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r- THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Kameny stated that it is a well-designed project. He reiterated his concern for the signage and visibility aspects and requested that the rendering for the signage come before the Commission for review, without a public hearing, prior to issuance of a building permit. Chairperson Maas expressed appreciation for the project, and also for the work done by the Housing Element Update Task Force, of which she is a member. She stated that the Kiewit site is one of the properties being considered for rezoning for affordable housing. She suggested that the Commission look into the possibility of considering residential housing for the site proposed for this self-storage facility, especially since there are already three self-storage facilities in the area and approving a fourth at this site would put storage facilities in two of the four corners at the entrance to the City. Commissioner Kameny concurred with Commissioner Maas with respect to looking for potential sites for affordable housing, but commented that residential housing would be incompatible with the area because of the noise and air quality that heavy construction and the quarries generate. He concurred with Commissioner Arkin regarding having a look at the big picture; however, he stated that it would be inequitable to have the developer come in with a project it owns, make a presentation before the Commission, and work with staff, and then be told to stop because the Commission needs to look at the big picture first. ,r- Chairperson Maas indicated that her concern is that she does not know for certain that housing is not compatible for the area because no formal report has been presented to the Commission in this regard. With respect to this project, she indicated that she would like to see more visuals. She expressed concern about the expanse of the building walls along Valley Avenue and the towers, which give a prison-like effect. She stated that because of the work she has done in the Housing Element Update Task Force, she would like to take a look at the affordable housing possibility before she votes on the project. Commissioner Arkin stated that the applicants did a good architectural job for the facility; however, he would first like to have a meeting on the big picture for this intersection before making any decision on any projects in the area. Commissioner Sullivan agreed that the applicants did an excellent job on the architecture, the LEED energy-efficiency program, and the solar panels. He indicated his interest in utilizing the City's existing transportation corridors to promote public transportation. He commended Chairperson Maas for her thoughts on affordable housing, stating that the Kiewit property may be a more appropriate site because ofthe power lines and other compatibility issues on this site. Finally, he concurred with Commissioner Arkin regarding looking at the big picture. With respect to affordable housing, Commissioner Roberts stated that besides the fact that the area is industrial, there is the dump/transfer station to consider on the other side. Chairperson Maas commented that a dump also once existed in the Vineyard and houses are now being built there. .-- PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 10,2001 Page 7