HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-11-10 PC MINS MINUTES OF THE
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF
CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA
Council Chambers
6:00 p.m.. Public Services Building
Wednesday, November 10, 2004 275 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista
ROLL CALL/ MOTIONS TO EXCUSE:
Present: Cortes, Felber, Hom, Madrid
Absent: Castaneda, O'Neill, Hall
Staff Present: Luis Hernandez, Development Planning Manager
Rick Rosaler, Principal Planner
Michael Walker, Associate Planner
Elizabeth Hull, Assistant City Attorney
John Mullen, Deputy City Attorney III
MSC (Madrid/Felber) (4-0-3-0) to excuse the Commissioners who are absent. Motion
carried.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/SILENT PRAYER
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS: Read into the record by Chair Cortes
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: No public input.
1. Public Hearing: PCM 04-15A; Consideration of an amendment to the
Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plan for the Freeway
Commercial portion of Planning Area 12 of the Otay
Ranch to update the Public Facilities Finance Plan
and Air Quality Improvement Plan.
PCS 05-02; Consideration of a Tentative Subdivision
Map on 86.9 acres of the Freeway Commercial
portion of Planning Area 12 of the Otay Ranch.
PCC 05-13; Consideration of a Conditional Use
Permit for a multiplex movie theater in the Freeway
Commercial portion of Planning Area 12 of the Otay
Ranch„
Planning Commission Minutes - 2 - November 10, 2004
Background: Rick Rosaler reported that for the Commission's consideration is the
next phase of the implementation of the Freeway Commercial Project consisting of an
update of the PFFP and the Air Quality Improvement Plan, as well as a proposal from
General Growth for a new Tentative Subdivision Map to re-subdivide the FC-1 portion,
and consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for a movie theatre complex,
Mr Rosaler stated that the approved SPA Plan anticipated the development of two
phases on FC-2 (Otay Ranch Company) and three on FC-1 (McMillin Companies),
The new TM proposes that the entire FC-1 project be developed in one phase,
therefore, the PFFP has been updated to reflect this change. All street improvements
for Town Center Dr., Eastlake Pkwy and Birch Rd will be completed with this first
phase.
The Freeway Commercial SPA Plan Air Quality Improvement Plan needs to be
updated to reflect the current air quality program, General Growth has selected the
GreenStar Program for this project, which exceeds the Title 24 Energy Efficient
Standards by 10% on 50% of the project
General Growth has applied for approval of the Conditional Use Permit for the 16-
screen multiplex theater to expedite the construction of the movie theaterwith the rest
of the shopping center..
Staff Recommendation: That the Planning Commission adopt Resolutions:
• PCM 04-15A; recommending that the City Council approve the SPA Plan
amendments updating the Public Facilities Finance Plan and Air Quality
Improvement Plan
• PCS 05-02; recommending that the City Council approve Tentative Subdivision
Map (CVT 05-02) in accordance with the findings and subject to the conditions
contained therein
• PCM 05-13; recommending that the City Council approve the Conditional Use
Permit for the multiplex movie theater on Lot 6 of the proposed tentative map,
Commission Discussion:
Cmr. Felber stated that parking is a problem in the restaurant row of the Eastlake
Village Shopping Center, and inquired what, if any, measures went into the parking
plan to ensure that the same thing doesn't happen in the Freeway Commercial
Center.
Mr. Rosaler responded that parking should not be a problem because there will be
parking lots on both sides of the restaurant row and some of the restaurants will have
valet parking
Planning Commission Minutes - 3 - November 10, 2004
Cmr. Madrid inquired if the Freeway Commercial project would have appropriate
pedestrian linkage between it and the Eastern Urban Center..
Mr. Rosaler responded that there are pedestrian crossings on the eastern side of the
intersection on streets A and C. According to the traffic analysis, a pedestrian
crossing on the other side would slow down the intersection cycling time,
Public Hearing opened„
Chris Longson, General Growth Properties, gave a presentation on the design of
the project, detailing its innovative features, i.e pedestrian-friendly promenades, court
areas for gathering, fun features like apop-jet fountain, flush to the ground where
children can play, and a fire place surrounded by a seating area.
