PC 05/12/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

consequently, he would not support the density of the project. Further, the starting point should be mid-point of 35 units. He spoke in favor of extending the green belt to the knoll to reduce density, preventing the removal of 7 trees, providing a wildlife and open space corridor, and reducing visibility of homes on the ridge and knoll. He suggested that the policy be modified for removal of trees and that a $5,000 cost for removal of a tree be instituted and that money be deposited in an "in-lieu-of-tree" fund to be utilized to plant trees in other areas of the City. Commissioner Sullivan noted that school issues coincide with growth management and he noted that the General Plan states that "the City will work with school districts to locate school sites to preserve quality of life of existing and new neighbors. Further, that the General Plan encourages limited elementary school enrollment size of up to 650 students to provide more character and promote more personalized education." He noted this is for all schools, not just new schools. Further, the San Francisco property school will be at full capacity the day it opens, even before projects are built that have already been approved. He noted that mitigation measures for projects relating to school overcrowding are inadequate. He commented that Proposition lA has fine print which states you cannot deny a project based on school overcrowding issues and he stated that the community should stop developing until school issues are resolved and that Proposition 1A should be challenged. Commissioner Sullivan noted that issues relating to contour grading and flat-pad grading be re-examined. He spoke in favor of the creek study being performed and the creek being maintained in the natural state as much as possible, by utilizing trees. He spoke in favor of wildlife corridors to allow children places to go within nature, expanding the size of wildlife corridors, providing public access to corridors, and not including picnic tables or barbecues in open space. He expressed concern with the General Plan and noted that the General Plan specifies the number of homes, that traffic level should not be exceeded, elementary schools should not exceed 650 children, and that land use cannot be reconciled to the infrastructure of the City. He expressed concern with the City not addressing problems that have been identified such as traffic and school overcrowding. Commissioner Kameny commended the staff, applicant, and residents for their work on the project. He noted that the Ventana Hills neighbors concerns are not density issues but view shed issues which views they were not guaranteed when they bought their homes. He noted that the developer has reduced the number of lots to have 1.6 density, changed to contour grading for hillside lots, revised lots, relocated property south to create buffer, incorporated minimum building setbacks for homes, and made a number of concessions. He noted that the amenity will serve many more people than just this development and that it will serve a number of people even though it isn't a park. He spoke in favor of a 33 percent FAR ratio for twelve lots to accommodate homes on split pads, growth management as a major project, no Saturday construction, and elimination of the trail. He suggested a revision in the PUD where the homeowner association can provide the trail to the City to provide access and maintenance to the creek. He noted he desired further cooperation between neighbors and residents to resolve issues. Commissioner Maas commended staff and neighbors for their work on the project. She noted the compromises that the developer has made on project. She referenced the Commissioner's handbook and stated that the Commissioners' responsibility is to prepare and administer a master plan for the City and for land adjacent to the City for long-term growth subject to revisions as conditions and land uses change; and administer precise plans in accordance with the General Plan ... She noted that was her PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 7 May 12, 1999