PC 09/08/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

There was considerable discussion relating to the dedication of the Lemoine acreage to the Park District. Ms. Chavez provided clarification on the one-acre parcel of land to be dedicated. Mr. Plucker suggested that wording be added that there will be an "open offer of dedication" which would require the applicant to donate property when they are specifically asked for it. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Kameny, Mr. Plucker noted that if the Commission wants the donation of land to be considered a future development plan amenity that be specifically referenced in the motion. Chairperson Roberts requested that staff be directed to create language to reflect an open offer of dedication based on the Park District's needs and timing and that it be considered a future amenity credit. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Maas noted that due to the applicant and his family living on the property, he will be concerned with the housing design of the houses. She spoke in favor of the walnut trees being retained, until they are no longer alive, to provide camouflage until such time that the other landscaping matures. She noted that this project is mid-point of the General Plan. Further, she noted she would be in support of a condition for the landscaping for the median strip and with the applicant being responsible for the median strip from his property to the front of Foothill High School and the City or the School District providing funding to complete remaining landscaping all at one time. She spoke in favor of the proposal regarding less grading and the undergrounding of utilities. She noted that the Commission has considered the wildlife impacts, the soil, and the earth movement, and that those issues have been mitigated. She expressed support with the design of four single-story residences out of twelve homes; however, she expressed concern with the plans for homes and she noted that the applicant has indicated he is flexible with the plans. She noted that this area is a special area and that this should be the best project possible. She noted she would not be in favor of cookie-cutter type of housing and spoke in favor of the homes being more individualized. She noted she would not be in support of any solid fencing for this project, even as a privacy issue, and she requested input from her fellow commissioners relating to fencing. She noted she had a concern with installation of street lighting; however, due to staffs assurance that typical lighting would not be utilized, she would be in favor of lighting that is rural in nature. She spoke in favor of the condition for an open offer of dedication for the donation of land to the Park District. She noted that the Commission is being cautious with approval of this application; however, that the $145,000 amenity, the landscaping strip, and the other impact fees cover all of the bases. Further, she spoke in support of conditioning more detail on the cattle gates. She reiterated that the applicant has been a long-time resident of the community and this project is only for twelve homes. She requested clarification of Condition 43, which relates to schools, and she requested that the design review plan be brought back before the Commission for approval. In conclusion, she noted she would be in support of approving project with the addition of conditions. Commissioner Kameny noted he would be in support of approving project with the conditions as stated. He noted that he concurred with Commissioner Maas' statements and he expressed concurrence with the request for the design review process to come back before the Commission for approval. Commission Sullivan expressed concurrence with the condition for the one-acre donation, with the caveat that this is not in exchange for something that will happen in the future. He noted his support PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 12 September 8, 1999