HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes - 08/15/2012 CITY OF DOWNEY __________ _______________________
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY , AUGUST 1 5 , 2012
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE
DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
6 :30 P.M.
I. A Regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held August 15, 2012. After the Pledge of
A llegiance to the Flag, roll was called at 6:30 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT :
II. Robert Kiefer, District 2
Hector Lujan, District 5
Louis Morales, District 3 , Vice - Chairman
Michael Murray, District 1 , Chairman
COMMISSIONER ABSENT:
Ernie Garcia, District 4
ALSO PRESENT:
Brian Saeki, Director of Community Development
Yvette M. Abich - Garcia, City Attorney
William Davis, City Planner
David Blumenthal, Senior Planner
Theresa Donahue, Secretary
MINUTES:
I II. it was moved by Commissioner Kiefer, seconded by Commissioner Morales
and passed by a 4 - 0 vote with Commissioner Garcia absent, to approve the Minutes of August 1 , 2012 .
AGENDA CHANGES:
I V. Community Development Director Saeki stated there were n o chan ges to
the agenda.
REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION :
V. Community Development Director Saeki noted there were
no Planning - related items to report from Council’s August 14, 2012 meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS:
VI.
Chai rman Murray noted there were n o Consent Calendar Items on this evening’s agenda.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM S :
VII.
PLN - 12 - 00100: GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, ZONE CHANGE, TENTATIVE TRACT MAP,
1.
SI TE PLAN REVIEW, PLAN NED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION )
Location: 9207 and 9219 Lakewood Boulevard; and
8605 and 8613 Gallatin Road
Owner: Ford Motor Credit company c/o Dealer Status
Applicant: Joe Oftelie
Staff: David Blumenthal
CEQA: In accordance with th e provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impacts has been prepared
for the proposed project.
Request: ( General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Tentative Tract Map, Site Plan
Review, Planned Uni t Development, Negative Declaration), a request to:
1) Adopt a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact and recommend
approval to City Council of a General Plan Amendment changing the Land
Use Designation from General Commercial to Medium Density Resi dential;
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, AUGUST 15, 2012 – PAGE 1
Page 2
and Zone Change from C - 2 (General Commercial) to R - 3 (Multi - Family
Residential); 2) ( Tentat ive Tract Map/Site Plan Review/ Planned Unit
Development ) - to s ubdivide the lot and construct 46 townhomes in a
gated co mmunity.
Chairman Murray opened the public hearing for PLN - 12 - 00100. Ms. Donahue affirmed proof of
publication.
Senio r Planner Blumenthal presented s taff’s report and accompanying Power Point. He explained
that the property has been vacant for numerous years due to th e odd configuration of the lots, the
corner parcel is not included , and the economy has affected the auto industry .
Mr. Blumenthal’s presentat i on included a description of the required entitlements : A Negative
Declaration of Environmental Impact, General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Tentative Tract Map,
Site Plan R eview, and Planned Unit Development. He provided the materials board for the proposed
project for the Commissio n’s review , as he described the buildings layout, parking, circulation, entry
area, and perimeter walls.
The Commissioners had the following questions/concerns:
Chairman Murray inquired if the perimeter wall shared by the residential properties would invo lve building
new, or work with the existing? Would the Lakewood entrance be utilized?
Mr. Blumenthal responded: 1) The applicant will need to work with surrounding pr operty owners or build
a new wall . 2) The Lakewood entrance is for emergencies and pe destrian access only.
Mr. B lumenthal handed out a revised r esolution and reviewed the changes: 1) Condition No. 6, to be
revised by deleting “and/or grading”; 2) Condition No. 7, add “and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays”.
3) Condition No. 12, a corr ection to the chart under Lot width to 196 feet (not inches); 4) Condition No.
19, strike pool restrooms; 5) Add (insert) new Condition (No. 26. requiring Park In - lieu fees), thus
renumber the rest of the c onditions accordingly; 6) Condition 41 (renumbered 42), add, “unless said
easement is approved by the City of Downey.” 7) Condition 49, add “on - site pump facilities or”. and 8)
Condition No. 50, strike, “extension and/or replacement of existing mains and associated facilities”.
