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PC Minutes 1985-09-17ARROYO GRANDE PLANNING COMMISSION September 17; 1985 The Arroyo Grande Planning Commission met in regular session with Chairman Gerrish presiding. Present are Commissioners Soto, Boggess, Flores and Moore. Commissioners Olsen and Carr are absent. Planning Director Eisner is also in attendance. MINUTE APPROVAL Hearing no additions or corrections, the minutes of the regular meeting of September 3, 1985 were approved by the Chairman as submitted. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW CASE NO. 85 -339, WALL SIGN, 1017 -A GRAND AVENUE. (JOSEPH GERAGHTY). Planning Director Eisner advised that this item is being continued for another two weeks pending receipt of additional information. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW CASE NO. 85 -342, RETAIL SHOPPING CENTER, NORTHEAST CORNER OF HALCYON ROAD AND GRAND ' AVENUE. (ASSOCIATED DESIGN CONSULTANTS /CASS): - - Planning Director Eisner advised that the applicant is requesting architectural review of a project to construct a 9,835 sq. ft. retail shopping center on property fronting on Grand Avenue and bounded by North Halcyon Road on the west and Rena Street on the east. The proposed building contains an undesignated area of retail shops with a total floor area of 7,250 sq. ft., and an attached retail area designated as a "convenience store" with an additional 2,585 sq. ft. of floor area. 'Ibis property is General Planned "General Commercial" and is presently zoned "H -S" Highway Service District. He noted that the parcel contains 34,353 sq. ft.; 3,020 sq. ft. of land area has been devoted to landscaping, which exceeds the 10% requirement of the City's ordinance; and 48 parking spaces are being provided. Mr. Eisner commented that the project his been reviewed by the Staff Advisory Committee and is submitted to the Commission with the 8 conditions listed in the staff report dated September 17, 1985. He stated there were concerns about the traffic pattern on Grand Avenue and the location of a driveway. He pointed out that the 7 -11 Store intends to have a gas pump outlet, and staff's concern was for the driveway entrance on Grand Avenue. The Public Works Department felt that the traffic problems can be controlled by a double solid line on Grand Avenue to prevent southbound traffic from making a left hand turn into the shopping center. Mr. Eisner referred to the list of recommended conditions, noting that Condition No. 5 should be changed requiring the new alignment on Grand Avenue and Rena street; not Halcyon Road as listed. Chairman Gerrish stated that the blank masonary wall for the entire lenght at the back of the building definitely needs something there to break up that wall. Commissioner Soto stated he doesn't like the architecture at all. Commissioner Flores stated he is concerned with the traffic situation and the presence of the gas pumps. He questioned how the Commission could approve the plan and reserve the condition that the gas pumps not be included in the plan. Mr. Eisner stated that the Commission could deal with the architecture exclusive of the gas pumps because that is the way it is presented; the gas pump issue is a completely separate issue. He stated Use Permit approval is necessary for the gas pumps,, and has to be heard by the Commission. In answer to Commissioner Bog gess' question regarding landscaping, Planning Director Eisner advised that the applicant has indicated on the plan that a landscaping and irrigation plan will be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Department for approval. Commissioner Flores commented that elimination of the gas pumps would provide more parking space. Commissioner Boggess stated he agreed with Commissioner Flores to eliminate the gas pumps and put more parking in there. Chairman Gerrish stated he would like to see a site plan come back without the gas pumps. Commissioner Flores stated that the architectural design is somewhat stark and, in his opinion, something should be done to enhance the attractiveness of the project. Mr. Eisner pointed out the Commission's alternatives would be to approve the project with conditions, to deny the project, or to continue the project giving the applicant some specific directions and allowing 2 or 4 weeks to return with revised plans. He noted some of the Commissioner's cormrents were relative to removal or relocation of the gas pumps; re- design of the back wall and a different color selection. Leon Levine, representing the applicant, briefly described the proposed project. He stated at this time there is no conditional use permit before the Commission regarding the gas pump situation. He pointed out, however, that 7 -11 will not go on this site unless there are gas pumps. He requested that the gas pumps not be considered at this time and to let the project stand as an architectural review. 211 212 ARROYO GRANDE PLANNING COMMISSION, 9 -17 -85 Page 2 Chairman Gerrish stated he prefers to have the architect go back and incorporate the Commission's comments into the plans and come back to the Commission with a revised plan. After further discussion, Architectural Review Case No. 85 -342 was continued for two weeks on motion by Commissioner Soto, seconded by Commissioner Boggess, and unanimously carried. PUBLIC HEARING - TRAFFIC WAY UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT. - Planning Director' Eisner ' advised that the City Council has taken the initial steps to forming an Underground Utility District covering the area of Traffic Way and extending on to Bridge Street. As a part of that, there are also some plans to do some other necessary work 'including studying the traffic pattern and traffic flow on to Bridge Street . to make sure that the rebuilt street section meets the City's needs, and a design study is 'also involved. Mr. Mr. Eisner noted that, at the direction of the Council, the preliminary report of the consultant dealing with Traffic Way has been distributed to the Planning Commission and to the affected property owners. Also, the Parking and Traffic Commission held a public hearing on the matter last night and, at that time, they involved themselves in the specific ;traffic pattern: The Council has also directed that the Planning Comm ission hold a similar public hearing. He pointed out that Traffic Way and Bridge Street are a part of the Circulation Element of the City's General Plan, and the overall design criteria is subject to review by this Commission. Mr. Eisner reviewed the general recommendations relative to circulation. ' Upon being assured by the Planning Secretary that public hearing for the "Yoffie. Way Underground Utility District had been duly published and property owners notified, Chairman Gerrish declared the hearing open. Bill Hart, 207 Bridge Street; Ira Hughes, 203 Canyon Way; Jens - Wagner, 130 E. Branch Street; Marie Chttoir, 195 Orchid Lane, and Milt Hayes, 102 Bridge Street, spoke in opposition to the proposed closing of Bridge Street. Jerry Bowser, 510 Woodland Drive, inquired if the consultants have come up with a design for Traffic Way; stating that the design would also influence the kind of traffic you get there. Mr. - Eisner advised one of the considerations between Bridge Street and Traffic Way is to either (1) close it with or without a cul-de -sac, or (2) restrict the southbound traffic. Upon hearing no further comments for or against the proposed design, Chairman Gerrish declared the hearing closed. After discussion, Chairman Gerrish commented he feels there are a tremendous number of issues to deal with here and there is a need for more input before the Planning Cannission can make- a recommendation to the City Council. He suggested that. the 'matter be continued for two weeks. Commissioner Soto suggested holding a study session on the proposed design before it comes back to the Commission. Planning Director Eisner advised that a study session could be held on Thursday, September 26th. After further discussion, public hearing on Traffic Way Underground. Utility District was continued to October 1, 1985 on motion by Cormissioner Soto, seconded by Commissioner Moore, and unanimously carried, and study session set for 7:00 P.M. Thursday, September 26th to study the matter. BUILDING HEIGHTS - Planning Director Eisner referred to a memo from the City Manager regarding building heights. He requested that the matter be set for public hearing at the next Commission meeting. After a brief discussion, on motion by Commissioner Moore, seconded by Commissioner Flores, and unanimously carried, a public -hearing was set for October 1, 1985 on the proposed Ordinance amendment regarding Building Heights. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:05 P.M. on motion by Commissioner Moore, seconded by Commissioner Boggess, and unanimously carried. Secretary 1