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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-13-1968 Planning Commission Minutes SUMMARY OF MINUTES CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION TIME: Tuesday, 13 February 1968, 7:30 P.M. PLACE: City Council Chambers, Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California TYPE: Regular Meeting I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATION A. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Crisp, Johnson, Kasner, McFall, Norton, O'Rorke, and Smith. Absent: None. B. MINUTES Commissioner Smith movedi seconded by Commissioner Kasner, that the reading of the minutes of the '15 January 1968 special meeting (Major Review of the General Plan) be waived and that they be approved as distributed to the Commission; motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, that .the reading of the minutes of the 22 January 1968 meeting be waived and that they be approved subject to the following changes: page 3. . .paragraph 14.. .line 2.. .add the word "lots" before the word "which"; page 4. . .paragraph 3.. .line 3. . .change "Russell lane" to "Verde Vista"; page 9.. .paragraph 10.. .Condition -7.. .change to read as follows: VT. Improve pedestrian walkway to schoo~=10-feet on 12-foot easement, along the eastern side of. Lot 6 as approved by the Director of Public Works."; page 10.. .between paragraphs 6 and 7.. .insert the following: "Chairman Norton then directed that Condition - 7 of the subject report be amended as follows: 7. Improve pedestrian walkmy to school, 10-feet on 12-foot easement, along the eastern side of'Lot 6 as approved by the Director of Public Works."- page 10.. .paragraph 7.. .line 1.. .change the word "easement" to motion carried unanimously. II. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. GENERAL PLAN REVIEW - Major Review for 1968 - Continued from 22 January 1968 Chairman Norton opened the public hearing relative to the General Plan Review at 7:42 P.M. Chairman Norton, after reviewing this file, directed the Secretary to read the communications recdived since the last meeting. -1- Planning Conm~ission Minutes - 13 February 1968 - Continued II. A. GEneRAL PLAN 1LEVIEW - CONTINUED The Secretary read 1) a petiti6n with seventy (70) signatures supporting the Russell Lane connection and opposing the alternates suggested in a petition submitted at the 22 January 1968 meeting by residents of Russell and Debbie Lane; 2) a. comunication received from Mr. and Mrs. Russell Bate and filed in support of the Russell Lane connection, but opposing the position that Verde Vista should carry entire traffic load for the Sarahills area; 3) a communication from Dr. and Mrs. Gary Mastman, 20777 Russell Court, stating their reasons for opposing the Russell Lane connection; 4)'a letter submitted by Douglas W. and Joan M. Boyce supporting the Russell Lane connection and opposing the alternates sug- gested; 5) a letter received from Larry and }Mrjorie Kitchen support{ng the Russell Lane connection and opposing the suggested alternate designa- ting Verde Vista and Sarahills Drive as part.s of a collector street net- work in lieu of Russell Lane; 6) a letter received from Mr. B. T. Galeb, Galeb Properties, proposing architecturally controlled non - "barracks" multiple development rather than second-rate single family residents for the triangular shaped area which will result between the Freeway, the railroadl right-of-way and the Zpower line when the West Valley Freeway is established; 7) a letter received from John J. Hayes, Jr.,'Attorney, requesting that he be notified of any changes made in the C-S Zone with respect to the V-C Zoning and 8) 'parts of · a'memo'randum received from Livingston and Blayney explaining ~he"Herriman Avende extension. The Secretary, in answer to an inquiry from Chairman Norton, stated that approximately $180,000 is available .~nually from Gas Tax monies but that these funds are already The Secretary then explained that the following figures were submitted by the Public Works Department as the cost for the individual streets: Herriman Avenue Extension $213,210.00 Russell Lane Connection ........... 33,881.88 Verde Vista 80,000.00 Allendale Avenue Extended 176,970.00 Mr. Livingston, in answer to an inquiry from Chairman Norton, stated he preferred to wait until after the public hearing is closed t6 submit his conunents. Mr. Van der Torren, stated that. 1) he has carefully reviewed the reports submitted by the Planning Consultants and the Citizens' Committee; 2) since this report is complete and looks 25 - years into the future and will guide the destiny of the City, all problems should be given due consideration; 3) when he read the Citizens' Committee Report his respect for their work grew since they supplied the City and the Planning Consultant with facts that required a'lot of work and thought; 4) he was .disappointed in the brief 8 - page report submitted.by the Planning Consultant, Livingston and Blayney; 5) he felt the Planning Consultant report is a diplomatic attempt to suggest necessary revisions and is a pacifier for some groups rather'than a guideline for the.City; 6) the report should be returned to the Planning Consultant for further study and that the Citizens' Com- mittee. Report should be given further consideration; 7) he would like to submit the following recommendations for consideration: PAT[B,~AYS Page 5.. .paragraph 1. . . (of Planning Consultant Report) . . .shOuld be revised to reflect precise location of pathways. Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 13 FebrUary 1968 - Continued II. A. GENERAL PLAN REVIEW - CONTINUED COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT a) Since recommendations are included relative to the Blue Hills Azule area, some mention should have been made relative to the parking problems in the Village. b) Some consideration should be given to Commercial areas where facilities are too small to handle shopping needs. c) There is a good possibility that the lack of customers in the Village is due to inadequate parking and money should be budgeted to provide for a study of this problem. d) The City could purchase the open area in Saratoga and develop it for parking. e) The Quito Shopping Center should be extended to Saratoga Avenue to enable the center to draw more business. f) When he (Mr. Van der Tooten) made a similar request to Mr. Livingston, his attitude was that he had not incorporated the aforementioned idea into his report because the City Council was opposed to extension of Commercial Zoning. g) Mr. Maggoire (Mr. Van der Tooren's client) has been denied a Change of Zoning for his property (corner of Cox and Saratoga Avenue). h) He and his client have been on the alert for a good use for the property on the corner of Cox and Saratoga Avenue and now recommend that Professional Offices would be appropriate. He then stated that 1) use of double access streets for fire safety access could be provided by crash gates and 2) if Herriman Avenue is extended he would like a concession to an ambulance and would suggest Allendale as a more logical extension. Chairman Norton 1) thanked Mr. Van der Tooren for his well developed state- ment and 2) stated that even though he was not in agreement with his sugges- tions a copy of his statements would be appreciated by the Commission. Mr. Warren Held, (Architect for Mr. and Mrs. Kahle) 1) presented a scheme for development of approximately 2-acres owned by his clients 2) advised that traffic has been the biggest problem to work out relative to this develop- ment 3) stated they would retain as much open-space as possible 4) pointed out that the property was located. close to the Village and would be a good. ~ buffer between R-1 and the Village Commercial area. He further explained that 1) each unit would have 1500 square feet with 10-units on 2-acres and 2) they hope to preserve the house designed by Julia Morgan which is located on the property. Mr. Albertson, Shadow Oaks Way, asked all the people that were present to oppose the Herriman Avenue extension to stand and approximately fifty (50) people in the audience stood up. Mr. John J. Hayes, Jr., Attorney for Dr. Oliver, inquired if the Visitor Commercial (V-C) would cause any changes'in the Commercial Service (C-S). Chairman Norton stated that as it was understood at the present time, it would not. -3- ~ .. ~Commission~nutes - 13 Februar~ 1968 - Co~_~ II. A. GENERAL PLAN REVIEW - CONTINUED The Secretary, in answer to an inquiry from Mr. Charles Maclean, stated that the high cost quoted for the construction of the Allendale extension may be due to the fact that the extension may not be put on City property and the purchase of right-of-w~y'~ould have to be considered and to"be realistic about it the highest possible cost has to be considered. Mr. A1Hansen, Dolphin Drive, suggested 1) some studies be made to alleviate and find other routes for the traffic that will be gener- ated by the College and 2) Pollard Road be extended to provide an entrance to the back of the College since a lot of students will be coming from that direction. Chairman Norton pointed out that most of the traffic will come from Saratoga Avenue, so it does not seem that an extension of Pollard would alleviate the traffic on Allendale. Cor~missioner McFall stated that a joint traffic study had been made rela- tive to traffic that will be caused by the College. Mr. Hansen stated that the reason the college is where it is today is due to improper zoning in that area.' ~e Secretary, in answer to an inquiry from Mr. Phil Boy~e,..~0900 Boyce lane, explained that in order to be realistic, the road .cost~ were made on the basis.of the City having tO' acquire the entire right-of-way and it was not assumed that any free dedications would be granted. Mr. Ralph Foley.-stated he did not see how the City could form an assess- ment district for property that does not belong to the City. ~rs. Phil Boyce, 20900 Boyce Lane, stated that she felt the figures quoted were immaterial and people that buy property near fenced off or secluded areas should realize that this property will eventually be ex- tended. }~. Vince Beaolly stated he was opposed to Russell Lane and/or Verde Vista becoming a collector street. Mr. Bill Larkin stated that since Commissioner McFall and Commissioner Smith had dedicated themselves to.keeping this City ~rural, some attempts should be made in that direction. Chairman Norton explained that the City could not prevent people from developing their property; 2) the City endeavors to maintain a country. like envirom~ent'bu~ it seems to be a losing battle; 3) traffic must go do~,~ some street and with the population going towards 30,000, there will have to be some connecting'of streets. Mr. Larkin stated that he bought his home on Herriman Avenue because was close to the schools and the Village and he did not anticipat~ living on such a busy street. Mr. Galeb stated if the problem areas in the City were approached with an open mind, one large stretch of land could be developed for a park and serve as a buffer area rather than be retained as an eye sore. C~airman Norton, in answer to an inquiry from Mr. Miller, stated 1) the General Plan Committee will meet to consider all arguments presented and then prepare a report s~ating the~ recommendations; 2) the repo~ will be submitted to the City Council and they will make the final decision on all matters based on all the evidence voicedi at the meeting of the Plan- ning Commission and City Council. Planning Commission. Minutes - 13 February, 1968 - Continued II. A. GE~ZiL~L PLAN REVIEW - CONTI~rUED ~e Secretary explained that the Allendale extension from Fruitvale Avenue to the Creek, assuming that all of it would be on City property, could be reduced to $53,000. I'~P~h~ AVENUE EXTENSION : ~. Livingston, Planning Consultant, stated that since a number of people have expressed themselves (factually and emotionally) as being against the Herriman extension, he would like to point out: 1) The primary reason for the Herr i man Avenue extension is to handle local traffic :.-'..' 2) the projected traffic for Herriman is 170 vehicles at peak hours and we need ~nextension to handle the traffic 3) that under no circumstances does he recon~nend extension of Allendale Avenue since this would cause chaos on Saratoga Avenue due to the .... college traffic ...... 4) the Oak trees on Shadow Oaks Way will not be removed if the Herriman Avenue extension goes through. RUSSELL LANE.AND VEP~E VISTA Mr. Livingston then explained that 1) the term collector street is an accurate description for what is proposed for Russell Lane or Verde Vista; 2) either street would serve the role as collector adequately and 3) Sara View and Sarahills should be considered as part of a collector going through to Pierce. COmmeRCIAL SERVICE Mr. Livingston stated that it is a proposal of the'General Plan that new Co~a~rcial not be permitted in the Visitors Commer&ial district'because as long as these C-S uses continue to be permitted, the up-grading of this area will never materialize. Mr. Livingston, in answer to an'inquiry from Chairman Norton, stated that Mr. Hayes, Attorney for Dr. OliVer, would have to be informed that his client's improved property would become a non-conforming use. Chairman Norton directed the Secretary to so inform Mr. Hayes.. Mr. Livingston then stated that his next series of comments would deal only with the statements made by Mr. Van der Torren that were misleading. 1) the eight (8) page document referred to is merely a summary of a 100 - page document~ 2) the statement that the Planning Consultant might have been misled in his report can be disqualified since this report has been pre- pared like thirty (30) others before it 3) the report was compared with theiCi~izens Committee Report and while it is true that in the proposed General Plan Report there are some results from the Citizens Committee Report, your Plan- ning Consultant felt this would be only proper since there is no use having public hearings where only Livingston and Blayney ideas Plantin,% Conm~ission Minutes - 13 February 1968 - Continued II. A. GE~j;~t~L PLAN REVIE%~ - CONTINUED ..... ar~ ~xpres~ed. After all changes were made and consideration given to all recommendations, we feel that this'is a worthwhile plan. PA~.IWAYS A~FD MISCELLAN!;OUS }~" Livingston explained that '1) all right-of-way will be owned by the City prior to construction and use of pathways; 2) the utility companies have permitted easements for use as pathways; 3) the fact that only one- . half of the land zoned commercial is utilized indicates no need for any ' m0'r'~' of ~hi~'~ype 6'f '~onlng';' 4) [e waS"~isqU'6t~d"by ~' Va~ de~'Torren .... in his statement relative to the Quito Shopping Center expansion; 5) the comparison of the Visitors Commercial Zone to a carnival is not accurate; the comparison'should be with the Saratoga Village and Los Gatos;and 6) Fire "sa f~ ty' ~Oad s' "~s t""g0"' ~h~'~U'~N' {B7fd i fi I l"'e~i~" f~i'8~'~hd""~h'~'Ih'~'~'h'6~ ............... Underwriters would agree. KAKLE PROPERTY Mr. Livingston explained that 1) this is really a zoning matter and not part of the General Plan, but if the zoning is changed, it will set a precident; 2) his'~dvise before making any changes would be to see what happen~ with R-M zoning already existing. ALLEDgE AVENUE Mr. Livingston pointed out that 1) there is no need for construction of an alternate route to the college down Pollara since additional routes would just cause problems and would not do the people on Allendale that much good and 2) the Wilbur Smith Report has been mos~ ........... helpful in preparing the traffic plan. Chairman Norton,_in answer to an inquiry.frOm a man in'the audience, stated [hat the City Council will listen to all suggestions when they have their public hearings on the General Plan. A resident of Sobey Road stated.that he objected .on his behalf an~ on .- behalf of. the residents of Sobey Road to any connection of Sobey Road and Fruitvale Avenue. Mr. Livingston, in answer to an inquiry from a gentlemen in the audience, stated that 1) Sobey Road projected traffic is one hundred (100) vehicles at the peak hours and 2) on the matter of Collector Streets, whether it be Verde Vista or Russell Lane, the projected traffic will be 250 cars at peak hours. "' Mr. Merlet, 19980 Lannoy Court, stated that 1) since the Herriman exten- tion would handle local traffic and add approximately 30 vehicles per hour, he wondered if those 30 vehicles per hour were significant; 2) 180 resi- dents signed a petition saying that they do not want the extension and they were said to be the people that would gain from it.= Mr. Livingston explained that 1) local traffic does not necessarily mean local residents and 2) the Herriman intersection will be seriously con- tested in the future for residents of Herr~man but more so for_people..in ...... surrounding areas. Mr. Livingston, in answer to a question from Mr. Harry Hogendijk, 14010 Shadow Oaks Way, explained that 1) the Eerriman extension will be used primarily by local traffic (Definition: .Local Traffic - Persons who live -6- Planning Con~ission Minutes - 13 February 1968 - Continue~ II. A. GE~I-IAL PLAN - CONTINUED in Saratoga and whose dwellings are so located that the Henriman Avenue route would be more convenient rather than.goinR.throu~h to Saratoga and Fr~itvale Avenue); 2) there will be 170 additional vehicles during the peak hours at the corner of Saratoga Avenue and Fruitvale Avenue unless the Herriman extension is put in to relieve this traffic. ..... "C'~iSsi0ner'0'R~r~e '~u~geste~"~ha~"~S'publiC'hearing"~'.c~n~in~e~' since the'discussion has been lengthy and thorough.' Chairman Norton stated that if anyone else wished to discuss the subject, he had no objections. Commissioner O'Rorke advised that the matter could not be resolved this evening and the.objections that were voiced were clear enough. Chairman Norton inquired if it was the judgemerit of the Commission that the objections were clearly understood. Commissioner Kasner stated that he .felt the meeting was being'extended beyond the point of absorption~ Mr. Galeb stated that if traffic becomes heavy .and the Herriman extension is not realized, it may be necessary to make an appointment a day in ad- vance just to cross Saratoga Avenue. · ' Mr. Merlet, Lannoy Court, thanked Mr. Livingston and the Planning Commis- sion for their time in considering this matter. ............ Mr. ICarl Unsera suggested that as a compromise, both Russell Lam and --. Verde Vista be designated as through streets and in that way, either one would be a collector street in a sense. Chairman Norton, at 9:58 P.Mo, closed the hearing relative to the General Plan Review and directed same continued to the meeting of 26 February 1968. .. After a brief discussion,'Chairman Norton stated there. would be a Study .. Session relative to the General Plan on Monday, 19 February 1968 at 7:30 P.M. He then directed the Secretary to notify: -.. , 1) ~the ~yor .. 2) 'the City COuncil 3)' the newspapers. RECESS AND RECONVENE 7. -7- Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 13 February 1968 - Continued II. B. V-313 - Pete Pasetta, Saratoga-Los Gatos Road - Request for Variance in Connection with Side Yard Setback Requirements - Continued from 26 December 1967 The hearing for V-313 was opened at 10:20 P.M. The Secretary stated there was nothing new in the file. Dr. Pace, adjaCent'property owner, stated 1) his letter (read at the 27 December 1967 meeting) phrasing his objections to the granting of this Variance was in the file 2) he was probably the only neighbor that would be concerned with this Variance since his property bordered Mr. Pasetta's and 3) Mr. Pasetta has four-acres of land and could find some place to put his garage where a Variance would not be required. Commissioner Johnson then read the report of the Variance Committee dated 13 February 1968 and recommending that V-313 be denied. At 10:23 P.M. Commissioner Kasner moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp that the hearing relative to V-313 be closed; motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Johnson moved, seconded by Commissioner Kasner, that the Variance Committee Report of 13 February 1968, relative to V-313, be adopted and the Variance denied since the findings required by (Section 17.6 of Ordinance NS-3) cannot be made; motion carried with Commissioner Crisp abstaining. III. BUILDING SITES AND SUBDIVISIONS ~A. SR-607 . Douglas P. Hines, Pierce Road - Revision of Tentative }~p - Subdivision Approval - 5 Lots - Continued from 22 January 1968 The Secretary stated that the 'applicant has grlnted a 90-day extension and then recommended that SD-607 be continued, off-the-agenda, until problems with the Health Depar.tment relative to septic tanks is resolved. Chairman Norton directed SD-607 continued to the 13 May 1968'meeting. B. SDR-731 - Sacred Heart Chruch, Saratoga Avenue - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - New Church There was no one present to represent the applicant. The Secretary stated the applicant is aware of the proposed'conditions and has expressed approval of same. Commissioner Smith'.moved, seconded by Commissioner Kasner, that the Building Site Committee Report of 13 February 1967 relative to SDR-731 be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed 18 January 1968) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in said report;' motion carried unanimously. C. SDR-732 - Franklin Homes Company, Fourth Street and Saratoga Creek - .Building Site Approval - 1 Lot Commissioner Smith advised that the Subdivision Committee.met with the applicant and then recommended that SDR-732 be continued to the meeting of 26 February 1968 to allow time'to resolve problems relative to street improvements. Chairman Norton so directed. -8- Planning Commission Minutes - 13 February 1968 - Continued III. D. SD-733 - John Rodriguez, Jr., Big Basin Way - Subdivision Approval - 128 Lots Commissioner Smith explained that the Subdivision Committee met with the applicant and since some'changes will be required on the map it 'iSrecommended that SD-733 be continued to the next regular meeting. Chairman Norton so directed. IV. DESIGN REVIEW~ A. A-271 - John Rodriguez, Jr., Big Basin Way - Preliminary Design Reivew - Townhouses Commissioner O'Rorke stated that the applicant met'i with the Design Review Committee and it was decided that this matter should be continued z-to allow the applicant time to submit revised exhibits. Chairman Norton so directed.' B. A-273 - Franklin Homes Company, Fourth Street and Saratoga Creek - Preliminary Design Review.