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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003/02/12 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Adjourned Meeting February 12, 2003 Chairman McNiel called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 9:05 p.m. The meeting was held in the Rains Room at Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, Larry McNiel, Peter Tolstoy, Pam Stewart ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner, Dan Coleman, Kirt Coury, Associate Planner; Principal Planner, Donald Granger, Assistant Planner, Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer NEW BUSINESS A. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW DRC2003-00027- BUNDY-FINKEL ARCHITECTS-The review of conceptual plans for the development of a shopping center on 3.55 acres of land in the Community Commercial District (Subarea 4) located on the southeast corner of Foothill ' Boulevard and Etiwanda Avenue. APN: 229-311-14 and 15. Brad Buller, City Planner, introduced the item and explained the Pre-Application Review process. Grady Hanshaw, Property Owner; and Richard Finkel, Architect; introduced the project indicating that it was very preliminary in concept, and that they were searching for feedback from the Commission on how the property should be developed. They also discussed the design with respect to sensitivity to existing residential to the east and south. The applicant provided four design schemes (Scheme "A," "B," "C," and "D"). Staff discussed issues relating to all proposals. It was identified that the project may be proposing too many land use functions with relation to size of the site. Issues were identified relating to the on- and off-site access and circulation, parking, site planning, impacts to adjacent residential(glare and noise), as well as location and setbacks of the proposed drive-thru facilities. Mr. Buller noted that any re-submittal of the project should carefully consider how the project would fit in with the surrounding area and should provide successful demonstration of Route 66 design elements, architecture, landscape architecture, frontage, and land usage. Commissioner Tolstoy expressed concern with the plan and identified that it must adequately buffer the project from the adjacent residential. He felt it must be designed with extreme sensitivity to surrounding residences and he noted that the neighborhood was there first. Commissioner Tolstoy felt there was too much proposed on the site, and expressed concerns regarding the drive-thru with respect to the adjacent residential. Commissioner Stewart echoed the comments of Commissioner Tolstoy. She indicated that if she had to favor one proposed scheme, it would be scheme"C." She also re-iterated that there was too much proposed on the property. Commissioner Macias expressed concern regarding potential impacts to the surrounding residences such as light, glare and noise. He also wanted to see better use of pedestrian access to and through the project, as well as a good design and use of landscaping. Chairman McNiel identified that he would like to see the combining of the gas station and one drive- thru restaurant. He acknowledged that the Engineering Division may have constraints with respect to locating the gas station on the corner; however, he did not have an objection with the applicant's proceeding with a formal application. Mr. Hanshaw asked about the concept of two drive-thru facilities back to back, and Mr. Finkel asked if the Commission would consider allowing a drive-thru to be located within 200 feet of the adjacent residential. Chairman McNiel stated that he would need to see an exemplary project to consider deviating from the Planning Commission's adopted drive-thru policy. Commissioner Tolstoy further expressed concerns relating to on-site circulation for the drive-thru proposals. Commissioner Stewart directed the applicant to keep design elements consistent with that of the Foothill Market Place. Mr. Buller summarized the concerns of the Commission as well as staff. He directed the applicant to work for an exceptional project, and trusted that the development team is aware of the design criteria and the need for sensitivity to the surrounding residential development. B. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW DRC2003-00063 - PACIFIC GLOBE LLC - The review of conceptual plans for the development of a gas station, mini market and drive-thru fast-food restaurant on 1.68 acres of land in the Village Commercial District, located on the northeast corner of Day Creek Boulevard and Highland Avenue -APN: 1089-121-08 and 1089-401-66. Brad Buller, City Planner, introduced the item and gave an overview of the Pre-Application Review process. Joseph Karaki, project architect, gave a brief synopsis of the project and indicated that he and the applicant would welcome the direction and comments of the Commission. Staff discussed the issues relating to the proposal. Staff noted that although the site is zoned Village Commercial, the Victoria Community Plan specifically contains language stating that commercial development at this location should be oriented to the community, and not be freeway dependent. Staff also mentioned the importance of low-profile architecture, adequate mitigation with respect to glare and noise, and the necessity of improving vehicular circulation. Staff pointed out that the site is under-parked by 20 stalls, and that the number and/or size of the buildings should be reduced. Mr. Buller emphasized the importance of the site's being oriented to the neighborhood and having an architectural design that is sensitive to the residential uses to the south. He articulated that grades on this site will have to be used in a positive way to buffer the residences to the south. Commissioner Stewart felt that the project is simply too tight. She felt that the circulation needs to be improved and that the proposal is over-built. Commissioner Macias echoed Commissioner Stewart's concerns and stated that the circulation needs much improvement. PC Adjourned Minutes -2- February 12, 2002 Commissioner Tolstoy indicated that parking design and shortage of stalls is a serious site plan problem that will have to be resolved. He further emphasized the need to be extremely sensitive to the homes to the south. Chairman McNeil echoed the comments of the other commissioners. He stated that although the site is constrained by configuration and topography, the design must meet all technical standards and be of the highest architectural quality. He added that the proposal is too much for the site and needs to be reduced. Mr. Buller closed the workshop by indicating that although a gas station and fast food use is permitted in the Village Commercial District, its design must be highly sensitive to the surrounding residential uses. He felt that if the project were scaled down and incorporated the comments of staff and the Commission, the site would be viable for the proposed use. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments at this time. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, is B Wler I Secretary PC Adjourned Minutes -3- February 12, 2002