PC 091113 - Laserfiche WebLink

edge there. He indicated that they would also want to take a look at some of the other things that were brought up with regard to the circulation and traffic flow, especially with regard to the driveway along the west side of the project. He added that they also had some issues they wanted to make sure were addressed with regard to traffic circulation as well as pedestrian circulation on the site. He reiterated that he feels very confident that with the design expertise and with the work that has been done so far, these design issues can be addressed. Mr. Paxson stated that one thing he really wanted to emphasize is that Hacienda's Design Guidelines actually changed with regard to the landscaping that gets installed along flood control channels, including the Arroyo back there. He indicated that he thinks everybody will be very relieved to hear that Hacienda has a much more robust program back there for both trees and shrubs. He added that between the desire for screening and the types of evergreen trees that they have in the palette, they will be able to establish a very nice screen, especially with some of the quick - growing shrubs that they are suggesting, such as the "prunus" and the "ligustrum." Mr. Paxson stated that will help with some of the visual issues that were raised, he hopes that at some point, either staff or the applicant addresses the issue of affordability. He indicated that he thinks there is a misnomer that these units are going to be entirely for low- income, as these are primarily and predominantly for market -rate and very high -end units, with a portion for affordable housing. He noted that this is true for all the housing projects that have been brought into the Park recently. He stated that he recognizes the concerns about this issue but also wants to make sure there is a full discussion about what types of units are being built and what they are going to be able to accommodate. Kevin Ebrahimi stated that to clarify some of the things that have come up and following Mr. Paxson's statements, this apartment community is a Type A community, which is a very high -end community design. He noted that everything is going to be market -rate with monthly rents anticipated to be anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the type of unit. He added that the people who will be living in this residence will not be low- income. With regard to another point that was talked about, Mr. Ebrahimi stated that there will be a continuous line of six to eight feet tall shrubs all the way along the property line, with an additional planting of evergreen trees along the same location. He pointed out that the trees that will be planted there will be 14 to 16 feet tall at maximum height at their five -year growth, and once fully mature, will grow up to 35 feet tall. Mr. Ebrahimi stated that all the buildings at the back will be two story to three story. He noted that the pamphlet that was distributed stated that one of the buildings could be a four story, and that would be a tower element on the community building; however, that tower element will be a three -story, so nothing will be over three -story in that area. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 11, 2013 Page 16 of 27