Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007/03/28 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC • CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP MINUTES Adjourned Meeting March 28, 2007 Vice-Chairman Fletcher called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 8:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Rains Room. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Richard Fletcher, Rich Macias, Lou Munoz, Cristine McPhail ABSENT: Pam Stewart STAFF PRESENT: James R. Troyer, Planning Director; Larry Henderson, Principal Planner; Mike Smith, Associate Planner New Business A. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW DRC2007-00192- ROBER M. ATTYAH - A restaurant, conference center and post office on a 4.88 acre property located southeast of the intersection of Etiwanda Avenue and Candlewood Street - APN: 1100-031-07. Mike Smith, Associate Planner, introduced the item and gave an overview of the proposed project that consists of a community center, restaurant, and a post office. He also described the immediate vicinity including the surrounding land uses. He provided a brief history of the Etiwanda Gardens Banquet facility which has facilities for receptions; banquets, and weddings. Their use was classified in the same category as churches according to a Use Determination that was reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission in late 2000. Therefore, the proposed community center at the applicant's location would be classified similarly, subject to the review and approval of a Conditional Use Permit. The proposed restaurant with the drive-up "car hop" service (Bobby A's) is equivalent of drive-in, walk-up, and drive through services provided at a fast food restaurant. Fast food restaurants are not allowed in the Office Professional District. Mr. Smith pointed out that an amendment to the Etiwanda Specific Plan would be required in order to allow this use. Mr. Smith described some of the design and site layout observations. Relocating the main building housing the community center and restaurant from its current location at the center of the property to an area closer to the street was discussed briefly. Also, situating the post office closer to Etiwanda Avenue instead of behind the main building was proposed. Secondary topics included a need for more intensive landscaping and enhanced pedestrian access. Mr. Smith noted a few architectural elements that must be incorporated to remain faithful to the design standards of the City and as outlined in the Etiwanda Specific Plan. As the applicant was represented by several persons familiar with the Etiwanda Community and the City's standards in general, Mr. Smith noted that no further discussion on the topic was necessary. He concluded by pointing out that there was a previously approved office project at this location would have proven to be a very good fit for this site. Planning Commission Workshop Minutes March 28, 2007 Brad Buller, representing the applicant, briefly described the project. He noted that the previously approved project was not financially feasible for the property owner and that this project was one they thought would "work." He stated that he did not believe that the project was contrary to the intent of the Etiwanda Specific Plan and, more precisely, it's restrictions on fast food restaurants because this project was not a typical fast food restaurant like Taco Bell. Architecturally, the project is an attempt to recreate the feel of the type of structure that would be found in the Etiwanda Community such as an old barn or winery. Mr. Buller acknowledged the City's design standards and indicated that the applicant would be willing to comply with the applicable architecture requirements. • Bobby Attyah, the applicant and potential owner of the property, pointed out that this was not a fast food restaurant. He stated that his goal is to re-create the restaurant experience of the 50's and 60's. He said his customers would be families and travelers. He stated that there would be full service in the restaurant while those who preferred car hop service would get a more casual experience. The community center would be tailored to fit the needs of local businesses and sports teams. Lastly, there would be a small retail area for selling restaurant related memorabilia. Mr. Attyah indicated that this would be the first in a chain of restaurants. Commissioner McPhail stated that she liked the concept but not at this location as it is a • heavy residential area and the neighbors would likely be opposed to it. Furthermore, she felt that the restaurant was not the right land use in the Etiwanda Community. She had concerns about the overall site layout believing the main building and post office should be located closer to Etiwanda Avenue and the dominance of the parking lot should be reduced. She stated that this project should be reviewed by the Etiwanda/Base Line Historic Study Task Force and the Etiwanda Historical Society. Commissioner Macias agreed with Ms. McPhail stating the location of the post office is not good. He liked the car hop concept but not at this location. He questioned the visibility of the site; as the site is below the elevation of the adjacent freeway's road surface and tall pylon signs are not permitted, the restaurant may not successfully attract customers. He felt the architecture was bold. Commissioner Munoz liked the concept. He thought it was bold but, like Mr. Macias, did not think it would be very visible. Like Ms. McPhail, although he liked the concept, he questioned its suitability here and thought it should be reviewed by the Etiwanda/Base Line Historic Study Task Force and the Etiwanda Historical Society. Vice-Chairman Fletcher thought this use was not appropriate at this location. He thought it was an odd combination of uses. Like the others, he did not think the post office should be situated at the rear of the site. He questioned the architecture's consistency with the Etiwanda Community. He thought the former project was a better concept. He agreed with Ms. McPhail that there would likely be community opposition to this project. The applicant thanked the Commissioners for their input. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Page 2 Planning Commission Workshop Minutes March 28, 2007 Respectfully submitted,�"'�� mes R. Tro y er, AICP Secretary Approved: April 11, 2007 • 1 Page 3 Planning Commission Workshop Minutes March 28, 2007