Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRDA Minutes 1981-12-15 MINUTES SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY December 15, 1981 Adjourned Regular Meeting TIME: 4:30 p.m. PLACE: Homart Development Company site, 480 Industrial Way, South San Francisco CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Gus Nicolopulos called the meeting to order at 4:37 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Chairman Gus Nicolopulos; Vice Chairman Roberta C. Teglia; Members Ronald G. Acosta and Emanuele N. Damonte Absent: Member Mark N. Addiego Also present: Executive Director/Secretary C. Walter Birkelo; Assistant Secretary Louis Dell'Angela; City Staff members from the Departments of Finance, Fire, Parks and Recreation, Police, and Public Services J" Homart representatives included Mr. Robert Sholiton, Vice President, Office Building Development; Mr. John Aguilar, Project Director; Mr. Thomas Gerfan, Architect; and Mr. William CallawaY, Landscape Architect, F.W.A. EXPLANATION OF After an introduction by Chairman Nicolopulos, Executive Director PHASE I Birkelo explained that this meeting was a continuation of the CHARACTER DESIGN meeting of December 2 to give the Agency Board, which is the AND LANDSCAPING Design Review Board for the project, the opportunity to hear a presentation from Homart Development Company and its architects, to ask questions, and to give comments. He stated that there would be no action this evening as the Board will have this opportunity at the January 6, 1982 meeting. Mr. John Aguilar, Project Director, welcomed the Agency Board and stated that Homart was prepared to address the comments made by the Agency Board concerning the character design and landscaping in Phase I. He stated that additional visual aids, model and mockups as they apply to Phase I, are provided and are to be gone into in greater detail by the architects. He remarked that Homart Development Company was proud of the building design as being both practical and useful in application. Mr. Thomas Gerfan, Architect, recapitulated the area of Phase I which includes 23 acres and 530,000 square feet of office space. He described the precast panels, series of white cement, and the mirrored glass panels. He remarked that the mechanical equipment would be hidden within the top area. DISCUSSION CONCERNING Vice Chairman Teglia next spoke about the possiblity of the green -~E OF GREEN AREA FOR area of the plaza becoming a cultural component where the community )MMUNITY USE could be invited to attend events, such as a musical presentation. She suggested that it might be incorporated into the plan as a focal point. The Agency Board concurred that the concept had merit and ex- pressed that something could be negotiated with Homart to allow public gatheri~ngs. Mr. Sholiton explained the policy of Homart as it relates to public use of a facility. He stated that Sears has a tradition of a "good community member." He further remarked about the restrictions required by Homart. INQUIRY RE WATER Assistant Secretary Dell'Angela remarked about the issue of the SURFACE AREA water surface. He stated that he had not dismissed entirely the water concept and would like to see a smaller reflection pool. DISCUSSION RE Further discussion followed concerning scale of glass and pre- EXTERIOR SURFACE cast materials; and the selection of granite and stone to create a more natural blending. It was pointed out that the uniformity of the project would indicate an integrity of design which would be kept. It was also stated that the Design Review Board, with the Director of Community Services, would advise on the process, and the City Council would have the power to impose restrictions. Member Acosta was excused at 5:55 p.m. Further discussion followed concerning the possibility that grey and white colors would seem "drab." It was mentioned that the reflection of the environment would bring colors to the buildings. The issue of the reflection pool was also addressed by members of the Board. The Assistant Secretary questioned concerning the white area on the drawing, if those areas were to be landscaped in the initial stages of the project to which it was answered that they would be. Mr. Aguilar stated that the landscaped areas, a~ they apply, would be shown on the drawings. Executive Director Birkelo remarked that he anticipated receiving the Bechtel report concerning the life and safety issue some time next week, anda copy of the report would be forthcoming to Homart. Chairman Nicolopulos expressed his appreciation for this opportunity to discuss certain matters in an informal setting; and the spirit of cooperation which exists between the Agency and the Homart Development Company. ~n. IOURNMENT Member Damonte moved, seconded by Member Teglia that the meeting be adjourned. Motion, as made and seconded, was regularly carried; Members Acosta and Addiego, absent. 12/15/81 Page 3 LANDSCAPING Mr. William Callaway,~Landscape Architect, explained the site nTSCUSSION conditions, the major concerns: the fairly strong winds in this zone, the wide range of soils, and the visual aspects. He described the plantings necessary with relatively vigorous growth. From artistic renderings, he explained the use of Eucalyptus trees as wind barriers and barriers for the large field of parking. He stated that the Eucalyptus trees relate directly to the buildings upon entering the site and as an overall surface relief from the buildings. Mr. Callaway further commented on the designated planting of round-headed trees, Myoporum Laethum, rather than the Acacia tree, given the factor of the winds. From the model he pointed out the areas where Acacia, Monterey Pines, and, as contrast, Weeping Willow Trees would be planted. He indicated that the extension of the building framework, which would provide informal seating, would be an area for a grove of Birch trees. These would be ground planted with a base of granite for accent. Vice Mayor Teglia inquired as to the future maintenance of the Myoporum trees. Mr. Aguilar stated that once the initial work is completed, there is a sixty-days' maintenance period in the contract, and the prospective owner association would take over maintenance responsibility. Mr. Callaway also mentioned that a landscape manual had been prepared to assist new owners. City Superintendent of Parks and Landscape Sylvester Duplessis stated that the City requires an eighteen-months' maintenance after a job is completed. In answer to Agency's concern regarding responsibility of main- tenance, Mr. Robert Sholiton explained that the trees being described are not in the public area, but are on the Boulevard right of way and are maintained by the association. The main- tenance of the trees is on-going as long as they stand and, he stated, an incentive to look right. Further discussion ensued concerning the pruning and trimming of the young Myoporum tree, and the estimated growth of thirty- five feet in five years of the Eucalyptus tree. The issue of the Monterey Pine trees' being placed along the sidewalks was addressed as a possible hazard to the sidewalk. It was ex- plained that these trees were not in the near proximity of the sidewalks as were shown in the artistic renderings. DISCUSSION CONCERNING Vice Chairman Teglia next inquired why the initial plan of a lake WATER AREA in the protected space was eliminated. Mr. Sholitan replied by explaining the concerns that a body of water would create. He further explained the safety liability and the previous use of the soils with possible contaminants. 12/15/81 Page 2 Time of adjournment: 6:10 p.m. APPROVED: Gus Nicolopulos, Chagrman South San Francisco Redevelopment Agency RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, South San Francisco Redevelopment Agency The entries of this Redevelopment Agency meeting show the action taken by the Board to dispose of the item. Oral presentations, arguments, and comments are recorded on tape. The tape and documents related to the items are on file in the office of the City Manager -- d available for inspection, review, and copying. 12/15/81 Page 4