Mr. Longson indicated that the freeway pylon sign is solely agraphic-design icon
identifying the center, however, the monument signs within the centerwill have name
identifiers for various major tenants and will also have the City of Chula Vista name,
Public Hearing closed.
MSC (Felber/Hom) (4-0-3-0) That the Planning Commission adopt Resolutions:
PCM 04-15A; recommending that the City Council approve the SPA Plan
amendments updating the Public Facilities Finance Plan and Air Quality
Improvement Plan;
PCS OS-02; recommending that the City Council approve Tentative
Subdivision Map (CVT 05-02) in accordance with the findings and subjectto
the conditions contained therein; and
PCM 05-13; recommending that the City Council approve the Conditional
Use Permit for the multiplex movie theater on Lot 6 of the proposed tentative
map„
Motion carried.
2. PUBLIC HEARING: PCS 05-11; Resolution of the Planning Commission
of the City of Chula Vista recommending that the
City Council approve and impose conditions of a
Tentative Map to subdivide 3.88 acres at 321
Rancho Drive into one-lot condominium tentative
subdivision map containing 48 residential units„
Background: Michael Walker reported that the proposal is for a Tentative
Subdivision Map to create the one-lot 48 unit condominium map for a conversion of
Planning Commission Minutes - 4 - November 10, 2004
an existing apartment complex that has been inexistence since 1977., The developer
does not propose any exterior structural changes, but will upgrade the buildings'
appearance by repairing and re-painting exterior surfaces and replacing windows and
window trimming,
The Code requires atwo-bedroom unit to have 200 cubic feet of storage space,
therefore, in compliance with this requirement, the applicant proposes to install
cabinets in the existing garage and more storage space adjacent to the balconies of
each unit,
A condominium conversion project must satisfy certain City requirements including
current R-3 zoning development standards, which include off-street parking and
common usable open space. The two-bedroom units require two parking spaces per
unit for a minimum of 96 parking spaces, however, the existing parking count is 125
parking spaces, which consists of 73 one-car garages and 52 open parking spaces,
The R-3 zone also requires 400 sf of common usable open space per unit and this
project must provide a minimum of 19,200 sf of open space, The existing common
usable open space includes a swimming pool and approximately 80,780 sf of
landscaped area,
Staff Recommendation: That the Planning Commission recommend to the City
Council adoption of the draft Council Resolution, approving the Tentative Subdivision
Map for aone-lot condominium map for 48-units based on the findings and subject to
the conditions contained therein,.
Commission Discussion:
Cmr. Madrid inquired if the existing roof would be replaced by a new one..
Mr Walker responded that a physical assessment of the buildings was conducted
and part of the recommended improvements will be a new roof,
Cmr. Madrid also inquired what, if any, coordination is being made with the Housing
Division of the Community Development about taking advantage of the condo
conversions and making them opportunities for first-time-home-buyers..
Luis Hernandez responded that there had been discussion with the Housing Division
and it was their opinion that these conversions will provide entry-level affordable
housing, considering that the median price of houses is $470,000; these units should
sell below that amount
Cmr. Felber inquired if the proposed storage cabinets in the garage gave enough
clearance for a vehicle to park inside the garage,
Planning Commission Minutes - 5 - November 10, 2004
Mr Walker responded that there is a 4-foot clearance and is sufficient room for a
standard size car,
Cmr„ Hom asked for clarification on programs that may be available for first-time-
home-buyers or displacement assistance,
Mr Hernandez responded that the City has several affordable housing programs, one
of which is the down-payment assistance program Staff is recommending that the
applicant sit down with Community Development in order for them to be assessed on
the various programs that are available in order to be informed and able to provide
that information to their existing tenants and potential buyers,
Cmr. Cortes inquired what measures are being taken to ensure that all building code
requirements are being met, i e. plastic vs copper piping, and mold assessment and
abatement
Mr Hernandez stated that the Building Official clarified that if this building met the
Building Code requirements at the time that the building was constructed, then it is
deemed to be in compliance with the existing Building Code However, the physical
assessment that was conducted pointed out improvements that need to be made, i e.
among other things, new energy-efficient water heaters and windows.
Public Hearing Opened.
Joseph Scarlotti, Westhome Management Consultants,1640 Broadway, Ste. A,
San Diego, CA, stated that presently, developers are spending approximately
$40,000 to $45,000 per unit in renovations both inside and outside. He clarified that
aside from the actual structure of the buildings, the renovation that these units will
undergo will include, among other things, a new roof, new plumbing and electrical,
new energy-efficient water heaters and windows,
Mr. Scarlotti indicated that their assistance for relocation packet includes alast-month
free rent and an early return of their deposit,.
Chair Cortes inquired if the developer was taking any pro-active measures to
encourage current tenants to purchase a unit and directing them take advantage of
first-time-homebuyers programs
Mr. Scarlotti responded that their practice is to hold public information meetings with
the tenants; one at the very beginning of the process so that they can be informed of
what the future holds, It is at this meeting that they are advised of what their home-
buying opportunities are After the project has gone through the necessary review
process with the City and approval is granted, a second public meeting is held and at
that time a complete packet of is presented to the tenants, which includes a
Planning Commission Minutes - 6 - November 10, 2004
description of the renovation packet that may include a couple of models as well as a
price structure for the units In attendance are mortgage brokers that can counsel the
prospective buyers through different mortgage loan packages
Jim Walters, 321 Rancho Dr.., tenant, expressed his concern with being displaced
and put in a position where he can neither afford to buy his unit or go elsewhere to
pay a higher rent,
Mr Scarlotti stated that they would be available, within reason, to assist in providing
the necessary resources and information to put people in contact with affordable
rental properties
Melanie Hullighan, 321 Rancho Dr.., Apt. E-5, stated that her main concern is with
mold in her unit, causing severe respiratory and health problems to her family and
grandchildren„ Additionally, she has had nine major plumbing problems in seven
years,. The repairs that have been made to address the plumbing problems, i e
flooding and leaks, have been inept patchwork She is very concerned with her mold
problem and would welcome the opportunity to move, however, as a single, head of
household, she is hard-pressed to be able to find affordable housing elsewhere, Ms
Hullihan also wants to be informed as to the exact timeline of how things will evolve
with move-out.
Mr Scarlotti stated that as the consulting firm he represents, they were not aware of
the mold problem, but reassured Ms. Hullighan that her mold problems will be relayed
to the owner of the property and the management team, who will deal with the mold
problem expeditiously and without any retaliation against her.
Mr. Scarlotti further stated that their desire is to be a "good neighbor" and in the past
they have asked the management company to assist people who are in hardship to I
assist them in relocating. He invited Ms Hullighan to call his office and they would
assist her with relocation.
Maria Lizarraga, Manager, 321 Rancho Dr. Apt. G-4, stated that she has been the
manager of the apartment complex for only approximately two month, and was not
aware of Ms Hullighan's mold problem, Ms. Lizarraga stated that her experience in
her own unit and the numerous units she has been in the entire complex; she has not
been made aware of any mold problems.
Public Hearing Closed.
MSC (Comes/Madrid) (4-0-3-0) that the Planning Commission recommend to the
City Council adoption of the draft Council Resolution, approving the Tentative
Subdivision Map for aone-lot condominium map for 48-units based on the
findings and subject to the conditions contained therein, with the following
Planning Commission Minutes - 7 - November 10, 2004
additional recommendation:
• That the issues that were raised tonight by the tenants with respect to
relocation assistance and mold issues, be adequately addressed by the
management team and developer. Motion carried.
DIRECTOR S REPORT:
Mr Hernandez reminded the Planning Commission that there will be a Joint City Council /
Planning Commission meeting on November 17th,. Additionally, the Espanada project is
scheduled to be before the Planning Commission on December gtn
ADJOURNMENT at 8:05 p.m to the Joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting on
November 17, 2004
Diana Vargas, Secretaryto Planning Commission