Laserfiche WebLink
Commissioner Pentin suggested that the developer weigh in. <br />Commissioner Olson stated that at the workshop, he asked BRE why they did not come <br />in and request 50 units per acre, and they said it was not feasible. <br />Commissioner O’Connor noted that BRE only represents one or two properties and not <br />the third property. <br />Chair Narum commented that the representative from Roche, the owner of Parcel 3, is <br />also present. She added that she is specifically interested in Parcel 2. She suggested <br />re-opening the public hearing and asking Mr. Wayland to comment. <br />Commissioners O’Connor and Olson agreed with Commissioner Pearce. <br />Commissioner O'Connor continued that the Commission could set the minimum of what <br />the City needs, and when a developer comes in and asks for something that is certainly <br />beyond what the Commission thinks, the Commission can then have that discussion. <br />Chair Narum inquired what the Commission would do if an application for 50 units per <br />. <br />acre came in and it is not what the Commission wants <br />Commissioner Blank noted that there are school impacts, traffic impacts, and safety <br />impacts. <br />Mr. Dolan explained that if the Commission is not comfortable with 55 units on Parcel 2, <br />it should say so now, because if someone comes in with 50 units per acre and meets <br />the guidelines, that would not be the time to state the Commission is uncomfortable with <br />50 acres on Parcel 2. He noted that the application will have clearance on traffic and on <br />schools. He added that in the CEQA analysis, the City we must take the most <br />conservative; therefore, the City must put 55 units across even if the Commission <br />knows what BRE has stated. He indicated that if BRE goes away and someone comes <br />in with 55 units, this would be allowed by the guidelines, and they can deal with the <br />design issues, but the Commission could not say then that it is not comfortable with the <br />number of units. He commented that Mr. Wayland may state that BRE intends to do <br />something with 30-35 units but would still like to maintain the flexibility. <br />THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS RE-OPENED. <br />Mr. Wayland concurred and stated that he thinks it is always better to be clear about <br />intentions from the outset. He indicated that developers always look at certainty; hence, <br />if the Commission thinks 55 units to the acre is too dense, it is good to state that <br />upfront. He noted that currently, 55 units to the acre is not feasible, and this is why BRE <br />is coming in with less density. He added that if BRE did not come in now and returns in <br />five years, there may have the opportunity to build at a higher density, and these <br />conversations would all be forgotten. <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, January 26, 2011 Page 31 of 50 <br /> <br />