PC 07/22/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Kumaran expressed support for a traffic light being installed along Muirwood with a "no right turn on red" restriction to avoid cut though traffic into neighborhood. Commissioner Kumazan expressed concern with the affects on neighbor's views and requested that the developer use technology applications to provide residents an idea of what landscaping will look like in the future. He concluded by stating that grading should be retained, especially on north side. Commissioner Dove expressed support in having only one access road into development, and adding bicycle or pedestrian paths where EVA's are located to provide children an alternative to utilizing Foothill Road. Commissioner Dove suggested having the City hazborist confirm the illness in the walnut tree orchard to avoid taking unusual measure to save trees that are dying. Further, that a plan be established to plant additional trees, as eazly as possible, to compensate for dying trees. In conclusion, Commissioner Dove provided the pros and cons of developing a sound wall versus using a row of trees to buffer noise, and spoke in favor of a sound wall along the parameter of project. Chairperson Cooper expressed support with having only one access road into development, having EVA access on north and south side of Prairie, and if EVA access is not possible on the south side of Prairie, at least having pedestrian access. Further, Chairperson Cooper stated that the developer's work along Foothill Road are very substantial, go beyond the frontage of developer's property, and should be considered part of the amenity package. Further, he stated the bicycle lanes along Foothill are a considerable improvement. Chairperson Cooper expressed support with the traffic signal on Foothill to break up the continuous flow of traffic and reduce speed of vehicles and with a "no right turn on red" designation to reduce traffic into neighborhood. He noted the retaining wall on Foothill Road will be adequate with the added possibility of stabilizing the historical landslide in that area. Chairperson Cooper spoke in favor of the restoration of the Alviso Adobe Park, and with a possible hiking trail up Castleridge property with the park as a staging area, for the use and benefit of the whole community. Further, he stated that the schools are receiving $1 million in school fee money, and would not be in support of them receiving any of the additional $800,000 amenity funding with the pazk fees applied to the purchase of the Castleridge property in part. Chairperson Cooper expressed support with a sound wall around the perimeter of development as a noise buffer. He addressed issues relating to the diseased walnut trees and expressed concern with planning development and landscaping azound dying walnut trees. He suggested planting mature trees azound the boundaries of the adjacent properties. Chairperson Cooper suggested additional review and discussion of additional setbacks or elimination of first row houses along the freeway; however, he stated he would not desire to change density levels dramatically. Chairperson Cooper addressed issues relating to the EIR and Negative Declaration and expressed his concerns with decreased water supplies for wildlife that live in the area and suggested _ providing some alternative for wildlife's water supply sources. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES July 22, 1998 Page 10