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Home My WebLink About2. PC Draft Minutes - 10-05-16 DRAFT MINUTES REGULAR MEETING DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 6:30 P.M. Chairman Flores called the October 5, 2016, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 6:33 p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the flag salute, Secretary Cavanagh called roll. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Hector Lujan, District 1 Patrick Owens, District 2 Louis Morales, District 3 Matias Flores, District 4, Chairman Jim Rodríguez, 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 Guillermo Arreola, Senior Planner Mary Cavanagh, Secretary PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: Vice Chairman Rodriguez stated he had received a complaint from a resident regarding the Jack-in-the-Box construction site causing a distraction along Firestone Blvd., and asked if the fencing can be screened to block the site. Director of Community Development Schindler advised the Commission that screening the construction site is not a requirement; however, we will make a request. PRESENTATIONS: Commissioner Morales presented Chairman Flores with a plaque from The Olson Company, recognizing the Planning Commission for their efforts involved in the Third Street and La Reina 28-unit condominium development. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA: None. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Director of Community Development Schindler reported the following items were approved at September 27, 2016 Council Meeting: 1) the annual agreement with the Downey Chamber of Commerce, and 2) the General Plan Progress Report. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PLN-15-00004 (Negative Declaration, Tentative Tract Map No. 72028, General Plan Amendment Zone Change and Site Plan Review) cont’d from July 6, 2016): Chairman Flores opened the public hearing for PLN-15-00004 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. City Planner William Davis reviewed the request originally presented at the July 6, 2016, meeting of the Planning Commission, to change the General Plan land use designation of the subject property, located at 10361 Foster Road, from LDR (Low Density Residential) to MDR (Medium Density Residential); to rezone the property from R-1 (Single-Family Residential) to R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential); Tentative Map No. 72028 standards to subdivide a 2.41 acres parcel into fourteen condominiums and a private driveway, site Planning Commission Minutes October 5, 2016 - 2 - plan review; and adopt a Negative Declaration of the environmental impact. He reviewed the concerns and improvements requested by the Planning Commission and the residents who gave public and written testimony during the July 6, 2016 hearing. Mr. Davis gave a PowerPoint presentation and brief summary of the California Public Utilities Commission information received that addressed the safety concerns pertaining to the SCE towers, and the applicants’ revisions to address additional requests made, such as the bike path design-close gate to the riverbed and providing block walls along the easterly property line. Correspondence: There has been no correspondence since the July 6, 2016 meeting. Applicant Emilio Gutierrez, 11444 Acacia Ave., Unit A, Hawthorne, CA, thanked the Commissioners and staff. He said he reviewed the staff report and agreed to the conditions of approval. Speaking in opposition: Donna Ewald, 13246 Carfax Avenue, spoke of cars racing on Foster Road and requested speed bumps on Foster Road if the project is approved. Director of Community Development Schindler stated the request is not under the purview of the Planning Commission; however, a recommendation can be made to the Public Works Department. Bill Weber complained of homeless people in the area and believes a Community Garden would be better suited for the subject site. Machell Brookens Webb, 10219 Foster Road, complained that she and other neighbors in the area did not receive a notice informing them of the public hearing and spoke against the list generated by the applicant. She complained of a large homeless population along the Bellflower portion of the Riverbed and drug activity along Foster Road. Chairman Flores stated that the list mentioned was generated by the applicant and has been given no consideration by the Planning Commission. The City mailed out a public hearing notice to all homeowners within 500 feet of the subject site. An unidentified speaker spoke against the project due to the close proximity of SCE power lines. Mona Cabs, 10226 Priscilla Street, spoke against the project due to a possible increase in traffic. Elizabeth Esteva [sic], 10257 Foster Road, spoke against the project in the area, and reiterated the concerns presented by neighbors. Applicant’s Rebuttal: Mr. Gutierrez acknowledged and addressed the neighbors’ concerns. He said features have been added to make the project safer and believes the development will enhance the area with minimal increases in traffic. Staff recommended the Planning Commission adopt two resolutions to: 1) recommend the City Council approve the General Plan Amendment, Zone Change and Negative Declaration; and 2) approve the Tentative Tract Map and Site Plan Review. Chairman Flores closed the public hearing. Commissioner Morales stated he was absent from the July 6, 2016 meeting; however, he watched the video and will be able to give comments. Planning Commission Minutes October 5, 2016 - 3 - The Commissioners thanked the members of the audience who appeared to give testimony, along with staff and the applicant for their efforts. They spoke in favor of the application and made note that the applicant had addressed their concerns regarding possible safety issues pertaining to the SCE towers and the applicant made enhancements to improve the site. They believe the development will reduce homeless activity in the area, increase property values, and will be positive for the community. It was moved by Vice Chairman Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Lujan and passed by a 5-0 vote, to adopt Resolution 16-2998, thereby approving the request for a Tentative Tract Map 72028 and Site Plan Review. It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Chairman Flores and passed by a 5-0 vote, to adopt Resolution 16-2999, thereby recommending the City Council adopt the General Plan Amendment, Zone Change and Negative Declaration. Chairman Flores called for a recess at 7:54 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:00 p.m. 2. PLN-16-00038 (Site Plan Review): Chairman Flores opened the public hearing for PLN-16-00038 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Senior Planner Guillermo Arreola presented the request to construct a six-unit apartment development, on property located at 8117 Second Street, and zoned DDSP (Downtown Downey Specific Plan- Downtown Residential District). He reviewed the site plan, floor plan, landscaping and architectural design of the three-story dwelling units with two car garages. Staff gave recommendation to approve the Site Plan Review and adopt a resolution of approval. Disclosures: Commissioner Owens stated he had a conversation with staff regarding his opinion on the possibility of plug-ins for hybrid vehicles for proposed tenants. Chairman Flores walked by the property today and Monday to look at the property. Commissioner Morales said he drives by the site on a regular basis because it is in his district. Applicant Eric Peterson stated he is the Architect for the development and has worked together with staff to create a beautiful project. The Commissioners thanked the applicant for creating a project that fits in a long standing vacant lot. Correspondence: None. Speaking in favor: Unidentified speaker spoke in favor of housing developments in the downtown area and offered ADA suggestions to improve housing developments in the downtown area. Mr. Peterson stated the ADA requirements were reviewed with the Building & Safety Division and found that handicap accessibility is not required for a project of this size. He appreciated the City’s efforts in Planning the Downtown Residential District in creating a walkable community. The Commissioners discussed setback requirements in the downtown area with Mr. Peterson and staff. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 3. Minutes from May 4, 2016 It was moved by Chairman Flores, seconded by Vice Chairman Rodriguez and passed by a 5-0 vote to approve the Consent Calendar. Planning Commission Minutes October 5, 2016 - 4 - OTHER BUSINESS: Director of Community Development Schindler announced the following: 1) the second Downtown Parking Stakeholder meeting will be held on October 20, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at the same location, which is the Greek Orthodox Church on Downey Avenue; and 2) the second community meeting discussing the median on Paramount Boulevard will be held on October 18, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. in the City of Downey’s Council Chambers. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to discuss, Chairman Flores adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m., to Wednesday, July 20th, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 1st day of February, 2017. Matias Flores, 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 1st day of February, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Mary Cavanagh, Secretary City Planning Commission