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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.
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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.
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Planning Commission Workshop Minutes March 28, 2007
Respectfully submitted,�"'��
mes R. Tro y er, AICP
Secretary
Approved: April 11, 2007
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Planning Commission Workshop Minutes March 28, 2007