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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes - 10/15/14MINUTES REGULAR MEETING DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 6:30 P.M. Chairman Kiefer called the October 15, 2014, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 6:38 pm, at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the Flag Salute, the Secretary Cavanagh called roll. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Louis Morales, District 3 Matias Flores, District 4 Jim Rodriguez, District 5 Hector Lujan, District 1, Vice Chairman Robert Kiefer, District 2, Chairman COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None OTHERS PRESENT: Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development Yvette Abich- Garcia, City Attorney William E. Davis, City Planner David Blumenthal, Senior Planner Kevin Nguyen, Assistant Planner Mary Cavanagh, Secretary PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS: Commissioner Flores stated that the Stay Gallery celebrated their two year anniversary, and Commissioner Morales invited everyone to the Annual Downey High vs. Warren High schools rival football game. PRESENTATIONS: None REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Director of Community Development Aldo E. Schindler reported that the Mayor directed staff to prepare a Micro Business Improvement Plan; staff is working to develop the plan within 30 -45 days. Councilman Brossmer requested that staff research the use of artificial grass in the front yards of residential properties. Director Schindler stated that currently, the City's website currently has information posting examples of drought tolerant landscape. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PLN -14- 00150: (Conditional Use Permit): Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for PLN -14- 00150, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Commissioner Rodriguez recused himself from this item due to the close proximity of his property to the subject site, and left the Council Chambers. Planning Commission Minutes October 15, 2014 Senior Planner David Blumenthal gave a PowerPoint presentation for the request by Verizon Wireless to add a new wireless communication facility to bolster their existing service. Verizon proposes to locate 12 new panel antennas and one new microwave antenna on the rooftop of an existing building located at 9637 Imperial Hwy in the C -M (Commercial Manufacturing) zone. All related equipment will be located within the building. Mr. Blumenthal stated that the building is currently used by Verizon California primarily as a telephone switching station. Additional uses include a tech service area, storage area and emergency generator; therefore, the applicant is not proposing to add a generator to the site. Verizon will hide the new and all existing roof top mounted equipment by adding new ten -foot screen walls to the rooftop. The screen walls will have an appearance of brick that will match the brick facades of the building, which would enhance the overall aesthetics of the building. The Commissioners discussed screening, possible cumulative impacts, and an emergency generator with staff. Applicant Marilyn Warren, representing Verizon Wireless, stated that the maps provided in the staff report show the necessity of the facility as it reflects the gap in coverage. Chairman Kiefer asked Ms. Warren how long the construction would take to complete the project, to which she estimated that it would take a couple of months. Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing. The Commissioners unanimously agreed that this project will benefit Verizon customers, the screening on the roof for the equipment will improve the site, and conditions of approval are in place to protect against any possible impacts. It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Vice Chairman Lujan, and passed by a 4 -0- 1 vote, with Commissioner Rodriguez abstaining, to adopt Resolution 14 -2895, thereby approving the request for a Conditional Use Permit (PLN -14- 00150) subject to conditions of approval. Commissioner Rodriguez returned to the Council Chambers. 2. PLN -14- 00170: (Conditional Use Permit): Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for the request to approve PLN -14- 00170, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Assistant Planner Kevin Nguyen gave a PowerPoint presentation of the request to establish and operate a martial arts school (Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu), on property located at 8043 Second St, Suite 101, and zoned DDSP (Downtown Downey Specific Plan). The subject site is improved with three (3) multitenant buildings, and with ample parking and a pedestrian walkway between Buildings 2 and 3. Mr. Nguyen reviewed the surrounding properties, which include single family homes, a day care facility, various commercial businesses and an assisted living facility. The applicant proposes to offer one -hour classes to adults and children with approximately 14 students per class during the following hours of operation: Monday — Thursday: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Friday : 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Saturday— Sunday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm -2- Planning Commission Minutes October 15, 2014 Mr. Nguyen stated that because the applicant proposes to operate during evening hours on weekdays, and there is no need for amplified music, it is staff's opinion that noise will not be an issue; this business would be a great addition to the Downtown area. As such, staff is recommending approval, subject to the conditions of approval. Applicant Christopher Guzman, 8043 Second St, Suite 101, Downey, thanked staff for this opportunity and said that he had no comments. Chairman Kiefer asked Mr. Guzman if he had operated similar businesses, to which he responded that this is a franchise, and he managed both the Whittier and West Covina locations that average 4 -14 students per class with a minimum of two instructors. Vice Chairman Lujan asked Mr. Guzman if he would consider offering summer sessions in the morning for kids during school break, to which he stated that he has no plans to do so at this time; however, if he decides to offer summer sessions at a later date, he will take the required steps to do so at that time. Chairman Kiefer asked Mr. Guzman what kind of noise level the school would produce, to which he responded that it would be speaking and sometimes low music. Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing. Commissioner Flores said that he studied Jiu -Jitsu and confirmed that there is not a lot of noise, and we should encourage these types of projects. Vice Chairman Lujan said that it's a good business for the community and it gives the kids something to do. Commissioner Rodriguez complimented staff by saying that everything is covered, he has no concerns and he is excited about the project. Commissioner Morales said that he had no issues or concerns. Chairman Kiefer said that this is a good business for the location and he is in favor of the project. It was moved by Commissioner Morales and seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez and passed by a 5 -0 vote, to adopt Resolution 14 -2896, thereby approving the request for a Conditional Use Permit (PLN -14- 00170) subject to conditions of approval. 3. PLN -14- 00199: (Special Event Permit): Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for the request to approve PLN -14- 00199, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Assistant Planner Kevin Nguyen gave a PowerPoint presentation of the request by the Desert Reign Assembly of God Church, to conduct a one -day "Harvest Festival" event on Friday, October 31, 2014, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, which includes: a DJ, live entertainment, jumpers, game booths, kid rides, and food trucks. The event will take place on the courtyard and parking lot of the church property located at 11610 Lakewood Blvd, zoned C -P (Professional Office). Mr. Nguyen reviewed the surrounding area which is comprised of commercial properties to the north and residential properties to the south of the subject site. The stage for the live entertainment will be -3- Planning Commission Minutes October 15, 2014 located 60 feet from the residential neighbors and conditions have been added that the speakers must be directed away from the neighboring residents. The church provides 50 parking spaces, which is ample parking for the event. Mr. Nguyen noted that in the last two years, there have been no issues from the neighbors or the Police Department; therefore, staff is recommending approval of the request, subject to conditions of approval. Chairman Kiefer asked if there was a stage at the event last year, to which Mr. Nguyen confirmed that there was a stage, but it was a smaller event. Commissioner Rodriguez asked what the attendance was for last years' event, and based on the attendance does he anticipate any issues with parking. Mr. Nguyen responded by saying that he estimates that there were less than 500 people and he does not foresee any issues as there are an additional 25 street parking spaces available and there were no issues last year. Commissioner Morales asked if the 50 spaces on site were on the south side of the subject site with access from Bellflower Blvd, to which Mr. Nguyen replied, yes. Commissioner Rodriguez asked if there were requirements to monitor parking, to which Mr. Nguyen stated there are none. Commissioner Morales asked if all of the activities took place outside, to which Mr. Nguyen stated that they are all outside except for the laser tag. Applicant Joyce Rattan, 11610 Lakewood Blvd, Downey, informed the Commissioners that there will be a Halloween costume contest and the music will not be playing during the entire three -hour event. Most who attend are pedestrians, comprised of parents that come and play games with their children and leave; they do not have 500 attendees at one time. In addition, the church will have their security to patrol during the event. Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing. The Commissioners had no issues and wished the applicant good luck and said that it sounds like a lot of fun. It was moved by Vice Chairman Lujan and seconded by Commissioner Flores and passed by a 5 -0 vote, to adopt Resolution 14 -2897, thereby approving the request for a Special Event Permit (PLN- 14- 00199) subject to conditions of approval. NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 4. Approval of the Minutes from October 5, 2014 It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez, and passed by a 5 -0 vote, to approve the Minutes of the October 5, 2014, meeting of the Planning Commission. OTHER BUSINESS: None. -4- Planning Commission Minutes October 15, 2014 STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director Schindler reported the following- Pre-applications for the View Project were accepted on October 3rd and 4th with approximately 570 applications received. Director Schindler reviewed the screening process for those who submitted their applications. The Habit Burger Grill will hold their grand opening in approximately three weeks with a small fundraising event. On -Line resources are now available for our business community. An RFP (request for proposals) was submitted for the Avenue Theatre for development of the site. Chairman Kiefer asked for an update on the Mortuary in the downtown area, to which Director Schindler responded by saying that it is a tough site for retail or restaurant uses. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, Chairman Kiefer adjourned the meeting at 7:20 pm, to Wednesday, November 5, 2014, at 6:30 pm at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of November, 2014. Robert Kiefer, 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 19th day of November, 2014, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Kiefer, Lujan, Morales, Flores and Rodriguez ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None Mary davanaqh, Sec t ry City Planning Commission -5-