CCMIN052014 - Laserfiche WebLink

The proposed plan calls for a total of 149 parking spaces (64 covered), which equates to 0.8 spaces per unit. She noted that MidPen's experience is that this is a very serviceable ratio in these types of developments. She reviewed the proposed building and landscape design, which were conceived within the context of the historic downtown and draw from cottage and farmhouse styles. Architectural features include covered porches, latch siding and various levels of detailing and trim. Apartment units will include storage, private patios and balconies. All units include accessibility features to help residents live independently and to age in place. She noted that the site is currently the location of approximately 146 trees and that the project calls for removal of 124 of those, including 45 heritage trees, that are in poor health or located within the development footprint. As it was reviewing the project, staff found heritage sized Coast Live Oaks previously identified for removal which it believes can be saves and has recommended a condition requiring that they be preserved. As mitigation, the applicant will be planting an additional 175 new 24" and 36" box trees. Ms. Stem referred to a memo on the Council dais which covers several revisions, clarifications and additions to the Conditions of Approval and attachments. Attachment 1A is revised to clarify that the project parcels will be rezoned to PUD-High Density Residential rather than,just PUD-High Density. One Condition of approval has been clarified to refer to 50 feet, rather than 40 feet, of red curb in locations near the driveways. Condition No. 55 is new and covers the two heritage trees to be preserved. Condition No. 58 has been revised to allow Saturday construction at 9 a.m. rather than 8 a.m. Condition No. 62 requires a revised landscape plan with additional trees and size specification to reflect an agreement by the applicant to increase the number of plantings from 124 to 175. The last Condition, which is fairly standard, requires that the landscape plan comply with the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and Bay Friendly Basics. Ms. Stem outlined the staff recommendation, which is that the Council determine the project would not have a significant effect on the environment and adopt a resolution pursuant to the findings of the Mitigated Negative Declaration; adopt a resolution approving the General Plan amendment; find that the PUD Rezoning and Development Plan are consistent with the General Plan, making the findings in the Planning Commission staff report; and introduce the two draft ordinances approving the PUD Rezoning and PUD Development Plan. Mr. Bocian noted that while considerable progress has been made on the project thus far, there are still several significant steps to go. As indicated in the staff report, MidPen is preparing the application to HUD for the demolishment of Kottinger Place and hopes to bring that to the Council for approval in June or July of this year. MidPen is also very busy working to secure 9% Lower Income Housing tax credits as part of the overall project financing, though there is no guarantee it will be successful, and working closely with city staff to prepare a relocation plan for existing residents. Staff also expects to continue working closely with Pleasanton Gardens throughout the process to ensure that both party's interests are fully met. Mayor Thome requested more information on the relocation plan. Mr. Bocian said the goal is to relocate residents as close to the project as possible, noting that a considerable part of the process involves finding the appropriate housing. He suggested that some residents may choose to live with relatives in the interim, which could be as long as one year, while some may be able to relocate from Kottinger Place to Pleasanton Gardens during phase one. Once phase one is complete, Pleasanton Gardens residents can be moved over to the new site. Councilmember Brown asked and Mr. Bocian confirmed that the city intends to invest $10 million in the project from its affordable housing fund, which comes from projects like Workday. She asked him to speak a bit about the preference system that will be used to allocate apartments. City Council Minutes Page 9 of 17 May 20,2014