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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05/25/1976 M I NUT E S of the regular meeting of the South San Francisco Planning Commission TIME: 8:00 P.M. BATE: MAY 25, 1976 PLACE: EL CAMINO HIGH SCHOOL, LITTLE THEATER MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice-Chairman Teglia, Commissioners Bertucelli, Goldberg, Hale, Mathewson, Mullin and Chairman Slade MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: City Planner David C. Hale Director of Public Services Frank Addiego Zoning Administrator City Engineer William Costanzo Robert Yee MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of May 17, 1976 Commissioner Bertucelli moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of the South San Francisco Planning Commission of May 17, 1976 be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hale and was passed by the following roll call vote: AYES: Vice-Chairman Teglia, Commissioners Bertucelli, Goldberg, Hale, Mathewson, Mullin and Chairman Slade NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING TAPE RECORDING OF MEETING Chairman Slade announced that this meeting of the South San Francisco Planning Commission would be recorded on tape, but that anyone who wished to come before the Commission to be heard, but who o~jected to having his or her voice recorded in this manner, could request the Chairman to order the tape recorder turned lIoffll for the duration of the time that he or she is speaking or is heard. - 3562 - May 25, 1 976 RESOLUTION NO. 2188 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO SHOPPING CENTER Certification of the Environmental Impact Report for the proposed commercial development on the 6.85 acre site at the southwesterly corner of Westborough Boulevard and the E1 Camino Real. Secretary Hale presented the staff report. Proponent: Environmental Science Associates Foster City, CA Opponents: Helen Hoopes 825 W. Orange Avenue South San Francisco, CA William Evans 84"9- W."": Orange"!:\venue South San Francisco, CA Mr. Hutcheson 116 Knoll Circle South San Francisco, CA William Henderson 387 Dolores Way South San Francisco, CA Mrs. Hoopes expressed her doubts that the EIR was correct, noting several places within the IIEIRII with which she disagreed. She noted that when she moved to the area she was advised that the land in question would only be used for apartment buildings. She said there had never been any mention of commercial uses. She noted several areas of concern--remova1 of vegeta- tion, increased noise level, flooding in the area, increased demands for sewage treatment, and increase in pollutants. She further attacked the mitigation measures for minor impacts proposed by Environmental Science Associates in the Environmental Impact Report. Mr. Hutcheson noted that he felt the IIEIRII should be updated to 1976 standards. Secretary Hale read the requirements for an IIEIRII from the California Environmental Quality Act, stating that this IIEIRII met those requirements. Mr. William Henderson expressed his concern with who would be financially responsible for enlarging the stacking lane in the westbound lefthand turn lane on El Camino Real. Secretary Hale stated that the plans had been submitted to CalTrans and that they had replied that there was no concern on the part of the State over this development, therefore, there would apparently be no need to enlarge the stacking lane. Mr. Henderson said he wanted the enlargement of the stacking lane made a part of the conditions for the development. Commissioner Teglia asked Secretary Hale if the City had received a letter from Cal Trans stating that the turning lane capacity was satisfactory to them. Secretary Hale said that the City was in possession of such a letter. Director of Public Services Addiego noted that he felt there was a problem at this intersection and that it needed looking into. He stated that the developer would be responsible to do a traffic study. He also stated that the amount of traffic at this intersection would be dependent upon the hours of operation of the shopping center. - 3563 - IIEIRII, contld May 25, 1976 Mr. William Evans asked how delivery trucks would move in and out of the shopping center. Chairman Slade noted that this question was not related to the EIR, but rather would be covered under the Use Permit application hearing. Mr. Paul E. Zigman, president of Environmental Science Associates, which prepared the IIEIR,II explained to the Commission and to the audience the purpose of the IIEIR.II Secretary Hale further explained that this hearing was only to certify its compliance with State guidelines and that it would not necessarily have a direct bearing on whether or not the develop- ment were approved. There was counts in May 1976. count for even with some discussion on the apparent discrepancies between the traffic the IIEIRII and the traffic counts done by the City Engineer in The IlEIRII consultant noted that an increase in the traffic this area of 1500 cars in one year seemed very high, but that that discrepancy, the conclusions would have been the same. Commissioner Mullin asked Environmental Science Associates how long they had been in existence and how many IIEIRlslI theYJ,had done and how many of those reported adverse impacts rather than positive effects. Ms. Kathleen Gundry, author of the IIEIR,1l said they had been in existerffie'e since 1969 and had done 100 or 150 IIEIRls.1I She further noted that they would only be doing an IlEIRII if there were potential adverse impacts. She said they do not usually mention positive impacts in an Environmental Impact Report. Commissioner Hale introduced Resolution No. 2188 certifying the EIR. The Commission unanimously adopted the Resoltuion. The following three agenda items were discussed jointly because of their close relationship to each other: 1. General Plan Amendment/South San Francisco Shopping Center/ Resolution No. 2189 - Proposed amendment to the City.s General Plan changing the designation of the 6.85 acre site from Medium-High Density Residential to Neighborhood Commercial. 