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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-22-1997 Planning Commission minutes" `" `- ~NNING COMMISSION MINUTE. JANUARY 22, 1997 City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Regular Meeting Chairwoman Kaplan called the meeting to order at 7:34 p. m. Roll Call Present: Abshire, Bernald, Kaplan, Murakami, Patrick, Pierce, Siegfried Late: None Absent: None Staff: Community Development Director Curtis, Planners Deming and Walgren. City Attorney Riback was not present. Minutes - 1 /8/97 COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/SIEGFRIED MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 8, 1997 WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS: - Correct the spelling of Commissioner Bernald in the document. - Page 8, paragraph 2, line 2 amended to read: She said that she did not like the use of to 4 iae-h f>".:..:. stone. <`~1~"~d~'~::~:::. .,..... ~:>c ~liirof:< ~.~~aiu'.`~Q~~e a#?~re~<r 3 She:: ~. sc3.:.: c~:::: ot.:. Wye::;the.:.: v:......:. th.:::.:::. q...... ~ .................. .... rriatet` She expressed concern with the median ... " THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0-1 WITH COMMISSIONER MURAKAMI ABSTAINING. Oral Communications No comments were offered. Report of Posting Agenda Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on January 17, 1997. Technical Corrections to Packet Community Development Director Curtis stated there were no corrections to the agenda. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. V-96-011 - PAK, 21441 TOLLGATE RD; Request for Variance approval to construct a new 704 square foot three-car carport and a new pool pursuant to Chapter 15 of the City Code. Variance approval is requested to allow the carport to be located within the front and exterior side yard setbacks. The parcel is 1.2 acres and is located in a Hillside Residential zoning district. (Application has been withdrawn). _ PLANNING COMMISSI•MINUTES i JANUARY 22, 1997 PAGE - 2 - 2_ DR-96-023 & UP-96-002 - HERNANDEZ, 14626 BIG BASIN WAY; Request for Design Review and Use Permit approval to construct two single story and two, two-story motel "cabins" at the Saratoga Motel in the upper Saratoga Village area. The three existing cottages along St. Charles St. would be removed and the front motel abutting Big Basin Way would remain. The subject property is approximately 11,252 sq. ft. in size and is located in an RM-3000 zoning district. (Continued from 1 /8/97 regular adjourned meeting to prepare and adopt approval Resolutions). COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/SIEGFRIED MOVED TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 1 AND 2 BY MINUTE ACTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0). PUBLIC HEARING CONSENT CALENDAR 3. DR-96-065 -SHAH, 22071 DEER TRAIL CT. ; Request for Design Review approval to construct a 4,876 sq. ft. two-story residence on a vacant 1.21 acre lot. The property is located in the HR (Hillside Residential) zoning district. (Continued to a date uncertain at the request of staff to complete application -new notices will be distributed advertising future hearing date). COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/BERNALD MOVED TO APPROVE PUBLIC HEARING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM 3 BY MINUTE ACTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0). PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. UP-96-018 - STARBUCKS COFFEE CO., 14416 BIG BASIN WAY; Request for Use Permit approval to remodel an existing 1,200 sq. ft. retail store for a new restaurant/coffee shop. Use Permit approval is also requested to allow the use of eight on-site parking spaces where 16 spaces are required. Planner Walgren presented the staff report. He informed the Commission that the application provides eight on-site parking spaces where the code requires sixteen spaces. He said that as part of this use permit consideration, the applicants are requesting a waiver from the parking standards based on a parking study prepared for the use. The study concludes that during peak hours (weekdays between 7:30-8:30 a.m. and weekends 9-11:00 a.m.) 40 vehicle trips would be made to the subject property. Since the length of stay for this retail uses is shorter than a sit down restaurant or other type of use, the anticipated parking demands at any one time are 10 parking spaces. With the eight parking spaces provided on-site and the availability of nine to eighteen on-street parking during the weekday and weekend peak hours, the study concludes that there will be sufficient parking both on-site and immediately adjacent off-site to accommodate the use. Planner Walgren informed the Commission that another land use issue was that of circulation at the intersection of Highway 9 and the spur road. Staff reviewed the site with the City's traffic engineer to