PC 01/20/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

Impact 4.10-3, Visual Changes in Subarea 3: He requested that staff add guideline language similar to the Foothill Road design guidelines, including the color of homes and split-pad lots versus flat-pad lots. Commissioner Maas inquired about grading permits in relation to the wetland issues. She expressed support for the design of the project and equestrian trails. She stated her uncertainty about the 100-room inn/spa being appropriate for the area. She noted her appreciation to staff in referencing the visual impacts. She requested that staff merge Table III-1 and Table IV-1 of the Draft Specific Plan to assist in ease of locating lot numbers and owner names. She expressed concern with the number of heritage trees which might be removed and suggested decreasing the number. She suggested that staff analyze issues relating to the existing mining permit for Lot 21 and suggested limiting construction days to Monday through Friday. She spoke in favor of requiring a report on the hazardous materials investigation for the parks. Commissioner Cooper suggested that staff examine issues relating to agricultural chemical use in vineyards, potential methyl bromide runoff into the Arroyo, restricting chemical use except for sulfur, and not spraying chemicals during windy periods. He spoke in favor of having buffer zones between vineyards and residential areas. He requested that an evaluation be performed on reducing Vineyard Avenue (west of the Plan Area) to two lanes with bike and pedestrian trails, and installing a berm to reduce traffic noise for residents. He suggested that a berm and landscaping be required on Lot 21 to reduce noise, machine visibility, and dust. He spoke in favor of a wildlife corridor for deer to access the Arroyo and water sources; however, he expressed the need to minimize potential wildlife impacts on adjacent vineyards. He expressed support for the park and requested that staff examine issues relating to pedestrian access to the Arroyo and restoration of the southern end of the Arroyo. He spoke in favor of encouraging carpooling from Ruby Hill to mitigate the impacts of traffic from the school. He spoke in support of the trails and suggested that staff analyze issues relating to providing security measures for the trails. Chairperson Kumaran commended staffand the consultants for the detail given in the DEIR. He requested that a requirement for minimum six-inch diameter trees be incorporated in place of one-inch diameter samplings. He referenced "Open Space" on page 3-11 of the DEIR and requested that staff identify alternatives for preserving open space areas. He expressed concern with the Lot 21 gravel site being located near a residential area and commented that this is an incompatible use with regard to noise, visibility, and vibration issues. He noted that the level of traffic on Santa Rita Road, Valley Avenue, and Bemal Avenue should be evaluated. He expressed concern with over-crowding at schools and requested that staff review school over-crowding issues in the DEIR. He initiated discussion in relation to the impacts as a result of new homes, including cumulative impacts on water use. He suggested that staff examine issues relating to the South Livermore Valley Plan as they affect this project. He suggested that staff examine issues relating to including the caretaker's home in the house count or providing a footnote with the number of caretaker homes. He requested that staff examine issues relating to visual impacts south of Interstate 580. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 6 January 20, 1999