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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 05-04-16PC MINUTES REGULAR MEETING DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 6:30 P.M. Chairman Flores called the May 4, 2016, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 6:32 p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the flag salute, Secretary Cavanagh called roll. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Matias Flores, District 4, Chairman Patrick Owens, District 2 Hector Lujan, District 1 Louis Morales, District 3 Jim Rodriguez, District 5, Vice 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, Principal Planner Monica Esparza, Associate Planner Kevin Nguyen, Assistant Planner Mary Cavanagh, Secretary PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS: None PRESENTATIONS: None CHANGES TO THE AGENDA: None REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler reported that the City Council approved the following items: 1) The request for a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change for 9511 Firestone Blvd and 11104 Pangborn; 2) the contract with Matrix Consulting to assess the permit process for the Community Development, Public Works, Police and Fire Departments; 3) and the Edison easement at the Promenade. Staff presented the City Council with a report on yard sales in the City and was given direction to contact other cities to review their processes for yard sales, and return with a report and suggestions to improve management and occurrence of yard sales in our City. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PLN -16 -00060 (Conditional Use Permit): Chairman Flores opened the public hearing for PLN -16- 0060, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Associate Planner Monica Esparza presented a request for a conditional use permit to allow a restaurant to operate with a State of California, Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Type 41 (On -site beer and wine — Eating place) license at "Poached Kitchen ", located at 9510 Lakewood Boulevard, and zoned (C -2 General Commercial). The current hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.; however the proposal is to approve hours of operation of 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. to allow applicant to open for dinner should he choose do so at a later date. Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 2016 The Commissioners reviewed the floor plan and site plan with staff. Disclosures: None, Applicant, Thea Trindle, FE Design and Consulting, representing owner, Jim, aka Dimitrios Papantonopolous, reviewed the site characteristics, hours of operation, menu, and ABC regulations. The applicant agreed to all conditions of approval. The Commissioners reviewed the ABC regulations and restaurant operation with the applicants, comparing the subject site to an existing restaurant that does not currently serve alcohol. Correspondence: None. Speaking in favor: Matthew Rodman, Furst Enterprises, 8955 National Blvd., Los Angeles spoke in favor of the application and encouraged the applicant to include a dinner service. Speaking against: Unidentified public speaker spoke against the restaurant having a liquor license. Ms. Trindle stated that the applicant understands the potential for misuse of alcohol, and believes the conditions of approval will address any concerns. Chairman Flores closed the public hearing. The Commissioners spoke in favor of the project and commented on it brining a new energy to the area It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Commissioner Lujan, and passed by a 5 -0 vote, to adopt Resolution 16 -2979, thereby approving the request for a Conditional Use Permit (PLN -16- 00060). 2. PI_N -16 -00065 [Conditional Use Permit]: Chairman Flores opened the public hearing for PLN -16- 00065, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Assistant Planner Kevin Nguyen presented a request by Chris & Pitts restaurant, located at 9243 Lakewood Blvd., and zoned C -2 (General Commercial) to operate with a State of California, Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Type 47 (On -Sale General — Eating Place) license. The restaurant has been operating with a Type 41 (On -site beer and wine — Eating place) license since the 1950s, prior to the requirement of a conditional use permit. The Commissioners reviewed the hours of operation. Disclosers: None. Applicant, Debby Gerry, gave a brief history of Chris & Pitts restaurant and explained that they previously operated a location in Anaheim with a Type 47 ABC license, and would like to transfer it to Downey. Speaking against application: Correspondence: None. An unidentified public speaker spoke against alcohol sales. -2- Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 2016 Staff recommends its approval of PLN -16- 00065, subject to the conditions of approval. Chairman Flores closed the public hearing. The Commissioners commented that the restaurant has been in operation at this location for so long without issue and have no concerns with the request. It was moved by Vice Chairman Rodriguez and seconded by Commissioner Owens, and passed by a 5- 0, to adopt Resolution 16 -2980, thereby approving the request for a Conditional Use Permit (PLN -16- 00065). 