PC 061108 - Laserfiche WebLink

noted that if this building were limited to three stories, with the right parking structure, the neighbors would not be as concerned with the overflow parking. He stated that mediation could be very successful and would like to see that process go forward. Commissioner Olson disclosed that he spoke with Ron Williamson on the phone on June 10, 2008, for about 20 minutes. As staff indicated, he noted that substantial conformance would be based on appearance and operations. He noted that a better appearance could be achieved and that a senior living facility should be placed on this property. He indicated that four stories might be pushing the envelope. He added that he could not come up with substantial conformance when he looked at the nature of this operation versus what was anticipated in 1985. He noted that it was reasonable that in the past 23 years, some could argue a lack of conformity in general, based on changes that have occurred. He indicated that he did not understand how this could go forward without an EIR. He stated that he believed this project should go on this property but that there should be a mediation process. He stated that he could not vote for conformance in order to get to a mediation process as he believed there was no substantial conformance in this case. He inquired why ingress and egress could not occur off of Foothill Road rather than Pleasant Hill Road. He noted that it seemed possible that athree-story design could be put on the property such that the third story would be up against Foothill Road and away from the other road; entry to and exit from the property would occur from Foothill Road and actually go under part of the building to get into the main part of the property. Commissioner Narum noted that she had difficulty finding substantial conformance based on the operation. She stated that this was a good location for a senior facility but the project evolved with time. She disclosed that she met with the Williamsons and met with Mr. Shemp earlier in the day. She understood that there was a willingness to compromise in the neighborhood, which led her to suggest the mediation process. She stated that she would vote for conformance if a condition were to be included to use a mediation process because she believed this was the right use at the location. Commissioner O'Connor disclosed that he met with the Williamsons. Commissioner Fox disclosed that she met with the Williamsons. Chair Blank stated that he believed this item should have been a workshop rather than a hearing. He noted that senior living had evolved in the past 23 years, as had the environment. He noted that it was disingenuous to suggest that one side of the equation had evolved but that the other had become frozen in time. He stated that the principles of a Community of Character did not fit with the application yet. He was very concerned about the operations and noted that he had an incidence of Alzheimer's in his family. He added that he did not see how the required care for someone in the late stages of Alzheimer's could be PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 11, 2008 Page 23 of 28