Mr. Blumenthal stated sta ff’s recommendation is :1) Adopt the Negative Declaration of Environmental
Impact; and r ecommend approval to City Council of the General Plan Amendment and Zone Change
thereby chan ging the General Plan Land Use D esignat ion from General Commercial to Medium Density
Residential and r ezone the property from C - 2 (General Commercial) to R - 3 (Multi - Family Residential),
(Resolution No. 12 - 2780); and 3) Adopt a Resolution (No. 12 - 2781) approving Tentative Tract Map No.
71957, Planned Unit Development and Site Plan Review, thereby approving a subdivision of the lot and
construction of 46 townhomes in a gated community on property located at 8605 Gallatin Road.
Commissioner Kiefer asked Mr. Blumenthal to affirm that the parking spaces provided include the two per
uni t, plus an additional 23 spaces available for guests, or additional vehicles.
Senior Planner Blumenthal addressed the available parking, noting that although this is the minimum
number required by the City’s code, the number was increased from ¼ space per unit to ½ space per unit
in the City’s Code update, doubling the number of guest parking required.
Chairman Murray noted that 23 guest parking spaces for this number of townhomes seems light.
Mr. Blumenthal noted that the developers of these townhomes t ypically see young families and empty -
nesters as their purchasers. They don’t anticipate larger families and those with more than two cars
looking to buy these homes.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, AUGUST 15, 2012 – PAGE 2
Page 3
Chairman Murray invited the applicant forward.
Joe Oftelie, City Ventures, Orange, Ca. reg arding properties at 8605 Gallatin Road, Downey addressed
the Commissioners, noting that City Ventures identify underutilized sites that they are able to rejuvenate
with residential developments. He stated this site has been determined to be approp riate for a 46 - unit
townhome development. He stated that City Ventures was excited to be bringing this project to the City of
Downey . Regarding the potential buyers anticipated to show interest in such units, Mr. Oftelie affirmed
they usually see such bu yers to be first - time home purchasers, or people that are scaling down their
households, (or empty - nesters), and singles. Mr. Oftelie noted that they have similar developments in
Covina, Alhambra, Signal Hill, Santa Barbara, Encinitas, Carlsbad and Morgan Hill.
Commissioner Lujan asked Mr. Oftelie if he thought there would be an impact to the schools.
Mr. Oftelie responded, he did not believe there would be a huge impact.
Commissioner Kiefer asked the timeline anticipated, should the project be approved .
Mr. Oftelie responded, they typically put up a building every six months; this project could be complete d
by 2014. He also affirmed that the building is “green friendly”, utilizing solar power into electric. In
addition, the landscaping utilizes nati ve plants, reducing the amount of water required. He responded to
various questions from the Commi ssioners, to include: the three - story design made sense to them, given
the size of the parcel and surrounding developments; they did not consider commercial; this type of project
is typical of their type of developments.
Chairman Murray asked if Mr. Oftelie had reviewed the conditions of approval and agreed to them .
Mr. Oftelie responded, he had reviewed the recommended conditions for each of the attached
Re solutions. He asked that the language for Condition No. 39 address the storm drain tie - in, revising
and changing the last sentence from “to an existing Los Angeles County Public Works storm drain”, to
“to a public street”, since there is not an existing storm drain.
Mr. Blumenthal responded that Public Works department is ok with the request, and since it is their
condition, staff is able to support the language change.
Chairman Murray asked staff for any correspondence.
Mr. Blumenthal responded, no correspondence had been received on this matter.
Chairman Murray invited members of the audience to address the Commission.
No persons came forward at this time.
Mr. Blumenthal restated staff’s recommendations
Commissioner Kiefer inquired if the City had attempted to work with the property owner of the corner
parcel, in order to incorporate it into a development. Mr. Saeki responded, the City had , on multiple
occasions , attempted to discuss potential developments with the owner of the Chris & Pitts p roperty, and
they had shown no interest. Regarding the potential development, Mr. Saeki stated that t he believed the
proposal was the highest and best use of the property in these economic times.
