PC 09/08/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

with staffs condition to eliminate some of the flat pad grading and utilizing a natural looking slope. He noted he desired when orchard trees died that they be replaced with a big trees such as a 24-inch box trees. Commissioner Sullivan noted that even though this is a small project, there is a cumulative impact on traffic. He noted he does not support the Park District access on West Los Positas and noted he would support the access being through the new street into the neighborhood or the private road. Further, that the hills facing Foothill Road should not be impacted by development due to that being the only space remaining on Foothill Road. He noted that the project is supposed to retain and preserve the ridge line park; however, in the process, part of it is being destroyed to gain access to park. Discussion ensued relating to alternate ways for accessing the park. Commissioner Sullivan commented on the West Foothill Road Design issue and stated he desired the changes that the Commission previously discussed and recommended as part of this plan, and he inquired as to when the new guidelines would be in effect. He commented on the Environmental Assessment and noted that Moller Ranch has been used as a precedent as to whether a Negative Declaration is needed and he expressed concern with this precedent being utilized based on the visual impacts of Moller Ranch. Commissioner Sullivan expressed opposition with building any additional homes on the west side of Foothill Road and he spoke in favor of a General Plan amendment for no additional building on Foothill Road based on visual impacts, aesthetic impacts, wildlife impacts, and existing problems with traffic and school impacts. He noted that if there is additional development, that wildlife will be affected, such as the whipsnake. Further, that them are cumulative effects on the wildlife. In conclusion, he noted he would be in support ora General Plan Amendment which would prohibit additional building on the west side of Foothill Boulevard, including this project. Chairperson Roberts noted that the buildings are clustered and designated where there is the least environmental sensitivity. She noted that the offer from the Park District to help with the roads is a good idea for this property and that alternate road designs can be examined. She noted that the strip of land the Park District is utilizing and this property is not in a wilderness area. She commented on the fact that this property is across from Foothill High School. She expressed support with staffs recommendation for the trees, and noted that trees will be overcrowded if all of the trees survive. She expressed support with the landscape strip to Foothill High School and the whip snake barrier. She noted that it is impossible to do the wildlife studies in a specific timeline due to wildlife not always being present. She expressed support with four single-story houses and she stated would like to see the design review of homes brought back before the Commission. She spoke in support of these homes not being huge, such as 5,000 square feet homes. She noted she would be in favor of Ms. Sorensen being satisfied with where the cattle gate crossing is located. Further, she would be in favor of including the wording for the open offer of dedication and the credit for a future amenity. She noted she would be in support of more sensitive grading for this project, the changes as indicated in Conditions 88, 89 and 139, and utilization of open fencing. She stated that very limited private fencing can be examined at the design review for project. In conclusion, she noted she would support approval of the application. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 13 September 8, 1999