HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-07-07 PC MINS
-
MINUTES OF THE
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF
CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA
Council Chambers
6:00 p.m. Public Services Building
Wednesday, July 7,2004 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista
ROLL CALU MOTIONS TO EXCUSE:
Present: Madrid, O'Neill, Hall, Hom, Felber
Absent: Castaneda, Cortes
Staff Present: John Schmitz, Principal Planner
Ben Guerrero, Environmental Projects Manager
Marilyn Ponseggi, Environmental Review Coordinator
Elizabeth Hull, Deputy City Attorney III
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/SILENT PRAYER
MOTION TO EXCUSE
-
MSC (Felber/O'Neill) to excuse Commissioners Cortes and Castaneda. Motion
carried.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: No public input.
1. PUBLIC HEARING: Close of Public Review Period for Chula Vista
Crossings Draft EIR 04-03.
Background: Ben Guerrero, Environmental Projects Manager stated that the
purpose of tonight's meeting is to close the public comment period on the Crossing
Draft EIR. Mr. Guerrero further stated that all comments received at tonight's
meeting, including all comments made by the Planning Commission will be
considered and addressed as part of the Final EIR.
The Crossings Draft EIR has evaluated the redevelopment of an existing outdoor
storage facility to a commercial retail use and conceptual tentative map. The project
proposes the construction of seven buildings within an approximate total leasable
building area of 188,038 sf. The proposed project would include two free-standing
restaurants, a main department store anchor and additional retail spaces. The draft
EIR was circulated for public review beginning on May 21,2004 and tonight's hearing
- will mark the close of the 45 day public review period. At this time, staff is requesting
that comments be limited to issues related specifically to the information presented in
the draft EIR. A public hearing will be scheduled before the Planning Commission on
Planning Commission Minutes - 2 - July 7, 2004
August 11,2004 for consideration of the site plan and a certification of the Final EIR.
Public Testimony
Teresa Acerro, 3730 Festival Court, Chula Vista, CA stated that she submitted
comments to the Planning Commission on behalf of the Sierra Club. They are:
· two plant species (Otay Tar Plant and orcis bird beek) were not listed in the draft
EIR as sensitive plant species
· concerned with cumulative impacts from hazardous waste coming from the Omar
Rendering Plant and Apache Services
· the inadequacy of the proposed Reduced Density Alternative
Krista Ostoich, San Diego Baykeeper, 2924 Emerson St. Ste. 220, San Diego, CA
expressed concern with storm water run-off and that the EIR simply states that the
Storm Water Pollution and Prevention Plan would reduce impacts to a level below
significance, however, the plan has not yet been developed.
Another area of concern is that, unlike other projects, the City is not requiring the use
of Integrated Pest Management for this project.
Lastly, a reduction of the paved area of the parking of the parking lot would be
desirable.
Frank Ohrmund, 2908 Weeping Willow Road, Vice Chair for the Otay Valley
Regional Park Citizens Advisory Committee, raised concerns associated with the
River Valley, they are: 1) the transient problem, 2) graffiti, 3) storm water run-off, and
the inclusion of trails.
Mr. Ohrmund stated that the connectivity of a good trail system that links west 1-805 to
east 1-805 and leads to the Center is very desirable. To address the graffiti problem,
a galvanized pole fence, similar to what was installed at the John Lippitt Corp Yard
would be advisable, with a gate that could be closed at nights to keep out transients
that would be attracted to loiter around dumpsters. The project should also complete
the restoration of the river valley by removal of non-native species on the portion
that's on their property. Lighting should be properly shielded to reduce glare and
adequate landscaping with mature vegetation to serve as a buffer leading to the river
valley, would be desirable.
Commission Comments:
Cmr. Felber stated that according to his recollection, the draft EIR addresses a
filtration system for water run-off and asked for clarification on this.
Planning Commission Minutes - 3 - July 7, 2004
Marilyn Ponseggi clarified that a response to comments made this evening will be
prepared and will address specific issues that were raised by the public tonight. The
Response to Comments will cite those section in the EIR that speak specifically the
issues raised tonight.
MSC (O'Neill/Madrid) (5-0-2-0) to close the 45-day public review period for Draft
EIR 04-03. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT at 6:30 p.m. to the Planning Commission meeting of July 28, 2004.
~
- Diana Vargas, secret~ning Commission