HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 03-03-21MINUTES
DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE
DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
6:30 P.M.
Chair Duarte called the March 3, 2021, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 6:30
p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the flag salute, Secretary
Cavanagh called roll.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Miguel Duarte, District 1, Chair
Patrick Owens, District 2, Vice Chair
Arturo Montoya, District 3
Dimitrios Spathopoulos, District 4
Horacio Ortiz, Jr., District 5
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development
Yvette Abich Garcia, City Attorney
Crystal Landavazo, City Planner
Irving Anaya, Associate Planner
Madalyn Welch, Assistant Planner
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: None
PRESENTATIONS: None
REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler reported
the City Council received and filed the General Plan Progress Report that was recently approved by the
Planning Commission.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
PLN -20-00101 (Site Plan Review): Chair Duarte opened the public hearing for PLN -20-00101 and
Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
Assistant Planner Madalyn Welch presented the request for a Site Plan Review (SPR), to construct a
three unit, two-story multifamily development on property located at 10224 La Reina Avenue, within the
R-3 (Multiple -Family Residential) zone. The subject site currently maintains two buildings, which will be
demolished, to allow for the construction of two new buildings with a Spanish Style Architectural design,
improved with 2,387 sq. ft. of landscape area, consisting primarily of drought tolerant landscape. The
proposed front facing building includes two residential units, and the second building to the rear of the
property shall consist of one residential unit. Each of the three units includes a 2 -car garage and varies
in size from 1,191 sq. ft. to 1,457 sq. ft. The proposed project was evaluated by the Development
Review Committee and who provided standard comments and conditions. During the review the Fire
Department added a condition that a fire hydrant be installed with approved water supply capable of
supplying the required fire flow for fire protection. There were no other concerns.
Planning Commission
March 3, 2021 Minutes
Commissioner Montoya asked if there is a need for a walkway from the sidewalk to the rear dwelling
unit for ADA compliance. City Planner Crystal Landavazo clarified, ADA compliance does not apply to
this type of development; it would apply to larger multifamily apartment buildings.
Chair Duarte spoke in favor of the design and asked if it is possible for the applicant to later revise the
design. Director Schindler assured the Commission that the design is firm; he stated that Staff puts a
lot of effort into obtaining quality design. He explained that an applicant comes to Staff with a design
and Staff reviews architectural books with the applicant and discusses all elements of the building
design. It is possible that the applicant may return at a later date to request changes to the design, but
Staff holds firm as to what was approved.
Public Comment Phone Calls: None
Project designer Edgar Cortes together with property owner Wily Barrios were available for questions.
The Commissioners complimented the designer and applicant on the design and stated they look
forward to seeing the project come to fruition.
Public Comment Correspondence(s): Staff received one email correspondence which was read aloud
and a copy of which was retained as part of the project record.
City Planner Landavazo informed the Commission of a public comment caller, Daniel Jimenez, who
was on hold during the public comment but did not remain on the line. Mr. Jimenez is a neighbor who
had called earlier in the day and spoke with Ms. Welch to share similar concerns as noted in the email
with regard to parking in the area and general development noise during construction.
Chair Duarte closed the public hearing.
The Commissioners spoke in favor of the project design and found it to be a great addition to the City
and appropriate for the R-3 Multifamily Residential Zone.
It was moved by Vice Chair Owens, seconded by Commissioner Ortiz, and passed by a vote of 5-0, to
adopt Resolution No. 20-3136, thereby approving the request for a Variance (PLN -20-00101).
NON -AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS:
2. Approval of the Minutes from October 21, 2020
Chair Duarte announced that although he was not able to attend the October 21, 2020 Planning
Commission Meeting, he was able to watch the meeting online and will therefore vote on this item.
It was moved by Commissioner Spathopoulos, seconded by Vice Chair Owens, and passed by a vote
of 3-0-2, with Commissioners Montoya and Ortiz abstaining.
OTHER BUSINESS: Commissioner Ortiz requested a Staff report regarding the City's communications
and efforts in bringing businesses such as Trader Joes, Sprouts or Whole Foods Markets to Downey.
Director Schindler explained the Commissioners' request does not come under the purview of the
Planning Commission; however, he provided the Commission with an update on Staff's efforts in
bringing businesses to Downey that include regular contact with the Trader Joes' real estate
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Planning Commission
March 3, 2021 Minutes
representative. He explained that Sprouts has expressed interest in coming to Downey however, the
challenge is finding a space large enough to accommodate the market and desired parking. The
Economic Development division actively seeks restaurants and businesses that are most feasible and
profitable for the City, however, the challenge is always space and land.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director Schindler asked the Commission to spread the word that the
City has approximately $600,000 dollars in federal funds available through our Residential Rent
Assistance Program to assist our residents who have been negatively affected by the COVID 19
pandemic.
Director Schindler briefly discussed the upcoming presentation for the Mansionization Study to provide
Residential Guidelines for the (R-1) Single -Family Residential zones.
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Duarte adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m., to Wednesday, March 17, 2021,
at 6:30p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this this 17th day of March, 2021.
Miguel uarte, Chair
City Planning Commission
HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the
Planning Commission held on this 17th day of March, 2021, by the following vote:
AYES:
COMMISSIONERS:
Duarte, Owens, Montoya and Ortiz
NOES:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS:
Spathopoulos
ABSTAIN:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
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Mary Cavanagh, Secreta , ,
City Planning Commission
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