HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-12 - Minutes - PC-HPC— Historic Preservation Commission and
Planning Commission Agenda
May 12, 2021
MINUTES
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
7:00 p.m.
The regular meeting of the Historic Presentation Commission and Planning Commission was held on May
12, 2021. The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 p.m.
A. Roll Call
Planning Commission present: Chairman Tony Guglielmo, Vice Chair Oaxaca, Commissioner Bryan
Dopp, Commissioner Tony Morales and Commissioner Diane Williams.
Staff Present: Nicholas Ghirelli, City Attorney; Anne McIntosh, Planning Director; Dat Tran, Assistant
Planner; David Eoff, Senior Planner; Mike Smith, Principal Planner; Jason Welday, Engineering Director;
Tabe van der Zwaag, Associate Planner; Sean McPherson, Senior Planner; Mena Abdul-Ahad, Assistant
Planner; Vincent Acuna, Associate Planner.
B. Public Communications
Chairman Guglielmo opened for public communications and hearing no comment, closed communications
C. Consent Calendar - None
D. Public Hearings
D1. LOCATED NORTH OF THE 210 FREEWAY AND EAST OF EAST AVENUE AT THE
EASTERLY EXTENSION OF WILSHIRE DRIVE AND COPLEY DRIVE - M&A HOLDINGS,
LLC - A request to construct 10 single-family homes on a previously approved Tract Map
(SUBTT19917) within the Very Low (VL) Residential District of the Etiwanda Specific Plan,
located north of the 210 Freeway and east of East Avenue at the easterly extension of
Wilshire Drive and Copley Drive; APNs 0226-572-01 to -10. Design Review File Number:
DRC2019-00558.
Vincent Acuna, Associate Planner, presented Commissioners with a Staff Report and presentation (copy
on file).
Chairman Guglielmo asked the Commission if there were any comments for staff on this Public Hearing
item.
Commissioner Dopp asked about the sound wall and giving it any consideration 6 ft. wall level.
Vincent Acuna answered yes and working with property owner.
With no further discussion from Commissioners, Chairman Guglielmo opened public hearing.
With no more comments from the Public, Chairman Guglielmo closed public hearing.
All Commissioners concur and are in support of the project.
Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Dopp. Motion carried 5-0
D2. LOCATED AT 10839 CARRIAGE DRIVE — MOLINAR DESIGN, INC - A request to
construction a new 6,871 square foot two-story single-family residence with an
attached 4-car garage on a 18,924 square foot lot within the Very Low (VL) Residential
District within the Hillside Overlay District and Equestrian Overlay District - APN:
1074-531-09. Hillside Design Review File Number: DRC2019-00973.
Mena Abdul-Ahad, Assistant Planner, presented Commissioners with a Staff Report and presentation
(copy on file).
Chairman Guglielmo opened public hearing.
Ryochum, resident, lives at 10826 Carriage Drive, asked if HOA is in conformance with debris control.
Mena Abdul-Ahad answered yes, it was approved by HOA the dust control. Refer to Applicant.
Erick Molinar, Applicant, responded yes, followed typical standard practice.
Sherie Garcia, residents, lives at 10827 Carriage Drive, is concerned about their view.
Mena Abdul-Ahad mentioned HOA reviewed elevation and meet minimal requirements. Consistent with
homes already existing.
Ryochum stated HOA not aware and not sure it went through HOA.
Sherie Garcia stated it's the first-time hearing about this. Want confirmation it went through to HOA.
Mena Abdul-Ahad stated she received letter from applicant on the HOA approval.
Commissioners concur there is inconsistency with the plans and renderings. Stating it's an important
step. Requesting to defer action and come back with requested records.
With no more comments from the Public, Chairman Guglielmo motioned public hearing will remain open.
Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Dopp. Motion carried 5-0 to continue Item
D2 to May 26'" PC meeting.
D3. LOCATED IN THE ETIWANDA SPECIFIC PLAN AT THE EAST TERMINUS OF
ARAPAHO ROAD BETWEEN EAST AVENUE AND CHOCTAW PLACE — W&W LAND
DESIGN CONSULTANTS — Site plan review of a proposal to subdivide a vacant parcel of
approximately 146,429 square feet (3.36 acres) into five residential (5) lots in the Very Low
(VL) Residential District that includes a Variance to reduce the required lot depth on two (2)
lots and a minor exception for wall height for a project site - APN: 0225-181-73. A Mitigated
Negative Declaration of environmental impacts has been prepared for consideration. -
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP, VARIANCE, AND MINOR EXCEPTION File Numbers:
SUBTT20152, DRC2019-00786, DRC2019-00787.
HPC/PC Regular Meeting MINUTES — May 12, 2021
Page 2 of 8
FINAL
Tabe van der Zwaag, Associate Planner, presented Commissioners with a Staff Report and presentation
(copy on file).
Chairman Guglielmo opened public hearing.
Jim Freeman and Bruce Hemlock, Choctaw residents, expressed concerns about wall height.
Tabe van der Zwaag stated the wall height is 6 ft.
With no more comments from the Public, Chairman Guglielmo closed public hearing.
Motion by Vice Chair Oaxaca, second by Commissioner Dopp. Motion carried 5-0 Planning Commission
directed staff to bring the resolution of approval to May 261" PC meeting.
D4. LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF EAST AVENUE AND SOUTH OF BANYAN
STREET — MANNING HOMES - A request to subdivide 10.24 acres of land into 17
lots including the Design Review of 17 single-family residences, a Minor Exception for
increased wall heights and a Tree Removal Permit to remove onsite trees for a project
site in the Very Low (VL) Residential District (.1 - 2 Dwelling Units per Acre) of the
Etiwanda Specific Plan and the Equestrian Overlay District; APNs: 0225-191-09 and
-17. A Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts was prepared for
consideration. Environmental Assessment and Tentative Tract Map, Design Review,
Minor Exception and Tree Removal Permit File Numbers: SUBTT20334, DRC2020-
00139, DRC2020-00141, DRC2020-00140.
Tabe van der Zwaag, Associate Planner, presented Commissioners with a Staff Report and presentation
(copy on file).
Chairman Guglielmo asked the Commission if there were any comments for staff on this Public Hearing
item.
Commissioner Williams requesting creative artwork near bike racks.
Jim Manning, Applicant, stated they will work on creating Art design at bike racks even though exempt
from Art fee.
With no further discussion from Commissioners, Chairman Guglielmo opened public hearing.
With no comments from the Public, Chairman Guglielmo closed public hearing.
Motion by Commission Dopp, second by Vice Chair Oaxaca. Motion carried 5-0 Planning Commission
directed staff to bring the resolution of approval to May 261" PC meeting.
E. General Business
El. LOCATED AT 8768 ARCHIBALD AVENUE - ORBIS REAL ESTATE PARTNERS -A
request to develop a new commercial building with a service station and convenience
store within the General Industrial (GI) District; APN: 0209-032-35. File Numbers:
SUBTPM20164; DRC2020-00138; and DRC2020-00087.
HPC/PC Regular Meeting MINUTES — May 12, 2021
Page 3 of 8
FINAL
Sean McPherson, Senior Planner, presented Commissioners with a Staff Report and presentation (copy
on file). During his presentation, he announced exciting news that the applicant agreed to design the
building to Lead Silver Standards. He explained "Lead Silver Standards" shows a dedication and a
commitment to environmentally and sustainable development. He said this would be the first Lead Silver
Certified 7/11 in the State of California, which has been included in the Conditions of Approval. Note:
Change to the following Condition of Approvals: #3, #8, #20, 21 (refer to the revised COA for detailed
information).
Chairman Guglielmo asked the Commission if there were any comments for staff on this project.
Commissioner Dopp asked regarding concentration service stations, is it a good planning principal to
put so many gas stations in a specific part of town.
Anne McIntosh commented that the moratorium had an exception for projects that receive a building
permit within 6 months of the date that it was adopted. She said there was a recognition that some
projects might go forward if they are able to meet the deadline.
Commissioner Dopp asked about types of services and buildings are in an area.
Nicholas Ghirelli, City Attorney, mentioned there are cases that have said there is a legitimate planning
purpose and exercise of the City's police power to limit the number of similar types of uses next to each
other if the City is concerned that the number of uses will start to compete against each other in such a
way the competition will cause closures and that eventually causes blight in the community. It's that blight
position caused by too much competition that could potentially be a legitimate planning concern to weigh
in on as a Planning Commission.
Commissioner Dopp mentioned in the scope of our expectation and drive to create equity in southwest
Cucamonga, his concern and considerations about a key parcel of land on a key street looking forward
in terms of the General Plan is whether we believe this is the best use for this land from a land use
perspective.
Sean McPherson responded that staff's recommendation is based on the application in front of them
today. He said in terms of broader conversation regarding gas stations and types of uses should be
allowed on major corridors, most visible parcels, that broader question is why staff is working towards
further analyzing service stations. For example, why there is currently a moratorium to address those
broader holistic questions. The applicant has heard the concerns and responded to the Commissions
questions and concerns to the point where staff feels we recommend approval of this project.
Anne McIntosh stated when we had our overview of the General Plan Update, we talked specifically this
being in the middle of a focus area for Cucamonga town center. She said you probably are recalling
some of the comments we made about the importance of this neighborhood and desire to have smaller
businesses that serve the neighborhood. Creating that walkability connections and opportunities creating
employment. She said it's valid to take that into consideration. As this being a key corner for the future
of Cucamonga Town Center. It's a valid discussion to have.
Matt Burris mentioned whether or not there should be any concerns about over concentration of service
station is a legitimate one.
Commissioner Dopp asked about conditions and food. He said his understanding is there really is no
hard requirement that 7/11 maintain the fresh food options. He asked is this something that Planning
entertained or we can, in the back end, in a condition by adding a Healthy RC requirement.
HPC/PC Regular Meeting MINUTES — May 12, 2021
Page 4 of 8
FINAL
Nicholas Ghirelli stated he thought the applicant already agreed to do that. Yes, we can condition that.
Commissioner Morales asked if there will be bright lights over the gas pumps.
Sean McPherson answered no. In conversation with the applicant, the tri-color band surrounding the gas
station canopy will not be illuminated.
Commissioner Williams stated she is fine with it.
With no further discussion from Commissioners, Chairman Guglielmo announced even though this is
not a public hearing, he opened for public comments.
Grant Ross, Orbis Real Estate Partners, Applicant, is available to answer questions.
Commissioner Dopp asked what unique options 7/11 will be offering in the type of food they are putting
in their store. As well as on a percentage basis.
Michelle Moore, 7/11 representative, explained their fresh food will consist of fresh fruit, pre -made
sandwiches, protein packs, hummus, as well as ready to go items such as fresh eggs, milk, all standard
dairy products. She said it will be a larger grocery set with plenty of product selection. Do not know
percentage.
With no comments from the Public, Chairman Guglielmo looked to the Commissioners for deliberation,
comments.
Commissioner Williams stated the company has shown dedication to make it successful with their
decision to eliminate beer and wine. She is in support.
Commissioner Morales stated this project proposed at this site does not rise to our expectation and goals
for our city in that part of the southwest section. He heard resident's concerns being so close to the
schools and homes across the street. Appreciate that they made the change outside with the canopy for
the gas pumps, but the bright lights underneath will have an impact on the neighborhood. He said there
will be a lot of traffic around the school. He said this would probably work best in another part of our city
but for this site will not make the findings for approval and should deny the entitlements.
Vice Chair Oaxaca expressed the applicant has gone the extra mile in terms of responding to the
concerns by staff, Commission, and residents in the area. He said this project is an opportunity to
introduce what could be a new model for this type of project. One that is a lot more responsive, new and
modern. He said it could bring a new version of this convenience store model to a community that could
be a positive addition and should not suffer in comparison with other older approaches to the gas
station/convenience store combination. He said looking at this project, this is one we struct a good
balance between the needs of the community and expectations for this part of the city. One that could
be new and modern in a good way.
Commissioner Dopp asked a question regarding Healthy RC initiative and how does the process work.
Sean McPherson replied the Healthy RC initiative was incorporated into the current General Plan where
staff had analyzed this project up against. In terms of our consideration as to whether or not this would
be seen as a benefit to the community.
HPC/PC Regular Meeting MINUTES — May 12, 2021
Page 5 of 8
91►►t1I
John Gillison, City Manager, explained Healthy RC process involves doing an audit of the products being
sold. Healthy RC usually works with registered or certified dieticians and it's about moving away from
the pre -packaged and some fast food and moving towards healthier choices. He said it's an interactive
process and at the end of that, it's trying to make sure they have healthy choices and qualifies as a
healthy option.
Commissioner Dopp mentioned he does not know how it would look like in terms of a condition.
John Gillison explained you could require that they work with Healthy RC and meet the standards applied
to other restaurants and/or small grocery stores to ensure that they have sufficient fresh and healthy
options available to customers. He said that would be the closer we could come at this point and time.
Typically, the process is done with an existing store and they were looking to change out what they were
selling.
Matt Burris asked if Dopp can elaborate on what his concern and question is in regard to the condition.
Commissioner Dopp responded his concern is the whole project. He said what if this model does not
work from a Healthy perspective. He is looking for a condition that holds them to it.
Nicholas Ghirelli asked Dopp if he is looking for a condition that is going to address the type of products
sold at the 7/11 or looking for a greater justification to deny the project as a whole because you don't
think it's use is appropriate at this location.
Commissioner Dopp stated maybe he is foreseeing this project getting through. He said there needs to
be an expectation moving forward to make sure 7/11 adheres to the principals and values the other
Commissioners have expressed. In terms of a commitment to go above and beyond what a traditional
convenience store actually does.
Matt Burris provided options to the Planning Commissioners that could identify a minimum percentage
type of foods or menu with the restaurant and the convenience store have dedicated towards Healthy
foods. If you're concern and want to go broader and speak to the design of the site or need additional
analysis to better understand what parameters that the project maybe excelling in or not doing so well in
with regards to its physical form in the neighborhood and it's context.
Commission Dopp stated he does not know if it advances the city towards long term generic goals of
creating a world class community. He is not sure this really provides high quality job opportunities for the
area. He said there is an expectation and model in the city that one of the bases to construct a mini
argument here is to deny the project is it has been reiterated by Staff, Mayor and Council the desire to
hold off for higher quality development is a worthwhile goal.
Commissioner Dopp said we can do better and over time by committing one of the key vacant lots of
land, maybe holding off and seeing overtime assuming the General Plan comes to fruition, we see a
tremendous increase in development, activity and quality that 7/11 might look out of place. That is his
general argument as to why we should deny the project. Requesting Commissioners take into
consideration Healthy RC and maybe finding some way to put into resolution some formal requirements
moving forward. Thinking long term.
Vice Chair Oaxaca expressed we have encountered a project that has exposed issues through
discussions about this project, he doesn't feel fully equipped to grapple with. The applicant has followed
the rules the best they can. He said we are also dealing with conversations taking place at the Council
level. We have a project before us that could potentially meet that we could to better, we have been
HPC/PC Regular Meeting MINUTES — May 12, 2021
Page 6 of 8
FINAL
talking about. He is starting to feel less certain to make a decision aye or nay tonight based on what he
has heard.
Chairman Guglielmo expressed his excitement for this project, the new 7/11 prototype to be used in
Rancho Cucamonga. Stating applicant has gone the extra mile listening to our concerns. Offered up a
Lead Silver Certification. He worries about the Healthy RC, since there is really no clear outline what
that guideline might be. He is open to a discussion, but it may not be spelled out clear enough to where
they commit to something but cannot deliver on it. As far as the best use for that land, he thought it might
be a multi -tenant industrial park with retail stores in the front but it's just not that big of a site. It could
generate in terms of revenue for the City. Talking about revenue per acre. He said it's the best use for
that site in the foreseeable future. He is in support and would like to see it move forward.
Commissioner Oaxaca stated he is certainly not the one to make a decision. Something we should all
discuss as a Commission.
Nicholas Ghirelli provided options for the Commissioners explaining they have draft resolutions to
approve the project with all the conditions. They can ask staff to consider drafting conditions to address
concerns assuring that fresh food is sold in dedicated areas as identified in the floor plan. He said if you
try and come up with standards what those foods are, Commission should consider continuing the item
since staff will not have those standards in a form of a condition tonight. Options are: approve as is;
approve with new conditions; continue it so staff can explore new conditions; or deny the project.
Commissioner Williams mentioned she has a 7/11 around the corner from where she lives. It's an old
traditional 7/11 and she has been known to run over there and is amazed to find the item on their shelf.
She does not find it unhealthy at all. The fact is the applicant has gone the extra mile is very impressive.
She suggested that Healthy RC has guidelines and would be a very simple thing to take their logo to
restaurants and have it placed on their menu, "This is recommended by Healthy RC". She feels like she
is being asked to judge somebody who has already done everything we asked of them. She didn't think
they would come back but they did. She believes the neighbors will enjoy it very much and love having
the gas station there. She said we could end up having a nice product in that corner.
Matt Burris mentioned that the Healthly Development Checklist has a number of parameters on healthy
retailers and food offerings. We do have some information we could reference to help give suggestions,
inspiration to address or draft a Condition of Approval to speak to healthy food retailing. If so inclined to
have staff look into.
Commissioner Morales stated he appreciate all the work staff and applicant and hearing the comments
on both sides. He said it's not in the best interest for the city but respects what Commission decides to
do tonight.
Motion by Chairman Guglielmo, second by Commissioner Williams. Motion carried 3-2. Against: Morales,
Dopp.
F. Director Announcements -None
G. Commission Announcements - None
H. Adjournment
HPC/PC Regular Meeting MINUTES — May 12, 2021
Page 7 of 8
FINAL
Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Dopp to adjourn the meeting, motion carried 5-
0. Meeting was adjourned at 9:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Thornhill
Assistant, Planning Department
Approved: May 26, 2021 - HPC/PC Meeting.
HPC/PC Regular Meeting MINUTES — May 12, 2021
Page 8 of 8
FINAL