HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 2007/11/14
MINUTES OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
6:00 p.m.
November 14, 2007
Council Chambers
276 Fourth Avenue
Chula Vista, California
CALL TO ORDER: 6:04: 17 PM
Members Present:
Tripp, Felber, Moctezuma, Vinson, Bensoussan, Clayton,
Spethman
ROLL CALL / MOTIONS TO EXCUSE:
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS: Read into the record by Chair Tripp
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
MSC (Spethman/Felber) (7-0) to approve minutes of November 7, 2007 as submitted.
Motion carried.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
No public input.
PUBLIC HEARINGS / ACTION ITEMS:
1. Public Hearing:
PCM 07-05; Consideration of amendments to portions
of the Otay Ranch Village Eleven Sectional Planning
Area (SPA) Plan and Village Core Master Precise Plan
to allow for the relocation and reconfiguration of the
Town Square from the easterly terminus of Birch Road
to the northeast corner of Discovery Falls Drive and
Windingwalk Way.
PCS 07-02; Consideration of revisions to the Otay
Ranch Village Eleven Tentative Subdivision Map: 1)
relocating the Town Square from the easterly terminus
of Birch Road to the northeast corner of Discovery
Falls Drive and Windingwalk Way, and; 2) relocating
the pedestrian easement to the village paseo from
across the center of the CPF-1 site to the northern
property line adjacent to the Private Recreational
Facility (PRF) site. Applicant: Brookfield, Shea Otay,
LP.
Minutes of the Planning Commission - 2 -
November 14, 2007
2. Public Hearing:
PCC 07-64; Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit
for the development of the Concordia Lutheran Church
Private Elementary/Middle School and Pre-School in
the Village of Windingwalk (Village 11), located at the
easterly terminus of Birch Road and Discovery Falls
Drive.
6: 1 0: 18 PM Harold Phelps, Project Manager stated that staff would like to present items 1
and 2 in a combined fashion, but with the clarification that the Commission would be voting
on each item separately.
Mr. Phelps reported that item #1 is a proposal by Brookfield, Shea Otay, LP to amend the
Village 11 SPA Plan, Village Core Master Precise Plan and revise the Tentative Subdivision
Map in order to relocate and reconfigure the Town Square from the easterly terminus of
Birch Road to the northeast corner of Discovery Falls Drive and Windingwalk Way; and
relocate the pedestrian easement to the northern property line adjacent to the Private
Recreational Facility (PRF) site.
The SPA Amendment requires a Planning Commission recommendation to the City Council
prior to their final approval. Without approval of the SPA Amendment, consideration of the
Conditional Use Permit (Item #2) cannot move forward.
Item #2 is consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for Concordia Lutheran Church to
construct a 13,900 sf sanctuary with a seating capacity of 600 seats to be located behind a
central plaza. The project also includes a 225 student K-8 Elementary/Middle School and
192-student preschool. The complex would be built on a reconfigured 5.5 acre site located
at the center of the Village Core of Windingwalk Village 11. The CUP requires City Council
approval of the SPA Amendment.
Mr. Phelps noted that representatives for the developer and the church met privately with
the residents that submitted the three letters of opposition that are attached to the staff
report. A total of 12 residents corresponded with the City regarding these two items; staff
encouraged the applicant to hold a neighborhood community meeting. The Planning
Commission public hearing would be the forum to receive all of the public comments
regarding these two items.
Staff Recommendation: That the Planning Commission adopt the resolution
recommending that the City Council approve the draft Village 11 SPA Amendment
Resolution and the Revised Tentative Map Resolution as they apply to; 1.) relocation of the
Town Square from the easterly terminus of Birch Road to the northeast corner of Discovery
Falls Drive and Windingwalk Way, and 2.) relocation of the pedestrian easement to the
Village Paseo from across the center of the CPF-1 site to the northern property line adjacent
to the PRF site; and
That the Planning Commission approve Resolution PCC 07-64 including the required
findings for approval and subject to the conditions contained therein.
Commission Questions:
6:23:24 PM Cmr. Spethman noted that the application for the CUP did not go through a
formal Design Review process and the DRC was presented only with a conceptual
Minutes of the Planning Commission - 3 _
November 14, 2007
preliminary review. Additionally, the applicant does not own the property; in his opinion, the
proposal is speculative.
6:25:47 PM Cmr. Felber asked what would happen if the City Council approves the SPA
Amendment and the sale of the property to the church does not take place; would the SPA
Amendment with the new configuration revert back to the original SPA configuration?
