 1) The Ford dealership has become laden with trash. 2) The crosswalk on
Lakewood Boulevard, between Cherokee and 5 th Street, is not pedestrian friendly. 3) He addressed the
traffic and lighting along Irwingrove Drive, west of Paramount Boulevard.
IX. OTHER BUSINESS:
No Other Business was addressed.
X. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA: No future agenda items were discussed.
XI. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Planning Commission, the
Commission adjourned at 7:05 p.m., to April 7, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers,
Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, Ca. 90241
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 7th day of April, 2010.
Louis Morales
Louis Morales, Chairman
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the
Commission held on the 7th day of April, 2010, by the following vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Vasquez, Lambros, Murray, Morales
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONER: Kiefer
Theresa Donahue
Theresa Donahue, Secretary
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
H:\PLANN ING \Donahue \031710mn.doc
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, MARCH 17, 2010 — PAGE 4