PC 01/22/97 - Laserfiche WebLink

As to the issue of "community, " this one street is its own community, and the gate is their attempt to enhance their community. They don't want to be elitist, but they want safety for their families. ~ The staff report states the residents bought their homes without the gate being there. Mr. Finn commented that their bought their homes not knowing the Red Bear project would go in next to them with only one-half parking space per unit. Further, Mr. Finn stated the General Plan expects Stanley to have 16,000 trips per day at buildout. Mr. Finn addressed the issue of emergency access. He stated there would be a special code for the emergency services as well as a Knox box. The residents are also willing to install systems that would activate the gate through the use of an emergency vehicle siren or strobe light. The residents are also able to open the gate from their homes. Commissioner Wright inquired ifMr. Finn had read and agreed to the Conditions of Approval. Mr. Finn was not knowledgeable enough to determine if the conditions were satisfactory. They did not understand the width of the entry lane. Mr. Iserson clarified the 24 foot distance referred to the length of street from the gate to the intersection with Stanley. Chair Barker inquired if the gate engineer could address the typical direction for swinging gates. Dennis Trifiletti, A&D Gate Co., stated that all gate requirements will be met. The entrance and exit gates can be offset so they can be bypassed if there is a car exiting. Swinging the exit gate outward is not a problem. The exit gate is automatically activated by a sensor. ~ The speaker stated the siren-activated system and strobe light system will soon become national standards. With such a system, the emergency vehicle would not even have to stop at the gate. Gate designs will be submitted to staff prior to construction. Commissioner Cooper inquired about auto impact. Mr. Trifiletti stated that the gates could be broken, the swing gate is operated by an articulating arm. Commissioner Cooper inquired if the residents are in favor of this gate. Mr. Finn stated that all residents were in favor and also clarified that there is a pedestrian gate that is activated by the residents and/or a key. Robert Bielby, 265 Del Valle Court, stated that they want this gate to ensure the safety of their families. Mr. Bielby stated about two to three cars per hour come down their street at a high speed expecting it to be a thoroughfare. The signs have had no effect. They have had several close calls with cars and children on the street. The residents are not happy to have to pay several thousand dollars for the gate, it will impact the residents to use it every time they enter or exit the street, but it will provide them peace of mind. He advised that Rachael Court is clearly a private street, and they have had to install speed bumps on their street. Mr. Bielby spoke to the General Plan language. Since gates are not strictly denied, only discouraged, this means that there are some situations were gates are acceptable. Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 January 22, 1997