PC 10/25/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

Brent Wilcox, representing Mary Lou Wilcox, 3988 Stanley Blvd., noted that he also hopes the Del Valle Parkway extension will be eliminated. At the community meeting, he noted his opposition to the high density and hoped it could be reduced somewhat. From personal experience, he feels the vehicle trips will be low enough such that this development will be a good neighbor in the neighborhood. He noted a development next to Country Roads on Stanley has an illuminated sign. He asked staff to investigate and would be opposed to such signage for his project. He now supports the project. Wanda Dives, 443 Division St., #29, stated she is very happy living in the Red Bear apartments and feels that if the new project is as good, she is in full support. She also noted that after living there for awhile, the train noise/whistle is not as bothersome as it was in the beginning. Linda Hughes, 1530 Rose Lane, stated she has some concerns about the project. One is of changing the General Plan without tying a senior citizen project to the change because of the very high density. Parking is another concern, some may not have cars, but their visiting relatives/visiting nurses will need adequate parking. She feels that covered parking is important for senior citizens to protect their cars. She feels the train whistle noise is very loud in her home which is much further away than the project, and has knowledge of someone who lives next to the track and their inability to speak and be heard when the train goes by. Ms. Hughes is also concerned about the walkway, sees a need for a large gathering room for the residents, and ease of exit in an emergency. Mr. Iserson advised that staff received a phone call from Seth Bland saying he endorses the project, would like to see a perimeter walkway, carports, more parking spaces, and a few less units, if viable. Mr. Bland lives across Stanley Blvd. from the project site. Mr. Madden commented on public hearing testimony. Regarding the walkway, he would prefer to have people walking in front of the solid front doors instead of along the back with glass doors. This impacts the residents' privacy. This design has been approved by the Fire Department due to the fire vehicle access. Mr. Madden noted the project has a recreation room to have community gatherings as well as his belief that the internal common area walkways will create a sense of community. Regarding the hypothetical case from an earlier speaker of an elder person who uses a walker negotiating the stairs in an emergency, Mr. Madden advised that the hypothetical person would be better served in a congregate care facility. The proposed housing project is for healthy, viable seniors, most likely someone who has lost a spouse, and don't care to stay in large house. Mr. Goldsworthy rebutted a comment made regarding the train noise. The soundwall will mitigate the train noise to acceptable standards, it is the instantaneous whistle noise that is at issue. In response to Commissioner Wright, Mr. Goldsworthy stated that there will be a set of stairs for every five units, being no more than 75 feet away from the farthest unit. Planning Commission Minutes Page 10 October 25, 1995