PC 11/09/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Nicholas Dempsey, Real Estate Department of Corporate Real Estate Services, retained by American Stores, represented this application. He feels this redevelopment is very attractive. He addressed the increase in variety items stocked in the grocery stores today. The remodeled Lucky store will have 50,000 square feet where most other new stores have 60,000+ square feet. Mr. Dempsey advised they are in agreement with most of the "Conditions of Approval." Angled parking is one issue to be addressed. He feels there will be a decrease in accessibility to the handicapped parking as well as a net loss of twelve parking spaces when using angled parking across the front of the stores. Furthermore, Mr. Dempsey advised the loss of twelve parking spaces would render this project in noncompliance of Code. He requested they be able to have perpendicular parking in front of the store which would keep this project within Code requirements. Mr. Dempsey also asked that deliveries, garbage pickup, sweeping, etc, be allowed during the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (prohibited by Condition 48). Because Lucky is open 24 hours, these activities need to be done during all hours, the sweeping must occur when there are as few cars as possible in the parking lot, and noise from the loading dock is not a problem because it faces West Las Positas and is shielded from the residential areas by a twelve foot soundwall and building. The applicant will agree to sweeping activities taking place after 5 a.m. Mr. Dempsey asked that the signage dimensions not be a part of this approval, but subject to approval by the Planning Director when an application for signs is made to the City at a later date. Commissioner Hovingh inquired if the smaller tenants will be given first option for available space in the center. Mr. Dempsey advised that while he is not involved in that aspect of the center's business, one restaurant has moved across the street, one has decided to go out of business, and one has been relocated within the center. Mr. Dempsey advised that the landlord is going forward with the Lucky expansion for fear that Lucky would leave the center if it was not allowed to expand. The landlord is working with the tenants who have leasehold control and who want to stay in the center. Commissioner McGuirk believes angled parking would impede the flow of traffic less than would perpendicular parking. In response to Commissioner McGuirk, Mr. Dempsey advised the angled parking would not be an issue if it did not cause them to be in non-compliance with the Code. Commissioner McGuirk commented that it seems staff is requesting the applicant to do something that would put them out of compliance. Mr. Swift advised that if twelve spaces were actually lost due to the angled parking, the applicant could ask for a variance. Planning Commission Minutes Page 7 November 9, 1994