PC 101409 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Blank noted that at the last meeting in May, three of the five Commissioners supported the concept of the fuel station. He inquired why the City still does not support it. Mr. Pavan replied that staff feels the service station is not consistent with the type of uses the City would like to see at a gateway entrance to the City. Commissioner Pentin noted that there is a fueling station across the street located at the gateway to the City. Mr. Pavan agreed and added that the Bernal Specific Plan strongly encouraged a gas station at that corner. He stated that the development conforms to the Specific Plan language and to the PUD. Commissioner Blank questioned why that one would be fine, and one at this location would not. He noted that Commission discussion focused on not wanting the project to be visible from the freeway so it did not become a gas-focused exit but more of a gateway entrance. Mr. Pavan stated that staff reviewed the types of uses encouraged by the General Plan for a gateway entrance, and the question is whether or not this is what the City wants people to see when they first enter the City from this location. He added that staff’s position is that a fueling station would not be consistent with a gateway entrance. Commissioner Blank questioned if the first thing the City wants people to see upon entering a gateway to the City is a Safeway Store and asked why this would be any better than a gas station. Commissioner Pentin likewise questioned why people would also want to see the backs of two buildings. Mr. Pavan clarified that the back of the Safeway Store would be designed and enhanced to be attractive from the freeway, which can be achieved. He referred the question to Mr. Dolan. Mr. Dolan stated that both statements regarding the gas station and the back of Safeway are fair. With respect to the Safeway building, he noted that the Commission requested that it be addressed, and the applicant is willing to accommodate. He added that staff anticipates there will be significant screening and a filtered view of the building at best. He indicated that staff will pay close attention to this and that there will be visual representations of what this will look like before the hearing. With respect to the question of the gas station, Mr. Dolan stated that it is no more complicated than what Mr. Pavan has indicated. He noted that typically, a gas station is not the most attractive use; the question is whether two should be sited at the gateway PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, October 14, 2009 Page 7 of 25