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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014/08/13 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPCTHE CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA WORKSHOP MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 13, 2014 - 7:00 PM Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center ***RAINS ROOM*** 10500 Civic Center Drive Rancho Cucamonga, California 11 I. CALL TO ORDER Roll Call 8:20 PM Chairman Howdyshell A Vice Chairman Fletcher X Munoz X Wimberly X Oaxaca X Staff Present: Candyce Burnett, Planning Manager; Jeff Bloom, Deputy City Manager Economic/Community Development, Steve Fowler, Assistant Planner, Mayuko Nakajima, Assistant Planner; Lois Schrader, Planning Commission Secretary 11 II. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS This is the time and place for the general public to address the Historic Preservation Commission or the Planning Commission on any item listed or not listed on the agenda. State law prohibits the Historic Preservation Commission or the Planning Commission from addressing any issue not previously included on the Agenda. The Historic Preservation Commission or the Planning Commission may receive testimony and set the matter for a subsequent meeting. Comments are to be limited to five minutes per individual or less, as deemed necessary by the Chair, depending upon the number of individuals desiring to speak. All communications are to be addressed directly to the Historic Preservation Commission or Planning Commission, not to the members of the audience. This is a professional business meeting and courtesy and decorum are expected. Please refrain from any debate between audience and speaker, making loud noises, or engaging in any activity which might be disruptive to the decorum of the meeting. 11 III. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION A. PRE -APPLICATION REVIEW DRC2014-00617 - KAMRAN BENJI -A request to review HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION WN Fro WORKSHOP MINUTES CrC&Moson AUGUST 13, 2014 Page 2 a conceptual site plan for a 193 unit multi -family apartment project with a potential future retail component on a 7.55 acre site located at the northwest corner of Foothill Boulevard and East Avenue. The design would require a General Plan Amendment and Development Code Amendment to change the zone classification from Community Commercial to Mixed Use: APN; 1100-201-07. Steve Fowler, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. He mentioned that a strip of land to the east was finally acquired and is included as part of this project site. He noted the future opportunity for BP and mentioned the idea of flexibility so that some of their proposed apartments could be converted to retail to allow for a true mixed use in the future. He said they have a concern about the grove of trees and how many would be required to be retained. The applicant's team consisted of Mark Bertone (Madole); Serafin Maranan and loanna Magianti from Architects Orange. Kamran Benji, the applicant, summarized the history of the prior project application. He said currently there is great dernand for upscale apartments in this area but little demand for commercial/retail. He noted the needed code changes, the tree issue, parking ratio, and the possibility of up to a 4 -story structure with a mix of lower story buildings and varied story elements. Mr. Maranan explained the project proposal noting an interactive urban site plan with an architectural urban edge; and suggested an iconic statement on the southeast corner. He mentioned amenities such as a clubhouse, pool, and a spa -like resort space. He proposed a 3 -story transition in the front along Foothill and 4 story transitions in the back including some tuck under garages with direct access to the ground floor units. He asked for the Commissioners input on mixed use for commercial use later and the possibility of shared/joint use parking. He noted 15 parking stalls are held in reserve. He mentioned that the density of the Amli and Mentage developments are not much different than this one. He explained that because of site constraints the same density is achieved with 4 stories instead of 3. He mentioned several architectural style options such as 'Contemporary Californian' that is modern but familiar. He said other styles could also be considered. Chairman Fletcher said it is very different from anything they have seen to date. Commissioner Oaxaca asked if there is an assumption that this project would influence decisions regarding transit and if it is the intent to justify it because it would create a source of ridership for the BP T. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP MINUTES RANCHO C`CAMONGA AUGUST 13, 2014 Page 3 Candyce Burnett, Planning Manager, summarized the analysis performed for future transit and stated the BRT is looking to cities to be progressive along their corridor and so far, we are progressive in comparison with other cities. Developments like this help to get future transit. She commented on the density and noted that this is the first to be brought to the Commission like this and that although our current code does not have standards to support this, staff can develop design standards and amending language can be created as we move through the process. She said that Foothill Boulevard was identified as a major area for this type of development and density in the General Plan. Vice Chairman Fletcher voiced concern about the problems in that section of the City; it is a difficult time for businesses. He expressed