HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001/03/14 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Adjourned Meeting
March 14, 2001
Chairman McNiel called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:20 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, John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Pam Stewart
ABSENT: Peter Tolstoy
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Debra Meier,
Contract Planner
NEW BUSINESS
A. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW(DRC2001-00090)—COLORADO PACIFIC COMMUNITIES—
A concept plan for a single family residential development using optional development
standards of the Very Low(up to 2 dwelling units per acre) and Low Density(up to 4 dwelling
units per acre) Land Use Districts of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located east of Etiwanda
Avenue, south of Highland Avenue—APN: 227-051-01, 04-06, 09, and 28 and 227-121-16
and 49.
The Workshop commenced at 7:20 p.m. with Commissioners. McNeil, Mannerino, Macias and
Stewart present, and Commissioner Tolstoy absent.
Debra Meier, Contract Planner, made opening statements regarding the project concept that the
applicant was proposing as it was explained in the staff Memo dated March 7, 2001.
The Applicants Gene Shehe, Rick Gomez, Danny Brose, and Per Hemholm were introduced.
Mr. Shehe of FORMA explained additional components of the project proposal on behalf of the
applicant, including the aspect of paseo trails within the development with future connection to the
park sites, and the potential re-alignment of Highland Avenue to East Avenue.
Brad Buller, City Planner, commented that The Kemp House, located on Highland Avenue, which is
within the general boundaries of the project site, could potentially be relocated onto the proposed
park site.
The Commissioners collectively favored this idea since there are other historic structures within the
same block of Etiwanda Avenue. The Commissioners were also intrigued with the basic overall
concept of the proposed project, however, they questioned the benefit of such a proposal to the
community and to the Etiwanda area.
Mr. Buller explained that the Etiwanda Specific Plan identifies a "floating" neighborhood park
designation within this block between Etiwanda Avenue and East Avenue, south of Highland Avenue.
He suggested as an altemative to the typical 5-acre neighborhood park, the applicants explore
alternatives that could provide active open space land not only for the specific project neighborhood,
but also the possibility of providing active open space within the Etiwanda Community that is located
in close proximity to two schools, the historic depot, and the Rails-to-Trails corridor. He noted that
the applicants have considered using the Optional Standards of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, in
conjunction with City standard park requirements, to create this concept being considered at the
meeting.
The Commissioners had several technical questions about the future development that staff had not
had the opportunity to explore with the applicant. They commented that specific design proposals
have not yet been reviewed or analyzed by staff, other than in general terms, such as the
realignment of Highland Avenue and the trail connections from the proposed development to the
proposed park site.
Chairman McNiel agreed that the concept had merit and encouraged the applicant to continue to
refine the proposal and work with staff through the Design Review process. He added that many
questions would addressed in future Design Review and Planning Commission meetings.
The Commissioners were particularly interested in fostering the historic home collection along
Etiwanda Avenue that has evolved in the last few years.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
B Iler
ecretary
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PC Adjourned Minutes -2- March 14, 2001