PC 07/22/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Further, she noted there should be discussion for uses of the $800,000 amenity funds and stated that improvements and enhancements to Alviso Adobe Pazk could be a visual, cultural and educational asset. She requested that issues relating to overcrowding in schools be addressed by the DeSilva group. She expressed ambiguity with the density of project; however, she noted support in retaining rural elements on Foothill Drive. She expressed concern with removal of trees, and especially the three lazge oak trees in development. She expressed ambiguity for a traffic light on Foothill Drive; however, she stated that light might possibly slow down Foothill High traffic. She concluded by commending the developer for working cooperatively with the neighbors and suggested that the applicant develop an additional one-story plan. Commissioner Sullivan commended the developer for his cooperative work with the neighbors. Further, he spoke in favor of less density for development with the tazget range being between 46, as referenced in the General Plan, and 91. Further, he supported remaining space being used for open-space buffers with trees between the north and south side to retain some of the lost atmosphere of neighborhood. He supported increasing the buffer along the freeway to 200 feet, with large trees to buffer noise. Further, he expressed concern with the noisiness of parks adjacent to freeways, and stated he would like to see the dry creek bed along south end of development restored with trees. Commissioner Sullivan supported aone-street connection at Foothill with no vehicle connections into north or south neighborhoods, EVA connections on north and south sides, and bicycle and pedestrian access on EVA connections. Commissioner Sullvian noted support for all one-story homes on north and south borders, different one-story plans being developed to add vaziety to development ,and lowering roof lines on single-story homes to maintain views. Further, he spoke in support of staffs recommendation for detailing on side and rear of houses, and stated in his view, the houses being developed do not blend in with adjacent neighborhoods. In addition, Commissioner Sullivan expressed support of replanting of trees along Foothill Road, and stated his desire for replanting of mature trees. Commissioner Sullivan indicated ambiguity with a traffic light being installed along Foothill Boulevard, due to the planning of three additional stop lights along areas of Foothill Boulevard. He expressed concurrence with the neighbor's view that there will be cut-through traffic resulting from a traffic light, even with stated restrictions. He expressed disagreement with the EIR and Negative Declaration and expressed concurrence with neighbor's comments that there will be an impact on plant and animal species due to the ecosystem existing in the walnut orchard. In addition, he noted that housing tracts should not be developed adjacent to freeways. Commissioner Sullivan stated he would support the open space idea of the developer and noted interest in the amenity funding for Alviso Adobe Park. Further, he suggested using amenity funds for schools, reestablishing school bussing, the Altamont Train system, or contribution to local public transits to relieve traffic congestion. In conclusion, Commissioner Sullivan spoke in support of restrictions on out building adjacent to existing neighborhoods, neighbors remaining at existing grade, allowing continued - light industrial use of the Merritt property, and reducing impacts on schools by not approving more housing development until school issues are resolved. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES July 22, 1998 Page 8