determine if there are any immediate improvements that can be made within the vicinity to improve circulation. It was concluded that: 1) the Big Basin Way driveway that is • • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 1997 PAGE - 3 - currently both ingress and egress b widened to a minimum of 20 feet to clear ingress and egress for two vehicles at the same time and 2) that the egress driveway of the spur road along Highway 9 becomes an exit only. As Big Basin Way has a "Keep Clear" stripping at this intersection, it will be a requirement that it be both egress and ingress, using the keep clear lane to pull into the business and not tie up the rush hour traffic on Big Basin Way. He said that staff is recommending approval of the use permit subject to the conditions contained in the resolution, including the installation of improvements as shown on the plans (i.e., sidewalk improvements are to be constructed along Highway 9 and landscaping is to be replanted in all of the planter areas). He said that staff's recommendation is based only on the land use impacts of the proposal. He said that the Planning Commission is not allowed to consider issues of economic competition. Commissioner Siegfried asked what traffic impacts would be associated with the proposed dry-cleaning establishment proposed at the old gas station site? Planner Walgren responded that a specific traffic analysis was not prepared as part of the dry-cleaning establishment. Relative to this site, the Highway 9 driveway was required to be closed and landscaped, noting that both egress and ingress onto the site are from Oak Street. Chairwoman Kaplan said that it was important to note that the Commission's focus and responsibility were to review land use matters that are best for the city and that the Commission cannot consider economic issues. Planner Walgren informed the Commission that correspondence was received and attached to the staff report in favor of the proposal. Staff also received and attached a couple of letters opposing the request. Since the packet was distributed, three additional letters were received from Saratoga residents supporting the proposal. In addition to this, seven or eight letters were submitted and distributed to the Commission. Also, a petition was submitted and distributed which contained signatures of 20-30 Oak Street residents opposing the coffee shop. Chairwoman Kaplan opened the public hearing at 7:49 p.m. Ronald Taylor, representing Starbucks, informed the Commission that he has been involved in the project for over a year and a half. He has worked with staff and several merchants during this time and appeared before the Commission for a work study session. He submitted a petition signed by 65 merchants and residents in support of the project. In addition 136 other individuals have supported this project. He distributed pictures to help explain why this location was chosen. He said that Starbucks is committed to the Community. He addressed issues relating to circulation. He said that Starbucks conducts 50% of its business by 11:00 a.m. and that during peak hours, the parking lots around the site are empty. He felt that the use would bring traffic into the center. He said that Starbucks was not here to take away business from the small businesses but to increase awareness of specialty coffee. Paul Bosman, project architect, addressed the design of the building to fit within the Village. He said that earthtone colors are proposed to be used. The proposed sign has been changed to ~ • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 1997 PAGE - 4 - a wooden logo. He did not believe that the proposed signage would be obtrusive to the neighborhood. He said that the areas around the site are to be relandscaped. The parking lot is to be restripped and that a small quadrant would be created for individuals to enjoy conversation and coffee. A magazine and newspaper rack and six bicycle racks are proposed to be installed. He said that staff asked about the number of individuals who would patronize the store by foot or bicycle. Through a survey of stores in the area, it was found that on Saturdays, approximately 10% of the customers visit the site on bicycles. In a given day, 15-20% of the customers are already shopping in the area and walk into the coffee store. Larry Patterson, project traffic consultant, addressed the traffic circulation study prepared for the site. He said that he has studied stores and customers that patronize coffee shops. Table 1 of the parking ana?ysis summarizes his findings. He said that a conservative approach was taken to get a good sense of the parking demand in the area. He informed the Commission that the frequency of which any parking space would be used is 15 minutes per space. He felt that the eight spaces would become productive in allowing individuals to park on-site. He stated his concurrence with staff's recommendation to allow ingress off the one-way connector road from Big Basin Way to Saratoga/Los Gatos Road. In response to Commissioner Pierce's question regarding the distance of the parking lot across Big Basin Way and behind this building, Mr. Patterson said that he did not know the distance in feet. Commissioner Siegfried said that having traffic turn left off Big Basin into the parking lot during commute time would create a problem at this corner. He also finds it hard to believe that it is not perceived as a problem. Mr. Patterson said that he did not believe that this would be a problem because there will be both egress and ingress from the connector street. He said that the table assumes that there are 30-40 % patrons aheady in the downtown area. Chairwoman Kaplan said that in looking at the existing parking space availability chart, Columns F, H and I address street parking. She felt that the project is relying on the existing parking lots (parking districts). Mr. Patterson responded that Column J includes both the on-site and off-street parking. Chairwoman Kaplan expressed concern with how realistic it is to believe that individuals wanting coffee would park two blocks away. Mr. Patterson said that it is his assumption that the spaces would turn over four times during peak hours. The remainder of the patrons would try to find the closet spaces to the site. He said that his survey found that customers are not willing to walk over a block. Chairwoman Kaplan expressed concern with page 3 of Mr. Patterson's letter to Planner Deming, discussing the keep clear area on Big Basin Way. It states that project access would be adequate if vehicles obey the keep clear area on Big Basin Way. She felt that this was an invalid assumption. Mr. Patterson responded that there would be other opportunities to purchase coffee. It was his believe that to make the access work, you need to have the keep clear area posted. If this is not the case, there are other opportunities to park on-street or to find parking in the downtown area. • • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 1997 PAGE - 5 - Commissioner Siegfried asked if a study was prepared for the intersection of Oak Street and Saratoga-Los Gatos Road and how this might impact the ability to turn left off Oak Street onto Saratoga-Los Gatos Road. Mr. Patterson responded that he did not perform a level of service at the Oak Street intersection. Commissioner Pierce asked if the keep clear area would be considered a traffic violation if it is not obeyed? Mr. Patterson said that the keep clear sign is a legal traffic control device and that it is enforceable. Commissioner Siegfried asked if any studies were performed to determine if the area is actually kept clear. Mr. Patterson said that his staff acknowledged that in p.m. peak hours, it was not found that traffic was backed up from the keep clear area, noting that it is not the peak hours for Starbucks. The a.m. traffic extends occasionally beyond the keep clear area. Jay Cornwall, Starbucks' District Manager, informed the Commission that he would answer operational issues and land use issues. He said that Starbucks would be upholding all the recommendations presented. He addressed like businesses located in Los Altos and Palo Alto. He said that he would also be able to address peak business hours. Chairwoman Kaplan expressed concern with public health and safety. She said that she did not find a Starbucks business clean in the Cupertino, San Jose, and Westgate areas. She said that a concern was that of cleanliness inside the building and found them to be unsanitary. Mr. Cornwall said that he would take this issue up with the managers of the establishments identified as it is a policy that tables and counters are to be bused every ten minutes. It is also a policy that trash receptacles are to be emptied when they are no more than three quarters full. Kookie Fitzsimmons, 14410 Big Basin Way, owner of Corinthian Flowers and a Saratoga resident, said that the Village merchants support Starbucks. Her letter to the Commission dated January 10, 1997, states that of the Village merchants interviewed, 91 supported Starbucks. She said that there were signatures of 50 Saratoga residents in support of Starbucks. She informed the Commission that a photo album was circulated of other towns with similar Village-type atmosphere where Starbucks have opened. She did not believe that Starbucks would ruin the quaint atmosphere of the Village but that it would become part of the Village community. Also, two posters were circulated of the parking within the vicinity of the proposed site. The pictures were taken from 7:30-8:30 a.m. during Starbucks peak hows. She felt that Starbucks would help her business and other businesses. She understood the fear of competition but felt that it would make businesses stronger. When Starbucks moved to San Jose, coffee shops lost business for two weeks but after that, regular customers returned. Lee Grey, 14668 Springer Avenue, a 24-year Saratoga resident, said that he was pleased to hear that the Commission established a policy that commercial competitiveness bears no ruling on the use request. • • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 1997 PAGE - 6 - John Teter, 19931 Durham Court, stated that he did not believe that Starbucks would fit in with the unique and quaint character of Saratoga. He felt that businesses should be considered based on their ability to enhance the downtown business district and bring customers to the existing business environment. He felt that this business would do the opposite as customers will come in and leave within 15 minutes. He did not believe that the use was in keeping with the General Plan. He said that eight parking spaces are proposed with a turn over rate of four per hour, resulting in approximately 128 customers per day. He felt that something was wrong with the numbers presented when it is being said that the business would operate with most of its revenue generated by 128 customers a day. The business realizes that customers will come from other places. He expressed concern with the traffic at a recognized bottle neck, with cars backing up and trying to get in and out. He also expressed concern for pedestrian traffic. LeaAnn Hernandez, 16160 Jacaranda Way, Los Gatos and 14626 Big Basin Way resident, said that it was perfectly all right when the Fitzsimmons granted the City of Saratoga the use of their property for a farmers market. Traffic concerns were not brought to bear then. Now, there is an issue when the Fitzsimmons want to put their property to another use. She felt that plenty of parking exists in the Village shopping center and the parking district. She felt that competition is good for businesses and that she felt that Starbucks would add to the Village. Melva Vollersen, 13460 Alder Court, a 30-year Saratoga resident, said that the corner is a bottle neck. She informed the Commission that she has to park over a block when she is in the area. She did not believe that Starbucks would draw customers to the other businesses located in the downtown area as it is a stop and go establishment. She recommended that the space be left available for such uses as a farmers market. She noted that there are two other coffee shops that provide all day coffee and that they do a good job drawing people into Saratoga. Lillian Benson, 14521 Big Basin Way, informed the Commission that she is the owner of Bensons' Antiques located in the Village and that she is a long time Saratoga resident. She said that she was disappointed with the downtown. She noted that individuals will park two to three hours for a massage. She said that she made it her business to drive around to investigate the parking situation. For six nights in a row, there were 60 to 80 parking spaces available. She requested that the Commission stop worrying about Starbucks, parking and other issues. The Commission should concern itself with the traffic and that the City install signs indicating parking areas. Dawn Netherton, 14440 Big Basin Way, said that Saratoga needs to make a decision to allow the existing community stay in businesses. She felt that Starbucks will bring traffic to businesses. She felt that the City needs to encourage use of the land. She felt that Starbucks would add to the community. Jennifer Taylor, 14672 Oak Street, expressed concern with parking and traffic. She read a letter into the record from the principal of the Saratoga Elementary School. The letter states that in order to ensure safety of the streets and to keep the traffic moving that it would make sense to have the children loaded/unloaded on the school side street. The letter further states that the • • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 1997 PAGE - 7 - situation would only worsen in future years. The school population increased by 5 % last year and that it is anticipated to increase another 5 % in the fall 1997 as will traffic. The letter also expresses concern with Starbucks' peak hours of 7:30-8:30 a.m. Ms. Taylor said that she uses Big Basin Way and that she could not use other streets or Highway 9. She noted that the Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road is impacted. She expressed concern for the children, middle aged and the elderly. She felt that the residents are already experiencing problems with guest parking. Saratoga already has two unique coffee shops. She did not believe that additional traffic and parking on Oak Streets was needed. Marilyn Marchetti, 10701 St. Charles Street, said that she has not been in a Starbucks that is maintained. She said that she walks through the Oak Street/Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road intersection. She acknowledged that this