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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRCC MIN 1986/08/25MINUTES OF A SCHEDULED SPECIAL MEETING RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA August 18, 1986 Council Chambers, Public Services Building 5:30 p.m. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Taylor, Commissioners Rowe, Donovan and Hernandez MEMBERS ABSENT: With notification: Commissioners Hodson and Mitchell STAFF PRESENT: Environmental Review Coordinator Reid and Senior Community Development Specialist Putnum CALL MEETING TO ORDER/ROLL CALL - Chairman Taylor called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. with a quorum of four members present. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MSUC (Donovan/Rowe) to approve the minutes of the meeting of August 4, 1986, as mailed. 2. NEW BUSINESS: Chairman Taylor announced that since there are a number of people present to speak on item 'B', that item will be taken up before item 'A'. B. Recommendations to the Citv Council on potential historic sites Environmental Review Coordinator Reid displayed slides and reviewed the architecture and significance of the following sites: a. 170 Cvoress Street Known as the Spring House, this Bungalow style house was constructed in 1915 for L. G. Spring. The house was sold in 1920 to Herbert F. Bryant and his wife, who lived at the address until 1927. Mr. Bryant served on the Chula Vista City Council from 1937 to 1940 and was then elected City Clerk. He was the city's Chief Administrative Officer from 1947 to 1953. The house appears to retain integrity of design and materials. Ruth Weatherbie, present owner of the house, questioned the effect the designation as a heritage house would have on the future value of the property and whether it would prohibit removal of a potato vine tree that appears to be dying. Mr. Reid explained the two levels of designation of historic sites, noting that the first level places no restraints on the structure or the property. b. 34 Davidson Street This Bungalow style house is known as the Carl Boltz House and was constructed in 1923. Carl Boltz served on the City Cuuncil from 1934 to 1938; he was a lemon grower and held various offices in the citrus association. The house maintains integrity of design and materials. RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 18, 1986 Page 2 Gordon Boltz, trustee for the property, called attention to his letter submitted to the Commission and reiterated his concurrence with identifying the site as historical but opposed the permit process which would affect future development of the property and reduce the value of the property. c. 124 Hilltop Drive The Leo Christy House, constructed in 1928, is an example of the Colonial Revival style of architecture. The Christys were a pioneer family in Chula Vista and were well known in the city. John Parks, present owner of the house, advised that his purpose in buying the house was to preserve it for his children and grandchildren. He stated that the lot contains two acres and asked whether the historic designation would restrict dividing the property in the future. Mr. Reid advised that this designation would have no effect on the sub- division map process. d. 151 Landis Avenue Known as the Albert Barber House, this is a modification of the Queen Anne style of architecture. Constructed in 1887, it was the first house to be built in Chula Vista. Only fragments of the original architectural details remain on the building. Louise and Albert Barber purchased the first tract in Chula Vista on May 4, 1887, had the house constructed, and moved into it on February 1, 1888. On May 1, 1911, the house was purchased by Abraham Eitzen, a prominent Chula Vista citizen who served on the City Council for four years. In the 1940s the house was moved from its original address at 138 Third Avenue to the present location. The house is significant because of its association with one of the first pioneer families in Chula Vista and the fact that it was the first house to be built in this city. e. 209 D Street This Victorian style house, constructed in 1889, has variability in the exterior texture, including fishscale and diamond shingles and wide ship- lap horizontal siding. Originally the Nancy Jobes House, it was purchased in 1913 by Dr. Marcos E. Carver, an Episcopal priest, who founded St. Mark's Episcopal Church in San Diego. It is a good example of 19th century Victorian architecture. f. 52 E Street Known as the Charles Boltz House, this Craftsman style home was constructed in 1911. The house has unique features that set it apart from other Craftsman houses in the city and the integrity of style and materials has been maintained. Mr. Boltz was a citrus grower, an officer in the citrus association and a City Councilman from 1911 to 1914. RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 18, 1986 Page 3 Shirley Sechler, owner of the home, distributed copies of a letter to the Commission which set forth her objections to having this designated as a historic site, principally due to intrusion on her privacy and the fact that she feels the unpaved driveway is not safe for people who might wish to view the house because of its historical designation. 9 670 F Street Known as the Frank Taylor House, this is a Colonial Revival style residence constructed in 1929. The Taylor family were the owners of the Argonaut Gold Mind, and May Taylor was one of the women who founded the Firesta de la Luna in 1928. Ray Halpenny, owner of the property, made reference to his letter and voiced his objection to having the house designated as a historical site. He felt it would be in his best interest to redevelop the property and that could not be done without removing the house which is in poor condition. h. 503 G Street This is the Old Kindergarten Building in which the architecture is classed as Vernacular Classroom; it was constructed about 1915. It was originally the kindergarten building for the Chula Vista School at Fourth and F Street. It was moved to the present location in 1927. It has significance because of its relationship to the second school in Chula Vista and the fact that it was the first kindergarten room in the city. The building has been converted to a residence but the exterior design is basically intact. Jessie Owens, owner of the house, indicated she would object to the designation if it would place a restraint on the sale of the property in the future. i. 511 G Street This building, known as the San Diego County Insectary, is classed Utilitarian architecture and was constructed in 1926. The building has been used for raising beneficial insects and for office space for the San Diego County Department of Agriculture. This is the only building like this in Chula Vista and has some importance because of its role in association with the early citrus industry in the city. j. 10 Second Aven The Lucious Wright House is a Modified Victorian architectural style, constructed in 1889. The house previously included a 23 foot tower with gingerbread details, but that has been removed. One of the previous occupants of the house was Lewis Dadmun, a prominent criminal defense attorney in San Diego. RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 18, 1986 Page 4 Carol Pasimio, present owner of the house, expressed her fondness for the house and said she is honored the property is considered for designa- tion as a historical site. She stated that the property is over 3/4 acre and they have considered subdividing, to build two smaller Victorian style houses in the front. After subdividing, at least 20,000 sq.ft. will remain for the existing house. k. 44 North Second Avenue The Edward Gillette House is a Queen Anne Victorian style, constructed in 1894 for Alvina and Edward Gillette. It is a 2~ story Victorian mansion, notable for its Queen Anne tower with promenade and finial spire. The house was sold to Marcella and Charles Darling. Mrs. Darling was the first president of the Chula Vista Women's Club and was involved in the effort to construct the present clubhouse. The house retains integrity of original design and materials. 1. 301-305 Third Avenue Known as the Melville Block, the building constructed in 1926 is an Eclectic Commercial architectural style. On the first level the entire front has been changed to a series of more modern plate glass windows and doors, with an aluminum awning and cantilevered marquee extending over the sidewalk. Edward Melville was a pioneer businessman in Chula Vista, coming to the community in 1901. This building is one of the earliest structures on Third Avenue which still exist today. Tom Money, one of the owners and the property manager for the 303-305 building „ indicated the owners are privileged to have this building considered a historical site, but felt the permit control process should not be designated for the property since it currently comes under the Design Review Committee and the Redevelopment Agency. He advised that their plans for remodeling the building will restore it closer to the original condition by removing the existing awning and installing balloon awnings. m. 230 Fifth Avenue Known as the Elmer Kinmore House, this Spanish Eclectic style residence was constructed in 1926. Mr. Kinmore operated Kinmore Electric in Chula Vista and lived at this address until 1956. A letter has been received from the present owner, Norma V. Lindquist, objecting to its designation as a historical site. n. 254 Fifth Avenue This house, designed as Neoclassic architecture, has had a number of alterations. It was originally construction about 1905. Some apartment development presently exists on the property. Although the early history of the house is not known, it is significant as an orchard home. RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 18, 1986 Page 5 Florence Wheyland, voiced strong objection to having this designated a historical site. She described the poor condition of the structure with particular emphasis on an exterior chimney which is in danger of falling. She advised that within two years she expects to tear down the old house to redevelop the property. Mr. Reid read the letter written by Mrs. Wheyland stating her objections to the designation as a historic site. Ruth Weatherbie, owner of the house at Cypress Street, raised the question of privacy for the occupants of a historic site, and whether it must be opened for tours, or merely available for people to drive by and view from the street. It was affirmed that it is the option of the property owner as to whether it is opened for Heritage House tours. Chairman Taylor called for Commission action on each of the sites considered. a. 170 Cypress Street MSUC (Donovan/Hernandez) to designate this as a historical site with a marker only. b. 34 Davidson Street MSUC (Rowe/Donovan) to designate the house as a historical site with no permit control. c. 124 Hilltop Drive MSUC (Donovan/Hernandez) to designate as a historical site with a marker only. d. 151 Landis Avenue MSUC (Donovan/Rowe) recommend designation as a historical site with a marker only . e. 209 D Street MSUC (Donovan/Hernandez) recommend designation as a historical site with no permit control. f. 52 F Street MSUC (Rowe/Donovan) recommend no designation for this site. g. 670 F Street MSUC (Donovan/Hernandez) recommend no designation for this site. RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 18, 1986 Page 6 h. 503 G Street MSUC (Rowe/Donovan) recommend designation as a historical site with no permit control. i. 511 G Street MSUC (Donovan/Rowe) recommend site designation only. j. 10 Second Avenue MSUC (Rowe/Donovan) recommend site designation only. k. 44 North Second Avenue MSUC (Donovan/Hernandez) recommend site designation only. 1. 301-305 Third Avenue MSUC (Rowe/Donovan) recommend designation as a historical site with no permit control. m. 230 Fifth Avenue MSUC (Rowe/Donovan) recommend no designation for this site. n. 254 Fifth Avenue MSUC (Rowe/Donovan) recommend no designation for this site. A. EIR-86-1 Midbayfront Specific Plan Amendment Environmental Review Coordinator Reid advised that this is a supplemental EIR to the Master EIR on the Bayfront Specific Plan approved last year. He announced that Robin Putnam of the Community Development Department would review the proposed changes to the Specific Plan. With the use of plats shown on the projector, Ms. Putnam reviewed the Local Coastal Program plan for the Midbayfront area which entails a mixed use development of 189.1 acres, including six neighborhood and community parks. She discussed the circulation plan which includes extension of Tidelands Avenue to form a continuous Bayfront parkway, the widening of the E Street freeway overpass from 6 lanes to between 7 and 9 lanes, and improvements to Bay Boulevard. She noted the generalized grading and drainage plan. Ms. Putnam then reviewed the proposed project amendment as submitted by Chula Vista Investment Company. The proposed revisions are in the areas of land use, circulation, and grading and drainage. In the proposed project, there is not a specific area designated for Specialty Retail use, which will allow more flexibility in locating those uses in the office park area. The amendment also consolidates the residential use east of Marina Parkway, whereas it had been bisected by Tidelands Avenue in the adopted plan. RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 18, 1986 Page 7 The proposed circulation revisions include a redesign of the I-5 on/off ramp at E Street, which provides a better circulation system, also, the realignment of Marina Parkway and Tidelands Avenue. It also includes the reconfiguration of Bay Boulevard, so that it does not require abandonment of the railroad right-of-way. It is proposed to maintain the E Street bridge at its existing width and restripe it to provide an additional travel lane. The EIR discusses this and comes to the conclusion that when the traffic circulation reaches a service level D, as determined by the City's traffic engineer, the additional width must be added. With reference to grading and drainage, the proposed revisions still include a detention basin; the principal revision is the addition of a drainage Swale going through the office park area and the community park to discharge into San Diego Bay. This is positive from the applicant's standpoint as it would require the importation of about 400,000 cu. yds. of fill instead of the one million yards required by the adopted plan. In reviewing this proposed change, several potential environmental impacts were identified. An alternative plan is discussed in the EIR, which would require undergrounding the drainage to San Diego Bay, and the importation of about 700,000 cu. yds. of fill, which is more than the applicant's proposal but less than the adopted plan. Under questions from Chairman Taylor, Ms. Putnam explained that under the project alternative the drainage from the office park area would be collected in a sump and be discharged by an underground system into the bay, which would take away the potential of the proposed drainage Swale to create wetlands. The proposed Swale would require bridges to accommodate the various bicycle trails and jogging paths. In the EIR, the drainage Swale is viewed negatively from an aesthetics standpoint and in terms of long term maintenance requirements. She also discussed a degreasing and desilting process which is proposed to be implemented, noting that this has been successful in some areas of San Francisco Bay. Mr. Reid advised that two motions are required: One, a recommendation on the draft EIR, and the second on the proposed amendment to the adopted LCP and the alternative to that amendment. MSUC (Rowe/Taylor) to accept the adequacy of the EIR. MSUC (Donovan/Hernandez) to accept the amendment to the Local Coastal Program with the alternative that would eliminate the Swale and put the drainage underground. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Donovan again asked about the appointment of another member to this Commission. Mr. Reid advised that he has received the applications that have been submitted for review and a recommendation to the Mayor. RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 18, 1986 Page 8 Commissioner Rowe stated that he would write a letter to the Mayor urging that the vacant position be filled. ADJOURNMENT at 7:10 p.m. to the scheduled meeting of August 25, 1986. Helen Mapes, Secretary