Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Comm min 1981/11/18 MINUTES OF A REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA November 18, 1981 A regular business meeting of the City Planning Commission of Chula Vista, California was held on the above date beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, Public Services Building, 276 Fourth Avenue. Commissioners Present: R. Johnson, Stevenson, O~Neill, Green, G. Johnson, and Williams Commissioners Absent: Pressutti (with previous notification) Staff Present: Director of Planning Peterson, Environmental Review Coordinator Reid, Senior Civil Engineer Harshman, Assistant City Attorney Harron and Secretary Mapes The pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Chairman Pro Tem R. Johnson, and was followed by a moment of silent prayer. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner G. Johnson requested that t~e mlnutes of the meeting of October 28, 1981 be amended to include an additional sentence to the last paragraph on page 4 stating that she was opposed to the project (PCC-82-5) because of the drainage channel located behind the proposed project. MSUC (Williams-Green) The minutes of the meeting of October 28, 1981 be approved with the addition requested by Commissioner G. Johnson. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Chairman Pro Tem R. Johnson called for oral communications and none were presented. 1. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of rezoning property at the south side of "I" Street, between Broadway and Cedar Avenue - Michael Kevin O'Neill Director of Planning Peterson reported that this application was initiated by Mr. O'Neill, owner of the property at 554 "I" Street, the parcel nearest to Cedar Avenue. As the staff reviewed the application it seemed appropriate to enlarge the application to consider rezoning the properties to the west, extending over to the commercial zoning on Broadway. The requested zoning is in conformance with the General Plan which designates 13-26 DU/acre for the area. Displaying a slide of the area, Mr. Peterson pointed out the lots vary in size, with street frontage ranging from 63 feet to 83 feet and lot depth averaging about 140 feet. Some of the lots are under common ownership and -2- November 18, 1981 it Is expected they would be combined for development. Mr. Peterson explained that the issue of lot size is important in an area that is being tran- sitloned from single family to multiple family use. For that reason the guidelines for development provide for higher density for lots 80 feet or more in width than for lots narrower than 80 feet. In an effort to assure compatibility with adjacent single family lots, the guidelines stipulate a 25 foot setback for two-story construction and 10 foot setback for single story construction. It is recommended that the rezoning be approved subject to those guidelines for development. Mr. Peterson reported that three of the five owners of the nine parcels added to the original application have indicated thelr concurrence with the proposed rezoning. A petition was received today, signed by 47 residents in the area, expressing opposition to the rezoning. Commissioner Stevenson expressed the idea that it would be preferable to have this entire area developed in one integrated plan rather than piece- meal. He asked if there is any technique that would make that a requirement. Mr. Peterson pointed out that as a practical matter, it probably would serve to forestall development since it is hard to get that many property owners to agree on redevelopment at the same time. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Speaking against the change of zone were: Tennie Lilly, 405 Halsey Street, owner of property at 622 Cedar; Mrs. Richard Bridges, 615 Cedar Avenue; Sam Tringal, 614 Cedar Avenue; Geraldo Loffredo, 627 Ash Avenue; Adrienne Landers, 618 Cedar Avenue; Charles Grimm, 618 Cedar; Charles Thompson, 604 Cedar Avenue; G. E. Polk, 6D9 Cedar Avenue, Wesley Garst, 625 Beech Avenue; Dick Afren, 621 Cedar, Richard Kyte, 644 Ash. The opposition expressed concern over the invasion of privacy that would result from two story construction, increased noise from higher density, added congestion on the streets, and the undesirability of having apartments in a single family neighborhood. Complaints were also voiced regarding the intrusion of noise from the shopping center, particularly from delivery or trash hauling trucks late at night or in the early morning hours. Allegations were made that Mr. O'Neill is using his property for the parking of heavy construction equipment and the storage of mater~al. Mr. Baehr, owner of four of the parcels under consideration for rezoning, expressed his support for the change ~f zone. 'He expre~sea his'de§ire to construct some duplexes on the rear portion of his Tots. He contended that adding improvements to unused property does not degrade a neighborhood. As so one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner O'Neill advised that althoug~ he has been a proponent of infilling within existing city limits and increasing the density where adequate public services are available, he felt such rezoning would not be appropriate in this area and that it would likely disrupt the neighborhood. Commissioners Stevenson and Green expressed agreement with Commissioner O'Neill and added that it would probably result in future requests for rezoning property along "I" Street all the way to Third Avenue. -3- ~ovember 18, 19~l MSUC (O'Neill-Stevenson) The Commission finds that the proposed rezoning would have no significant environmental impacts and adopts the Negative Declaration on IS-82-11. MSUC (O'Neill-Stevenson) The Commission denies the request for a change of zone for the properties from 554 "I" Street to 586 "I" Street from R-1 to R-3-P-22. 2. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of draft EIR-81-3 on EastLake Planned Community Director of Planning Peterson advised that at the City Council meeting on the previous evening Mr. Paul Whitten addressed the Council with a request that the Planning Commission hold an additional hearing on the EastLake EIR on December 16 to allow additional time for interested groups to study the EIR. Mr. Whitten also requested that two members be appointed from City commissions to serve on a Task Force with members of the Sweetwater Valley planning group and one member of the Dulzura planning group to review the EIR and report their findings. The Council authorized the appointment of two members of the Resource Conservation Commission to serve on that Task Force. Mr. Peterson asked for an expression from the Planning Commission as to their willingness to hold a third hearing on this EIR. He affirmed that a hearing must be held on December 2 since it has been advertised for that date and there has been indication from some State agencies that they wish to participate in the hearing on December 2, either by personal representation or a written submittal. The Commission unanimously agreed that the hearing on the EIR be spread over three meetings, to be concluded on December 16. Environmental Review Coordinator Reid reviewed the procedures that were followed in the preparation of an Environmental Constraints Inventory and the draft Environmental Impact Report, and the distribution and notification of other agencies that was a part of that process. The draft EIR was prepared by Westec Services and a presentation of the document will be made by Ann Nussbaum of that firm. Written response to the document has been received from the Otay Water District, City of San Diego and the Sweetwater Union High School District. Ann Nussbaum, Westec Services, used numerous slides to show the location of the project site in relation to the regional area. The site contains 3,073 acres and is bisected by Otay Lakes Road. The topography consists of rolling hills which have been cut by drainage and includes three major north-south ridges across the property, which is currently used for dry land farming. Ms. Nussbaum noted that the project is proposed as a Planned Community to include a myriad of land uses, including residential, commercial, industrial, school sites and parks. A General Plan amendment and prezoning to accommodate the project would be processed concurrently, to be followed by annexation to the City of Chula Vista. The residential development would include 11,800 dwelling units in seven density ranges, which would generate an estimated total population of 30,845 at the ultimate development, which is estimated to take 20 years. Ms. Nussbaum reviewed the Environmental Impact Report, commenting on the loss of -4- November 18, 1981 a potential agricultural resource; impact of additional traffic and the additional major road improvements that would be required; impact of drainage in five major drainage basins; need for sewaae facilities, water distribution system and schools; increase in the use of energy; and the growth inducing potential of the project. In response to questions from the Commission, Mr. Reid advised that the traffic analysis and other portions of the analyses extended beyond the boundary of the EastLake to include the eastern Chula Vista Planning Area. The trafflc impacts and volumes of traffic on the major streets relate to the entire area, not just EastLake. The meeting recessed at 8:40 p.m. and was reconvened at 8:50 p.m. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Mrs. Gretchen Burkey, P. O. Box 321, Bonita, representing the Sweetwater Women's Club, presented a letter containing that group's comments on the report to each of the Commissioners and requested that it be included in the Environmental Impact Report. She asked that her speaking time be given to Martha McDonald. Martha McDonald, 4425 Acacia Avenue, representing Sweetwater Valley Civic Association and the Long Canyon Home Owners Association, commen~ed on the validity and accuracy of the EIR as it dealt with traffic, water, schoo! availability, cost analysis and drainage. She recommended that the EIR not be approved until extended studies are made in the areas which she addressed. A written copy of her presentation was submitted for inclusion in the EIR. John Kracha, 358 East Millan, addressed the issues of transportation and circulation, sewer services, surface drainage, and the climate and air quality, which he felt were not adequately covered in the EIR. Emily Durbin, 852 Cordova Street, representing the Sierra Club, expressed concerns w~th regard to the benefits vs. the cost of the project. She elaborated on the Issues of water and sewage treatment availability, and on an alternative to thls project which would be the development of potential agricultural uses. A copy of her presentation was furnished for inclusion in the EIR. Craig Beam, consultant to Cadillac Fairview Homes West, advised that that firm has its own environmental team and at a future hearing they hope to present a discussion on some of the environmental issues raised this evening and talk about mitigation measures which they propose and also those proposed by Westec. Chairman Pro Tem R. Johnson announced that this hearing is continued to the meetings of December 2 and December 16, 1981. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Director of Planning Peterson noted that the e~ection of Councilman Cox to the Mayorship has created a vacancy on the Council. The Council has indicated their intent to accept applications from persons interested in being appointed - -5- ~vember 18, 1981 for an interim term to the Council up until 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 24. The application should be in the form of a letter, and resume of past experience, if desired, and should indicate whether the applicant is interested in a temporary appointment only, or would plan to run for reelection next April. Mr. Peterson suggested that any Planning Commissioners interested in such an appointment submit an application before the deadline. COMMISSION COMMENTS Chairman Pro Tem R. Johnson reported on the heart attack suffered by Chairman Pressutti last week. He was hospitalized for 8 days and was released to go home today. In a phone conversation with Mrs. Pressutti late today, she indicated he hopes to be back for the next Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner G. Johnson requested that the study session scheduled for December 9 include a report on the Planned Unit Developments that have provided a common storage area for recreational vehicles of the residents. Commissioner O'Neill advised that it bothers him when residents report, as one man did in the first hearing this evening, that a complaint was submitted to the city and was not responded to. Mr. Peterson affirmed that he will have a report to the Commission at their next meeting concerning the alleged violation on the O'Neill property. Commissioner Stevenson commented that the sign on the roof of the nursery care center which he reported at the last meeting has been removed. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Pro Tem R. Johnson adjourned the meeting at 9:35 p.m. to the meeting of December 2, 1981. Respectfully submitted, Helen Mapes, Secreta'r~