HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996/11/13 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Adjourned Meeting
November 13, 1996
Chairman Barker called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 11:40 p.m. The meeting was held in the DeAnza Room at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: David Barker, William Bethel, Rich Macias, Larry McNiel, Peter
Tolstoy
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Steve Hayes, Associate Planner; Dan James, Senior
Civil Engineer
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements.
NEW BUSINESS
A. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW 96-05 UPLAND, CALIFORNIA CONGREGATION OF
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES - Review of preliminary site planning for a proposed two-phase
project at the southwest corner of San Bernardino Road and Red Hill Country Club Drive.
Brad Buller, City Planner, opened the meeting by introducing the project to the Commission and
briefly explaining the purpose and goals of the pre-application review process.
Ralph Olivas, representative for the Jehovah's Witnesses congregation. explained the basic
functions of the proposed facility and why a larger Kingdom Hall is necessary for this area. He went
on to highlight the proposed phasing of improvements (both on and off-site).
Steve Hayes, Associate Planner, summarized staffs concerns with the site plan and architectural
elevations.
Commissioner Macias noted his concerns with the proposed architecture and the "closed" and
barrack-like appearance of the building given that no exterior windows are proposed. He felt some
architectural solution will be necessary to compensate for the lack of windows and the elongated
appearance of the building. He recommended that the building be re-oriented so as not to be directly
in the middle of the site and that an outdoor congregation area be provided.
Commissioner Bethel felt the lack of windows presents a safety issue and may induce curiosity as
to the activities that may be occurring inside the building.
Mr. Olivas stated that it is typical of all Kingdom Halls around the world not to have exterior windows.
Commissioner McNiel agreed with Commissioner Macias that the building should be re-oriented and
that the architecture appears dated and needs to be significantly upgraded.
Commissioner Tolstoy expressed his pleasure to see an expansion of the existing facility proposed
at this location. He too felt that the building architecture needs further embellishment, including
varying roof lines and the addition of windows.
Chairman Barker summarized that he generally agreed with the recommendations of staff and his
fellow Commissioners. He asked the applicant how much parking is used on a daily basis.
Mr. Olivas stated that about 80 percent of the parking would be used on a daily basis for about 3 to
4 hours a day.
Chairman Barker asked if the applicant had considered the use of tuff-block for some of the parking
spaces. He stated that the applicant should look into materials (not necessarily windows) to upgrade
the overall appearance of the building.
Mr. Olivas asked the Commission for clarification as to the most important issues to resolve in
revising the project design.
Mr. Buller indicated it is the site plan/building orientation. He also noted that the building architecture
is a key issue.
Mr. Olivas asked for comments regarding signage.
Mr. Buller stated that this item would be under staff's review but noted that if a monument sign is
proposed, staff would recommended one similar to that done at the Kingdom Hall on Church Street.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
There was no additional Commission business.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
PC Adjourned Minutes -2- November 13, 1996