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Chair Olson referred to the two existing freestanding laundry buildings which are being <br />removed and inquired if any of the existing tenants will be left without laundry facilities <br />during the construction project. <br />Mr. Byde replied that they current have seven laundry facilities scattered throughout the <br />complex. He added that in concert with their upgrade to install laundry facilities in all <br />units, everyone will have access to laundry facilities although they may have to walk a <br />little farther. <br />Jessica Lehman, California Resources for Independent Living (CRIL), stated that when <br />they originally came to the Council meeting, their concern was not only access for <br />people with disabilities but universal design, which is a broader concept to build in a <br />way that works for people of all ages and abilities. She indicated that they have been <br />speaking with the developer and staff and would like to see the project go beyond what <br />is shown and required by the CBC, specifically requiring two bathrooms to ensure some <br />units have roll-in showers and more than for just four units; reinforcements for grab <br />bars; turnaround space in the bathroom; low work space in the kitchen; and installing a <br />lift in the pool area. <br />Referring to the lift in terms of accessibility to the swimming pool, Commissioner <br />O’Connor inquired if there were other ADA means for accessibility such as beach type <br />entries. <br />Ms. Lehman replied that there are probably a few ways but that the lift seems to be the <br />most common and preferred.She added that a ramp could be built into the pool, or <br />there could be a recess on the side of a pool so someone in a wheelchair could roll <br />down and have their seat be level with the surface of the pool; however, these are major <br />alterations to the design. <br />Commissioner Pentin stated that he was familiar with different pool lifts and described <br />the lift as an arm with a seat that swings over and lowers a person in the pool. <br />Ms. Lehman replied that they can also be operated by someone with a disability. <br />THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. <br />Commissioner O’Connor inquired why there were not more roll-in showers, particular <br />since the City Council directed the Commission to look at universal design. <br />Mr. Pavan replied that the CBC requires ten percent of the total number of units to have <br />roll-in showers, to be placed on the ground floor. <br />Mr. Dolan added that roll-in showers are much more expensive to build because the <br />entire bathroom must be waterproofed. He added that staff had discussed this with the <br />applicants quite a bit, and their main concern about adding more is due to water <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 10, 2010 Page 20 of 25 <br /> <br />