PC 03/13/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

Chairman Mahern noted that she has received a number of telephone ca11s regarding the app1ication: (1) In regard to the Williamson Act, people want to know the justification of canceling it before its maturity date and what benefit, if any, this is to the community. Peop1e have told her this would simply add to a glut on the present housing market. Mr. Swift replied that the City does have at its discretion the ability to take the land out of the Williamson Act before its time. However, certain legal findings must be made and if those findings cannot be made, the land cannot be removed. One of the key findings is that this particular site would be a more contiguous pattern of urban development than similar housing somewhere else. He said there are a number of projects that have not commenced because of the slowdown in housing demand, but there will probably be about 1,300 houses as of January 1, 1991, that could be constructed this year. (2) What is the time frame for the possible extension of Mirador Drive to Bernal Avenue? Mr. Swift said it is staff recommendation that Mirador be extended at the time of project construction. ~ (3) In regard to infill behind Abbie Street that the City dumped when Bernal Avenue was extended, Chairman Mahern asked what would happen to this infill; what was the height of the land prior to that infill and what will it be after some of it is removed. Mr. Swift said he could not answer these questions at the moment, but thought the applicant could. He noted that area was filled with earth from the Bernal Avenue project. At that time staff was directed by Council to protect the viewshed of the Abbie Street residents and that is what they are trying to achieve. He said it was a fairly steep swale before any infill was put in; what staff has tried to do is situate building pads so as not to intrude upon adjacent property owners' privacy. (4) Chairman Mahern discussed with Mr. swift the reason for recommending that one story houses stop at lot 55. (5) Chairman Mahern discussed with Mr. swift that the Design Review Board recommended removing lots 72 through 76. (6) Chairman Mahern questioned Mr. Swift as to the new plan the applicant brought before them tonight and also the new plan staff presented. In both of those cases along "F" Street, she asked whether the big dips between the hills would be filled in. Mr. swift said some swales would have to be filled in to retain a 10% slope; however, this can be worked out with the applicant. This will also be reviewed at the tentative map stage. (7) Chairman Mahern said the Number One complaint she has heard is that even though the Commission has the opportunity to study MINUTBS PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 13, 1991 Pag. 4