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HomeMy WebLinkAboutrda min 1985/03/21 MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA Thursday, March 21, 1985 Council Chambers 4:20 p.m. Public Services Building ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT Chairman Cox; Members Scott, McCandliss, Moore MEMBERS ABSENT Member Malcolm STAFF PRESENT Executi ve Di rector Goss, Communi ty Development Director Desrochers, Agency Attorney Harron, Redevelopment Coordi nator Zegler, Pl anni ng Director Krempl, Principal Pl anner Pass, Housi ng Coordinator Gustafson ITEM NO. 1 - REPORT: APPROV ING LAND USE PERMITS FOR THE EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY SERVICES AND SOUTH BAY EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AT 314 PARK WAY Epi scopal Community Services and South Bay Educational Services have requested Land Use Permi ts to locate counseling offi ces in an existing building at 314 Park Way. The Redevelopment Pl an authori zes the Agency to permit the establishment of such quasi-public uses within the Project Area. The Project Area Commi ttee recommends approval of thi s proposal subject to review of parking in 12 months. Chairman Cox, noting a conflict of interest, left the meeting at this time. In response to Member Moore's question, Mr. Jack Kuta, 59 "K" Street, Chula Vi sta, property manager for the subject site, explained that the Episcop,al Community Services woul d 1 ike to relocate their current offices from 516 'H" Street to 314 Park Way. Mr. Al Rodri quez, Program Di rector for Epi scopal Community Services, 3425 Fifth Avenue, San Di ego, added that there are currently 21 on-site parking spaces at the Park Way location. Community Epi scopal Servi ces staffs approximately 7 employees, therefore, ample parking is provided. MSUC (Scott/McCandl iss) to recommend approval of the proposed 1 and use subject to review of parking in 12 months and request that the Parking Place Commission study parking turnover on Park Way with the possibility of pl aci ng a time 1 imi t on street parki ng spaces. (The motion passed, 3-0-1; Chairman Cox abstained.) ----"- ----~~ --,-_._,-.'-- Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Redevelopment Agency -2- March 21, 1985 ITEM NO. 2 - RESOLUTION NO. 573 - APPROVING AMENDMENT TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AND CENTRE CITY ASSOC IATES AND MODIFYING THE SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE In accordance with the Di sposition and Development Agreement and subsequent amendments between the Redevelopment Agency and Centre City Associates, resi denti allot 8 will revert to Agency ownership if development pl ans and commitments are not submitted by April 1, 1985. Concept plans and financial data have been submi tted by the developer, and the Agency's housing consultant is eval uati ng that information. However, financial commitments will not be available to the Agency by the April 1 deadline. Community Development Di rector Desrochers reported that the developer's conceptual pl ans, on displ ay thi s afternoon, have not been reviewed by the Design Review Committee. Member Scott suggested that perhaps it would be in our best interest to open up development of this parcel to other developers. Michael Cowett, representing Centre City Associates, stated that according to Pacific Scene (the previous joint venture partner), the project did not "pencil out." He explained it was not a matter of financial feasibility for Pacifi c Scene, rather the proj ec t simply did not suit thei r development interests. Mr. logob has demonstrated a degree of persi stence unmatched to anyone else in the City towards the development of this particular parcel. Therefore, it seems appropriate to extend the deadline for financial commitments. In answer to Member McCandliss' question, Communi ty Development Di rec tor Desrochers remarked that Mr. logob knows more about the sUbject property than any current developer. If proposals were requested from other developers, it may take more than 3 months to process. He indicated he woul d defer to the Agency Attorney regarding legal ramifications. Member McCandliss pointed out that we could incur higher project costs in the future if we do not develop this parcel now. Mr. Desrochers stated that the site is very well sui ted for rental apartments, as the condo market appears to be saturated. He concurred wi th Member McCandliss that future development costs will rise. -- --------..------.----,---.