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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-02-2009 NAH MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92530 TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2009 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Zanelli called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Mendoza led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: CHAIRMAN ZANELLI VICE-CHAIRMAN FLORES r COMMISSIONER GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA COMMISSIONER O'NEAL ABSENT: NONE STAFF PRESENT Also present were: Acting Community Development Director Weiner, Deputy City Attorney Winterswyk, Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo, Planning Consultant Donahoe, Associate Planner Carlson and Office Specialist Porche. PUBLIC COMMENTS None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) None PUBLIC HEARING(S) I 1. Tentative Parcel Map No. 36193, and Residential Design Review No. 2002-02, for "Pottery Court" f Planning Commission Minutes June 2, 2009 Page 2 of 8 Recommendations: a. Adopt a resolution recommending approval of Tentative Parcel Map No. 36193, and b. Adopt a resolution approving Residential Design Review No. 2009-02 Chairman Zanelli opened the Public Hearing at 6:02 p.m. Acting Community Development Director Weiner introduced Planning Consultant Donahoe who would provide the reading of the staff report to the Commission. Planning Consultant Donahoe provided a brief overview of the project to the Commission. She stated the project site is south of Pottery Street, east of Langstaff Street, north of Sumner Avenue, and west of the flood control channel. She indicated the project is zoned R-3, and the existing land uses on the site are three (3) duplexes and a five (5) bungalow court complex. She stated the Redevelopment Agency (RDA) has been activity pursuing this project for the past two years and would satisfy over 11% of the RDA's total affordable housing requirements. She stated the applicant is seeking other sources of financing including funds from the County, conventional loans and tax credit equity. She stated the project consists of 113 units with 111 of them affordable and the two remaining for resident managers. She indicated the design of the project would be considered Spanish style r architecture with arched entrances, wood lattices, sand finish stucco, recessed windows and tile accents. She indicated the amenities include a recreation building that consists of a community room, study room, practice room and kitchen. She stated the outdoor facilities include a wading pool and swimming pool, and pergola. She indicated the management intends to offer nutrition classes, first aid and job readiness programs as part of their innovative solutions approach to meeting community needs. Planning Consultant Donahoe indicated that the applicant intends to file a request for vacation of Riley Street between Pottery and Sumner. She stated staff including the supports the vacation of Riley Street at this location. Planning Consultant Donahoe indicated that staff supports the request and recommends the Planning Commission approve the project based on the findings and is subject to the conditions of approval. Betsy Wilson, applicant for the project approached the podium and stated her company develops high quality, low affordable projects. She indicated she would be available to answer any questions the Commission may have. Charles Neal, resident of Lake Elsinore spoke in opposition of this project due to the proximity of the project and the existing apartments in the area. He stated the development of the project would reduce the value of his home due to the location and feels it would bring problems to the area. Chairman Zanelli closed the Public Hearing at 6:20 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes June 2, 2009 Page 3 of 8 Commissioner O'Neal asked Ms. Wilson how she would define low-income residents and asked if they run a credit and background check on their tenants Betsy Wilson replied by saying the residents are primarily low income working families and indicated they would run credit checks and thorough employment history checks on all of the applicants. Commissioner O'Neal spoke of the design of the building and asked if the Spanish motif design could be increased on the building. He also spoke of his concerns with only one entrance into the complex. Betsy Wilson replied by saying that the developer is looking into adding more tile to the upper portion of the building. She addressed Commissioner O'Neal's concern with only one entrance and stated they prefer to have only one entrance in order to monitor the traffic coming into the complex. Commissioner O'Neal requested Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo to comment on the Pottery Bridge. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo stated in the future the Pottery Bridge would be included in the City's Transportation Impact Fee program (TIF) and at a future date the bridge would be built. He added the circulation in the area would include a new interchange at Franklin Street which would connect to the 1-15 Freeway and the existing overcross would remain. He stated Pottery Street is currently on the General Plan Circulation Element; however the proposed Circulation Element does not include Pottery Street. He stated the bridge is independent of the General Plan Circulation Element and is part of the general road network. Commissioner Gonzales asked if the project would be gated. Betsy Wilson stated the project is not intended to be gated. Commissioner Gonzales asked if there would be any stop lights. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo stated a traffic study was conducted and did not feel that traffic lights in the area were warranted. Commissioner Gonzales requested the total figure required for affordable housing for the City and how many are going to be constructed on Lakeshore Drive. Planning Consultant Donahoe replied by saying the City's requirement is for 771 homes. Acting Community Development Director Weiner indicated the homes that would be. constructed on Lakeshore, near the Stater Bros shopping center would be approximately 120 units. Commission Gonzales asked where the remaining balance of affordable homes would be built. I Planning Commission Minutes June 2, 2009 Page 4 of 8 Acting Community Development Director Weiner replied by saying the RDA is continuing to research areas for future development of affordable homes. Commissioner Mendoza asked if this project would allow the developer to be more selective on the residents that would occupy the units and how would the management monitor the amount of tenants per unit. Betsy Wilson replied by saying they are restricted by State and Federal statues. She stated the tenant's income would need to be at a certain level and if there were more tenants in one unit that is allowed, they would be evicted. Commissioner Mendoza requested clarification on how this project fits in with the Downtown Historic District. Planning Consultant Donahoe replied by saying staff reviewed the Historic Districts Guidelines and the project qualifies and allows for apartments. She stated the architecture of the project is appropriate for the area with the use of stucco, porches and balconies. Commissioner Mendoza spoke of the infrastructure and felt that it could be a problem. r Vice-Chairman Flores concurred with his fellow Commissioner's concerns. He requested the Deputy City Attorney to clarify the density