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Mr. Constanzo provided visuals of the alleyways, the commercial buildings, views going west on Bemal Avenue and 680 north, and the proposed soundberm adjacent to the freeway. Mr. Costanzo noted that Greenbriar is pursuing the possibility of installing a lower soundwail on the berm at the sound end of the Western Area along 680 on the westerly side of the southbound travel l~me in the CalTrans fight-of-way and asked for feedback from the Commission on this proposal. Commissioner Arkin advised that he does not like the soundwall in that location. Discussion ensued regarding the height and materials of the proposed soundbeiYas, as well as the conditions of approval that apply to the consU-action of the berms. Alternatives to screening homes to provide noise attenuation in this area were also discussed. Mr. Costanzo advised that the maintenance of the area between the berm and the freeway is still an issue. Greenbriar proposes to hydroseed the berm and install tree landscaping with the irrigation system connected to the five-acre park, but Greenbriar does not want to maintain this area. Mr. Swift noted that the condition requires that the property owners in the Western Area would maintain this area through a maintenance association until such time as the City uses that area for some particular use (such as a golf course or park). It was noted that Greenbriar has requested that rather than build the sonndberm in this location, that the City consider relocating the berm adjacent to the loop road which will reduce the need for the height of the berm to 12 feet. Carol Meyer of Greenbriar Homes presented renderings and landscape plans of the apartments and the 4,000-square-foot lots. Larry Flack of Seines Outherie & Associates, noted the modifications to the Village Commons that have created a compatible neighborhood, including a pool and tot lot. He noted that there is no separate recreation building, but it includes a gym and a leasing office that will be located near the pool. Mr. Flack also reviewed staff's recommendations on the plan and commented on how each of these areas has been addressed. It was noted that a fountain will be included in the center of the walkway, a breezeway will provide access from the pool area to the tot lot, and that washers and dryers would be included in all units. Discussion ensued regarding the parking that is being provided for the apartment component. Mr. Swift provided clarification as to how the parking ratio was determined. Mr. Flack noted that an exterior color board has been prepared, but they would like to continue to work with staffon the colors. He noted that carports will be constructed as "garports" which will be enclosed with individual roll-up garage doors with openers, but entirely open inside. No storage will be allowed in the"garports." Mr. Costanzo noted that Gxeenbriar Homes will be the builder and developer of the apartment component, and will manage the complex. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 9, 2000 Page 11