6:27:35 PM David Miller responded that should the sale fall through before the Council's
consideration of the SPA Amendment, the amendment would not be necessary; should it
happen after Council's approval of the SPA Amendment, it would remain at the revised
configuration.
Cmr. Vinson asked if there had been discussions about fitting the church's compound
around the existing configuration without the necessity to move the town square.
Mr. Donaghe responded that they discussed it adnauseam and the applicant determined
that it didn't work for them in the present configuration.
6:30:24 PM David Poole, with Brookfield Shea Otay, developer of Windingwalk and owners
of the 6.5 vacant property, stated they have been looking for the right kind of user to fill a
CPF role in the community; they believe they've found the right match in Concordia
Lutheran Church.
Mr. Poole further stated that they have worked arduously with the church and staff, and are
delighted to finally be able to be before the Planning Commission to present their proposal.
Mr. Poole pointed out, however, that there are four points in the Conditions of Approval that
they are in disagreement with staff; they are:
1. Whether or not the plaza in front of the church is the church's plaza or a public plaza
2. Whether or not the pathway through the church is controlled by the church for its own
safety and protection, or is it controlled by the City
3. The hours of operation for the church facility, and
4. Tentative Map conditions that have nothing to do with this project
6:33:36 PM Pastor Richard Schmidt, Concordia Lutheran Church, 267 E. Oxford Street,
stated that their church and school at the Oxford site is an established institution meeting
the needs and providing a myriad of services to the community, as well as excellence in
education, for over 45 years; their congregation is vested in this project and are excited
about the future of the church and school.
6:36:39 PM The design team, Tony Mansur and Jim Culk, Architect and Landscape
Architect gave an overview of the design and layout of the project as presented in the staff
report.
6:56: 18 PM Cmr. Vinson asked for clarification regarding a statement on mandatory
conditions related to the distance and location of the parking area.
Mr. Mansur responded that his comments reflect a policy recommendation preferring that
parking be hidden behind the buildings.
Minutes of the Planning Commission - 4 _
November 14, 2007
Scott Donaghe further clarified that there are policies in the Otay Ranch GDP
recommending that parking be situated behind buildings and that buildings be brought up to
the street to create a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.
6:59:34 PM Cmr. Moctezuma asked if this is not approved, when would the park be
constructed. She also asked for clarification on the 48 hour notice posting of the closure of
the private pathway going through the campus.
Mr. Poole responded that whether or not the SPA Amendment is approved, the construction
of the park would move forward.
David Miller added that the connection from Birch Road leading to the school is a feature
that the applicant feels is essential; the issue becomes what kind of access will the City
have. The property will be owned and operated by the church; minus an easement or any
kind of formal property right, except for conditions of approval, the City has no control,
therefore, the City has asked that they post a 48-hour notice informing the public that they
have to take an alternative route to the school.
Cmr. Moctezuma inquired if moving the town square is not approved, will Brookfield Shea
continue the process of trying to fit Concordia Church into that area.
Mr. Poole responded that if the town-square is not moved, the church's plan does not work
for that site, therefore, other permitted uses i.e. a social service provider, a Boys & Girls
Club would be considered for that site.
7:03:35 PM Cmr. Bensoussan asked if the parking lot will be exclusively for the church and
school or would it be available to park users.
Mr. Poole responded that the park and recreational facility that is privately owned and
operated by the Master Homeowners Association will be opened to the public. There have
been talks about negotiating a parking agreement between the church and the HOA's
facilities in which if either organization has a big event that requires overflow parking, they
could use each other's parking lot.
7:08:20 PM Cmr. Felber asked for clarification from the applicant on their disagreement with
staff's recommendation on the four issues previously mentioned.
7: 11 :00 PM Mr. Poole responded that upon completion of the church construction, the plaza
becomes a private piece of property owned and operated by the church. With the exception
of the school facility, the church has no fences, therefore, free and open access is
encouraged and available to the public. Under the proposed condition, the church cannot
use the plaza for its own use i.e. for a wedding or school activity, without a 48-hour notice to
the City. The same argument applies to the paseo; it is staff's position that it needs to
remain open at all times. The applicant does not agree with staff's position.
The church provided a broad spectrum of hours of operation throughout the week based on
normal activities of any church, i.e. daycare, recovery groups, choir and band practice, etc.
