PC 031120 - Laserfiche WebLink

Chair Ritter discussed the components of the project he liked, including incorporating the residential into the rezoning, which gives one complete look for the entirety of the project. He also appreciates that the project maintains the overall allowable density, meeting the objectives, without too many variances. Commissioner Allen concurred with Chair Ritter and expressed her full support for the integrated approach. She expressed appreciation towards staff and the applicant in looking at an integrated strategy, which makes sense for the community. Commissioner Balch dittoed the previous Commissioners and commented about density, stating at some point density can lead to a project's infeasibility. However, stated he wanted to be flexible and believes this project is meeting the requirements. Commissioner Brown expressed his uncertainty stating he was becoming amenable towards the integrated plan but had some concerns. He expressed there are benefits in the existing approved plan and stated the only benefit he's currently seeing in the revised plan is towards the fitness amenity and the decision to move the fitness amenity to the residential portion of the project. However, he expressed he still has concerns surrounding the overall project design and traffic circulation in the integrated plan. Commissioner O'Connor indicated he also had concerns similar to Commissioner Brown. He expressed he's amenable to the concept of integrating the housing with the commercial component of the project. However, he was also concerned with traffic circulation and how residents will have to pass through the commercial area in order to reach their residences. He also referenced his concern regarding the massing, specifically the wrap-building and how it overshadows the mall. Commissioner Pace asked and clarified the reason for the exemption being sought is to modify both the currently zoned residential and commercial in order to create more mixed use, which he stated is simply a design feature of how to mesh the two components together and create a community and lifestyle, especially for the future residents of the site. He stated he liked the integration concept and indicated support for mixed use. Ms. Clark confirmed that the rezoning is required because the current mall zoning does not allow for residential use. Commissioner Allen asked about traffic circulation issues. City Traffic Engineer Mike Tassano discussed the amount of traffic generated from the mall and referenced the volume of employees and vehicles associated with the Workday site. He further mentioned the congestion at the intersection of Stoneridge Drive and Stoneridge Mall Road, especially in the evening hours when vehicles are exiting from the mall, Workday campus, and surrounding offices. He expressed his concerns and stated the need for a traffic study. He mentioned the traffic model from 2012, which already included 400 homes and 380,000 square feet of future retail for this area, so both of these elements were already approved and accounted for increased congestion. He discussed the pedestrian and bicycle traffic and the future amenities, including the cycle track, which would help improve circulation. Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 9 March 11, 2020