-. '--'''- Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Redevelopment Agency -3- March 21, 1985 Mr. Cowett interjected that if the Agency solicited requests for proposals at this time, the request would have to articulate today's market rate, which is questi onabl e. In response to the Chairman's question, Mr. Cowett stated that conceptual approval by thi s agency is necessary in order to begi n di scussi ons from financi al sources. Member Scott, noting the good relationship with Mr. Zogob, remarked that this particul ar parcel has been in the developer's control for too long and he could anticipate at least one more extension request from him. Member McCandliss concurred that she could not accept another extension request. Mr. Dick Zogob, Centre City Associates, Limited, 315 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, explained that he has been involved in this project for 7 years and would like to see the successful conclusion to redevelopment of this Project Area. He pointed out that some delays were the responsibility of the Redevelopment Agency, and not the developer. He added that every facet of residential development has been exhausted for this site. This is the best design that has come forth to the Agency yet. He requested that the Agency continue to be patient, in view of his past performance. RESOLUTION OFFERED BY CHAIRMAN COX, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent, passed and adopted. (The resolution was adopted 3-1; Member Scott opposed.) Community Development Director Desrochers indicated the Design Review Committee will not review the proposal until after amendments have been made to the Disposition and Development Agreement, along with an analysis by the Housi ng Consul tanto Therefore, he estimated desi gn revi ew to take pl ace in June. ITEM NO. 3 - RESOLUTION NO. 574 - ENTERING INTO AN OWNER PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND RATNER DEVELOPMENT COMPANY FOR THE ISA BUILDING Ra tner Development Company has submi tted pl ans for the development of a 27,000 sq. ft. industrial buil ding at the southwest corner of "J" Street and Bay Boulevard. The Design Review Committee has reviewed the proposal and a Negative Declaration was prepared for the project. Mr. Mike McDonald, Ratner Development Company, 2635 Camino del Rio South, San Di ego, descri bed the Integrated Systems Analyst (ISA) bui 1 di ng. The Desi gn Revi ew Committee has approved the desi gn; however, a new archi tect was recently hi red who made sl i ght el evati on modificati ons to the desi gn. The building footprint on the site, access, parking, and total square footage remain constant, and exterior modifications to the building will be resubmitted in about 10 days. - -- -~-,-,._--_._-"--,--"--'._--'---"-'-- Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Redevelopment Agency -4- March 21, 1985 RESOLUTION OFFERED BY CHAIRMAN COX, the reading of the text was waived by unanimous consent, passed and adopted unanimously. (The resolution was adopted 3-0 with Member Scott abstaining.) Staff noted that due to modifications to the exterior design of the building, resubmittal of these plans will be made to the Design Review Committee. ITEM NO. 4 - REPORT: AMENDING REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BY-LAWS It was suggested that the Agency By-laws be amended in order for members to recei ve compensati on for meeti ngs hel d on the same date as a Ci ty Counci 1 meeti ng. The By-laws should also be changed to state the days and locations of the Agency meeti ngs. Upon acceptance of these amendments, a resol uti on adopting same will be brought back to the Agency on April 18. Member McCandliss remarked that she could not support additional compensation for Agency meetings held immedi ately foll owing City Counci 1 meetings. Particularly, since Agency members are already here for City Council meetings. It was moved by Member McCandliss that the proposed change in the By-laws "all owi ng Redevelopment Agency compensation only for meetings held separate from Council meetings," be retained. The motion died for lack of a second. Member Scott agreed that Agency members should not be reimbursed for attendance at meetings they are already attending; however, he did not feel the additional $30 requested was substantial. Discussion followed regarding 1 ength of Agency meeti ngs following regular City Council meetings, inflationary aspects of costs per meeting, etc. MSUC (Moore!McCandliss) to refer this item to staff. At this time, the Redevelopment Agency convened jointly as the Redevelopment Agency/City Council in order to consider the following item. ITEM NO.5 - RESOLUTION NO. 575/ 11970 - APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN/DESIGN MANUAL ADDENDUM TO THE OTAY VALLEY ROAD REDEVELOPMENT PLAN Staff has been working in conjunction with the Otay Valley Road Project Area Committee for the past four months to develop the Implementation Plan/Design Guidelines to guide development in the Otay Valley Area. This document will be an addendum to the Otay Valley Road Redevelopment Plan and work in concert wi th the General Plan desi gnati on for the area in controll i ng proposed 1 and uses and project design to ensure that the Otay Valley Area develops as a hi gh-qual ity, li ght industrial area wi thout negative impacts on adj acent re s i denti ala reas. The subject pl an has been approved by the Project Area Commit tee, and reviewed and approved by the Planning and Communi ty Development Department staffs. On March 13, 1985, the Pl anni ng Commi ssi on held a public hearing on the plan and subsequently approved it. _____, ______.