The City's condition locks down, to the minute, the hours that each building can be used;
any deviation outside of the structured hours of operation would require an application to
revise the CUP.
Minutes of the Planning Commission - 4 -
November 14, 2007
Scott Donaghe further clarified that there are policies in the Otay Ranch GDP
recommending that parking be situated behind buildings and that buildings be brought up to
the street to create a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.
6:59:34 PM Cmr. Moctezuma asked if this is not approved, when would the park be
constructed. She also asked for clarification on the 48 hour notice posting of the closure of
the private pathway going through the campus.
Mr. Poole responded that whether or not the SPA Amendment is approved, the construction
of the park would move forward.
David Miller added that the connection from Birch Road leading to the school is a feature
that the applicant feels is essential; the issue becomes what kind of access will the City
have. The property will be owned and operated by the church; minus an easement or any
kind of formal property right, except for conditions of approval, the City has no control,
therefore, the City has asked that they post a 48-hour notice informing the public that they
have to take an alternative route to the school.
Cmr. Moctezuma inquired if moving the town square is not approved, will Brookfield Shea
continue the process of trying to fit Concordia Church into that area.
Mr. Poole responded that if the town-square is not moved, the church's plan does not work
for that site, therefore, other permitted uses i.e. a social service provider, a Boys & Girls
Club would be considered for that site.
7:03:35 PM Cmr. Bensoussan asked if the parking lot will be exclusively for the church and
school or would it be available to park users.
Mr. Poole responded that the park and recreational facility that is privately owned and
operated by the Master Homeowners Association will be opened to the public. There have
been talks about negotiating a parking agreement between the church and the HOA's
facilities in which if either organization has a big event that requires overflow parking, they
could use each other's parking lot.
7:08:20 PM Cmr. Felber asked for clarification from the applicant on their disagreement with
staff's recommendation on the four issues previously mentioned.
7: 11 :00 PM Mr. Poole responded that upon completion of the church construction, the plaza
becomes a private piece of property owned and operated by the church. With the exception
of the school facility, the church has no fences, therefore, free and open access is
encouraged and available to the public. Under the proposed condition, the church cannot
use the plaza for its own use i.e. for a wedding or school activity, without a 48-hour notice to
the City. The same argument applies to the paseo; it is staff's position that it needs to
remain open at all times. The applicant does not agree with staff's position.
The church provided a broad spectrum of hours of operation throughout the week based on
normal activities of any church, i.e. daycare, recovery groups, choir and band practice, etc.
The City's condition locks down, to the minute, the hours that each building can be used;
any deviation outside of the structured hours of operation would require an application to
revise the CUP.
Minutes of the Planning Commission - 5 -
November 14, 2007
Cmr. Felber asked what would be considered reasonable hours of operation that the church
could live with.
Mr. Poole responded that it would be 6:00 a.m. to 11 :00 p.m.
Lastly, Mr. Poole stated that relative to the Tentative Map, there are some ambiguous
conditions having to do with traffic calming measures in an area that is located 1.5 miles
away from the church; what effect would the church have at that distance away.
7: 18:55 PM Scott Donaghe responded to the hours of operation are strictly tied to parking
requirements. If the applicant wants extended hours from 6:00 a.m .to 11 :00 p.m., their
parking requirements would be substantially greater than what they are capable of providing
because the uses they described could potentially all occur concurrently.
Mr. Donaghe pointed out that with respect to the TM conditions, its important to remember
that there are two applicants; one is Brookfield Shea, the developer of Village 11, requesting
a SPA Plan Amendment. The church is requesting a CUP. The conditions are put on to the
TM and SPA Amendment, therefore, they are applicable to Brookfield Shea.
Mr. Miller stated that with regard to the plaza/paseo access, although these would be
located on private property, staff is of the opinion that as a pedestrian-oriented community
the public needs to be accommodated rather than a private entity. Therefore, the access
from Birch Rd. to the paseo should remain as a direct access regardless of whose control its
under.
7:29:06 PM Public Hearing Opened
Robert Decant yielded his time to Pastor Schmidt.
7:29:20 PM Pastor Schmidt stated that they simply wish to continue serving the community
and operating as they have for the past 45 years at their present location.
7:30:54 PM Cmr. Vinson asked Pastor Schmidt if the proposed reconfiguration of the site is
not approved, would the church then withdraw their plans in it's totality.
Pastor Schmidt responded that without the relocation of the park, the site will not work for
them with their proposed program, therefore, they would have to withdraw their application.