- Apartment Complex Commissioner O'Rorke stated that the Design Review Committee met with the applicant and found that"the distance between the structures is not shown on the exhibits and the parking spaces seemed to be inadequate; therefore, the Committee rec~,nf~ends that A-273 be continued to allow the applicant time to submit revised plans. Chairman Norton so directed. C. SS-55 - DeAnza Development Company, Arroyo de Arguello and Wardell Road - Final Design Review - Temporary On-Tract Subdivision Sign and Two (2) Temporary Off-Site Directional Signs Commissioner O'Rorke advised. that a Staff Report has been prepared relative to this application. The Assistant Planner briefly reviewed this file and then everyone " read the subject Staff Report-recommending approval of SS-55. After discussion, Commissioner O'Rorke moved, seconded by Commissioner Kasner, that the Staff Report=of 13 February 1968 be adopted and Final Design Review approval be granted for SS-55 as shown on Exhibits "A" and "B" subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously~ V. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Commissioner Crisp gave a summary on items reviewed and action taken at the City Council meeting of 7 February 1968, with emphasis on items of particular interest'to the Planning Commission. VI. OLD BUSINESS UP-i..~ ~..e~t Valley Baptist Church, Fruitvale and Allendale Avenues - Request for Extension Commissioner Smith explained that the applicant has requested an extension of UP-121 and then recommended that this be continued to the next regular meeting to allow time for the Subdivision Committee to meet with the appli- cant and discuss the parking problems relative to this Use Permit. Chairman Norton so directed. -9- Planning Comm'ission Minutes - 13 February 1968 - Continued VII. NEW BUSINESS A. SDR-655 - Dr. Donald Hambey, Farwell Avenue - Request for Extension The Secretary read a letter submitted by Mrs. Donald Hambey requesting an extension of one (1) year for SDR-655. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner McFall, to grant an extension of one (1) year relative to SDR-655; motion carried unanimously. B. WERNER STERN - Quito Park Business Center, Cox Avenue - Request to · Add an Additional Use to the List of Uses Permitted Under the Conditional Neighborhood Commercial Zoning The Secretary explained that a letter had been received from the Manager of the Quito Park Business Center requesting that Veterinary' Office be added to the list of Conditional Uses in the Neighborhood Co.mmercial District. Commissioner Smith explained that the Subdivision Committee met with the applicant and it was pointed out that there would be no animal boarding on the premises. Mr. Lester Prinz, resident of the area, stated that with a store on the front of this property access to the rear of the property would be hampered. After discussion, Chairman Norton continued this matter and directed the Secretary to publish a Notice of Informal Hearing relative to same. C. TRACT #4253 - Joseph J. Pon, Verde Vista Lane - Request for Extension The Secretary explained that a letter was submitted requesting a one (1) year extension, for the second unit of this subdivision, to allow time to process the balance of the tract before' the expiration date of 12 March 1968. Commissioner Smith.moved, seconded by Commissioner Kasner, to grant an extension of one (1) year relative to Tract 4253; motion carried unani- mously. VIII. COMMUNICATIONS A. WRITTEN 1. BLUE RIDGE HOME OWNER'S ASSOCIATION The Secretary briefly reviewed a communication .received from M~. Dave Fisher, President and Mr. Jack Burtt, Secretary of the Blue Ridge Home Owner's Association recommending that an alternate park site be developed relative to the Saratoga Foothills Subdivi- sion SD-729. 2. ASSISSTANT PLANNER - ~MO" Chairman Norton stated that the memo and information prepared by the Assisstant Planner, for the Planning Commission, relative to setbacks and various applications handled"by the Planning Department is very informative and well-defined. -10- Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 13 February 1968 - Continued VIII. A. 2. MEMO - Continued Commissioner O'Rorke sdated that the Assistant.= planner, Mr. Gary Bonfiglio, has been very helpful to the Design Review Committee by instituting a series of check lists to enable the Committee to analyZe an application quickly as well as writing Staff Report relative to individual applications. B. ORAL Chairman Norton acknowledged, with pleasure, the presence of Councilman Robbins, ~s. Aberlee'and Mr. George Stepovich of the · Good Government Group. He,' also, thanked Mrs. Aberlee for the coffee served at recess. IX. ADJOURNMENT The Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 10:55 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Stanley M. Walker, Secretary · Saratoga Planning Commission j -11-