bonuses and the incentives that the developer has requested as he stated the code does not clearly specify apartment units. Deputy City Attorney Winterswyk replied by saying she believes the developer requested an incentive for the tandem parking, building height and the setbacks. She stated according to the State Density Law, it applies to all housing developments. She stated the code is general and includes development which is intended to include all types of housing regardless of whether the housing is an apartment, condo, townhome or a single-family resident. Vice-Chairman Flores suggested possibly amending the City's Code so it clearly specifies apartment units, as he felt the code was not clear. Chairman Zanelli requested Ms. Wilson to approach the podium to clarify the types of residents that would occupy the units. Betsy Wilson stated their properties are well maintained, and the tenants have incentives to live there due to the rent being affordable. She stated the turnovers at their locations are very low, which averages to about 10% per year. Chairman Zanelli requested clarification regarding the location of the power poles located on Langstaff. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo replied by saying the power poles would be placed uinderground. Planning Commission Minutes June 2, 2009 Page 5 of 8 Commissioner O'Neal confirmed that the applicant would change the design of the Spanish motif and suggested the applicant to meet with Mr. Charles Neal regarding the issues that was addressed. He stated the project is very nice for the City and thanked the applicant. i Chairman Zanelli requested once the occupied residences that currently remain on the site are vacated he would like to ensure that they are demolished as soon as possible so they do not become a public nuisance. There being no further comments from the Commission, Chairman Zanelli requested a motion. A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Flores and seconded by Commissioner Mendoza to adopt Resolution No. 2009-35, recommending that the City Council, adopt findings that the project is consistent with the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN ZANELLI VICE-CHAIRMAN FLORES COMMISSIONER GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA i COMMISSIONER O'NEAL NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Flores and seconded by Commissioner Gonzales to adopt Resolution No. 2009-36, recommending the City Council approve Tentative Parcel Map No. 36193. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN ZANELLI VICE-CHAIRMAN FLORES COMMISSIONER GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA COMMISSIONER O'NEAL NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE I Planning Commission Minutes June 2, 2009 Page 6 of 8 A motion was made by Commissioner O'Neal and seconded by Commissioner Mendoza to adopt Resolution No. 2009-37, recommending the City Council approve Residential Design Review No. 2009-02, for "Pottery Court" including the modifications to the Conditions of Approval. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN ZANELLI VICE-CHAIRMAN FLORES COMMISSIONER GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA COMMISSIONER O'NEAL NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE 2. Tentative Parcel Map No. 25663, and Tentative Tract Map No. 35337, for the "Spyglass Ranch Specific Plan" Recommendations: Continuance I! Acting Community Development Director Weiner provided a brief overview of the continued project. He indicated the applicant requested continuance to the June 16, 2009 Regular Planning Commission in order to provide additional time for engineering staff to reevaluate various street improvement conditions. Commissioner Mendoza pointed out the applicant has had plenty of time to review the Conditions of Approval and should make a decision to have the Commission review the project. Commissioner O'Neal concurred with Commissioner Mendoza's comments. There being no further comments, Chairman Zanelli requested a motion. A motion was made by Commissioner Gonzales and seconded by Commissioner Mendoza to continue Tentative Parcel Map No. 25663 and Tentative Tract Map No. 35337 to the June 16, 2009 Regular Planning Commission meeting. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN ZANELLI VICE-CHAIRMAN FLORES COMMISSIONER GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA COMMISSIONER O'NEAL Planning Commission Minutes June 2, 2009 Page 7 of 8 NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE BUSINESS ITEMS None STAFF COMMENTS Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo commented on the following: He stated that the lanes on Central Avenue would begin to shift to the south in order for work to take place on the north side of the street. Acting Community Development Director Weiner commented on the following: • He thanked staff for their hard work on the Pottery Court project and thanked the Commission for their continued professionalism and communication with staff. PLANNING COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS Commissioner O'Neal commented on the following: • He advised the Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo that there was another accident at the intersection at Gunnerson and Riverside Drive and the traffic issue needs to be addressed. • He spoke of the traffic at the intersection of Dexter and Central Avenue and how it took him almost an hour to get through the traffic. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo replied by saying the issue was caused by construction of the paving along Central Avenue. He stated traffic should go back to normal by tomorrow. Commissioner Gonzales commented on the following: • He spoke of some Indian burial sites and indicated that the City needs to make sure not to disturb any burial sites. Deputy City Attorney Winterswyk quoted SB 18 requirements. She stated when the City processes any development project, the City is required to analysis the impacts of the project on cultural resources and the City conducts cultural resource studies to ensure the project will not impact known cultural resource sites. Commissioner Mendoza commented on the following: • He asked Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo if a grading permit had been approved for the La Strada area. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo replied by saying Ithe grading at La Strada was granted. Planning Commission Minutes June 2, 2009 Page 8 of 8 Vice-Chairman Flores commented on the following: • He asked Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo if the asphalt along Dexter would be widened. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo replied that the grading of the shoulder would not be widened. He stated the shoulder widening was specifically graded to accommodate construction traffic in order to maintain an open roadway while the road was being constructed. Chairman Zanelli commented on the following: • He congratulated Steve McCarty who will be leaving the City in September to attend Oxford University. ADJOURNMENT It was the consensus of the Commission to adjourn to the June 16, 2009, Regular Planning Commission meeting at 6:00 p.m. located at 183 N. Main Street, Lake Elsinore, CA. 92530. Chairman Zanelli adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m. F &/; 0.,~DJ, AX L IAN LI, HAIRMAN PLANNING COMMISSION R spectfully Submitted, O,kk 0 G.~ DANA PORCHE OFFICE SPECIALIST III ATTEST: °.w' U- TOM WEINER ACTING DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT F