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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-21-13 Final MINUTES March 21, 2013 CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKING PLACE COMMISSION 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by Chairperson Parenti 2. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Parenti Vice-Chairperson Luster Commissioner Faria City Staff: Principal Planner Beaudin Chief Planner Kalkin Associate Planner Ajello Admin Assistant Cabano Assistant City Manager Van Duyn Sgt. Campbell Sgt. McPhillips 3. AGENDA REVIEW NO CHANGES 4. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS a. Planned Parenthood-Applicant John R. Penna Trust-Owner 435 Grand Avenue P13-0020: PE13-0002 Parking Exception for thirteen (13) parking spaces to allow a 7,846 sq. ft. Medical Office/Clinic located at 435 Grand Avenue in the Downtown Core (DC) Zoning District in accordance with SSFMC Section 20.330.007 & 20.440.007. Chairperson Parenti noted that the public hearing was opened on March 12th, called for the staff report, and gave a few comments regarding this item in order to have a productive meeting and for good public dialogue. She also mentioned for the record that the numerous letters and emails that had been received from the public on this matter have been circulated and reviewed by the Commission. Associate Planner Ajello presented a brief staff report, reiterating the purpose of the parking exception, and noting that the actual use will have to go to the Planning Commission for a conditional use permit at a later date. Chairperson Parenti asked if the Commission had any questions. Commissioner Faria stated that his questions were addressed at the March 12, 2013 Parking Place Commission meeting. Jeff Cecil, project architect, thanked staff for the presentation and stated he was available for questions regarding parking. The applicant, Heidi Prince, gave a brief description of the services that will be offered at this Planned Parenthood medical office. Vice-Chairperson Luster inquired as to whether the facility would be for men, women and teenagers. The applicant responded that their services are offered to males and females of all ages ranging from infant to 80s and 90s. Guadalupe Rodriguez, Director of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood Marmonte, spoke about their commitment to the community and to working with the community to serve them by partnering with educational institutions and hiring within the community as well as help with prevention of disease and prevention of unintended pregnancies. Vice Chairperson Luster inquired whether this included groups with teenagers both male and female interacting to deal with health issues. Ms. Rodriguez stated that this is where the partnering with schools comes in to help provide education. She noted that Planned Parenthood provides health care services, support and outside education for a healthy community. Commissioner Faria inquired whether these programs were held on- site or around the community. Ms. Rodriguez stated the programs are held at various locations around the community as they partner with schools, churches and community centers. Chairperson Parenti asked for additional information regarding the training/educational programs. Ms. Rodriguez responded that their programs address nutrition, self-esteem, issues of support in finding resources and study habits. Chairperson Parenti called for comments from the public and reiterated that speaker’s comments would be limited to two minutes. The following speakers spoke against the parking exception request: Prudencia Nelson Jessica Munn- San Mateo Pro-Life John Valente Dora Cruz/Reyna Rico Jenny Sheley Rose Gomez Anthony Peligrino Mike DiTarante Nora Priego Vera Priego Joseph Richard-retired Catholic priest Leticia Noches Amor Tenerowicz Sandra- San Mateo Pro-life Maria Barceleta A 29-year South City resident Ron Bernardi Ando Perlas Maria Obanag Speakers spoke strongly against the moral issues surrounding Planned Parenthood and the excess foot and vehicle traffic due to future demonstrations and protesters if the use is approved, as well as disruption of the businesses on Grand Avenue and the possibility of Police actions. Many felt this was a particularly bad location due to its proximity to schools and churches. The following speakers in favor of allowing this parking exception: Liz Figueroa, former State Senator Mary Lavigne-Butler Lupe Rodriguez Marguerite Machen L T Taylor Rayroz Dodson-Crawford Terrie McDonald Stephanie- former employee of Planned Parenthood Speakers reminded that the focus of this meeting is for the parking exception. Several noted that Planned Parenthood obeys traffic laws and contributes to the community, and that Planned Parenthood is providing legal and medically correct information, so the issues being mentioned in opposition do not apply to the Parking Exception request. John Penna, property owner, noted that the 400 block of Grand Avenue has long been a medical area, citing the fact that the original South San Francisco hospital was on the corner of Grand and Spruce and noting today there are several types of medical uses in the same area. He further noted that many people in this community are in dire need of medical help that Planned Parenthood can provide. He asked the Parking Place Commission to vote in favor of the parking exception as there is plenty of parking in the area. Chairperson Parenti closed the public hearing. Vice Chairperson Luster reiterated the positive aspects regarding the health clinic for the citizens of South San Francisco and the fact that the nearby Miller Avenue garage has ample parking. Commissioner Faria explained to the public the reasons for not commenting on the issues of the use in this forum. He explained the Parking Place Commission’s duty is to vote on the parking exemption and nothing else. He commented that the parking garage is under- utilized, so there is sufficient parking available to accommodate the change in use. He further stressed that no other business would get any different treatment. The decision of this Commission is based on the parking availability. Motion—Commissioner Faria/Second—Vice Chairperson Luster to approve the parking exemption based on the findings and conditions of approval. Approved by unanimous voice vote. Principal Planner Beaudin stated for the record that there was a 15-day period in which this action may be appealed to the City Council, noting that any appeal needs to be filed with the City Clerk. 5. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS NONE 6. CORRESPONDENCE NONE 7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS NONE 8. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Parenti adjourned the meeting at 7:45pm. Respectfully submitted, /s/Gerry Beaudin /s/ Linda Parenti Gerry Beaudin Linda Parenti Parking Place Commission Secretary Chairperson