PC 091306 - Laserfiche WebLink

In reference to the site plan on Exhibit E, Commissioner Olson noted that he would put a road from the existing small parking lot off of Del Valle Parkway as well as an access road along the property line behind the planned pre-school building. He believed that some redesign would be required to get a road through there, where there is currently only an eight-foot clearance. He would close off the access to Golden Road entirely and put a one-lane road down the property line, next to the adult education building, to allow access onto Hopyard Road. It would be one way in before services and one way out after services. He felt strongly that the parking lots should be connected. Commissioner Blank wished to echo Commissioner Olson’s comments and would like to see some fresh looks in the building locations, such as a smaller square footage to accommodate the new road idea. He liked the idea of closing off Golden Road as well as consolidating the parking lot somehow. He encouraged the applicant to continue to work closely with the neighbors. Acting Chairperson Fox believed that one combined parking lot would look too massive and institutional for a residential neighborhood. She did not see many people park in the lots, perhaps to avoid the Santa Rita Road/Del Valle Parkway intersection. She suggested reducing the 122 spaces to 110 spaces. She liked the replacement of the building as shown in the proposed plan but thought the playground area looked somewhat small for a licensed facility of 99 children. She would prefer to see the buffer zone between the swim club and the proposed parking lot used for more play area. She opposed the connection of the road, which would be only several feet away from the sidewalk used by children on the way to the park. No action was taken. 7. MATTERS INITIATED BY COMMISSION MEMBERS Day Lamps for Design Colors Commissioner Blank requested that several day lamps be provided so the color boards and printouts could be examined under proper lighting. He noted that the fluorescent lighting in the Chambers did not yield an accurate impression of the designs’ colors. Ms. Decker noted she would look into that possibility. Extra Planning Commission Meetings With respect to scheduling and workload, Commissioner Olson recalled comments made by the City Manager at the last City Council meeting that it was up to the Planning Commission if it wanted to have extra meetings. He asked the Commissioners to consider that possibility and noted that he had heard comments from the community that either the Planning Commission or City staff was not completing their work. He believed that staff was overwhelmed by the workload and acknowledged that this process took a great deal of time. He suggested scheduling extra meetings to deal with a single item, such as the Neal Street application, or to conduct a lengthy workshop. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 13, 2006 Page 21 of 23