PC 022801 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to an inquiry from Commissioner Kameny, Mr. Pavan advised that the trellises serve ,.-- as an amenity along the project frontage, and that the other modifications agreed to by staff remove internal site landscaping. Commissioner Maas questioned whether the Planning Commission imposed a significant number of additional conditions on the original approval of this application. Mr. Pavan advised that the installation of the trellises was originally proposed by the applicant. In response to an inquiry from Commissioner Arkin, Mr. Pavan advised that staff tries to work with the applicant when possible when unforeseen expenses are encountered, and that staff has some discretion to make minor modifications to approved projects, as long as significant conformance with the conditions of approval is maintained. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED COMMENTS FROM THE APPLICANT ~ Joe Bologna, 1415 Oakland Boulevard, Suite 103, Walnut Creek, the architect and planner for the project, represented the applicant. He noted that this project has 65 conditions of approval. He advised that the applicant is proposing to plant several large trees to continue the landscape buffer in place of the trellises. He reported that the applicant had originally proposed a continuous row of trees along this area, as agreed to by the adjacent residential property owners, and that it was staff's recommendation to include the trellises. He advised that the cost of the seven trellises is $22,000. He noted that the 24" box trees that the applicant is recommending is between $300 to $400 per tree. He advised that they feel the trees are a better solution, because when the trees mature they will provide more screening of views from second-story windows than the trellises would. Commissioner Arkin stated that he recalls that the idea of the trellises was to provide a transition to the residential neighborhood. Mr. Bologna advised that the applicant did not have a cost estimate for the trellises at the time they were proposed. He commented on the rationale and justification for other modifications made to the interior landscaping. Discussion ensued regarding the trellis materials and costs. Commissioner Maas confirmed that the trellises were in the original drawings reviewed by the Planning Commission. Suzanne Doherty, the applicant, provided a history of their business within the City. She advised that they are a small family business. She stated that there were several criteria that they have had to meet, noting the additional expenses that they have incurred. She noted that they have done their best to comply with the conditions. She advised that they feel the trellises may not be more effective than the installation of the trees, and that the adjacent homeowners' are in agreement with the applicant. She commented on the delays that have resulted in additional expenses for the proj ect. ,-- February 28, 2001 Page 4 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES