Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002/06/26 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Adjourned Meeting June 26, 2002 Chairman McNiel called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 7:38 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: John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Pam Stewart, Peter Tolstoy ABSENT: Rich Macias STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, Dan James,Senior Civil Engineer; Warren Morelion, Assistant Planner NEW BUSINESS A. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW DRC2002-00450 - K & S PROPERTY, LLC - The review of concept plans for 200 senior apartment units in a gated project on 6.70 acres of land in the Office/Professional District, located on the north side of Foothill Boulevard, west of the Cucamonga Creek Channel -APN: 207-102-32, 33, and 50. Brad Buller, City Planner, introduced the item and summarized the Pre-Application Review process. Mr. Buller explained that the review was for the project design only and its relationship to the surrounding area. The architect, Michael Frazier, introduced the project as a 200-unit market rate senior apartment complex that will include six floor plans ranging in size from 440 square feet to 1,000 square feet. He explained that the project will require the removal of existing buildings and trees as part of the development; however, as many trees as possible will be preserved. He indicated the main entrance into the site would line up with the existing entrance across Foothill Boulevard to reduce traffic conflicts. He said the other two entrances proposed would be secondary and are open to realignment or redesign. In addition, Mr. Frazier stated that the building itself would be designed with a Spanish Revival architectural theme that will have an overall pleasing look and landscape design. Mr. Buller stated that the site is unique and the City needs to look at the relationship of the site to other properties. He noted the importance of a link to the Albertsons Shopping Center to the east and the future Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail to the north. He also commented on the importance of designing and locating the large building in a location that accentuates Foothill Boulevard. Staff discussed issues related to the proposal. Staff identified that the project would need a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Hillside Development Review, and a Tree Removal Permit. In addition, because the project is located in the"hillside development area,"the applicant would have to revise the density calculations based upon slope. As part of development the applicant would also have to remove the existing billboard on-site. Staff then indicated that the applicant should relocate the building closer to Foothill Boulevard with parking in the rear, provide access from the site to the future Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail, and revise the on-site circulation to meet City standards. Staff supported the architectural design of the building, but suggested the applicant change the material or color of the bottom floor of the building and design the main entry tower with a majority of accent material. Commissioner Tolstoy expressed concerns regarding on-site access (drive aisles) and access into the site (ingress, egress) from Foothill Boulevard. Because the project is for seniors, he felt the residents might have problems navigating the large parking lot to find the front entrance of the building. Commissioner Tolstoy then asked the applicant and representatives if they thought seniors would want to live on Foothill Boulevard. Mr. Frazier replied that was why they designed the building as far back from Foothill Boulevard as they could. Commissioner Mannerino indicated that he likes the land use and didn't see a difference with locating the building near Foothill Boulevard or in the back of the property; however, he expressed concern regarding the "sea" of parking proposed by the applicant. He thought it would be okay to develop the project as proposed if there is a way to screen the parking area and still see the majority of the building. Commissioner Mannerino believed it has a"manor' like look in its current location. He additionally thought that it was important for the project to create a sense of security for the seniors. Commissioner Stewart was also concerned with the "sea"of parking proposed and vehicle access into the site from Foothill Boulevard. In addition, she stated the applicant needs to provide access into the future Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail, private open space in addition to open space for the seniors to exercise or meet friends, and access to off-site amenities without having to use Foothill Boulevard. She did not believe the building looks proportionate in design, especially the tower element at the entry. Chairman McNiel had no objection to senior housing at the proposed location, but he expressed concern about access into parcels west of the site. With development of the site, he did not want the properties to become "land locked." He questioned what type of senior housing is being proposed. Kosrow Omidvar, K&S Property, LLC, stated the development would be strictly a 55-year and older senior apartment complex. Mr. Frazier concurred. Commissioner McNiel asked if it was legal to restrict by age, no kids, etc. Mr. Omidvar responded affirmatively. Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, stated it is legal if the project is designed for that purpose. Chairman McNiel agreed with Commissioner Mannerino about screening the parking area. He stated he did not know what to say about the project with respect to the Hillside Ordinance, but was concerned with the height of the project. He indicated his biggest concern for the project is access into the site from Foothill Boulevard. Mr. Frazier commented the project is designed with enough room for five stacked cars at the entrance. He did not object to any of the Commissioners comments except for moving the building closer to Foothill Boulevard. He expressed willingness to work with staff on the final design of the project. PC Adjourned Minutes -2- June 26, 2002 Mr. Buller closed the meeting by stating that staff would work with the applicant to create design options that address all of the City's development requirements, and asked the applicant to keep analyzing the project for creative options. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments at this time. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Br- Iler IF Secretary 1 . PC Adjourned Minutes -3- June 26, 2002