There being no questions regarding staff’ s recommendation, Chairman Murray closed the public hearing.
Commission discussion:
Chairman Murray stated that he was sorry to see the loss of this commercial site , however, he agreed
that the configuration of the property makes it difficult to develop commercially, wit h out including the
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, AUGUST 15, 2012 – PAGE 3
Page 4
corner parcel. He stated that he believed this was a good development, which he can support. His only
concern is the amount of parking, even though it does meet the City’s minimum.
Commissioner Kiefer complemented staff for the thor ough report. He agreed that the parcels have been
difficult to develop commercially; and noted that the development fits well with surrounding residential
developments. He noted that he liked the primary access coming off Gallatin Road, and also liked th e
Lakewood elevations, which include wrought iron fencing and as such provides openness to the street .
Commissioner Kiefer also cited a concern regarding the amount of on - site parking provided, but didn’t
doubt that the buyers would be first - time homebuye rs.
Commissioner Lujan was in agreement. He noted that the property has been underutilized, not having
been occupied for several years. He stated his s upport for the development. H is only concern is the
potential impact to nearby schools due to increas ed enrollment.
Commissioner Morales stated that he has mixed emotions regarding this proposal. On one hand, this
is close to important commercially zoned corners and he does not like to lose those properties;
however, he also understands that it may be d if ficult given these economic times to have a true mixed
use development. Commissioner Morales expressed a concern about the amount of parking, noting
they might consider asking for more. He stated development will add to the streetscape along
Lakewood B oulevard; the developer will be required to pay school impact fees. Commissioner
Morales noted that the 22 - foot wide parcel is not ideal, and if the developer eliminated those two units,
parking impacts could be reduced. He stated that he liked the layou t and the circulation design.
It was moved by Commissioner Kiefer, seconded by Commissioner Lujan and passed by a 3 - 0 - 1 vote,
with Commissioner Morales abstaining, and Commissioner Garcia absent, to adopt the Negative
Declaratio n of Environmental Impacts and adopt Resolution No. 12 - 2780, r ecommend ing to City
Council approval of the General Plan Amendment and Zone Change.
It was moved by Commissioner Kiefer, seconded by Commissioner Lujan and passed by a 3 - 0 - 1 vote,
with Commissioner Morales abstaining, an d Commissioner Garcia absent, to adopt Resolution No. 12 -
2781, approving PLN - 12 - 00100, (Tentative Tract Map, Site Plan Review, and Planned Unit
Development), revising Conditions, 6, 7, 12, 19, 26, 39, 42 & Condition No. 50 , as addressed .
Chairman Murray s tated 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.
PLN - 12 - 00175 (PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM )
2 .
Location : 9462 through 9510 Firestone Boulevard
Owner: Downey Commercial Properties
Applicant: David Sebring
Staff: William Davis
CEQA: As required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this request
has been found to be Categorically Exempt from CEQ A, p e r CEQA
Guidelines, Section 15301 (Class 1 , Existing Facilities ).
Request: A request to modify the sign program for an existing shopping center to include
standards for a multi - tenant freestanding sign, on properties zoned C - 2
(General Commercial).
Chairman Murray opened the public hearing for PLN - 12 - 00175 (Planned Sign Program). Ms. Donahue
affirmed proof of publication.
City Planner, William Davis, presented staff’s report and accompanying PowerPoint. Mr. Davis
indicated staff’s support of the proposed modification of an existing Planned Sign Program from 1983,
per attached Resolution No. 12 - 2782, to include design standards for a freestanding sign.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, AUGUST 15, 2012 – PAGE 4
Page 5
Commissioner Kiefer inquired if the freestanding sign would im pede traffic visibility.
Mr. Davis provided the aerial photo which showed the planter width was deep and the posts kept back
from the street, preventing visual impact,
David Sebring, applicant, 10783 Bell Court, Rancho Cucamonga, Ca. addressed the Commis sion. He
stated that he had read and agreed to the conditions as spelled out in the Resolution.