is a busy intersection used by children and the elderly. She expressed concern with traffic in and out of the intersection as it is a dangerous situation. She did not believe that parking was an issue. Betty Riley, a 32-year resident, felt that practical stores were needed such as shoe stores or dress shops. Michael Andres, 14065 Saratoga Avenue, felt that Saratoga was unique and secluded and that he was disappointed that Starbucks did not take this into consideration. Chris Walker, Mt. View, employee of Starbucks Coffee Company, addressed the opportunity that Starbucks provides to the community (i.e., 20-25 positions would be made available). He said that Starbucks offers a great benefit package to its employees, including medical/dental plans, a stock option program, a retirement plan, competitive wage and an excellent training program. Barbara Lulu, 14190 Douglas Lane, expressed concern with the invasion of a Starbucks coffee chain into Saratoga. She said that she does not want to see a Starbucks logo behind the oak tree. The Village has at least seven establishments that serve espresso coffee. She questioned the need of another coffee establishment. She understood that small businesses were made to comply with strict parking guidelines. She did not believe that sufficient parking spaces exist. She understood that a parking variance would be necessary with this use. She hoped that the variance approval does not become a trend. She felt that Saratogans were trying to keep its charming ambience in tack and that they were not trying to be inclusionary. Mary Ann Welch, 19520 Kenoha Court, said that left turns are the most dangerous to make in this area. If seven or eight cars are parked on the street, can a fire truck get around them. She recommended that a survey be conducted during peak traffic hours to determine whether making a right turn into and out of the driveway would be a problem. David Down, 21146 Bank Mill Road, did not feel that anon-Saratoga resident who works for Starbucks should have been allowed to address the Commission because he did not address the issues brought forth. He recommended that consideration be given to having less traffic and • • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 1997 PAGE - 8 - better safety versus the possibility of having accidents and/or lawsuits. It has been said that 50% of the patrons would be pedestrians. He said that the pedestrian walkway is already congested, noting that it is not awell-lit intersection. The intersection at Big Basin Way at the fire house is the most active in Saratoga. Yet, an application is being considered that would make this intersection more congested. Cars heading west through the intersection will stop for pedestrians and the traffic would back up from the fire house toward Los Gatos. Betsy Medak, 21121 Canyon View Drive, expressed concern with parking. She said that it is difficult to find parking during the weekends and holiday seasons. She did not believe that the addition of another coffee shop/restaurant would bring customers to the Village due to the lack of parking. Joseph Mazek, 14461 Big Basin Way, said that he was one of the original parking district participants. He felt that people are using the parking district without paying into said district. He objected to another business impacting the parking district. He stated that he would be willing to allow Starbucks to pay into the parking district and not into the City coffers. Don Whetstone, 14395 Saratoga Avenue, a business owner across from the site, said that he goes through intersection by foot and car. He confirmed that a traffic congestion exists in this area. He did not believe that the already difficult traffic situation should be impacted further. He felt that a parking shortage already exists and that he was not supportive of individuals using his parking spaces. Mitchell Cutler, 14678 Stone Ridge Drive, said that he did not believe that the issue was that of competition but that the issue was that of the appropriate use for the site. He did not believe that this was the appropriate site for Starbucks as there are parking, traffic and safety concerns. He said that it has been stated that the Oak Street residents and the elementary school children will be directly affected by increased traffic. The community is not saying no to Starbucks but that it is saying no to this location. Kathi Hammill, 14704 Aloha Avenue, said that as a nearby resident and parent of two children at Oak Street School, she did not see a problem with Starbucks locating in the Village. She did not believe that a problem exists. She said that it breaks her heart to see how lively Los Gatos is and how dead Saratoga is dead. She drinks coffee and did not believe that there are enough coffee places. She felt that coffee shops would allow individuals to shop. Forest Durland, 14675 1/2 Big Basin Way, stated that