PC 092601 - Laserfiche WebLink

THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED r COMMENTS FROM THE APPLICANT Scott Graeser, 5880 W. Las Positas Blvd., represented Chamberlin Associates. Mr. Graeser advised that the staff report does a good job of recapping the modifications to the plan. He advised that they have also made some changes to the landscaping. He presented a conceptual landscape plan. He noted that the landscaped plaza would tie the entry to the north parking lot and the path through the berm. He described the proposed pathway and the hardscape that continues through the drive aisle out to the Hopyard Road sidewalk. Mr. Graeser commented that they have created the pedestrian access without reducing the number of parking spaces. With regard to the tower orientation and design, he noted that they still strongly prefer the angled orientation and believes that it is the most suitable. He advised that the angled tower works better with the location of the pedestrian access through the berm, noting that this location is necessary because of the placement of the mature trees that are planted along Hopyard. Mr. Graeser presented three design alternatives, commenting on the different arch and window elements. He advised that they prefer Alternative A, in that they feel it is the most elegant design and adds elements of interest. ,-- Commissioner Arkin advised that he met with Mr. Graeser on Monday and discussed the possibility of adding some additional cosmetic features to the back of the building to break it up a little more. Mr. Graeser advised that the distance between the sidewalk and the building is approximately 5-1/2 feet, and, therefore, they had proposed to plant tall shrubs in this area. He advised that they could replace those shrubs with trees that will grow to 12 to 15 feet. He further advised that they looked at the possibility of changing the elevation, but that this would result in significant changes in the planning module for the building. Mr. Graeser provided an aerial view of the site. Discussion ensued regarding the surrounding properties and the view of the rear elevation from off-site locations. Mr. Graeser advised that in response to Commissioner Arkin, the applicant looked at mixing veneer and brick on the rear elevation of the building and they did not like having that side of the building looking different, and that it is too complicated to modify the windows, therefore they looked at modifying the landscaping. In response to an inquiry from Commissioner Arkin, Mr. Graeser advised that the smoking areas would be in the plaza and the covered bike rack area. Commissioner Roberts advised that she talked with Mr. Graeser yesterday. She asked if there would be a problem with extending the different paving through the drive aisle, so that it would appear as a walkway. Mr. Graeser responded that this would not be a problem. In response to an inquiry from Commissioner Sullivan, Ms. Maier advised that if additional parking spaces were lost due to the extension of a pedestrian link on the north side of the site, a PUD modification would need to be processed at the City Council level. - September 26, 2001 Page 5 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES