PC 07/23/97 - Laserfiche WebLink

. . . Chair Barker inquired if Bill van Gelder would be able to tell the Commission why there are discrepancies between the traffic reports for Bernal Corporate Park and the SFWD project. Mr. Higdon replied that he would ask Mr. van Gelder to explain those discrepancies and come back with a report to the Commission. Mr. Gresham clarified that the additional 14 peak-hour trips covers the additional square footage for both Park projects. This comprises 1.9% of the Park's traffic. He reiterated that the Park is committed, and is in the process of finalizing plans which are being submitted to the City, to put a traffic signal and do some significant civil work at the northbound off-ramp of 1-680; to install a half-signal at the entrance at the Park and another at the North Koll Center Parkway/ Valley Avenue intersection so that golfers and race track people can get easier access to the Fairgrounds. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commission Kumaran noted that the area is a very scenic with a background of hills on the west side of freeway. To a large extent, having a one-story building would allow people in the Park to have a better view of nature. He expressed concern that approval of additional square footage would contribute to a potential traffic problem in the area, especially with the SFWD project coming in. While the City is obligated to honor the Development Agreement, the developer also has an obligation to stay within the parameters of the original agreement between the developer and the previous Planning Commission. Commissioner Dove requested a clarification of how the number of square footage for the current proposal compares with what was originally approved. Mr. Iserson replied that the new project exceeds square footage approved with the previous design review approval for this particular site, but it falls within the parameters of what the Development Agreement allows for the Park as a whole and for this site specifically. Chair Barker inquired if this is the final buildout for the Park. Mr. Iserson replied that the Park is 99 % of buildout; there is one retail pad left plus one more smaller pad at the back that has been approved but has not been built. Commissioner Cooper stated that the Bernal Corporate Park is the most attractive business park in town with its visual features and landscaping. He added that the developer is doing more than its share on traffic mitigations and should not be penalized for what SFWD may want to do. He expressed concern about the LOS City guarantee discussed earlier and asked if the City is legally protected from a lawsuit if it does not maintain a LOS D at all intersections. Mr. Iserson stated that he believes the City could not be sued by the developer over a failure to meet LOS D. It is the policy of the General Plan and the goal the City is striving for. However, if something happens down the line beyond the City's ability to foresee and plan for which causes a traffic problem over LOS D, the City would be hard-pressed to lose a lawsuit over that. Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 July 23, 1m