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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem No. 1cMINUTES JOINT STUDY SESSION CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 130 SOUTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE; CALIFORNIA'' THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1993 - r* r*+.• r*****+ i+++*++ rr* rarrrr,► rt,+*, rrr** rrr+i,rr,wrrar * * *+.+r,rr,r *r *+r CALL TO ORDER The Joint Study Session was'called to order by Mayor Washburn at 4:04 p.m. c _ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Deputy City Clerk Bryning. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS /BOARDMEMBERS: CHERVENY,'DOMINGUEZ, WASHBURN J� ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS /BOARDMEMBERS: ALONGI, WINKLER Also present were: City Manager Molendyk, Community Services Director Sapp, Community Services Manager Best, Public Services Manager O'Donnell, Manager' -of Special Projects +' Watenpaugh, City Planner Leslie, Community Development, Manager Shear, Administrative Services Director Boone, and Deputy City Clerk Bryning. COUNCILMAN.WINKLER ENTERED THE MEETING AT 4:054P.M. DISCUSSION ITEM 1. International Outlet Center - Collier Road -. City Manager Molendyk explained'that his - Office has been working with Mr. Chen of Western Development Company for the last several years and the project that is presented at this time is an International.0utlet Center. He explained that it will consist of'18 acres in phase I, with approximately 200,000 square feet,in three story buildings. The first story would be retail., the second would'be entertainment related and the third storywould be residential to support the retail efforts below. He further explained, as an example,,the residences would be used for a manager sent to the United States by;,` Taiwan for a two year'commitment to operate and manage the retail store from that area. It is the-hope of the developer to start-construction in 1994-and open Phase I by Christmas of 1994. The problems that.are currently being worked on are the'Land Use Plan and some environmental issues. It is the goal of the Manager's Office to maximize the Land Use for economic benefit at Nichols and I -15 and take advantage of the improvements on Collier Road. The' development of Collier is currently on only one side. This project would utilize the other side of Collier for development. Mr. Molendyk explained that this project is not only a Master Plan for the International Outlet Center, but 'also a Master Plan for environmental mitigation of the wetland.areas. He stated that this is an important intersection for the West End of the City. _ AGL.'ejDm, i'77 Page two Joint Study Session October 14, 1993 Mayor Washburn asked Joanna Craft, representing Mr. Chen, what the dialogue between the Fish and Game, and Fish and Wildlife regarding :the Mastek Plan for Baker Street and Riverside Drive had been. Joanna Craft, Director of Planning, BaTlew and Associates, explained that she had been in contact with the different service agencies and they are happy to encourage the City to do their own Master Plan for the entire area as it relates to Wetlands Mitigation and for Channelization; and they emphasized the need for a good survey in the area and the exact boundaries of the - wetlands to determine what can be mitigated and /or reclaimed. Mayor Washburn explained that this would be an opportune time to potentially reclaim some of the areas for Sports Fields or other recreation services. City Manager Molendyk explained that within this project there is planned a wetland park with trails and observation points which can be used by the community. Councilman Dominguez asked what the time line was for dealing with Fish and Game. Joanna Craft explained that once the formal proposal for review is submitted it would take approximately 18 months to acquire permits. Councilman Dominguez asked if this would work in the time frame set. City Manager Molendyk explained that Mr. Chen is phasing the project to allow for this process. Mr. Chen detailed the project and explained the different use of the proposed buildings that would be found on the site. He further explained that only 108 is natural wetlands and this will be preserved, as well as a 200 foot wide easement on the Channel; and his project will extend the design of the Channel; He stated that he needs the.City's support for this project. Mr. Chen explained that Phase I includes the property from the old Ecology Center, and the Army Corp of Engineers has issued a Non - Jurisdiction letter due to the fact that the entire area is not natural wetlands. Mr. Chen stated that he felt that he would enhance the beauty of the area. He noted an the.alternate site that can be used if this area is not found acceptable. Mr. Chen explained that he is planning an International Outlet Center which will provide retail items from the Pacific Rim. He further explained that on the three story building in the center of the project the first floor will be the retail shops and food areas, the second floor will be designed,as fun center and.the third story will be possible residential. The entire project will include a hotel for short term visitors and temporary residences for the representatives of foreign traders. Mr. Chen stated that he felt that Lake Elsinore would be the center of the area of growth in this section of the State. City Manager Molendyk explained that in the 1990's the trend is value and the Regional Malls, as we've known them, is changing. The object is to keep rents down to keep the spaces filled. The cost of space at a Regional Mall is $40. and up and this project will provide a more cost effective space as well as this area-will be more cost effective. AGENOA 5 Page three Joint Study Session October 14, 1993 i - Mr.. Chen pointed out the amount..of public facilities; - available -to the public in this project,and stated that he feels this.project blends into: the natural area as well as providing necessary amenities to the visitor's and public. ,,City Manager Molendyk explained that from the standpoint of the Redevelopment-Agency and the,City. Council t involvement staff feels that the Agency should ,. work with Mr. Chen and his partners .at firming,up, the Land Use, Plan and the environmental issues not only for his project but for the-entire area of Nichols and I- 15.',• He also explained that staff and the developer have been. ': working on the concept of.the Enterprise Zone and the Free Trade Zone. The Enterprise Zone would have to,�have an application put together and would cost the City for what ever acreage the Council might like to include.. The Free Trade Zone would give the international flavor to attract.the businesses.the -City would want. ..Mr.:. Molendyk explained that -the future . of.California is;the import and export-business-with the Paci -fic Rim. He further•explained that with the :help of Mr. Chen. -and, his partners the.City. of Lake Elsinore could . take advantage of that through this project.. He,stated that -the Capitol Costs to.the City would be firming up the Land ..Use Plan, addressing the- Environmental Master Plan and applying for.an,International Free Trade Zone and Enterprise Zone status. -; City Manager'Molendyk addressed the second part of -this project which is an International Trade and Wholesale Center for warehousing for the companies which would come- .into.the area,, „a.trade center-which would.be office buildings representing the different businesses, and;a hotel-to accommodate the people coming in and out.,.,He explained that he has discussed with Mr. Chen and his. partners the possibility of assisting,on both of these projects to.the extent that-the-City would consider',. other major developments, such as Community;Facilities Districts.or what the City.might do to,-assist-with any infrastructure. Any incentive programs -that the City and Mr. Chen can work out together to encourage.foreign business to.make investments-in this particular project. Mr. -Chen explained the.project and- stated that this would be the offices and showrooms to represent - the;;_. businesses. He gave a description of how the project would be set on the hillside and face the I -15. Mr'. Chen explained that he felt that this would add to the beauty of the area with a._6 acre shopping center close to the_freeway. City Manager Molendyk explained that this project -would look similar to the projects that are seen coming-off the 60 to the 57 freeway in the Diamond Bar area. There are similar-structures planned into the hillsides. Mr. Chen explained the type of look he is trying to;, achieve with the buildings and landscape. He further explained that the -landscaping would.also.be used as:a buffer for noise. City-Manager Molendyk explained;that Mr. Chen and his partners are serious about this project.and will be ",,_ moving to promote this project overseas. AGEV,OA tiF�,r S.'_:._,1�4� - Pr•GEA, C ` -- Page four Joint Study Session October 14, 1993 Mayor Washburn commented that he liked -the site of the -International Outlet Center across from the existing . Outlet Center. He stated that it would be %very good for business 'and -create a further draw for customers. Councilwoman Cherveny asked how close the rail service was`. It was explained that the °railway is in Corona and there are none in this area. Mayor Washburn explained that there is a long_ term study to up -grade the railroad in the area and the City is being considered. City Manager Molendyk explained that Mr. -Chen has -been working with Cal State Fullerton in regard-to a training program on how to deal with the American public.and.what they are looking for'in merchandizing. 2. Riverside Drive Project' (Vicinity of Four Corners)_. City,Manager Molendyk explained that this is'a project proposed,_for' the four corners area and the projected schedule for building is 1994. He further explained that the only thing that would affect this'project is. the Lake Management Project. Mr.. Molendyk stated that this project allows for a rise and ,fall in the water level and is handled by a landscaped buffer area. He 'explained that this project consists of 750 units which are 250 residential single family units and 500 townhouse concept units with 18 acres of commercial.and highrise. Mr. Molendyk explained that this would be the first mayor development that to be 'placed around the. Lake. : 1 _ Joanna Craft; Ballew and Associates, explained that this is a project to incorporate a proposed Specific Plan znd the Lake Edge Specific Plan'and the main challenge is the modification of the lake edge. She explained that it is proposed to dredge out the lake and create islands and a varied shoreline to reclaim developable area - similar to Mission Bay. Ms. Craft explained-that the project would be a mixed use project incorporating residential, specialty, retail and marina. The marina proposed'would be for boats to dock and use'the restaurants and shops. - She'explained that the single family residences would surround the townhouses and the residences would face the water. She gave an overview of the retail and specialty use and the potential of a hotel on the Lake.` Mayor Washburn asked if there was a boat launching. facility. Ms. Craft indicated that there would be no boat launching facility; the docks would be -for use.to get to the restaurants and shops. She explained that there might be some permanent slips for the residents only. City Manager Molendyk explained that permanent slips would be decided upon when an overall study of the lake is done. There was general discussion in regard to launching and the fact that there is a possibility of other projects in close proximity. City Manager Molendyk further explained that there is'a proposal for a homeowners association to maintain the shoreline. AGE ILA ,�� • ` PAGE.­C_ Page five Joint Study Session October 14, 1993 There was general discussion regarding traffic circulation and Ms. Craft explained that the ingress and egress were designed to maintain the traffic. City Manager Molendyk explained that Council has a decision to make,for the future of the roadways surrounding the Lake and what type of roadway will best address the area, and will have to be a Community or Council Policy that will have to be considered when Mr. Chen's project is presented for conditions. Ms. Craft stated that this project was designed to enhance the Lake edge and take advantage of the Lake and its theme. She stated that there is a proposed recreation section along "the lake and that this project would tie into it. Mayor Washburn stated that he feels that this is a step in the right direction and it is the type of project that the.City is looking for. Mr. Chen extended his appreciation to the Council for attending the Study Session. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY DOMINGUEZ, SECONDED BY WASHBURN AND CARRIED BY A UNANIMOUS VOTE TO ADJOURN THE JOINT STUDY SESSION AT 5:10 P.M. GARY M. WASHBURN, MAYOR Respectfully Submitted, Adria L. Bryning, Deputy City Clerk ATTEST: VICKI KASAD, CITY CLERK AGENDA ITEM NO-A&-!L PAGE