PC 05/14/97 - Laserfiche WebLink

Todd Smathers, 7928 Sawgrass Court, stated he is directly across the street of the adobe's front door. There is already a problem with noise from the adobe (i.e., wedding). The rural atmosphere is preserved with open fencing and low level street lights. This application is not a betterment for the community; this application will devalue their property values. Asked for a denial vote. William Harris, 7823 La Quinta, is opposed by saying "if the glove doesn't fit, you must acquit. " Mr. Currin rebutted some speaker comments: Dr. Araj had spoken about extra lots allotted to the Currins PUD. Mr. Currin has no knowledge of this. He believes Golden Eagle Farms paid their pro rata share for the Bernal traffic light. He also advised that earthquake retrofitting has occurred since 1989 at the adobe. Mr. Currin also advised that the following PUD hearing (pedestrian trail) was a major factor of why the PUD had not been accepted sometime ago. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Wright advised that he himself was advised by the Golden Eagle Farms sales personnel that the adobe would be sold as a personal residence. He noted that Mr. Currin is in violation of the PUD by being in the residence. There are too many negatives and too many conditions involved in this project to make it work, and he cannot support the application. Commissioner Cooper has very serious concerns about the application regarding traffic impacts and the unsuitability of this high impact use in a rural LDR neighborhood. There are no close-by businesses. The adobe is a unique structure, and would agree to a museum, nature center, or a private residence use. He cannot support the application because it will have too many impacts on the neighbors. He feels the City does not have the resources to enforce the conditions. Commissioner Cooper would rather turn down the application now instead of denying it after a six- month period. He would also support staff's redesignation of the zoning for this area. Chair Barker asked Commissioner Cooper if this events center was discussed in the General Plan meetings. Commissioner Cooper did not believe it was discussed at length. A substantial building on the San Francisco property was discussed. In response to Chair Barker, Mr. Higdon advised that Foothill Road south of Bernal is slated to remain a two-lane road. Commissioner Kumaran advised that he had reservations on this application. After listening to the public testimony, he gets a sense that this is not favorable to the neighborhood. He wants to preserve the historic value of the Bernal adobe; it is an obligation of the community. Making the adobe into an event center would not preserve its historic value. He is also concerned the 30-day notice to vacate was ignored. Commissioner Kumaran is also concerned with the comments regarding traffic and noise problems, therefore, he will not support the application. Commissioner Lutz advised he has many problems with this application in a residential neighborhood. Noise problems cannot be mitigated. Soundwalls are in conflict with the Foothill area. The visual impacts to neighbors is important to consider. If necessary, he would limit it to Planning l:ommission Minutes Page 10 May 14, 1997 """----..----.--------------..----.-