7:31:48 PM Joann Carson, 57 Milan Ct., Chula Vista stated that as a former Planning
Commissioner, this project is of the caliber that any community would desire. As a member
of the Board of Directors of the Concordia Church, she is confident in reassuring the
Commission that the church will provide safety and security, especially in areas close to the
school. She urged the Commission's support for the project.
7:33:32 PM Diza Zaiser, 2521 Coyote Ridge Terrace, Chula Vista stated that she lives near
the project site and is eagerly anticipating the opening of such a facility because, foremost,
is her desire to educate her children in a Christian environment that is dedicated to
excellence in education. She urged the Commission's support of the project.
7:37:29 PM Norm Llanes, 65 East Prospect St., Chula Vista, member of Concordia Church,
retired Police Officer and presently manager of a large security firm, stated that with respect
Minutes of the Planning Commission - 6 -
November 14, 2007
to security, the church's proposed configuration of buildings will offer optimal security for all
of its patrons. He urged the Commission's support of the project.
7:38:43 PM Bill Darnell, Darnell & Associates, 1146 Front Street, Ste. 300, San Diego,
stated he prepared the Traffic Study for this project and generated the hours of operation
chart as a tool to help him analyze the trip generation and parking requirements. He noted
the importance of remaining flexible on the hours of operation because of the myriad of
services and activities that occur in any given church, and also to be mindful that all of these
activities do not occur concurrently.
7:54:22 PM Mr. Poole echoed Mr. Darnell's comments and restated their willingness to
continue talks with the HOA to working out a parking agreement where there would be
reciprocity in the use of each other's parking lot at times when either one is having a large
gathering, i.e. a wedding, or an Easter or Christmas Eve service.
7:56:05 PM Cmr. Felber stated that in his opinion, with respect to the hours of operation, the
Planning Commission has two options to consider. One is to consider the hours of
operation as they appear now in staff's report; the other is to extend the hours of operation
as requested by the applicant and to continue the public hearing in order to allow time to
conduct further traffic, parking and environmental analysis.
Scott Donaghe stated that Cmr. Felber's comments are valid and also suggested that the
Commission could make a determination on the SPA Amendment tonight and continue the
CUP component to allow time for further analysis as suggested by Cmr. Felber.
Cmr. Felber stated that given that churches are a benefit to the community, the argument
could be made to try to be as flexible as possible, within reason due to restraints and
regulations that need to be complied with. Perhaps the applicant would consider limiting the
number of buildings that can be used concurrently or limit the number of people at any given
time.
8:00:31 PM Jerry Sanders, 2178 Diamondback Ct. #29, Chula Vista stated that he bought a
premium lot at the corner of Discovery Falls and Birch Rd., and that Shea Homes disclosed
information about the town square and future plans for a church. What he didn't bargain for
was a reconfiguration of the location of the town-square and church. Under this proposal,
his view is compromised and would now be facing a large-scale church building. He
opposes the SPA Amendment and CUP and urged the Commission to vote against it.
8:04:35 PM Arlo Stuessy, 2178 Diamondback, stated that at the time they purchased their
home they were informed about the future construction of a church; what they weren't told
was that they were planning to build a compound with multipurpose buildings; had he known
that, he would not have purchased his home. The traffic impacts will be substantial and will
compromise his quality of life. He urged the Commission to vote against it.
8:07:02 PM Holly Kimmel, 2178 Diamondback Ct. #30, stated that she is extremely
disappointed that the town-square at the end of Birch Rd. may be relocated to the southeast
corner of Discovery Falls Dr. Having a view of the town-square from Birch Rd. was a selling
enticement used by Shea Homes, and the view of the town-square was a factor in the
decision to purchase her home. The massive scale of the buildings will also obstruct the
view of the mountains. The paseo would be considered the church's private property and as
such could be closed at any time by the church; this is unacceptable to her. She firmly
Minutes of the Planning Commission - 7 -
November 14, 2007
believes this information was withheld from the residents of Seguaro, Agave and
Windingwalk. Ms. Kimmel distributed a handout of exhibits wherein she reconfigured the
proposed church complex buildings utilizing the original location of the paseo and
townsquare at the end of Birch Rd. She urged the Commission to vote against it.
8:12:32 PM Tom Diccacio, 1662 Tree Song Lane, stated he spent a substantial amount of
time researching the area and reading the fine print on the contracts and promotional packet
that the builder provides prospective buyers. Going through these materials he concluded
that it is filled with misinformation and withheld information as to location of certain
amenities, in particular, the town-square, paseo, and location of the future Lutheran Church.
He urged the Commission to vote against it.
8:20:00 PM Mr. Poole presented to the Commission with a copy of a disclosure form that
each of the buyers present tonight signed. The disclosure form contains a statement that
reads, "... the seller does not guarantee that any views that any owner may have enjoyed will
not be impaired or obstructed in the future by changes to other property." Additionally, it
discloses that, "... the townsquare may be relocated."
8:25:36 PM Close Public Hearing.
Commission Discussion:
8:25:56 PM Cmr. Tripp stated that with respect to the CUP, he would like to read the four
findings that the Commission is called to make to assist in their deliberation of this
application.
David Miller stated that with respect to the order of their deliberation on the two items, it
would be his recommendation that the Planning Commission deliberate first on the SPA
Amendment and then proceed to the CUP; absent the SPA Amendment, the CUP cannot be
permitted and taking them out of order would be presupposing the outcome of the other
item.
Cmr. Tripp stated that after reading the reports and hearing testimony, it is his opinion that
that the SPA Amendment is being made in order to accommodate the church's needs; he
expressed concern with public perception and the message that that is sending.
Mr. Miller restated that these are two separate issues. The SPA Amendment is not
specifically intended for the church, but could be for any other CPF use, including a church.
If the church falls through, another CPF use could be considered. His recommendation,
again, would be to decide whether or not there is a SPA Plan Amendment that can be
approved, and then consider whether or not there is a CUP that meets all of the approval
standards.
Cmr. Felber stated that for discussion purposes, not presupposing the vote on the CUP, his
understanding behind Chair Tripp's desire to take the items out of order is that if the CUP
were to be denied, then the SPA Amendment would not be necessitated.
Chair Tripp responded affirmatively and proceeded to deliberation on Item #2 reading into
the record the four findings that the Commission must make when deliberating on an
approval or disapproval of the project.
Minutes of the Planning Commission - 8 -
November 14, 2007
Cmr. Bensoussan stated that she is uncomfortable with the whole project based on the fact
that the Commission is being asked to render a recommendation to the City Council on an
amendment that would change an entire community. Furthermore, the proposal has not
gone through the formal Design Review process and all they've been presented with is a
preliminary review with rendering of what the buildings would look like; this is all speculative
and she can't fully support it.
Cmr. Moctezuma stated that she too is having trouble with this and is unprepared to make
the necessary findings for the well-being of the community or not detrimental to the
neighbors, to move a town-square for the sake of just moving it.
Cmr. Speth man stated that he doesn't dislike the project, however, there are a lot of
uncertainties behind it such as the applicant not currently owning the property. He would
also be more comfortable with it had it gone through Design Review. There is disagreement
with staff over easements, public open space, access, hours of operation and parking; this is
a lot to overlook.
Cmr. Vinson echoed the same concerns and recommended that staff go back to the drawing
board with the applicant try to come to agreement on some these issues.
Chair Tripp stated he doesn't agree with sending them back to the drawing board. In his
opinion, this is a fundamental land use issue; is relocating a church in a public use site
appropriate. He further stated that he empathizes with the church's position because as a
non-profit they need to be good stewards of their finances and understandably they wouldn't
want to invest a lot of money on architectural plans when they are taking the risk of a denial.
Cmr. Felber stated his preference would be to have a view of the town-square looking down
Birch Rd., however, it also has its cons with only one side of the square facing the street.
The advantage to it being on the corner is that it gives you two points of access. A view of
the church looking down Birch Rd. would most likely be attractive given the Irvin Gill
architecture that is proposed. Furthermore, although he empathizes with the owners
concerns about their views being compromised, the contracts clearly states that those sites
could be relocated and it didn't provide any guarantees of views. Additionally, assuming this
is approved, he would be supportive of not requiring a 48 hr. notice to the City, but that the
church post the notice 48 hrs. in advance.
Cmr. Tripp stated that if the CUP is approved for use by a private entity, in his opinion, they
should be granted full management of their property and would favor getting rid of the
easement and 48 hr. posting requirements.
MSC (Vinson/Bensoussan) (4-3) that the Planning Commission deny Conditional Use
Permit PCC 07-64. Motion carried with Cmrs. Felber, Clayton and Spethman voting
against the motion.
Cmr. Spethman stated that he misunderstood the motion and didn't cast his vote
accordingly, therefore, he asked for a reconsideration of the motion.
MSC (Vinson'Bensoussan) (7-0) that the Planning Commission open up for
reconsideration the previous motion. Motion carried.
Minutes of the Planning Commission - 9 -
November 14, 2007
MSC (Vinson/Bensoussan) (5-2) that the Planning Commission deny Conditional Use
Permit PCC 07-64. Motion carried with Cmrs. Felber and Clayton voting against it.
1. Public Hearing: PCM 07-05; Consideration of amendments to portions of the Otay
Ranch Village Eleven Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plan and
Village Core Master Precise Plan to allow for the relocation and
reconfiguration of the Town Square from the easterly terminus of
Birch Road to the northeast corner of Discovery Falls Drive and
Windingwalk Way.
PCS 07-02; Consideration of revisions to the Otay Ranch Village
Eleven Tentative Subdivision Map: 1) relocating the Town Square
from the easterly terminus of Birch Road to the northeast corner of
Discovery Falls Drive and Windingwalk Way, and; 2) relocating the
pedestrian easement to the village paseo from across the center of
the CPF-1 site to the northern property line adjacent to the Private
Recreational Facility (PRF) site. Applicant: Brookfield, Shea Otay,
LP.
Public Hearing Opened and Closed.
Commission Discussion:
Cmr. Felber stated that at this point he will not be supporting the SPA Amendment based on
the fact that he prefers the current configuration, however, his consideration of a future
Amendment would be made solely on the merit of need to change it and the benefit that it
would bring to the community.
MSC (Felber/Moctezuma) (6-1) that the Planning Commission deny the SPA Plan
Amendment (PCM 07-05 and PCS 07-02). Motion carried with Cmr. Clayton voting
against it.
3. Information Item:
Information update on the Southwest Communities
Strengthening Strategies.
Sarah Johnson gave an overview of the purpose and creation of the SWCSS, being an
interdepartmental partnership effort to improve City relationships with the community, better
understanding community priorities and to leverage resources for a positive change in
Southwest Chula Vista, the area defined in the General Plan boundaries as being south of L
Street and west of 1-805.
4. Special Order of Business:
Selection of a Planning Commission representative to
the Growth Management Oversight Commission.
MSC (Bensoussan/Spethman) (7-0) nominating Cmr. Clayton to continue serving as
the Planning Commission representative to the GMOC. Motion carried.
Minutes of the Planning Commission - 10 -
November 14, 2007
Commission Comment!;:
Cmr. Felber reported that there will be a joint workshop of the CVRC and RAC at the John
Lippitt Center on December 6; as the Planning Commission representative to the RAC, he
extended an invitation to the Planning Commission to attend the meeting or to forward through
him any comments or concerns.
Cmr. Vinson stated that in theory the intent behind the creation of the CVRC was to streamline
redevelopment; in his opinion, it has done the opposite. Furthermore, he doesn't see the need
for the continued existence of the RAC now that the CVRC has been reorganized and the
politics has been somewhat removed from the makeup of its members.
Cmr. Spethman echoed Cmr. Vinson's comments and noted that the intent behind the creation
of the RAC was to be an advisory body to the CVRC. Under the former makeup of the CVRC,
the RAC appeared to be conducting more business than the CVRC. Cmr. Spethman stated he
was looking forward to going to the meeting and voicing his opinion.
Cmr. Moctezuma stated she looks forward to attending this meeting and relaying a concern that
has been brought to her attention with regard to dissatisfaction that the RAC is engaging in
design review issues when their role and expertise are not one of being a design review
committee.
Cmr. Bensoussan invited members of the Planning Commission to review the documents that
were given to the RAC members delineating their mission statement wherein design review is a
significant component of it. Furthermore, she noted for the record comments that have been
made by the CVRC Chair and members of the City Council where they indicated that the only
part of the process that has been working is the RAC.
Chair Tripp expressed his frustration with the amount of time it takes to process projects in the
redevelopment areas. The exact cause as to why this happens is not completely clear; it could
be driven by a number of reasons, i.e. process-oriented, politically-oriented, or community
groups who oppose change.
Chair Tripp stated it would be his desire to direct staff to docket on a future Planning
Commission agenda a discussion to clarify the role and scope of responsibility of the Design
Review Committee. The Commission concurred with this directive.
Adjoumed to a regular Planning Commission meeting on November 28, 2007.
Submitted by
~~~-
DIana Vargas ()
Secretary to the Planning Commission