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HomeMy WebLinkAboutrda min 2006/11/16 CC/CVRC MINUTES OF ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CVRC), REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA November 16,2006 6:00 P.M. Adjourned Regular Meetings of the Chula Vista Redevelopment Corporation, Redevelopment Agency and City Council of the City of Chula Vista were called to order at 6:08 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. CVRC ROLL CALL PRESENT: Directors: Castaneda, Desrochers, Lewis, Paul, Rindone (arrived at 6:12 p.m.), Rooney, and Vice Chairman McCann ABSENT: Directors: Chavez (excused), Paul (excused), Chairman Padilla (excused) REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ROLL CALL PRESENT: Agency Members: Castaneda, Rindone (arrived at 6:12 p.m.), and Vice Chairman McCann ABSENT: Agency Members: Chavez (excused), Chairman Padilla (excused) CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Council Members: Castaneda, Rindone (arrived at 6:12 p.m.), and Deputy Mayor McCann ABSENT: Council Members: Chavez (excused), Mayor Padilla (excused) ALSO PRESENT: Interim Executive Director/City Manager Thomson, Deputy General Counsell Deputy City Attorney Shirey, Chief Financial Officer/Finance Director Kachadoorian, Acting Community Development Director Hix, Redevelopment Project Manager Crockett, Planning Manager Ladiana, Senior Community Development Specialist Tapia, Community Development Specialist Alvarez, Senior Deputy City Clerk Peoples, Community Development Administrative Assistant Donnelly PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, MOMENT OF SILENCE Due to the lack of a quorum for the Redevelopment Agency and City Council, Vice Chairman McCann requested Items I and 2 be trailed, and Item 3 be heard at this time. Items I and 2 were heard after Item 3. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Staff Recommendation: l.a. That the CVRC and Redevelopment Agency approve the minutes of October 26, 2006. ACTION: Vice Chairman McCann moved approval of the CVRC/Redevelopment Agency minutes of October 26, 2006. Director/Agency member Castaneda seconded the motion and it carried 6-0, with Director Paul, Director/Agency member Chavez and Chairman Padilla absent. l.b. That the Redevelopment Agency approve the minutes of October 24, 2006, and November 7, 2006. ACTION: Vice Chairman McCann moved approval of the Redevelopment Agency minutes of October 26, 2006, and November 7, 2006. Agency member Castaneda seconded the motion and it carried 3-0, with Agency member Chavez and Chairman Padilla absent. 2. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 2.a.. Memorandum from Stephen C. Padilla requesting an excused absence from the Joint CVRC/Redevelopment Agency/City Council meeting of November 16, 2006. 2.b. Memorandum from Patricia E. Chavez requesting an excused absence from the Joint CVRC/Redevelopment Agency/City Council meeting of November 16, 2006. Staff recommendation: That the CVRC/Redevelopment Agency/City Council excuse the absences. ACTION: Director/Agency/Councilmember Rindone moved approval of the requests for excused absences. Director/ Agency/Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion and it carried 6-0, with Director Paul, Director/Agency/Councilmember Chavez and ChairmanlMayor Padilla absent. Page 2 - CVRC/RDAlCC Minutes htto://www.chulavistaca.gov November 16,2006 Item 3 was heard prior to Items I and 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. CONSIDERATION OF A MIXED USE PROJECT WITH 167 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND 3,793 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE ON THE SITE AT 914-944 THIRD AVENUE WITHIN THE MERGED CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT (ADDED AREA) Development of this site will provide high-density mixed-use housing located close to existing transit, and within a block of neighborhood-serving retail and office uses. The proposal requires the re-zoning ofa 3.6-acre portion of the site and the establishment ofa Precise Plan Modifying Standard for a front setback reduction from 25 feet to 20 feet. In addition, the proposal requires the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for the mixed use, Design Review and Tentative Map Conditions for the consolidation of four lots into one lot. Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held on the date and at the time specified in the notice. Project Manager Crockett provided an introduction of the proposed Creekside Vistas project, including the effort behind the proposed project development and the public benefits of a great housing project, including new revenues to schools and the City, and increased affordable housing units in western Chula Vista. Planning Manager Ladiana provided an overview of the project details, noting that it would be the first suburban infill redevelopment project since adoption of the General Plan in December of 2005. Senior Community Development Specialist Tapia provided an overview of the project site and surrounding uses, topography, land use designations, other discretionary actions and conditions of the project, and highlights of the residential units, commercial space, parking and open space. Terry Plowden, representative of project applicant, Douglas Wilson Companies, spoke in support of the project and outlined some of the highlights, including the project being an opportunity for infill redevelopment; its location adjacent to a transit stop and proximity to neighborhood serving retail and office uses. He then detailed the process his firm had taken to this point to gain support from the community which included extensive community meetings held with the hospital, country club, church and auto parts store as well as with the Northwestern Civic Group, Crossroads II, HEAC and the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development and Building Committees. Mr. Plowden stated he felt the project was well received as they were proposing to improve a property that was underutilized and in some ways blighted; developing it in a manner consistent with the General Plan; providing 10% affordable housing consisting of 2 and 3 bedroom units, and would also be preserving the Telegraph Canyon Creek. Page 3 - CVRC/RDNCC Minutes http://www.chulavistaca.gov November 16,2006 PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Bryan Sevy, Project Architect, provided an overview of the design solutions for the project goals which were to create building architecture for the site layout, preservation of the riparian and sensitive habitat, and the creation of a more vibrant mixed-use street scene with an urban feel along 3rd Avenue to allow for walkability. To accomplish these goals, they designed the buildings with a strong fas;ade with homes facing onto 3rd Avenue to provide a safety feature, the retail spaces are located along 3rd A venue at the northeast comer adjacent to the other commercial uses where it can be used by the residents and others of the community. The parking is provided almost entirely in a subterrarean garage under the main building which allows more space for homes and open-space. The garage has controlled access with separate areas for residential and commercial. The project is made up of a blended density of 30 units per acre with a variety of housing types, including lower density townhomes in the southwest edge, and a larger building with underground parking to efficiently utilize the site. The larger building has single-level and multi-level homes with 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom townhomes with 14 different floor plans. All homes have a private balcony or patio. There are two main courtyard spaces above the parking and a common amenity area with a tot lot and pool and the open space, riparian area with a trail system along the bank. The architecture is a mix of modem and Spanish architecture, with arches in classic Irving Gill style. Director/Councilmember Castaneda inquired about the width of the sidewalks with the street trees, expressing concerns of impeding the free flow of pedestrians. Mr. Plowden responded that the sidewalks were 10 feet wide with a wall between the sidewalk and building entryways to separate the pedestrians from the residential traffic, adding that the developer will be maintaining the street trees. Director Rooney stated that he was encouraged by the quality of the project, would like to see more retail if possible, and encouraged the use of vines to cover the front walls to break up the fas;ade. He further noted that the choice of plant materials for this project was very important, as was the relief in the fas;ade provided by the arches, balconies, and planters. Director/Councilmember Rindone inquired and Mr. Plowden responded that the allocated commercial space was approximately 4,000 square feet which could equate to four tenants at 1,000 feet each, with uses authorized by the zoning code of perhaps a coffee shop and deli. Further, that the trees being considered for use in the project are from the City approved list and will include Oaks, Alders and Sycamores back by the creek, and ornamentals such as Jacarandas or a Brisbane Box in the courtyards. Director Rindone then inquired of staff, as to whether anything was being done regarding the landscaping across the street, and how staff was going to address it, although it is not a condition of this project. Ms. Ladiana responded that staff couId be directed to continue pursuing action with the applicant. Director Lewis expressed concerns with the need for protection of the site between the parking and hospital site. Mr. Plowden responded that, in addition to the trees, there would be a wall or fence along the boundary. Director Lewis then inquired about the traffic control from 3rd A venue into the commercial entry in terms of a left turn lane, and requested staff review the left turn into the project. Page 4 - CVRC/RDAlCC Minutes http://www.chulavistaca.gov November 16,2006 PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Director Desrochers inquired regarding thi('widtl1"'df the sidewalk in front of the commercial space and Mr. Sevy responded that there was 20 feet from the storefront to the sidewalk. In addition, he responded to questions pertaining to the access to the recreation area for residents living on the north end ofthe project in the Podium building, stating it would be via elevator and a short walk from the building. Mr. Plowden responded to questions regarding landscaping noting that native plant material would be planted up to the creek and the natural habitat area would be protected possibly fencing, but that children could play along the area between the building and the property lines, in the children's play area, and in the courtyards. Director Rooney inquired as to whether the proposed pathway could go through to "L" Street. Mr. Plowden responded that due to the steepness of the area and the culvert, for safety reasons, the area would probably be secured and the pathway would not go through. Director Rooney stated he hoped on future projects that pathways would be designed to go somewhere, and then confirmed that the affordable housing units would be 2- and 3-bedroom units, identical to the market rate units, and woufd be located throughout the Podium building. Vice ChairmanlDeputy Mayor McCann opened the public hearing. Patricia Aguilar, representing Crossroads II, spoke in support of the project, stating that the applicant had met with them and had either met or exceeded their requests. She then spoke regarding a Planning Commission request on the project, that something be done about the condition of the property across the street from the project, provided and displayed photographs of the area, and encouraged the Council to direct staff to work with the applicant to give something back to the community by improving this area. Vice Chairman/Deputy Mayor McCann explained for the record, that although the property Ms. Aguilar had spoken about was not directly connected with this project, the applicant, Douglas Wilson Companies, had looked at the best interests for the community and contacted the Country Club and proposed that the Douglas Wilson companies would come up with a landscaping plan and along with the Country Club and the City, each pay 1/3 of the costs involved in cleaning up and landscaping of the property. Mr. Plowden verbally confirmed their commitment and stated that a confirmation letter had previously been submitted to City staff. Vice ChairmanlDeputy Mayor McCann asked staff to take this as a direction, and inquired and Redevelopment Project Manager Crockett responded, that although this project was not in the redevelopment project area, findings could be made that would allow for tax increment funds to be used. Planning Manager Ladiana noted that the area being discussed was predominantly in private ownership with a very small sliver in City right-of-way. Director/Councilmember Rindone stated he did not feel welded to the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3, but would like to get it done and would prefer to see the Country Club pay at least 50% of the costs. Page 5 - CVRC/RDAlCC Minutes htto:llwww.chulavistaca.gov November 16,2006 PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Vice Chairman/Deputy Mayor McCann requested staff continue to work with the Douglas Wilson Companies and set up a meeting with the Country Club to discuss this issue. Kevin O'Neill stated he was pleased to see this project come forward and spoke in favor of it. He then inquired and staff responded that no redevelopment fund participation had been used, and the project was 100% developer financed. Mr. O'Neill then spoke regarding a project he had proposed two years ago and his perception that he did not get the cooperation, help or interest he had needed to proceed with his proposed project. Lisa Cohen, representing the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, stated that their Economic Development Committee, as well as Board of Directors, had expressed full support of the project. Ned Ardagna, inquired and staff confirmed, that the proposed walkway on the property along the creek had public access. Mr. Ardagna then stated that he objected to the noticing procedure as only those within 500 feet of the proposed project were notified, yet those most affected, the current property owners and neighborhood residents, live outside of the 500 square feet area and were not notified. Additionally, this project is being called a walkable neighborhood, but there are no sidewalks, and cited Moss and Naples Streets as examples having piecemeal sidewalks. Vice Chairman/Deputy Mayor McCann responded to Mr. Ardagna's comments regarding the need for sidewalks, advising him that the City has started the Castle Park sidewalk program, and has received approval of a HUD 108 loan, which will provide additional funding for additional sidewalks. With no further members of the public wishing to speak, Vice Chairman/Deputy Mayor McCann closed the public hearing. Director/Councilmember Rindone expressed his pleasure with the quality of the proposal and the participation of the independent directors. ACTION: Director Rindone moved approval of staffs recommendation on Item 3.a., read the heading, waive the text. Director Castaneda seconded the motion for discussion: Director Castaneda then expressed agreement with those speaking in support of the project. He then expressed concerns with the ushering in of a new project in southwest Chula Vista with no Specific Plan in place. Vice Chairman/Deputy Mayor McCann stated he really liked the project and the fact that it had no public subsidy and an affordable housing component. Further, in speaking about sidewalks and amenities, the tax increment over the life of this project will be $21 million that can be used for those purposes. He then thanked the Douglas Wilson Companies for taking the initiative on the property across the street, and that he was not sold on the idea that a specific plan would bring things forward to enhance the community and create revitalization and investment. Vice Chairman/Deputy Mayor McCann then publicly thanked and expressed accolades for staff and the efforts they put into this project. Page 6 - CVRC/RDNCC Minutes htto:llwww.chulavistaca.gov November 16,2006 PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Vice Chairman/Deputy Mayor McCann thehf(:Cj\1e~ted that Item 3.a. be voted on first: 3.a. That the CVRC adopt the following resolution: CVRC RESOLUTION NO. 2006-039, RESOLUTION OF THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL (I) ADOPT MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (IS-06-008); (2) INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING REZONE PCZ-06- 04 FOR A 3.6-ACRE PORTION OF THE SITE FROM S90 COUNTYZONE TO CCP (CENTRAL COMMERCIAL PRECISE PLAN) ZONE ALONG WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PRECISE PLAN MODIFYING DISTRICT AND STANDARD; (3) APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (PCC-06-026); (4) APPROVE DESIGN REVIEW PERMIT (DRC-06-35); AND (5) APPROVE TENTATIVE MAP (PCS-06-06) TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF 167 MULTI-FAMILY UNITS AND 3,793 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE ON THE SITE LOCATED AT 914-944 THIRD AVENUE The motion carried 6-0, with Directors Chavez, Paul, and Chairman Padilla absent. ACTION: Councilmember Rindone moved approval of staff's recommendations on Items 3.b. and 3.c., read the headings, waive the texts, and place the ordinance on first reading: 3.b. That the City Council adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION NO. 2006-337, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA (1) ADOPTING MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (IS-06-008); (2) APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (PCC-06-26); (3) APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW PERMIT (DRC-06-35); AND (4) APPROVING TENTATIVE MAP (PCS-06-06) TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF 167 MULTI-FAMILY UNITS AND 3,793 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE ON THE SITE AT 914-944 THIRD AVENUE Page 7 - CVRC/RDNCC Minutes htto://www.chulavistaca.gov November 16, 2006 PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) 3.c. That the City Council place on first reading the following ordinance: ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING A REZONE (PCZ-06-04) FROM S90 ZONE TO CENTRAL COMMERCIAL PRECISE PLAN (CC-P) ZONE AND ESTABLISHING A PRECISE PLAN MODIFYING STANDARD FOR A 3.6-ACRE PORTION OF A 5.5-ACRE SITE LOCATED AT 912-944 THIRD AVENUE Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion and it carried 3-0, with Councilmember Chavez and Mayor Padilla absent. Items I and 2 were heard at this time. Vice Chairman/Deputy Mayor McCann requested Item 4, Chief Executive Officer's Reports be heard at this time. PUBLIC COMMENTS Kevin O'Neill, spoke regarding two projects he has that cannot move forward because they are in the Urban Core area and detailed the steps he had taken with staff to advance them, and his request for the establishment of a pipeline policy. Mr. O'Neill then spoke regarding areas of the Urban Core Specific Plan that he felt were flawed and requested that he be given what he has by right under the existing zoning, and protect him with a pipeline policy, otherwise, the City has created a temporary taking. Acting Community Development Director Hix, stated that a pipeline policy was being worked on to be brought forward as part of the Urban Core Specific Plan, and that the City Attorney's Office had also advised staff of their preference to ABCO, but that they were also aware that they couId make other policy recommendations and were working on potential language. Ms. Hix then noted that a pipeline policy needed to be consistent citywide, not just within the Urban Core plan. She then asked Mr. O'Neill if he had submitted his project or was in process as typically a pipeline will address people who are somewhere along in the process. Mr. O'Neill stated he had not as it would not be prudent to move ahead at this point. Vice Chairman/Deputy Mayor McCann requested Attorney Shirey and Ms. Hix get together collectively with Mr. O'Neill and then update the CVRC on the pipeline policy and this particular issue, as the goal is to provide certainty to those who want to invest in Chula Vista. Director Rindone made a referral to staff to have a report on pipeline options for the CVRC and City on the next agenda. Item 4 was heard prior to Public Comments Page 8 - CVRC/RDAlCC Minutes htto://www.chulavistaca.g6v November 16, 2006 4. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORTS Interim Chief Executive Director Thomson stated that although the CVRC usually meets on the fourth Thursday of the month, this one falls on Thanksgiving Day and therefore, rather than requesting a meeting, he wished all a Happy Thanksgiving. 5. CHAIRMAN'S REPORTS Vice Chairman McCann again thanked staff for their work on the previous project. He then requested staff continue to keep the meetings as scheduled on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6:00 p.m. 6. DIRECTORS' COMMENTS Director Rindone stated that there will be times when business needs to be accelerated and a meeting will need to be moved, and staff needs flexibility. Vice Chairman McCann stated he agreed with the need to have flexibility, but wants to stay on task. Director Rindone clarified it was not his intention to hurt any civic meeting, but that the business of the CVRC needs to be moving at a most judicial rate. He then stated he would be requesting a re-opening of the applicant-filing period for the position of City Manager and that it be extended to December 5, 2006. Director Desrochers noted for the record that Director Paul was not present, as he could not vote on the Creekside Vistas item, as his firm was involved in the project planning. He then expressed frustration and requested consistency with the meeting scheduling. Director Lewis stated that one of the reasons for the creation of the CVRC was due to the lack of a focused plan and concurred with Director Castaneda's on the need to get a specific plan and take control to become a fully active body. Director Castaneda stated that a specific plan looks at all kinds of things and tells people what the long-term, long-reaching vision of the City is. He then expressed concerns with why some people seem to get projects through and others cannot. ADJOURNMENT airman McCann adjourned the City Council to its regularly 006, at 6:00 p.m., and the Chula Vista Redevelopment to their ~IY sChed"u:e(~. meetin/nD7ber 14, '7C/i';i1 ?'" . /~,.y . Dana M. Smith, Secretary November 16, 2006