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PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS 14. Public Hearing: PUD-55, Michael Carey and Steve Maestas -Consider an application for Planned Unit Development rezoning and development plan approval to: (1) rezone an approximately 0.24-acre parcel from RM-15 (Multiple-Family Residential) District and Core Area Overlay District to PUD-HDR (Planned Unit Development -High Density Residential) District and Core Area Overlay District; and (2) demolish two existing residential units, renovate one existing residential unit, and construct four new single-family homes for a total of five residential units at the property located at 225 West Angela Street Director of Planning Jerry Iserson gave the staff report, described the request as a rezoning, demolition of a duplex, renovation of an existing family residence, and construction of four individually designed, detached single-family homes. He described the project location, stating the area was under the Downtown Specific Plan and situated between a 10-unit condominium project and a 14-unit apartment building complex. He presented pictures of the existing 1906 home and said the home, heritage oak tree and garage would be retained. He displayed various elevations, the landscape plan which shows minor landscaping along Peters Avenue, said project density was 20 units to the acre which complies with the General Plan for high density residential and the Downtown Specific Plan policy of encouraging densities above the median and to encourage housing that is more affordably priced, and ones which would spur economic development in the downtown. Mike Carey, property owner/applicant, noted that the property is within walking distance of the ACE Train Station, nearby restaurants, parks and the fairgrounds. He said all parking is on site, there are roughly 5.5 parking spaces along Peters Avenue they are retaining, they are not doing curb cuts and leaving the driveway where it is so street parking is not lost. There is no in-lieu parking, they are saving the 1906 home and restoring it, using historic colors, vintage styles compatible with the downtown design guidelines which support and encourage infill projects, thanked the Council and staff for their review of the project and said their architect, Charles Huff, is present to answer questions. Councilmember McGovern said she spoke with Mr. Carey and Mr. Huff about Elevation D which faces West Angela, stating it was the one house that does not have as much of a facade entryway look as the others. She asked if a trellis could be placed above the garage area for landscaping or some way to soften the front of the house. In addition, there is no outdoor seating areas, there is a lot of concrete around the house with little landscaping and she questioned if there was the opportunity for a balcony on the second floor to provide outdoor amenities and seating. Mr. Iserson said staff would work with the applicant to improve the elevations and add those features. Councilmember McGovern said, being on the Bernal Park Financing Committee and thinking about the density and young families, she questioned which park would they be able to use. She questioned if there was a nexus to improve Bernal Park due to the increased density of units approved in the downtown. City Manager Fialho said staff has approached Mr. Carey about the idea of contributing financially to the Bernal Park property. He is paying park in-lieu dedication fees, which by Council policy can only be used for the acquisition of parkland. The developer has offered to pay in addition to that amount per unit the equivalent of about $2500 per unit, which would go directly to a fund to help defray the cost of the long term investment in the Bernal property. City Council Minutes 4 October 16, 2007