PC 091113 - Laserfiche WebLink

to have the 177 units minimum /maximum required for this site, they had to see what the best positioning was, and this is what they came up with. Mr. Ebrahimi stated that while the Design Guidelines required a minimum of 177 covered parking spaces, they have provided 75 additional carports. He stated that they believe both carports on the west side of the community will be well designed, will provide an added visual screen as opposed to looking at a row of cars, and will provide added value to the community. He indicated that he has been in contact with Doug Giffin of Chamberlin Associates, the owner of the commercial building to the west. He noted that Mr. Giffin wants to look at the ultimate design of the carports to determine if that is something Chamberlin can find acceptable, and he stated that they will continue working with Mr. Giffin towards that end. He added that there will be a row of six -foot tall shrubs installed on the west side behind the carports, in addition to the fencing to be located along that property line. He indicated that they will be providing more detail on this as the project moves forward. Mr. Ebrahimi then showed a slide of the main entrance to the project being served at the intersection of West Las Positas Boulevard and Hacienda Drive. He pointed out Building B where the plaza with a fountain is located, as well as the leasing office located right behind the fountain area. He indicated that in addition to the main entrance, they have also provided an access route from West Las Positas Boulevard into the project at the westerly end. He indicated that they had originally proposed this as an emergency vehicle access (EVA), but staff had asked that this roadway be opened up and a sidewalk connection be provided all the way along West Las Positas Boulevard. He stated that they have looked into this and can accommodate the sidewalk for connectivity. Mr. Ebrahimi stated that what is really difficult is trying to provide parallel parking. He indicated that with a very constrained site at 5.9 acres and the requirement to have 177 units, there is just no way of putting parallel parking without losing the required parking for the site. He noted that for marketing reasons, they are comfortable with having the intersection of West Las Positas Boulevard and Hacienda Drive as the main entry; however, staff has indicated that the Design Guidelines require a secondary access that also needs to serve the community. Mr. Ebrahimi stated that their goal is to keep all the existing trees along West Las Positas Boulevard. He noted that the existing grown, mature trees will be retained and would provide screening. He then presented a slide showing a perspective of how much of the buildings will actually be visible from the street with the trees in place. Lastly, Mr. Ebrahimi stated that, as Ms. Soo pointed out, they held an outreach meeting with the community this past week, and five people showed up to that meeting. He noted that they were primarily interested in architecture, construction timing, and when the project would move forward. He indicated that they are committed to working with the neighbors and are looking forward to future dialogue with all the residents who have put in their comments. He added that he thinks there is a lot that they can do with PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 11, 2013 Page 7 of 27