concern about creating density for transit, and confusion about the proposed joint parking. He said (after looking at the proposed site plan) the visual from East Avenue looking in to the development looks like rows of parking. He said he is not totally opposed to this development, and not opposed to more vertical development. He said we need to ask if it serves the needs of our community, look at the constraints for the size of the property and keep the design upscale. He noted the east end needs a stimulus. Commissioner Wimberly talked about how the big idea was that at some time we would have to change how we develop and accommodate higher density. He noted that the City even considered modifying Victoria Gardens with high density development. He said the developers should ask if they were relieved of certain constraints, what they could build. Kamran Benji said this development will survive even without the transit. He said there is the benefit of bringing life to the east end that is currently suffering. Commissioner Munoz noted that it will depend on the plan submitted and suggested they watch the view and be creative. He said the Commission is ready for a change in architecture and suggested they be mindful of good articulation, color punches, quality; and uniqueness. He suggested they stay away from a massive Spanish style. Commissioner Oaxaca suggested they use the opportunity to look at the constraints of the current code to see if we are maximizing our opportunities. He said it may make sense to see how constraints can be molded or changed for a higher density mixed use project. Vice Chairman said he is hearing support from staff but said he is also hearing concern for it to be done right. He noted they may need many more meetings. He cautioned HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP MINUTES RANCHO CQCANONC" AUGUST 13, 2014 Page 4 against 'scrapping" our Code/Plan for the sake of a single development. Mr. Maranan said they will look at the current code and try to work with it. Ms. Burnett noted that our code was designed for suburbia; but for the future we need to create urban standards, and look at changes in open space and setbacks. Jeff Bloom, Deputy City Manager, Economic/Community Development said we need to ask what the younger demographic is looking for. The younger generation is more mobile. Our generation placed a high value on private space; the younger generation wants more public spaces to meet. He said the idea is not to throw out open space but reconsider how to provide it such as in public courtyards. Ms. Burnett explained the next steps are for the applicant to work closely with staff and to submit their plans for review. 11 IV. ADJOURNMENT 9:25 PM ®If you need special assistance or accommodations to participate in this meeting, please contact the Planning Department at (909) 477-2750. Notification of 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility. Listening devices are available for the hearing impaired. INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION The Planning Commission encourages free expression of all points of view. To allow all persons to speak, given the length of the agenda, please keep your remarks brief. If others have already expressed your position, you may simply indicate that you agree with a previous speaker. If appropriate, a spokesperson may present the views of your entire group. To encourage all views and promote courtesy to others, the audience should refrain from clapping, booing or shouts of approval or disagreement from the audience. The public may address the Planning Commission on any agenda item. To address the Planning Commission, please come forward to the podium located at the center of the staff table. State your name for the record and HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP MINUTES RANCHO CuCn."ONOA AUGUST 13, 2014 Page 5 speak into the microphone. After speaking, please sign in on the clipboard located next to the speaker's podium. It is important to list your name, address and the agenda item letter your comments refer to. Comments are generally limited to 5 minutes per individual. If you wish to speak concerning an item not on the agenda, you may do so under "Public Comments." . Any handouts for the Planning Commission should be given to the Planning Commission Secretary for distribution to the Commissioners. A copy of any such materials should also be provided to the Secretary to be used for the official public record. All requests for items to be placed on a Planning Commission agenda must be in writing. Requests for scheduling agenda items will be at the discretion of the Commission and the Planning Director. AVAILABILITY OF STAFF REPORTS Copies of the staff reports or other documentation to each agenda item are on file in the offices of the Planning Department, City Hall, located at 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730. These documents are available for public inspections during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except for legal City holidays. rell9x_1t69 Any interested party who disagrees with the City Planning Commission decision may appeal the Commission's decision to the City Council within 10 calendar days. Any appeal filed must be directed to the City Clerk's Office and must be accompanied by a fee of $2,486 for all decisions of the Commission. (Fees are established and governed by the City Council). Please turn off all cellular phones and pagers while the meeting is in session. Copies of the Planning Commission agendas, staff reports and minutes can be found at www.CitvofRC.us