__m_..- Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Redevelopment Agency -5- March 21, 1985 Community Development Director Desrochers introduced four of the five members of the Otay Valley Road Project Area Committee in attendance this afternoon. Mr. Desrochers reported that these guidelines should provide the flexibility to ensure good development and compatibility with adjacent areas. Development Specialist Kassman reported that the Project Area Committee began meeting on October 9, 1984. A total of nine meetings, in excess of 30 hours, was spent by the Committee working on this particular report. The guidelines were subsequently approved on February 11, 1985. The Planning Department's comments were added to the plan after approval by the Project Area Committee, and then were forwarded to the Planning Commission. Pri ncipal Pl anner Pass descri bed the pri ncipal features of the pl an noting that special emphasis be made on the landscaping requirements. According to the guidel ines, 2m of the site should be devoted to landscaping. Furthermore, the City Landscape Architect will playa major role in assuring that open space is provided in developments and special permits are processed. Di scussi on foll owed regardi ng the ill ustrated procedure for processi ng of development and subdi vi si on proposal s before the Pl anni ng Commi ssi on, the Project Area Committee, the Design Review Committee, and the Redevelopment Agency. Member/Co unci 1 man Scott asked if the subdivi si on projects coul d go di rectly from the Project Area Commi ttee for approval j oi ntly by the Planni ng Commission/ Redevelopment Agency. In response, Principal Planner Pass commented that communi ty redevelopment 1 aw does not stipul ate that thi s cannot occur, however, he deferred to the Agency Attorney for clarification on thi smatter. Planning Director Krempl stated that although this procedure does seem somewhat cumbersome and repetitive, State law indicates that the City Council is the final body to act on a subdivision map. However, since it is in a redevelopment area, consistency of the plans and findings must be made by the Redevelopment Agency. Therefore, thi s procedure is depi cted on the flow chart as a final step. Agency Attorney Harron requested additional time in order to verify this procedure. Agency/City Attorney Harron expressed concern that the Project Area Committee should not be involved with conducting environmental reviews. Therefore, the Planning Commission has been included in this process. Pl anni ng Di rector Krempl reported that the Pl anni ng Commi ssi on revi ewed the guidelines and recommended adoption by a vote of 5-2. The Commission felt comfortable with adoption of the guidelines due to their flexibility. However, they did have a concern regarding verbiage, such as: there should be 1 ess "shall s" and more "shoul ds" and "mays." This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was declared open. +---..- --',....- Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Redevelopment Agency -6- March 21, 1985 Mr. Tim Flannery, H. G. Fenton/Nelson Sloan, explained that the companies own approximately 60 acres within the Redevelopment Area south of Otay Valley Road on the eastern end of the area. He expressed his appreciation of staff's notification of property owners. He indicated the companies' support for quality light industrial development in the area. However, several major aspects of the plan were noted, including: minimum lot size, lot frontage of 200 1 ineal feet, rear yard setback of 50 feet, 40-foot setback for Otay Valley Road, 2m landscaping, and the maximum buil ding footprint of 45% of the lot. He expressed concern that if the land is dropped further south, a problem would occur with remaining land to be developed. He expressed concern that the cost of development could not be economically justified because of the high cost of the required infrastructure. In conclusion, the guidelines appear to be the strictest in the County, and he therefore suggested that the Agency adopt a set of standards that coul d be more fl exible. Mr. Craig Beam, 110 West "A" Street, San Diego, representing Darl i ng-Del aware, commented that the gui del i nes do not appear to be very flexible, particularly relating to minimum lot size requirements. Because of these restrictions, marketing of a piece of property may also be hampered. Mr. Beam suggested the language should be clarified in various areas of the manua l. On page 10, subsecti on 1 "Lot Si ze and Frontage," the 1 ast paragraph under this subsection should be relocated to precede that entire subsection. Mr. Robert McCrary, 251 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, California, representing Chillingworth Company, remarked that the Darling-Delaware Company is strongly in favor of development guidelines for the Otay Valley Road Area. He suggested that additional study of the guidel ines be made to see how they actually affect a site design such as theirs. Mr. Beam interjected that the gui del ines are structured as to di scourage potenti al developers before they can actually get into the text of the manual. He emphasized the need for quality in this area; however, the company does have marketing constraints. Planning Director Krempl informed the Agency that the tentative map for the Darl ing-Delaware site will be submitted to the Pl anning Commission next week. At this time, the Planning Department recommends denial of the request. The comparisons made by the Darling-Delaware Company and exhibited this afternoon were not designed in consideration of the Otay Valley guidel ines. Chairman/Mayor Cox noted that this particular site has some unique features that don't exist in other areas of the redevelopment project. It is the only parcel with a tentative map and the only site utilized by Omar Rendering as a dump site. Therefore, the map should not be precluded from being continued. Mr. Di ck Kau, 3404 Boni ta Road, Chul a Vi sta, representi ng property owners, Mr. and Mrs. Shinohara, pointed out that the redevelopment in this area would eliminate 10 acres of land currently owned by the Shinoharas. He added that the guidelines appear to be very stringent. Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Redevelopment Agency -7- March 21, 1985 Mr. Lee Curry, Crown Chemical Corporation, 1888 Nirvana Avenue, Chula Vista, di scussed the correspondence dated March 20, 1985, by hi s attorney, Gregory Garratt, distributed this afternoon. Basically, the correspondence addresses health, safety, and welfare regulations of public agencies and expansion of exi sting uses. Planning Director Krempl stated that these concerns have not been addressed in the Redevelopment Plan. Staff suggests that this issue be referred to the Project Area Committee since Pl anning staff has not had time to review the document. Mr. Jeff Wissler, Sammis Properties, 2650 Cami no del Rio North, San Diego, described their 40-acre development on Otay Vall ey Road, the triangular parcel that would be eliminated in the center of this development, lot size addressed in the new guidelines, uses in the project that are not compatible with the surrounding community. He suggested flexibility be provided for the lot size issue. Mr. Don Heye, Chairman of the Otay Valley Road Project Area Committee, described the function of the Project Area Committee to date. He i ndi cated that a letter was mailed to 17 property owners regarding the role of this Committee, and as a resul t of input from vari ous property owners, observations by the Committee, etc., this Committee took on the charge of reviewing the guidelines. Mr. Heye agreed that the desi gn gui del i nes are very restrictive, and at the same time they are very flexible. The Committee felt strongly about off-street parking (i.e., areas deteriorated due to large vehicles parked on streets for long periods of time). One of the principal considerations of the Committee concerned owner-occupant as opposed to property with an absentee or temporary owner. Therefore, larger developments and lot sizes were proposed in the gui del i nes. In addition, the redevelopment guidel ines will address the use of every possible safeguard against hazardous waste disposal. In answer to Chairman/Mayor Cox's question, Mr. Heye indicated that the Sammis Properties proposal was informally discussed by the Proj ect Area Committee. Chairman Heye expressed concern with 1 imited lot size. The majority of the Sammis Properties lots are one acre or less. He asked Mr. Heye if the Sammis development is the type that would benefit what the City is trying to accomplish in the Otay Valley Road Redevelopment Area. In response, Mr. Heye rei terated that this project was brought before the Committee before the lot size issue was considered. Member/Councilman Scott suggested consi deri ng a sliding scal e that would address the minimum lot size dilemma. Member/Councilwoman McCandliss poi nted out that the goal of this redevelopment area is to have an industrial area that is compatible with the surrounding areas as well as being aesthetically pleasing. She expressed concern that a potential developer may not get past the extreme standards of the guidelines and therefore would not see its flexibilities. '_'_'n'_"_ ____..________._._'.,.,._., ________ Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Redevelopment Agency -8- March 21, 1985 It was moved by Chairman Cox to include "the above guidelines and objectives of the Redevelopment Pl an" as part of the first paragraph to subsecti on 4 entitled "Site Design." Member/Co unci lman Scott remarked that Mr. Beam's interpretation was incorrect. To rearrange the sentence structuri ng in that parti cul ar secti on of the guidelines would change the whole meaning and intent of staff. Chairman/Mayor Cox withdrew his motion. Agency/City Attorney Harron advised that the standards as outlined in the guidelines are meant to be directory. Changing all the "shoul ds" to "shall s" would, in fact, change staff's intent. Therefore, the language should remain as is. Member/Councilwoman McCandliss stressed the need for high standards for this area. She expressed concern with the 2-acre minimum lot size; however, it woul d not be prudent to scatter l-acre sites throughout the Project Area ei ther. MSUC (Scott/Moore) to refer the changes as suggested by Mr. Garratt to staff and the Project Area Committee and investigate the use of a sliding scale for a certain size subdivision. Agency/City Attorney Harron recommended adoption of the resolution as modifications could COme back at a later date. He added that the guidelines bridged the gap between general planning and zoning. RESOLUTION OFFERED BY MEMBER McCANDLISS, the readi ng of the text was waived by unanimous consent, passed and adopted unanimously. Di scussi on foll owed regardi ng appropri ate 1 and uses within the sensitive impact boundaries of the Redevelopment Area. MSUC (Cox/Moore) to direct staff to i nvesti gate whether or not there woul d be appropri ate 1 and uses wi thi n the sensitive impact zone that would be inconsistent with our desires of protecting adjacent residential areas, and direct staff to consider a definition of what is included in landscaping and make sure we come up with some consistency regarding what is defi ned as 1 andscapi ng (and refer thi s to the Project Area Committee as well). Chairman Cox commended the Project Area Committee on its time and effort in reviewing the subject guidelines. CHAIRMAN'S/MAYOR'S COMMENTS: a. Chairman/Mayor Cox suggested a Closed Session following the Industrial Development Authority meeting for potential litigation. MSUC (Cox/Scott) to adjourn to Closed Session for possible 1 itigation following the Industrial Development Authority meeting. Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Redevelopment Agency -9- March 21, 1985 b. The Chai rman/Mayor announced that the Coastal Conservancy approved a grant for $50,000 to fund the Environmental Management Plan for the Bayfront. MEMBER/COUNCIL COMMENTS: Member/Councilwoman McCandl i ss di scussed the proposed McDonald's/Sixpence sign recently approved by the Planning Commission. MSUC (McCandliss/Scott) to appeal the approval of the McDonald's/Sixpence sign to the City Council for review and waive the appeal fees. DIRECTOR/MANAGER COMMENTS: a. Di rector/City Manager Goss noted that the vi deotape of the recent Chul a Vista tour/film by a local television station would be available for viewing this afternoon. b. Di rector/Ci ty Manager Goss noted that he will be attending a City Manager's conference in Ramona next week. The Assi stant Ci ty Manager will also be in attendance. c. Staff discussed the appl ication to the Coastal Commi ssi on for a permi t for placing fencing around the designated Least Tern sanctuary on the "0" Street fill. MSUC (Cox/Moore) to concur wi th staff in their s ubmi tta 1 of permit application for fencing of a Least Tern sanctuary on the "D" Street fill, and concur with a request of the Unified Port Di stri ct to allow continuation of the fencing across thei r property--that they have concurred with our Least Tern island and channel. ADJOURNMENT at 6:52 p.m to Closed Session (foll owi ng the Industri al Development Authority meeti ng immediately following this meeti ng). The Recordi ng Secretary was excused and the Executive Di rector reported that Closed Session ended at 7:25 p.m. WPC 1499H ----.----.- ---.--.----.-----.-