3. PLN -15 -00241 (Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 73999 and Site Plan Review and General Plan Consistency Finding): Chairman Flores opened the public hearing for PLN -15- 00241, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Principal Planner David Blumenthal gave a presentation of a request by The Olson Company to construct a 28 -unit townhome development at 8150 Third Street., on property zoned DDSP (Downtown Downey Specific Plan). The applicant proposes to re- subdivide the site and to construct three -story townhomes that range from 1,864 square feet (including the garage) to 2,388 square feet (including the garage). Also included is a request for the Planning Commission to make a finding that the sale of the City owned parking lot to The Olson Company, is consistent with the City's General Plan. The subject site is located on the south side of Third St., west of La Reina Ave. Mr. Blumenthal reviewed the site plan, landscaping, lighting and parking for the project. He described the architecture as Spanish and Colonial Mission style that will consist of four buildings with courtyard entries to promote pedestrian activity. The Commissioners discussed parking in the downtown area, and options for gates and electric vehicle charging stations with staff. Disclosures: Commissioner Morales met with the applicant and spoke about the project. Vice Chairman Rodriguez made random visits to the site on several occasions to check the parking during the day and the night. Applicant, John Reischl, Project Manager, The Olson Company. Mr. Reischl thanked staff and gave a brief background of The Olson Company's focus on the homebuyer, which they believe creates a successful community. This includes their attending HOA meetings for the first 10 years to make sure the HOA is spending the money properly and enforcing regulations as well as doing routine maintenance. The goal is to have all homeowners moved in by end of 2017. The Commissioners discussed options for vehicle charging in the garages, solar, and tandem parking with the applicant. Mr. Reischl explained that the community is 80 % tandem parking and homeowners do not have an issue with it. An unidentified speaker spoke in opposition to the application and made accusations of discrimination and suggested the property was donated to the applicant. Chairman Flores closed the public hearing. Staff recommended the Planning Commission adopt a resolution approving the application, PLN -15- 00241, subject to the conditions of approval. The Commissioners asked staff for language to modify conditions of approval to include items discussed. Principal Planner Blumenthal suggested adding the following two conditions to the Planning section of the -3- Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 2016 conditions of approval; subsequent conditions will continue from Condition Number 28 forward. Mr. Reischl agreed to the added conditions of approval and suggested adding language that it is "to the satisfaction of the City Planner ". 26) The units shall be photovoltaic ready. Installation of the photovoltaic system shall be made an option to new buyers at the time of sale, to the satisfaction of the City Planner. 27) The garages shall be electric vehicle charger ready. This shall include providing conduit for future electrical wire to electric vehicle charges within the garage, to the satisfaction of the City Planner. The Commissioners spoke in favor of the project. They were pleased with the improvement to the site and to the community. They said they were excited to take part in a project that this is in harmony with our downtown that encourages pedestrian activity; it is a fantastic project, they described the appearance as phenomenal! City Attorney Garcia clarified that the property was sold to the Olson Company. It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Vice Chairman Rodriguez and passed by 5 -0 vote, to adopt Resolution 16 -2981, thereby approving the request for a Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit (PLN -15- 00236). NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: Unknown speaker discussed pedestrian access within the City and ADA regulations. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 4. PLN -16 -00100 (Final Parcel Map NO. 67602): A request to subdivide +/- 24,329 square feet of land, into an eight (8) unit condominium development on property located at 8435 Fontana Street 5. PLN -16 -00110 (Final Tract Map No. 73340): A request for approval of Final Tract Map No. 73340 to subdivide a parcel into 120 lots, on property located at 10734 Paramount Boulevard. 6. Typographical Correction on Resolution 16 -2969 7. Minutes from April 20, 2016 It was moved by Chairman Flores, seconded by Vice Chairman Rodriguez, and passed by a 5 -0 vote, to approve the Consent Calendar. OTHER BUSINESS: Vice Chairman Rodriguez requested a follow -up on the six -month review for the Epic lounge. Chairman Flores stated he had received reports of window break -ins along Gallatin Road. Director Schindler replied that he had sent Chairman Flores an email regarding the reports. Chairman Flores spoke of his recent trip to Argentina and acknowledged his father and brother in the audience. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler discussed the groundbreaking for the Habitat for Humanity Project at 9303 Elm Vista Road on May 16th and the KB Home Project on Paramount Blvd. on Wednesday May 18, 2016. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to discuss, Vice Chairman Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m., to Wednesday, May 18th, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave. -4- Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of October, 201E May 4, 2016 City Planning Commission I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on the 5th day of October, 2016, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Flores, Rodriguez, Morales, Lujan and Owens ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None Mary Ca anagh, Secretary City Planning Commission -5-