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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 2009/06/24 MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Council Chambers 6:00 p..m.. 276 Fourth Avenue June 24, 2009 Chula Vista, California CALL TO ORDER: ROLL CALL /MOTIONS TO EXCUSE: Members Present: Clayton, Moctezuma, Vinson, Spethman, Thompson Member Absent: Tripp, Felber MSC (Clayton/Moctezuma) to excuse Cmrs. Tripp and Felber. Motion carried. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS: Read into the record by Vice-Chair Clayton ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: No public input CONSENT AGENDA: PUBLIC HEARING: 1.. Public Hearing: PCZ 08-04; Consideration of an application filed by SKK Realty, LLC requesting a rezone from MHP-Exclusive Mobilehome Park to R3 Apartment Residential Zone with a Precise Plan Modifying District. 6:07:54 PM Background: Jeff Steichen reported that this is a request for a rezone to change the existing Mobilehome Park zoning designation to R-3-P, Apartment Residential with a Precise Plan Modifying District, fora 4 35-acre vacant site located at 701 D Street in northwest Chula Vista. The rezone would bring the zoning for the site into conformity with the existing General Plan designation of Residential High (multi-family). The project site was the former Jade Bay Mobile Home Park, established in 1960 at which time the zoning was R-3 On November 28, 1978 the City Council established the MHP Zone and in June 1980 the subject property was changed from R-3 to MHP. Following the conclusion of bankruptcy proceedings, the court exercised its jurisdiction to effect the park ' closure in 2006. Staff Recommendation: That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution PCZ 08-04 recommending that the City Council adopt the Draft City Council Ordinance and Resolution. Planning Commission Minutes -2- June 24, 2009 Commission Discussion: A discussion ensued between Cmr Thompson and Deputy City Attorney Miller regarding the bankruptcy proceedings and the application of the City's Mobilehome Park Closure Requirements under Chapter 9 4 of the Municipal Code, which outlines criteria requiring a relocation plan for residents of an existing mobilehome park and approval of the plan prior to considering the closure of a park and subsequent rezoning of the property 6:16:09 PM 6:22:36 PM Cmr. Thompson stated he understands that the P-modifier allows flexibility in addressing the unique characteristics of the property in relationship to its surroundings, but is of the opinion that perhaps instead of the P-modifier designation, the same thing could be accomplished through the Variance process Jeff Steichen responded that in light of the diversity of existing land uses surrounding the property staff believes that the application of the P-modifier will allow greater design control over the eventual development of the site to insure compatibility with existing uses surrounding the site. Staff also felt that it was prudent to include the P designation because I there are some unique situations i e the site is accessed off of two streets and is at the terminus; the P-modifier allows flexibility in addressing other deviations in development standards i e height, signage, parking and setbacks Public Hearing Opened.. 6:29:46 PM The following members of the public spoke during public testimony in opposition of the rezone and urged to Commission to vote against it DeanSpooner 6:30:06 PM Barbara Nunnelec 6:36:28 PM Patricia Lopez 6:42:32 PM Theresa Acerro 6:46:11 PM Dolores Dempsey The following members of the public spoke during public testimony in support of the rezone and urged the Commission to vote in support of it: Ed Herrera 6:33:20 PM Lisa Cohen 6:45:01 PM 6:52:33 PM Jeff Chine, representing the applicant stated he understood there are deep emotions surrounding the history of this property as well as complex issues with the Federal Bankruptcy Court over matters of jurisdiction. The issue at hand is what is in the best interest of the citizens of Chula Vista with regard to the zoning designation of this piece of property; the proposed rezoning better implements the General Plan land use designation than its current zoning SKK Realty is seeking the rezone to make this a productive piece of property that will eventually be developed with a stellar infill project that complies with all City standards, including inclusionary housing Mr Chine concluded by saying that staff and the City Attorney have done a thorough analysis of the proposal and he would urge the commission to move forward with recommending approval of the rezone Public Hearing Closed. 7:03:05 PM Planning Commission Minutes -3- June 24, 2009 Commission Comments: 7:03:18 PM Cmr Vinson stated that the conditions leading to the closure of the park through bankruptcy court are not under consideration by the Planning Commission at this time. He further indicated this is a blighted parcel in its current condition and is being used as a dumping site He's hopeful a development proposal will soon come along so that the community can reap the benefits that would follow, i e„ inclusionary housing, property tax revenue, and construction jobs, therefore, he's supporting the rezone. 7:05:56 PM Cmr. Clayton asked what precedence or effect would an affirmative vote on the rezone have on other mobilehome parks in the City with respect to the resident protection afforded under the City Code Steve Power responded that this is an independent action on a vacant piece of land; the 9 4 provisions apply to all existing operating and occupied mobilehome parks. David Miller added that unless there is some adjudication by a Federal or State court, all City rules and regulation contained in our code would have to be followed 7:07:34 PM Cmr Spethman stated he concurs with Cmr. Vinsons' comments and empathizes with the plight of the residents who were displaced because of the bankruptcy proceedings, however, the current conditions of the site don't help anyone and is an eye- sore to the community; the City must be forward-thinking and create the conditions that will lead to the highest and best use of the land 7:11:18 PM MSC (Vinson/Spethman) (4-1-0-2) that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution PCZ 08-04 recommending that the City Council adopt rezone for' 4..35 acres located at 701 D Street including the P modifier, Motion passed with Cmr.. Thompson voting against it„ 2. Public Hearing: PCZ 09-02; Consideration of an application filed by Target Stores Inc. requesting a rezone from C-C Central Commercial to C-C-P Central Commercial, with a Precise Plan Modifying District to redevelop a 9..9 acre site with 138,144 sf of retail use,. The Precise Plan will allow exceptions to the parking standards and sign provisions of the underlying zone„ The site is located at 40 North Fourth Avenue in Northwest Chula Vista„ Applicant: Target.. Background: Jeff Steichen reported that the applicant (Target) is seeking to redevelop and modernize a 9 9 acre site currently occupied by an existing 119,402 sf Target store and two smaller buildings, and a parking lot currently providing 474 spaces. All three buildings will , be razed and the site will be completely regraded for the construction of the new store, 7:20:30 PM While no new vehicular access points are proposed, existing access points will be consolidated and relocated to enhance traffic and vehicular circulation patterns New signage will incorporate the City name and logo providing a "Gateway" entrance to the City Planning Commission Minutes -4- June 24, 2009 Staff Recommendation: That the Planning Commission consider the Mitigated negative Declaration IS 09-09 and adopt Planning Commission Resolution PCZ 09-02 recommending that the City Council adopt the draft City Council Ordinance and Resolution based on the findings contained therein Lori Jones, representing Target introduced their project management team and thanked the Commission for consideration of their project Public Hearing Opened and Closed 7:41:59 PM Commission Comments: Cmr. Vinson asked if there were any plans to add an additional northbound lane on Fourth Avenue at the intersection of Fourth and D Street, Dave Kaplan stated that they were able to acquire additional right-of-way from the project proponent and will be reconfiguring the design to adhere to a more standardized major arterial. Cmr. Moctezuma noted that this site is located within a primary gateway to the City and urged the applicant to display the City logo on the northernmost monument sign in a more predominant manner through the use of the City colors, maroon 7:41:28 PM MSC (Spethman/Vinson) (5-0-0-2) that the Planning Commission consider the Mitigated negative Declaration IS 09-09 and adopt Planning Commission Resolution PCZ 09-02 recommending that the City Council adopt the draft City Council Ordinance and Resolution based on the findings contained therein. Motion carried, Director's Report, Director Halbert informed the Commission that he planned to agendize for the next meeting of the Planning Commission on July 8`h consideration to change the starting time of the Planning Commission meetings and also the appointment of the new Chair and Vice Chair for FY 09-10 Commissioner Comments. None Adjournment: To a regular Planning Commission meeting on July 8, 2009 Submitted by Diana Vargas V Secretary to the Planning Commission