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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 2008/02/27MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Council Chambers 6:00 p.m. 276 Fourth Avenue February 27, 2008 Chula Vista, California CALL TO ORDER: ROLL CALL /MOTIONS TO EXCUSE: Members Present: Tripp, Felber, Moctezuma, Bensoussan, Spethman Member Absent: Vinson, Clayton MSC (Moctezuma/Felber) (5-0-0-2) to excuse Cmrs. Clayton and Vinson. Motion carried. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Read into the record by Chair Tripp February 13, 2008 MSC (Felber/Spethman) (5-0-0-2) to approve minutes as submitted. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING /ACTION ITEMS: 1. Presentation: Western Chula Vista Revitalization Program 6:10:11 PM Jim Sandoval gave an overview of the Western Chula Vista Revitalization Program. Commission Comments. 6:30:41 PM Cmr. Tripp stated he was pleased to hear that the Planning and Building Department is creating a predictable process, setting timelines of when a project may expect to go to hearing and restated the Commission's desire to have projects go first to DRC before going to the Planning Commission, when the Code calls for it. 6:38:01 PM Cmr. Spethman expressed disappointment that the plan doesn't call for a more aggressive strategy to bring revitalization to Third Avenue. There is talk about creating a predictable process, yet projects linger through the departments' plan review. Additionally, developers are sitting on the sidelines afraid to come to Chula Vista because the word is out that there are very vocal civic groups who lobby to derail projects. He is frustrated that schools are aged and deteriorated, yet the City has no oversight on schools. Cmr. Spethman stated he looks forward to going on the March 29th tour of revitalized areas i.e. Mission Hills, North Park and Kensington Business District, that were as recent as three years ago blighted areas with vacant store-fonts. Planning Commission Minutes - 2 - February 27, 2008 6:46:49 PM Cmr. Bensoussan commended staff for a plan that sets realistic goals and has a vision. Her comments were: • Think outside of the box and partner with institutions to attract activities that are not necessarily retail oriented, but are cultural in nature. • Would like to see a task force formed to look into starting dialogue with the Chula Vista Shopping Center owners to beautify and enhance their center. • Look into planting grass and removing chain link fence on empty lot next to the KFC that's owned by the school district. • Refocus on having the 24 hr Fitness Plaza installed; nice feature to have a little pocket park on Third Avenue. • The City contributes a substantial amount of money in the property improvement assessment district; would like to see the City partner more with TABA and hold them to a higher standard to do a better job in certain areas. There is not enough City oversight of those monies and should perhaps establish a task force to assess strength and weaknesses to see how. those monies could be better spent. • Demographics misconception that there is more discretionary income in Eastern Chula Vista than in the West. Families in the east are strapped with high mortgage payments and struggling to keep their homes, as oppose to residents in the west, whom many have had their homes for over twenty years and are not paying such high mortgages. 6:57:25 PM Cmr. Moctezuma stated she is trying to remain positive, but is disappointed that the focus area, the heart and historic district of the City, doesn't have an aggressive plan to put feet on the street. The mixed-use areas are good for those residents who live in them, but realistically won't do much for Third Ave because people don't like to leave their comfort zone and get in their cars to patronize businesses further down the street. 7:03:56 PM Cmr. Felber asked how is the DIF determined in Western Chula Vista where there is existing infrastructure, as opposed to new infrastructure going in the east. Cmr. Felber also stated un-kept vacant lots and public right-of-way (sidewalks, parkways) that have overgrown grass and weeds that are an eye-sore and can deter potential investors from coming to Chula Vista. It would appear that with little effort, our City crew could be a little more diligent in staying on top of that and perhaps Code Enforcement could require owners of vacant lots to maintain their properties clean. 2. Presentation: Code Enforcement Update Jim Sandoval introduced Doug Leeper, Code Enforcement Manager and stated that the City's Code Enforcement Program and staff is outstanding due to Doug's leadership in being proactive, and building trust and cooperation with the community and businesses in the City. 7:24:59 PM Doug Leeper gave an overview of the Code Enforcement Program addressing the following topics: • programs and statistics, • code enforcement process and options, • new programs that have started in the last few months • service reductions due to budget issues, and • trends and hot topics. Planning Commission Minutes - 3 - February 27, 2008 7:59:59 PM Cmr. Bensoussan thanked Mr. Leeper for such an informative, comprehensive presentation. She asked for an update on compliance with window signage for check cashing stores and liquor stores who have excessive signage that obscures the view that Police have into the shops. Mr. Leeper stated that they have a Code Enforcement Officer assigned to illegal sign abatement that is overseeing this very issue along major thoroughfares starting with Broadway and Main Street. 8:02:10 PM Cmr. Spethman thanked Mr. Leeper as well and complimented him on his excellent staff for the good customer service he has personally received. He further stated he is hugely concerned with the group home facilities in the R-1 zone. He asked if the city had any oversight over them. Mr. Leeper responded that similar to day care facilities, the City is preempted by the State and they are allowed by right as long as there are six or fewer residents. 8:09:57 PM Cmr. Felber stated people may decide its worth taking the risk of not getting the necessary permit because of high building permit fees; he would like to ensure that our fee schedule is reasonable and commensurate with the construction that is being proposed. 8:18:38 PM Directors Report: Jim Sandoval reminded the Commission of the upcoming Business District Mixed-Use Tour on Saturday, March 29, 2008. 8:26:26 PM Adjourned to a Regular Planning Commission meeting on March 12, 2008. Submitted by '~ C Diana Vargas, Secretary to the anning Commission