Commissioner Kiefer asked why the freestanding signs ’ colors and materials are different from the
colors of the building.
Mr. Sebring explained that they are planning a re - design of the building ’s facades , which will be more
in - line with the proposed sign .
David Krajcor, Assistant Manager for Downey Commercial Properties Partnership, 6665 Long Beach
Blvd., Long Beach, Ca., addressed the Commission. He confir med that they are planning a facelift to
the building, after the signs are up.
Chairman Murray asked for any correspondence. Mr. Davis noted there was none.
Chairman Murray invited members of the public to address the Commission on this matter. No pers ons
came forward at this time.
Chairman Murray asked for staff’s recommendation.
City Planner Davis stated staff recommended that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 12 -
2782, approving the Sign Program modification.
There being no questions reg arding staff’s recommendation, Chairman Murray closed the public
hearing.
Commission comments:
Commissioner Morales stated that the signs were more to scale for ped estrian viewing; they meet the
C ode requirements; do not block vehicular visibility; and th at he has no issues.
Commissioners Lujan and Kiefer agreed that they like the appearance of the signs and offered no
further comments.
It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Commissioner Lujan and passed by a 4 - 0 vote,
with Commissioner Garcia absent, to adopt Resolution No. approving PLN - 12 - 00175, (Planned Sign
Program).
Chairman Murray 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 t ime period as set forth in
the City’s Ordinance.
PLN - 12 - 00200 (PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM)
3 .
Location: 8236 through 8274 Firestone Boulevard
Owner: Amusement Industry Inc.
Applicant: Yanki Greenspan/Westland Industries
Staff: Mark Sellheim
CEQA: As required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
this request has been found to be Categorically Exempt from
CEQA, p er CEQA Guidelines, Section 15311 (Class 11, Accessory
Structures).
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, AUGUST 15, 2012 – PAGE 5
Page 6
Request: A Planned Sign Program for the Downey Gateway Develo pment ,
on property zoned DDSP ( Downtown Downey Specific Plan).
Chairman Murray opened the public hearing for PLN - 12 - 00200 (Planned Sign Program). Ms.
Donahue affirmed proof of publication.
William Davis, City Planner, presented staff’s repo rt and accompanying PowerPoint. He noted he
was presenting the report for Mr. Sellheim who had prepared the report but was out of town and not
able to present it.
Mr. Davis explained the various types of signs, colors, materials and locations, that had been selected
for the “Gateway” development.
David Sebring, Inland Signs addressed the Commission, noting he has been working with the
developer for these signs as well as the previous application. He noted that the sign program falls with
the guideline s of the Downtown Downey Specific Plan.
Commissioner Lujan inquired the size limitation for logo signs. Mr. Davis responded, the maxi mum
height limit stated in the C ode is 36 inches , but the Planned Sign Program allows for more creativity.
Giovanni Mend oza, A pplicant’s representative, Westland, 6665 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach
addressed the Commission. He stated that he had reviewed the report and was able to accept the
conditions of approval provided within Resolution No. 12 - 2782.
Chairman Murray ask ed for any correspondence. Mr. Davis noted that staff had received no
correspondence on this matter.
Chairman Murray invited members of the public to address the Commission on this matter. No persons
came forward at this time.
Chairman Murray asked for staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Davis stated that staff was pleased with the Sign Program as presented, and recommended the
Commission adopt Resolution No. 1 2 - 2783 as presented.
Commission comments:
The Commissioners expressed their approval of the plan, p ointing out that the directional signs would
be helpful and they found the projection signs to add a creative touch to the development. They
noted how pleased they were that the project was moving along , emphasizing the importance of this
particular entr y location into the downtown area. They also thanked staff for a well - prepared report
and PowerPoint.
Mr. Davis noted that he would inform Mr. Sellheim of their kind comments.
