PC 03/25/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Tom Harlan represented the applicant. There were no comments or questions. Pamela Osnaya, 4304 Second Street, stated she is a neighbor of the project and has never been contacted by staff. She noted that she has lived in her home for 18 years. She stated that she and her neighbors have a horrible parking problem brought on by new homes across the street. She related that at some point she was told that Kottinger Street would be widened and that each developer would be assessed a fee for the cost of improving the street. She noted that because of this understanding, she and other neighbors have been patient in waiting for that to happen. She described the pazking problems in further detail, nothing that she has had to pazk her car up to four houses away. She and her husband have become so frustrated with the parking problem that they have even discussed moving, although she does not want to leave her home. Ms. Osnaya stated that although parking for the proposed project exceeds minimum requirements, she does not believe it will work. She commented that she would like to have just one parking space available on the street in front of her home and asked how that could be enforced. She also noted that her 86-year-old neighbor has experienced the same parking problems and asked her to express her concern this evening as well. Ms. Osnaya requested that the Commission seriously consider the pazking problem in reaching a decision. She also asked that no additional units be allowed to be constructed until the road is widened. Additionally, she reminded the Commission that Kottinger Street is a very narrow street with very heavy traffic. She also expressed concern that the lot on the corner is being considered for commercial business which will only increase the traffic and parking problems. Commissioner Kumazan reminded Ms. Osnaya that the code requires only two pazking spaces to be - provided per unit, and 12 spaces are being provided for the four proposed units. He asked what, in addition, to that she could suggest. She responded that fewer units should be considered for that lot. She also pointed out that most families have more than two cazs and that's part of the reason the parking on the streets is so congested. In response to a questions by Commissioner Kumazan, Mr. Iserson stated that all projects approved in that area recently have met minimum parking requirements. Mr. Higdon commented that the applicants have already paid their portion of the costs for widening the street. In addition, he stated that he understands the intersection of Kottinger Street and Second Street is one of the worst in the City. He stated that the budget is currently under review to determine whether Kottinger Street can be widened in the year 2000, and he will make a recommendation to the City Council that it be funded for the yeaz 2000. Chair Cooper asked whether the parking requirements changed based upon the size of the unit. Mr. Iserson stated that since these aze condominiums, the requirements does not increase along with the squaze footage. Chair Cooper stated that he certainly understands Ms. Osnaya's plight, and asked whether there is any additional room on the property for additional pazking spaces. Mr. Iserson stated there probably is not. Chair Cooper commented that pazking permits should be considered for this neighborhood. Teri Tokunaga, 194 Kottinger Drive, stated that she lives three doors down from the proposed site. She does not want any additional residential units built until the street is widened. Planning Commission Page 5 March 25, 1998