Starbucks would be good for the Village. He has heard Village businesses complain about the lack of business. Starbucks will bring business to the Village. Regarding traffic, he felt that the solution was improving Highway 9. He recommended that children be loaded and unloaded on the side street. He felt that decorations to the parking entrance would make individuals feel welcome. He recommended that the Commission be positive and think of solutions and not the impossibilities. • • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 1997 PAGE - 9 - Dennis Cunningham, 14401 Big Basin Way, said that he conducted a survey for 13 years regarding the grid lock at this intersection. He felt that there is a serious traffic problem in this area. Individuals using Highway 9 do not follow the traffic of keeping the area clear and cue into the center. He said that his business was not granted a parking variance. He felt that the issue was a grid lock issue and not a coffee issue. Marilyn Bierach, 14920 Jerris Road, concurred that traffic is a problem. During the summer months, traffic from the farmers market backs up to the Lutheran Church. She noted that the Argonaut shopping center has a vacant building for Starbucks to locate. Nick Goddard, 20 Baniels Avenue, Los Gatos, informed the Commission that he is a member of cyclist group that visits Saratoga every weekend. He said that bikes are left all over the sidewalks, noting that Starbucks proposes the installation of bike racks. He stated his support of Starbucks approval. Rich Blish, 14676 Wildberry Lane, stated his support of Starbucks and felt that it would be a fine addition to the community. He did not believe that Starbucks should be blamed for existing problems. He felt that the idea that Saratogans are better than everybody else needs to be examined. Bob Ray, 21330 Argonaut Drive, said that he chose to live and establish his business in Saratoga because it is unique. He specializes in retail marketing and is aware of the concerns. The concern is not traffic but the heart of Saratoga. He addressed Ms. Fitzsimmon's letter contained in the newspaper. The article recommended that the market be opened. He did not believe that Starbucks was needed and that it would make it a shopping destination. He felt that there is residual traffic congestion not only for Saratoga residents but to others who visit Saratoga. He requested that the Commission consider and make a choice for Saratoga. Randell Kemp, 12334 Beauchamps Lane, expressed concern with traffic and safety. He said that the downtown area is dead and that it was not a vibrant situation. He did not see a huge traffic problem during the Starbucks' peak hows. He noted that Starbucks tries to locate in an in line shopping area where there is traffic. He said that Starbucks would keep people longer in the Village. It was his believe that some opposition may believe that they are here, they are unique and that they want to keep everyone else out. Jo McDowell, 20520 Reid Lane, opposed Starbucks' site selection and recommended that other alternate sites be considered (i.e., Argonaut Shopping Center). She said that other cities have located Starbucks in their peripheries. She noted that Starbucks is always busy and that customers will have to wait for parking, impacting traffic circulation. Karl Holtz, 21160 Canyon View, informed the Commission that he has worked in the coffee industry for the past ten years. He has seen what Starbucks has done to the industry (reducing sales of existing coffee shops). He did not believe that Starbucks will bring business to Saratoga. He expressed concern with the uniqueness of Saratoga and the existing mom and pop stores. • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 1997 PAGE - 10 - Travis Foster, 21160 Canyon View Drive, felt that the site is unique and that it is the first thing that you see when you come into Saratoga. He asked where the farmers market would locate if this use is approved at this site. He felt that the farmers market brings life to Saratoga. Brad Daniels, 12881 Pierce Road, a 16-year resident and business owner, expressed concern with the character of the Village. He felt that this is one part of Saratoga that corporate America has not taken over. He did not believe that fast food chains are appealing. Sasha Lunginovie, 19982 Big Basin Way, said that Starbucks is a chain. If chains are brought into Saratoga, they will impact existing businesses because you cannot compete against a chain. If the City approves this request, it would be a business mistake. Sol Zeltzer, 14436 Esterlee Avenue, felt that the character of California has changed. He enjoys the character of Saratoga and felt that Starbucks would have an affect on Saratoga, impacting small businesses. Valli Sharp-Geisler, San Jose, said that she was late to her Planning Commission meeting and that she did not know that a Starbucks was moving into Willow Glen across the street from a mom and pop coffee shop that she frequented. She felt that small businesses need to be supported. She recommended that Saratoga maintain its ambience and help its small businesses. Phil Jacklin, a 34-year resident, stated his opposition to the Starbucks request. He noted that there are regulations that cannot be met through the economic process. He felt that it was desirable to have local ownership. He did not believe that there was enough room in Saratoga for three coffee shops. He felt that Starbucks would eventually close the locally owned coffee shops. Jenny Crotty, 13861 Raven Court, stated that she patronizes the local downtown businesses. She did not feel that Starbucks would be hurt if not allowed to locate in Saratoga. She noted that the existing small coffee shops have donated to the community without asking for recognition. Tia Marciel, 19803 Merribrook Court, felt that the quality of service was the issue. She said that she has experienced unsightly appearances and uncleanliness of other Starbucks establishments. She felt that the existing businesses will be hurt if the City approves the requested use permit. Sid Sanjideh, 14567 Big Basin Way, expressed concern with a new business locating in the area as a parking problem exists, noting that a parking study has not been completed. He said that a parking problem exists during the lunch and dinner hours. Mr. Taylor thanked the residents for expressing their concerns. However, he felt that many concerns were based on some element of fear. Starbucks is considered as a large corporation but that it does not advertise. He said that the issue of cleanliness is upsetting because Starbucks takes pride in cleaning its stores. He will investigate the isolated incidents and have them rectified. Starbucks also contributes to the community in other cities. He has requested letters • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 1997 PAGE - 11 - from landlords that suggest that Starbucks have increased sales and vitalized the areas that they locate. He stated that Starbucks would be willing to pay into a parking district though it is not required. As for the problem on Oak Street, a 25 miles per hour speed limit is posted wherever there is a school. Starbucks is concerned with the safety and welfare of the residents. As a land use issue, Starbucks has gone above and beyond the issues to address the site plan and circulation issues. He said that Starbucks wants to be a part of this community. COMMISSIONERS SIEGFRIED/PIERCE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:25 P.M. Chairwoman Kaplan thanked the public for its cooperation in these proceedings and for its input. Commissioner Abshire said that parking studies have been conducted in Saratoga and that he personally conducted a parking study a year ago focused during the dinner hour every night for a week. He said that he could not find a night in Saratoga where he could not find a parking space. He agreed that the east side of town has a parking problem. He agreed that he had to walk a little but found a parking space. Commissioner Patrick thanked Starbucks for bringing out individuals to the meeting. She felt that Starbucks may be a good neighbor but that issues need to be addressed. She felt that the issues that the Commission need to address are that of parking and traffic. She felt that if a parking lot did not exist in front of Starbucks, that there would not be a need to make a left turn into Starbucks and that there would not be a problem with circulation. The proposed parking appears to be causing the problem as far as circulation. She stated that she could not approve the use based on the left turn movement because it would create a circulation problem. Also, the site is located too close to the intersection, contributing to the traffic problem. Commissioner Pierce suggested the closure of Big Basin Way as an alternative. He said that he appreciated the comments expressed this evening. He felt that the two issues of concern were that of parking and traffic circulation. He felt that there was plenty of parking on the street and the parking lot across the street. He stated that he conducted his own survey during the week. He said that he was concerned with traffic. It was his belief that there was a need to improve the day time use of the Village such that he could support the application knowing that there is to be an increase in traffic. However, he did not believe that the traffic impact would be that great. He supported Commissioner Patrick's alternative of eliminating the entrance onto Big Basin Way and to access the site by the side street. He said that he visited the Starbucks located in Los Gatos and Westgate and found them to be clean and a good operation. With the recommendation to close the Big Basin Way entrance, he could support the application. Commissioner Patrick said that she did not know whether the closure of Big Basin Way would help mitigate the traffic problem. • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 1997 PAGE - 12 - Commissioner Siegfried felt that the issue was inadequate parking and circulation. Therefore, he would not support Starbucks at this location. He said that he welcomes Starbucks and that the Commission could not address economics. Commissioner Bernald commended the public attending this meeting on a rainy night. She agreed with Commissioner Siegfried that this is not a free enterprise issue. She expressed concern with the parking spaces allotted to the facility. She found that the eight parking spaces would be difficult to maneuver. In reviewing the peak hours, 45 individuals in 60 minutes equals to one person every five minutes driving into the site. All these individuals would not be able to park on-site. She could not see safety being mitigated if eight cars are trying to back out every five minutes with pedestrians and bicyclist intermixed. She also expressed concern with the traffic flow. The exit onto Saratoga Avenue will create congestion too close to the traffic light. As such, she did not believe closing Big Basin Way would mitigate this concern because the entrance into the spur would be closer to the traffic light. She expressed concern with delivery trucks throughout the day and asked how they would access the area to deliver. If delivery trucks park on the street, they would impact visibility. She said that she had no problem with Starbucks locating in Saratoga, but that she did not believe that this site would be appropriate. Commissioner Murakami appreciated the public's attendance. He agreed that the site was a problem. Access into the area is very limited, especially the left-hand turn. He said that he did not have anything against Starbucks and that it would be a good addition to the town if nicely designed. However, he could not approve it at this location. Chairwoman Kaplan concurred with the comments expressed by her fellow Commissioners. She said that she was concerned with parking. She said that she has less of a problem with the off- site parking than she does with the on-site parking. She did not believe that individuals would use the parking lot to walk behind the building to access Starbucks. She said that the issue was that of parking and circulation and therefore could not support the request. COMMISSIONERS ABSHIRE/PIERCE MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. UP-96- 018. THE MOTION FAILED 2-5 AS FOLLOWS: AYES: ABSHIRE, PIERCE; NOES: KAPLAN, BERNALD, MURAKAMI, PATRICK, SIEGFRIED. COMMISSIONERS SIEGFRIED/PATRICK MOVED TO DENY UP-96-018 AS FINDINGS COULD NOT BE MADE TO GRANT THE USE PERMIT BASED ON PARKING AND CIRCULATION. Commissioner Pierce recommended that the public hearing be reopened to ask the applicants if they would be willing to reconsider alternatives. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/SIEGFRIED WITHDREW THEIR MOTION. Community Development Director Curtis recommended that the Commission discuss whether it would consider other alternatives. _y _ . • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 1997 PAGE - 13 - Commissioner Bernald expressed concern that customers would be using the parking district and cross the street to access Starbucks. Also of concern was having this use close to this intersection and impede traffic flow. Commissioner Siegfried did not believe that the Commission should be entertaining a situation of opening a business in town where no parking exists. Although the parking district is not used to the extent that it should, the district was designed to pay for a certain amount of usage per building. Commissioner Patrick said that she would agree to continue the public hearing to see if the use meets the parking requirements. The continuance would also allow the applicant to see if they can provide 8-16 parking spaces off-site. Mr. Taylor said that he would agree to a continuance and stated that Starbucks would agree to pay into a parking district. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/BERNALD MOVED TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING TO FEBRUARY 12, 1997 TO ALLOW FURTHER DISCUSSION OF THE ADEQUACY OF THE OFF-SITE PARKING SPACES. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-1 WITH COMMISSIONER SIEGFRIED VOTING NO. DIRECTOR ITEMS - No Director's Items were reported. COMMISSION ITEMS - No Commission Items were reported. COMMUNICATIONS rift n 1. City Council Minutes dated 12/ 18; 1 /6; 1 /7/97 City Council ADJOURNMENT -There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:03 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 12, 1997, EOC Conference Room, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA Respectfully Submitted, Irma Torrez Minutes Clerk IT\PC0102297.SAR