HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000/08/09 -Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Adjourned Meeting
August 9, 2000
Chairman McNiel called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:50 p.m. The meeting was held at Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center,
10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. The meeting was called to order in the
De Anza Room and immediately adjoumed to the Rains Room.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Pam Stewart
ABSENT: Peter Tolstoy
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, Kirt Coury,
Associate Planner; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil
Engineer; Emily Wimer, Assistant Planner
NEW BUSINESS
A. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW 00-08 - HURST-A request to develop an amusement park on
34.08 acres of land within the Industrial Park District (Subarea 12) of the Industrial Area
Specific Plan, located at the northwest comer of Buffalo Avenue and Fourth Street-APN:229-
263-48 through 53.
Brad Buller, City Planner, introduced the item and identified the Pre-Application process. He
explained the review was to be on design only and its relationship to the surrounding area.
Michael Hurst, architect, introduced the team and discussed the nature of the project as a"theme"
family fun center. He also identified uses within the proposed park and said such facilities would
include a realm of rides and attractions, to bring in customers from Rancho Cucamonga and many
surrounding cities. He explained rides would include three sections of the park with the first focusing
on racetracks, including a kiddy track, road track, and a simulated drag strip. He indicated the
second section would focus on water park rides and the third would focus on a miniature golf course
and buildings for theater events: He said two roller coasters will run throughout the length of the
park. Mr. Hurst explained that he was looking forward to input from the Planning Commissioners
and working with the City to create a quality project. He also indicated that parking would be half to
three quarters underground/subterranean.
Chairman McNiel expressed concems about handicapped parking.
Mr. Hurst further explained that Mr. Carl Ross, the present owner of the property, has a strong
passion for "Safari" themes, and this is where the theme is derived. Mr. Hurst explained that the
intent of the project is to build something that the city would be proud of as well as create a project
that will be considered a destination theme park. Mr. Hurst also identified some of the proposed
rides that would be used to bring in all age groups.
Emily Wimer, Assistant Planner, identified three main issues for the Commissioners to build
discussion upon: 1) a concern with the building design and its effect on the entryway them, 2) the
idea of tension roof canopies to provide shade, and 3) zoning compatibility. She said surrounding
uses were addressed to help assess the design layout of the proposed park.
Kirt Coury, Associate Planner, identified technical issues for the Commissioners to discuss with the
most important issue being the circulation and access in and around the park. Because of the
volume of people, he said staff felt parking and circulation will be a main issue. He indicated
streetscape with regard to landscaping was particularly unique to this proposed them park and
should be considered by the Commission. Because of the major and local streets that surround the
property, he stated staff felt setbacks should also be taken into consideration.
Mr. Buller identified the project as a unique project in nature and further expressed concerns
regarding parking as well as on and off-site circulation. He further discussed design and entryway
elements. Mr. Buller also expressed the opinion that neighborhood meetings should be required and
felt that close contact with the neighboring offices would make a "good neighbor' concept even
better.
Commissioner Macias asked how the project would be considered a destination park.
Mr. Rawls, a member of the development team, responded that the park would have drag boats that
cannot be found anywhere in California. In addition, he said the theme park would have carefully
designed roller coasters and a custom-built Ferris wheel. He felt the variety of rides will attract
patrons.
Commissioner Macias expressed concems regarding parking and circulation. He emphasized lush
landscaping, as well as strong security, should be a focal point of the development team.
Commissioner Stewart also expressed concerns regarding parking and circulation. She identified
concerns relating to the architecture and landscaping. She strongly emphasized the need to have
more than one neighborhood meeting. She said her main concern was circulation on 4th Street and
Buffalo Avenue.
Commissioner Mannerino echoed the concems raised by the other Commissioners. He further
identified that he would like more detail and information about theme parks in general. He noted that
the Commission has never before reviewed this type of development, therefore background
information about these types of uses would be helpful.
Chairman McNeil asked if there would be enough room on-site to support all of the uses.
Mr. Hurst responded that they felt there was enough acreage to support the project, primarily
because many of the other theme parks are smaller. He reported Castle Park is 23 acres, Pharos
Lost Kingdom is 18 acres, and Scandia is only 8 acres plus another 5 acres on the other side of the
street. He noted the proposed safari theme park is 34 acres.
Chairman McNiel expressed excitement as well as his concerns about the project. He emphasized
concerns with parking as well as noise associated with the project.
Mr. Hurst replied that the impact to adjoining properties as well as the hours of operation would be
taken into consideration as much as possible.
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Chairman McNiel reemphasized the idea of the"Safari"theme park and said he would like to see the
theme carried throughout the park.
Commissioner Macias also requested studies and information from surrounding cities to help further
analyze theme parks.
In closing, Mr. Buller emphasized the idea of being a "good neighbor to the offices and buildings
surrounding the proposed theme park. He said the parking and circulation are a major concem that
the applicant should analyze very closely and stated the landscaping and streetscape will be an
important part of the drawings and elevations.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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