2. RZ-29/Sutter Hill, Ltd./Reso1ution No. 2190 - Application for rezoning the above described property from IIUII Unclas- sified to the IIC-11I Neighborhood Commercial District. 3. UP-75-315/Sutter Hill, Ltd. - Application for a Use Permit for the development of commercial shopping uses at the above described property. Secretary Hale presented the staff report for UP-75-3l5, reading into the record the Special Conditions and the findings of the staff report. - 3564 - Sutter Hill, contld May 25, 1 976 Commissioner Goldberg said he would like to include in Special Condition #}6 that in addition to the study, West Orange Avenue should actually be cul-de-sacced for a period of 90 - 120 days which would eliminate through traffic in the Southwood area. If this cul-de-sac solves the problem, he would like tbe developer to bear the expense of permanently closing West Orange Avenue. Proponents: Michael Couch Sutter Hill, Ltd. Palo Alto, CA John Gatto James Foug & Associates Palo Alto, CA Jack Greenspan Lindscott & Associates Engineers Opponents: William Henderson 387 Dolores Way South San Francisco, CA Clifford Farber San Mateo, CA Edward Youngs 419 Fairway Drive South San Francisco, CA Gordon Hutcheson 116 Knoll Circle South San Francisco, CA Helen Hoopes 825 West Orange South San Francisco, CA F. Allan Weimstein 332 Susie Way South San Francisco, CA Isabella Guerra 619 Southwood Drive South San Francisco, CA Arthur Connally 718 West Orange South San Francisco, CA - 3565 - Phil Robertson John Thompson Co. Los Altos, CA Mr. C. Robbins Past President of California Gol\fi Club 844 West Orange Avenue South San Francisco, CA Paul Davis 849 West Orange South San Francisco, CA Donald G. Black 849 ~Jest Orange South San Francisco, CA William R. Evans 849 West Orange South San Francisco, CA Henry Koerner 849 West Orange, #30B6 South San Francisco, CA Fred De Jarlais 721 West Orange South San Francisco, CA Claire D'Amico 136 San Felipe So~~h San Francisco, CA Bruce M. Hood 849 West Orange, #3009 South San Franci sco ,G.A Sutter Hill, contld ~1ay 25, 1976 Mr. John Gatto, James Foug & Associates, explained the general outlay and construction of the shopping center, and its relationship with the New Southern Restaurant. He noted that in regard to the truck movement, there are 71 feet in which to maneuver. He did state that circulation patterns would be a concern. He further noted that the problems with signing has been eliminated by lowering the height of the building. Jack Greenspan noted that Lindscott and Associates had done a traffic count and study in May, 1974, extensive analysis of which indicated that 35 percent of traffic in the Southwood area was through traffic. He noted that the driveway exiting onto West Orange is being designed to allow right turns only. He noted that studies had been done of the West Orange Avenue traffic problems and several alternatives had been proposed. He noted the problems with all these alternatives. 1. Stop signs on West Orange. He noted there would be a great deal of trouble in enforcing the stop signs. 2. Traffic diverters. He noted that these would cause a great deal of inconvenience for the people living in that area. 3. Making West Orange one-way, going different directions at different times of the day. He noted that this would also cause the residents a great deal of inconvenience. 4. Cul-de-saccing West Orange. He noted that method would greatly reduce the amount of through traffic on this street. Mr. Phil Robertson, John S. Thompson Company in Los Altos, explained the economic feasibility report presented to staff and the Commission. He explained revenues the City would be getting from the proposed development and explained what the losses would be for other stores in the area. Mr. C. Robbins noted that taxes are very high on this land, that the Board of Equalization is placing sessments on the land and that the Board noted that commercial uses would probably be best for that parcel. He further. stated that he favored the shopping center at this location. Mr. William Henderson noted his concerns over the proposed development being approved. He felt that traffic patterns and an increase in traffic would cause a great deal of problems for the people on West Orange Avenue and for the entire So~~hwood area. He felt there would be no way of diverting traffic from this area. He noted that the proposed development would cause certain businesses in the area to close, namely Value Giant. He felt Payless should buyout Value Giant. Mr. Clifford Farber expressed his opposition to the proposed development. He felt people in South San Francisco, Daly City, or Pacifica would not support the shopping center, specifically a superdrug. He noted that a petition was being circulated now against the proposed shopping center and that at present it had 99 signatures on it. He felt because of the losses to other businesses, the proposed shopping center would not generate any further revenues to the Ci.ty. - 3566 - Sutter Hill, cont1d ~1ay 25, 1976 Mr. Youngs expressed concern with increased traffic on Fairway Drive which joins Southwood and West Orange. He felt that Fairway is a very narrow street and could not accommodate any increased traffic. Mr. Hutche1son noted his opposition to the proposed development and asked Mr. Robert'son to give him figures of losses to other businesses in the Ci ty, as we 11 as fi gures for ga.fl~rJ;s to the Ci ty. Mr. Robertson noted that sales decrine would be about $2,570,000 and that the net gain to the City of South San Francisco would be $2,774,000 per year. Mr. Hutcheson ex- pressed a great deal of concern over traffic patterns