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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994/06/08 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPCCITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Adjourned Meeting June 8, 1994 Chairman Barker called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 6:00 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: David Barker, Heinz Lumpp, Larry McNiel, John Melcher ABSENT: Peter Tolstoy STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer OWNER/DEVELOPER Gary Luque, Lewis Homes; Elaine Carbrey, Gruen Associates, Dave Newsome, Western Land Properties; Jim Keisker, Keisker & Wiggler Architects, Inc.; Mike Sweeney, Land Concepts, Inc.; Wes Pringle, WPA Traffic Engineering; Gary Allen, Best Buy, Inc. ***** COMMISSION BUSINESS Ae PRE-APPLICATION 94-02 - WESTERN LAND PROPERTIES - A request to review the streetscape design concepts for Church Street and the proposed development plans for the 25-acre parcel shopping center, located at the northeast corner of Foothill Boulevard and Spruce Avenue - APN: 1077-421-58 and 63. Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Gary Luque, Lewis Homes, introduced the members of his team to the Commission. Elaine Carbrey, Gruen Associates, described the changes made to the text in response to the concerns expressed by the Commissioners at the last workshop. She explained that the concept of the Foothill Boulevard Centers is to create a distinct identity for each one. She stated that Church Street is designed and intended as an internal roadway for the residents in the Planned Community. She said the proposed change to the land use is in response to a change in the market trend; and with this change comes a change in the relationship between the buildings and parking. Dave Newsome, Western Land Properties, described how the design of the project reflects the written design criteria; that is: the redesign of the parking area north of Building 14, the project entry studies at the "T" intersection of Town Center Drive and Spruce Avenue (one access versus two accesses), the streetscape of Church Street, and the view corridor through the center of the project (120 feet between Buildings 4 and 5). Jim Keisker, Keisker & Wiggler Architects, Inc., described the changes in the elevations for Best Buy Inc. He pointed out the colonnade along the south elevation is symetrical in design. Mike Sweeney, Land Concepts, Inc., described the design for the plazas and the pedestrian nodes. WeB Pringle, WPA Traffic Engineering, explained the circulation at the west end of the project. He thought closing of the access at Town Center Drive would create an inferior traffic circulation because the stacking distances for left turns would be limited. He felt having two access points on Spruce Avenue would allow for a better distribution of the traffic volume which would then decrease the potential traffic conflicts. Mr. Newsome stated that the major tenant, Best Buy, Inc., has targeted an opening date of November 1!, 1994. He asked the Commission whether the review process for the project can be fast tracked. Gary Allen, Best Buy, Inc., introduced himself as the Construction Manager for the company. He described Best Buy as the second largest electronics retailer. He stated that they need to open six to eight stores at the same time in order to make an impact. He said November 11, 1994, is the opening date and the Rancho Cucamonga store is one of six to be opened. He stated he will work with the City to achieve the November grand opening. He commented that the store will employ 120 local people. Chairman Barker asked for comments from the Commissioners. Commissioner Melcher stated that he is satisfied with the changes in the Community Plan, the streetscape along Church Street, and the size of the view corridor. He suggested that the landscape planter at the most northern row of parking spaces between Buildings 12 and 13 be reversed so that the landscape planter is beside the main drive aisle. He thought the applicant should consider having a building at the north side of the first Spruce Avenue project entry to provide a visual balance with the Terra Vista Town Center. Commissioner Lumpp questioned whether the 200 trips projected along Spruce Avenue will be split between the two access points. Mr. Pringle replied that the trips will be split. Mr. Newsome stated that they are willing to work with staff and the Commission to resolve any design issues at this western portion of the project. He indicated the phasing of the project is to build the eastern half first. Rick Major, Lewis Homes, clarified that the first phase will only be Building 9, which is the Best Buy store and the necessary site improvements. He said Buildings 5 and 8 are scheduled for March of next year. PC Adjourned Minutes -2- June 8, 1994 Chairman Barker stated he likes the pedestrian connections and the nodes and the open view corridor. He stressed to the applicant that the Commission will be looking for 360 degree architecture; in particular, the Church Street elevation as well as the screening of all roof equipment. He stated that there should be visual links for the buildings, the pedestrian connections, etc. He thought the Commission has demonstrated they are willing to work with the applicant to get Best Buy in first by agreeing to resolve the design issues of the Master Plan at a later date. Commissioner McNiel agreed with the comments from the other members of the Commission. He stated that the applicant should work with staff to resolve the access and the project entries design along Spruce Avenue. He commented that he would like to see the concept of Terra Vista Town Center carried over such as in the street furniture, lights, etc. He stated that the architect should look at the Ross store as an example of architectural style and treatment of the rear elevation. The consensus of the Commission was to accept the changes to the Community Plan and the conceptual Master Plan, to work with the applicant in fast tracking the project for getting Best Buy in, and to agree to resolving the design issues of the Master Plan at a future date. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments at this time. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Secretary PC Adjourned Minutes -3- June 8, 1994