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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006/12/05 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP MINUTES Adjourned Meeting December 5, 2006 ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Pam Stewart, Lou Munoz, Richard Fletcher, Christine McPhail, and Rich Macias. STAFF PRESENT: James R. Troyer, AICP, Planning Director; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Michael Diaz, Senior Planner; and Tabe van der Zwaag, Assistant Planner. A. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW - DRC2006-00936 - EDWARD MORIARTY AND ED FARAJJ - Proposed full service Mediterranean restaurant with outside dining, service of alcoholic beverages, banquet facilities for wedding and/or large group receptions, live entertainment, and a hookah lounge at 9445 Foothill Boulevard, within the Community Commercial District in Subarea 3 of the Foothill Specific Plan. Michael Diaz presented the project proposal, conceptual plans, and explained that the pre-application meeting was intended to allow the applicant an opportunity to present their vision for the proposed restaurant/banquet facility and to hear what issues the Commission had regarding the proposal at the subject site before deciding to submit a formal application. Staff highlighted the review process explaining that the project would require a Conditional Use Permit and Design Review. Mr. Diaz presented an outline of the key issues for discussion and also reported to the Commission the findings of a recent visit to an existing restaurant owned by the applicants in the City of Glendora. Representing the project were the applicants Ed Faraj, Ed Moriaty and six other supporters, including the architects, the property owner, and his real estate representative. The applicants presented their proposal and explained their intent to create and operate a high end full service Mediterranean restaurant with enclosed banquet space to accommodate private parties, primarily during weekends. The applicants explained that their floor plans were inaccurate. They stated that the outdoor waiting area was intended for wedding parties and would not have seating or dining. Further, they said the bar would be a serving bar only for the restaurant; hence, would not have any seating for customers and will not be open to non-dining customers. In addition, the applicants stated that the bar would serve beer and wine only. The applicants explained what Hookah was and how and where it was provided at the restaurant: According to the applicant hookah smoking would only occur in the outdoor dining area and not within any enclosed building in accordance with state and local laws. Hookah smoking is done at the dining tables, and is limited to adults. They stated the Hookah service is provided by staff devoted solely for that purpose and who will monitor usage of hookah. They explained the fruit scented tobacco is wrapped in foil and placed on top of clay top of hookah and covered with hot coals. They also indicated that Belly Dancing entertainment would be provided at the restaurant in two 15- minute shows per day during weekends (Friday — Sunday). In addition, the applicants stated that live music, disc jockey, and dancing entertainment would be limited to the indoor dining area. The outdoor dining area would provide softly playing recorded background music from speakers. Page 1 Planning Commission Workshop Minutes December 5, 2006 The Commission's consensus of the proposal was that it is unique and could be a good addition to the City if properly planned and developed. However, the Commissioners also expressed their concerns regarding the use at the proposed site, citing parking, noise, security, and quality of the project design as key issues to be fully and adequately addressed before approval of the proposal could be considered. In regard to parking, the Commission believes that the 100-space deficit in parking (as calculated by staff) is a major concern that could not be simply overcome by means of a variance or reliance on on-street parking. Commissioners Munoz and Macias indicated their concern about overflow of parking on the adjacent streets and the potential impacts to the nearby residential area. Chairman Stewart stated that it parking cannot be provided on-site in a satisfactory manner then she would not support the project. The Commissioners directed the applicant to work with staff to find ways of making the parking work out either through a shared parking agreement with the remainder of the center and/or reducing the scale of the project so that required parking can be fully accommodated on the site. A shared parking study was suggested as being a possible requirement. Recalling recent experience with a nearby "night club/restaurant" the Commissioners expressed sensitivity about the potential noise emanating from the facility. The Commissioners discussed hours of operation, soundproofing, and building design as they relate to doors to the banquet facility, as items to be considered in addressing the potential of noise impacts to the community. The applicants stated that they had some noise complaints at their Glendora restaurant and are now properly monitoring the noise levels to insure no violations of the maximum noise levels in that City. Another issue was security, the applicant indicated that they have had no security issues at their other locations as the restaurant and banquet facility was targeted to families and adults rather than a young party crowd. Nevertheless, the Commissioners indicated that provisions be considered for the busiest days of operation to ensure that in-side and out-side activities are monitored. Mr. Diaz indicated that the City of Glendora had been contacted to obtain information regarding their approval and operational experience with the restaurant located in their City. Commissioner Stewart stated that if the project went forward, the conditions of approval as they relate to the entertainment and security must be consistent as much as possible with those conditions of approval for Margarita Beach. In regards to the design of the project, all the Commissioners indicated that the submitted conceptual plans are not adequate to fully express what is proposed for the design of the building and directed the applicant to work closely with staff to develop and bring forward a high quality design. Commissioners McPhail and Stewart specifically indicated that they want to see a good elegant design for the facility, but also believe that it is very important that improvements be extended beyond the building to include upgrades to the overall site, including parking layout, landscaping, and exterior lighting in accordance with City codes. In addition, compatibility/coordination with on-going Foothill Boulevard "Route 66" street improvements was seen as an essential component of the project. Page 2 Planning Commission Workshop Minutes December 5, 2006 Commissioner Fletcher expressed his reservations regarding the re-use of the existing building and his ' concern with the overall compatibility of the proposed use, with the existing center, and surrounding community. He indicated that the use might be better suited elsewhere in the community. Moreover, Commissioner Fletcher stated that while he recognized the cultural connection with hookah smoking, he expressed his concern that allowing hookah smoking might be inconsistent with community efforts to discourage smoking overall. The applicants acknowledged that there are inconsistencies between the proposal as they described and the conceptual plans such as seats shown at the bar. They indicated that they would improve the quality of the plans and work with staff to get the proposal prepared for submittal. PUBLIC COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, James R. Troyer, AICP Secretary Approved: February 28, 2007 I Page 3 Planning Commission Workshop Minutes December 5, 2006