PC 062619 - Laserfiche WebLink

Laura Olson, Executive Director of PDA, and member of the Downtown Specific Plan Task Force, voiced disappointment with what was being presented, stating the PDA Vitality Committee began meeting and red-lining the 2002 DSP in 2013. They provided it to staff in 2014 and have been awaiting this process. She said although there have been wins, there have also been some very big missed opportunities and she asked to explore what other communities are doing or have done and expressed her disappointment in the plan. Arne Olson expressed that he feels the Planning Commission tonight is being asked to make decisions on too much during this meeting and asked why. He agrees with a previous comment that there is more to be done with the Task Force, but believes the Commission is being pushed. The real objective here is to move everything across Bernal Avenue, and this should be done but things are moving too quickly and he asked that the Commission push back on the parking. Sharrell Michelotti voiced support of the Chamber of Commerce and PDA's comments, echoed parking concerns and challenged the Planning Commission to review what has been presented and what has been sent by the Chamber and PDA via public comments. She expressed her concerns surrounding the parking situation and was also very disappointed in the City Council's action to come up with so many new requirements that did not reflect what the Task Force spent over two years in presenting. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED BREAK- Chair Allen called for a 5-minute recess at 8:18 p.m. and, thereafter, reconvened the meeting at 8:23 p.m. Chair Allen reiterated that the Planning Commission will take time to work through the issues and, if they do not finish tonight, they will continue the matter to another meeting. Commissioner Brown suggested adding to the list of discussion items: the PUD process; draft Policy LD-P.49, the Shell and Barone's properties; parking; MU-T (FAR versus 300); outdoor dining; a discussion around residential two-story versus three-story; and the ground floor residential piece and put that ahead of corner lots to ensure there is concurrence. Chair Allen suggested putting the discussion of ground floor residential ahead of the PUD item, because there may be some implications as a result. Commissioner Ritter noted there are seven items being asked of the Planning Commission tonight and he expressed that decisions are being expected to be made by the Commission on multiple plans and the idea that many Commissioners are split on their opinions. He said staff provided the Task Force and City Council's recommendations but did not evaluate both and did not provide any recommendations. He noted prospective business/building owners are calling him directly prior to filing a permit to see if they can get their idea through the planning process and he voiced concerns with this and noted that we are simply adding to the list of requirements for homeowners and developers. He indicated he does not want to over-regulate and recommended breaking down the topics more. Planning Commission Minutes Page 7 of 27 June 26, 2019 ntial does not already exist since two properties side by side could have very different requirements. He also asked that outdoor seating be a Zoning Administrator (ZA) decision and not a Planning Commission decision. Lastly, requiring commercial to wrap around the corner seems like overkill where this is an issue that can be resolved by the ZA. Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 27 June 26, 2019 ne 26, 2019