It was moved by Commissioner Lujan, seconded by Commissioner Kiefer, and pass ed by a 4 - 0 vote
with Commissioner Garcia absent, to adopt Resolution No. 12 - 2783.
Chairman Murray 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.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, AUGUST 15, 2012 – PAGE 6
Page 7
PLN - 12 - 00178 ( MODIFYING PLN - 11 - 00105 - CUP ) and PLN - 12 - 00179
4 .
Location: 8206 Firestone Boulevard
8124 Firestone Boulevard through 8140 Firestone Boulevard
Owner: Levy, Clara Tr et al
Salvatore S abbatino, Trs
Applicant: Adel Bazzi
Staff: William Davis
CEQA: As required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
this request has been found to be Categorically Exempt from
CEQA, p er CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301 (Class 1, Existing
Faci lities).
PLN - 12 - 00178
Request: ( MODIFY PLN - 11 - 00105 - Conditional Use Permit ):
A request to modify the description of allowed uses at Club DB
PLN - 12 - 00179
Lounge; and (Conditional Use Permit) - A request
to allow a substitute location for 68 off - street parking facilities to
accommodate the parking requirements of Club DB Lounge, on
properties zoned DDSP ( Downtown Downey Specific Plan ).
Chairman Murray opened the public hearing for PLN - 12 - 00178, modifying PLN - 11 - 00105 (CUP) and
PLN - 00179. Ms. Donahue affirmed proof of publication.
William Dav is , City Planner, presented staff’s report along with the accompanying PowerPoint. He
stated that the business owner of Exotical had been to the City and had expressed concerns regarding
the loss of o n - street parking recently enacted by City Council, and inquired further how this
arrangement would affect their businesses. Mr. Davis stated that after speaking with the business
owners they did not object to the parking agreement under discussion .
The C ommissioners clarified that Kelly’s Bar and the Physician Surgery Center are the two businesses
between the subject property, DB Lounge and the off - site parking location and the distance between
the subject site and parking being provided is located 225 - fe et westerly, well within the City’s
guidelines.
Commissioner Kiefer asked how the owners would be able to keep their customers from utilizing the
parking for Kelly’s?
Mr. Davis shared that the applicant also has secured 10 parking spaces from the Cit y’s public parking
inventory off Nance Street, when he contracted with the City last year. He stated that Mr. Gevorkyan
is successfully operating as a lounge, and is requesting the change of business description to match
what is happening there, emphasizi ng the bar/night club/live entertainment aspects of the business.
The parking being requested must be available from 9 p.m. through 2 a.m.
Chairman Murray clarified that the parking agreement will run with the land, not limited to the current
owners. He also clarified staff’s recommendation included suppor ting the change from a billiard s hall
with dancing, to be viewed more as a lounge, with billiard’s in back.
Chairman Murray inquired of staff what was the Police Department’s reaction to the requeste d
intensity of use?
Mr. Davis stated that the Police Department had not been overly thrill ed with the applicant’s request;
however , they have acknowledged there has been minimal disruptive activity at the location; the
applicant’s request meets the City ’s requirements for shared parking, thus the parking requirement is
satisfied . The Police Department has indicated they will voice no objection as long as the business
operates within the City’s guidelines.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, AUGUST 15, 2012 – PAGE 7
Page 8
Commissioner Kiefer inquired i f there would b e any change to the allowable o ccupancy?
Mr. Saeki responded, although parking r equirements are increased, the o ccupancy is based on square
footage and therefore it remains the same.
Commissioner Kiefer asked what would happen to the night club approval if the parking agreement is to
be nullified by the current or new property owners?
Mr. Saeki noted that a dispute between property owners that affects the parking agreement would become
a civil matter; however, if the conditions of approval cannot be comp lied with, the City would have to
revoke the approvals.
Ms. Yvette Abich Garcia, City Attorney, affirmed that typically language within such a agreement indicates
that the City shall be apprised of any changes, and shall have the ability to review such change prior to it
going into affect.
Commissioner Morales noted that the agreement will be recorded against the property and become public
record.
Mr. Davis noted that Condition No. seven (7) also indicates that the parking provided shall not be less
t han what is required for both businesses.
Commissioner Kiefer asked to affirm that the Police Department had given their blessing to intensify the
activities on site.
Mr. Saeki responded that the Police are comfortable with the changes staff is recommend ing. He noted
that the operator has been in good standing with the Police. He stated that in the event of any problems,
the Conditional Use Permit provides the mechanism to address them.
Commissioner Kiefer pointed out that the approved Conditional Use Permit (Resolution No. 12 - 2758)
required adequate lighting. He inquired if this condition had been met.
Mr. Davis responded affirmatively.
Applicant, Adel Bazzi, 8504 Firestone Blvd, #155, Downey stated that they had read, understood and
agreed to the r ecommended conditions of approval. He added that the business owner, Mr.
Gevorkyan, is planning on having a parking attendant on site at all times during the use of the lot, to
minimize issues. He added that they are willing to provide a valet attendant, as well.
Chairman Murray asked the applicant to clarify which evenings the attendant would be provided.
Mr. Bazzi stated that they had noticed an increase in activity from Thursdays through Saturdays, and
that is when they planned to have the attendant.
Hank Gevorkyan, 8200 Firestone Boulevard, stated that they currently employ 12 security personnel,
and they are in uniform. He stated that they will also employ another attendant to monitor the off - site
(parking) activities. He also clarified that they would have a disc jockey for entertainment, but no band
and no kaoroke. Mr. Bazzi addressed the lounge layout, and noted that in determining the occupancy,
they used the higher rate.
Mr. Saeki added that with 400 - 500 people attending the facility, the y want to make sure that all safety
re gulations and C ode requirements are followed.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, AUGUST 15, 2012 – PAGE 8
Page 9
Mr. Gevorkyan responded to additional question/comments from the Commission: 1) Yes, the y do
charge a cover charge; 2) T hey keep track of the occupan cy by use of hand counters; 3) T he parking
agreem ent runs seven days a week; 4) T hey are basically running the business as a lounge now.
5) There is no delineated path from the parking area to the lounge, so the attendant will help guide
and be particularly watchful for th e ladies walking alone.
Chairman Murray asked staff how the City would ensure adequate security, and should it be
addressed further?
Mr. Saeki pointed to Condition No. 23 which requires the number of security personnel be determined
by the Police Chief.
Chairman Murray asked the applicant if he had met with the owners of Kelly’s Bar?
Mr. Bazzi stated that they had not. Regarding the lighting, Mr. Bazzi stated that there was no
requirement to enhance the lighting; but the off - site parking site may need to increase lighting.
Chairman Murray asked staff for any correspondence.
Mr. Davis described the concerns of the owner of Exotical, noting that those concerns had been
directed toward the City’s recent removal of off - street parking along Firestone Boule vard . The owner
did not object to the subject request.
Commissioner Kiefer asked staff about the parking restriction. Mr. Saeki noted that parking was
restricted along Firestone 24 - hrs per day.
Wishing to address the Commission, in favor:
1) Dan Latham, 9 615 Birchdale stated that he did not object to the applicant’s request, but asked who
would be responsible if someone were to be injured walking between the two properties? I f
someone is injured, would the City get sued and taxpayers responsible?
Yvette Garcia stated that in any lawsuit a number of factors wo uld be taken into consideration, such as
the condition of the property, what the person was doing at the time, as well as other factors. She
stated she would not be in a position to offer an opinion on this possibility.
There were no persons present wishing to speak in opposition to the request.
Speaking in rebuttal, Mr. Bazzi stated that Mr. Gevorkyan was willing to provide valet parking between
the properties if there was a concern for the pedestr ians, if necessary.
Mr. Davis noted that valet parking would require a Conditional Use Permit; and this request had not
been so advertised.
Chairman Murray asked staff to state their recommendation.
Mr. Davis stated staff recommended the Planning Commis sion adopt the attached Resolution, No. 12 -
2784, approving PLN - 12 - 00178, modifying PLN - 11 - 015 (Conditional Use Permit), modifying the
description of allowed uses at Club DB; and PLN - 12 - 00179 (Conditional Use Permit), allowing a
substitute location for 68 o ff - street parking facilities to accommodate the parking requirements of Club
DB Lounge, on property zoned DDSP, Downtown Downey Specific Plan.
Chairman Murray invited comments regarding staff’s recommendation. No one came forward.
There being no comment s regarding staff’s recommendation, Chairman Murray closed the public
hearing.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, AUGUST 15, 2012 – PAGE 9
Page 10
Commission comments:
Commiss ioner Kiefer noted that although he does not favor a proliferation of night clubs in our City, he
also does not believe in rolling up the sidewalks in the evening. He noted that since the night club
environment has basically been supported up to now (dj and dancing), and with the removal of the
billiards table, and organized parking situation, the club might be safer. He hoped to be kept apprised
of the situation and whether or not police are being called out, especially during the first six months.
Commissioner Lujan stated that the 12 security personnel helps him feel more favorable toward the
requested activities. He hopes the walkway between th e businesses is kept safe.
Commissioner Morales asked about the security the City has contracted with for the downtown parking
structure, and whether they covered this area as well.
Mr. Saeki responded, noting that although this area is not within the co ntract, it was possible to
expand that contract if desired; that the security business operator could be contacted
Commissioner Morales noted that the operator has shown himself to be of soun d business practice.
W ith the conditions in place and the abili ty to re - address any issues that might arise should it become
necessary. Commissioner Morales he stated he could support the expansion with the off - site parking
provided. Although the CUP runs with the land, the business operator’s track record is positi ve, and
the ability to correct any issues that might crop up. If there are problems with the condition of the
sidewalk, or parking lot, that could be of concern but he believed the applicant would be aware of the
property’s conditions. He stated that he was glad that the project addresses security.
Chairman Murray agreed the operator has provided a good track record and is willing to work with
staff. He stated that they all want a vibrant downtown and this is the type of activity that brings people
into the downtown; and that is what the downtown Specific Plan is about. He said “business creates
business”, probably bringing people into Kelly’s as well.
Commissioner Kiefer said he’d like to hear back from staff in about 3 - 4 months , with a report that
sh ows the number of police calls.
Ms. Garcia responded it would not be a problem to create a report review ing police activity covering a
three or six month period. If after reviewing such a report the Commissioners wanted to address any
issues, they could then scheduled a hearing .
It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Commissioner Kiefer and passed by a 4 - 0 vote
with Commissioner Garcia absent, to adopt Resolution No. 12 - 2784 approving both PLN - 12 - 00178
and PLN - 12 - 00179.
Chairman Murray 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.
O RAL COMMUNICATIONS
VIII. : The Commissioners/Staff discusse d: 1) Parking restrictions along
Firestone Boulevard; 2) the former Licorice Pizza property on Lakewood Blvd; 3) recent discussions
about other vacant properties, including the World of Décor site.
OTHER BUSINES S :
Mr. Saeki informed the Commissioners tha t the Alfa Romeo dealership is
IX.
set to open in November, 2012.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA:
X. No further items were discussed.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, AUGUST 15, 2012 – PAGE 10
Page 11
ADJOURNMENT:
X I . There being no further business to come before the Planning Commission, the
Commissi on adjourned at 8:50 p.m., t o Wednesday, September 5 , 2012 , 6:3 0 p.m. at Downey City
Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, Ca. 90241
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of September, 2012 .
Louis Morales
Louis Morales, Vice - Chairman
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the
Planning Commission held on the 15th day of August, 2012 , by the following vote:
AYES: COMMIS SIONERS: Morales, Kiefer, Lujan
A BSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Garcia, Murray
Theresa Donahue
Theresa Donahue , Secretary
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
H: \ Community Development \ Planning Commiss ion \ Minutes \ 2012 \ August 15, 2012 - Minutes.doc
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, AUGUST 15, 2012 – PAGE 11