PC 081104 - Laserfiche WebLink

_ Commissioner Maas questioned the color on the drawings received, but would ask the applicant to clarify this issue. Chairperson Roberts inquired about the realigrunent of Railroad Avenue in the Specific Plan. Ms. Kline agreed that the alignment would run through this proposed project in two of the three studied alignments. Discussion ensued regarding the Railroad Avenue realignment and that construction of the project should not be held up because the realignment could take yeazs. Commissioner Arkin confirmed that this approval would be for apartments only. He expressed concern that the project should not become office space. Ms. Kline explained that if the applicant wanted to change the use to office the project would have to conform to building conditions for office use and address the parking issue. Commissioner Maas inquired if the apartments would be visible from behind the house on Ray Street. Ms. Kline replied that she did not think they would be. Discussion ensued regarding the house to the west, but this was not considered an issue because the applicant owns that house. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Thomas Reyes, 148 Spring Street, the designer draftsman of the project, explained the drawing handed out. He advised that the style of the house was made to be as interesting as possible and -- wanted to blend the apartments with the existing house. Mr. Reyes mentioned that there would be more parking spaces than required. He advised that he would direct draining from the site to a catch basin at the front near the street. He added that several trellises would be installed to shade uncovered parking. Mr. Reyes stated that an effort was made to minimize the height of the project by breaking up the roof while still keeping it symmetrical. He noted that the owner realized there is a shortage of housing Downtown and a surplus of office space and does not plan on converting the apartments to office space. Commissioner Maas inquired about the elevation on the west side. Mr. Reyes replied it would have limited visibility. In response to an inquiry from Commissioner Sullivan regarding why the three second-floor windows were so small, Mr. Reyes replied that they are small because of east and west exposure to keep excessive warmth from coming in and because they are openings to a bathroom. Commissioner Maas and Commissioner Sullivan voiced concerned about the massing of the west wall of building two and if something could be done to help minimize the massing. Mr. Reyes replied that possible latticework with vines or glass block on the side wall could help. _ Discussion ensued regarding minimizing the massing on that wall by landscaping or making windows to appeaz larger than actual size. Commissioner Kameny suggested the applicant work with staff to address this issue. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 11, 2004 Page 9 of 11