PC 10/13/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

Glen Higgins, 159 Ray Street, commented on the problems with traffic and parking in the Downtown area, particularly at Ray Street and Main Street. He requested that the Commission deny the application for rezoning. He noted that traffic in the area already stands as an "F" grade of congestion and that any further development in this area will only impact the problem. He noted that there has been a steady increase in the number of illegally parked cars on the north side of Ray Street and that in his opinion it is due to lack of parking on the south side of the Ray Street. Further, he commented on the residences and businesses in the area and noted that when the Madden property is developed the problem will be exacerbated. He noted that commercial vehicles are now parking on Ray Street overnight and throughout the weekend, and further development increases that kind of encroachment. He commented on the parking needs for businesses in the area and the increased need for parking. He requested that if the application for rezoning is approved, that the Commission restrict the uses of the location to not include restaurants, bars, entertainment facilities, which generate noise, congestion and traffic in the evenings, on weekends. Further, that retail businesses be restricted, due to generating a lot of in and out type of traffic. Further, that business hours be restricted to 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Further, that the driveway exiting onto Ray Street be retained as a one-way egress from the property to avoid backups on Ray Street. He noted that the building is beautiful and noted his pleasure with the refurbishing that has been performed on the home and noted his desire for it to remain a home. Roger Manning, 4725 First Street, noted that of all of the buildings on Ray Street this property will create the least amount of traffic. He noted that the property currently has parking in the rear of building and that the owner of this property also owns The Cheese Factory, which has a large parking facility. He noted with the change in the zoning, the two properties could be connected to allow for overflow parking, if needed. Further, that by combining the two facilities, it will eliminate parking on Ray Street. Further, that the parking lot could accommodate commercial use parking. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Kumaran noted he was on the Commission when the adjacent property application, 325 Ray Street, was presented. He stated he was one of the commissioners who felt that this particular intersection on Ray and Main was the worst intersection in the City, and he was in favor of anything that would mitigate the traffic issues in this area. He noted that subsequent to the purchase of the Madden property, the Downtown Specific Plan was revised to change the reaiigument of St. John and Ray Streets as was originally intended so that this area would not be realigned. He noted that the property is best retained as residential, and he stated his recognition this would be in conflict with the Downtown Specific Plan. Further, that if the Commission chooses to do that, possible a recommendation could be made. He noted that if the property is rezoned as a business it will increase issues such as delivery which would exacerbate the traffic and parking problem. He noted the difficulty in placing restrictions on business once it is already rezoned as a business. He stated that this is a beautiful home and in order to retain the aesthetic appeal, especially in terms of the historic value, it would be prudent to keep it zoned as residential. Commissioner Maas expressed concern with the traffic and with restricting the use of the rezoning. Mr. Plucker noted that the zoning was structured so that it was regulated within the Downtown Specific Plan to promote what the community desires in the downtown area. Planning Commission Minutes October 13, 1999 Page 10