in the area. He also expressed his concerns with dust control when Sutter Hill started grading. Mrs. Hoopes submitted several petitions to the City Planner with about 850 signatures. She also expressed her opposition to the proposed develop- ment. F. Allan Weinstein expressed his opposition to the shopping center noting that if this use were permitted, it would be detrimental to other shopping centers in the nearby area. He felt it would raise property taxes and that any revenues generated by the shopping center would be eliminated because of the amount of losses to the other shopping areas. Isabella Guerra expressed her opposition to the proposed shopping center stating her concerns with losses to other shopping areas and the increased traffic through the Southwood area. Arthur Connally expressed his opposition to the proposed shopping center stating that the residents in the area did not need such a shopping center and did not want it. Mr. Paul Davis expressed his opposition to the proposed shopping center and read into the record several paragraphs from a letter from the law offices of Paul Eschu, representing the manager of the Club View Apart- ments. This letter noted their opposition to the shopping center because it would downgrade the quality of living for those residents. Mr. Donald Black expressed his opposition to the proposed shopping center noting that he felt that the estimated 20 to 30 trucks per week was an underestimation. He noted that for a smaller store than Payless, there were about 50 trucks per week. He noted his concern with these trucks passing through the Southwood area, creating a traffic hazard. Mr. Evans noted his opposition to the proposed shoppin~ center, stating that there is enough pollution in the area and that the added truck traffic generated would cause a greater pollution hazard. Mr. Koerner expressed his opposition to the proposed shopping center and noted his skepticism to many of the studies that had been done and the figures presented as a result of these studies. He stated that the residents of the area did not need or want this shopping center. - 3567 - Sutter Hill, contld May 25, 1976 Mr. De Jarlais expressed his opposition to the proposed shopping center noting his concerns with increased traffic in the area. Mrs. DIAmico noted her opposition to the proposed shopping center, stating that the increased traffic would be very hazardous, especially to children, and she cited several instances where children have been injured or killed by vehicles. Mr. Hood expressed his opposition to the proposed shopping center, stating that he was especially concerned with increased traffic. After Chairman Slade closed the hearing, Commissioner Bertucelli expressed his desire to add to Special Condition #16 the installation of various traffic control measures: stop signs, diverters or a cul-de-sac on West Orange on a trial basis. Commi ssioner Mathewson not~~ hts.Y'~sistance to the signs being part of the Use Permit applicationeiiiliiifiSu'l'0'themssnoted that he felt the financial build- ing and fast food building should be deleted from the application and held under a separate Use Permit application because both buildings are of a conceptual nature. He further noted that the New Southern Restaurant expansion should be considered as a separate Use Permit. Commissioner Goldberg reiterated on the amendment to Special Condition #16 that the City test various alternatives for solving the problems of through traffic in the Southwood area for a period of 90 to 120 days. He further noted that ht would like to add Special Condition #18 that residents be surveyed at the end of this period to determine the effectiveness of the measures used to solve the traffic problems and that Council take the necessary action to implement these measures on a permanent basis. There was lengthy discussion on Conditions 12 and 13. Secretary Hale stated that both conditions were included as a result of suggested mitiga- tion measures in the IIEIR,II add are deemed desirable for this development. Commissioner Mathewson questioned the disposition of the permanent concrete building next to the New Southern Restaurant. Mr. Couch explained that it belonged to PT&T and that he had obtained a 65 year easement to be able to cross that land. Commissioner Mathewson introduced Resolution No. 2189 recommending to the City Council thereof that the General Plan of the City be amended to change the land use designation for the 6.8 acre site located southwesterly of the intersection of Westborough Boulevard and the El Camino Real from Medium-High Density Residential to Neighborhood Commercial. The Resolution was adopted by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Bertuce11i, Goldberg, Hale, Mathewson, Mullin and Chairman Salde NOES: Ms;ice-Cha i rman Tegl i a ABSENT: None - 3568 - Sutter Hill, cont1d May 25, 1976 Commissioner Goldberg, stating that the proposed shopping center could legally be developed in the IIUII Zone, moved that Resolution No. 2190 recommending to the City Council that RZ-29, petition of Sutter Hill, Ltd., to rezone property located southwesterly of the intersection of Westborough Boulevard and the El Camino Real from IIUII Wnclassified to IIC-11I Neighborhood Commercial District, be rejected. The motion died for lack of a second1 Commissioner Hale introduced Resolution No. 2190 and it was adopted by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Bertucelli, Hale, Mullin and Chairman Slade NOES: Vice-Chairman Teglia and Commissioners Goldberg and Mathewson ABSENT: None Commissioner Hale moved that UP-15-315 be approved and that said Use Permit shall stand approved upon the completion of all conditions and limitations contained in the staff report with the following changes: 1. Special Condition #4 was deleted. 2. Special Condition #8 was changed to read: IIThat the signs proposed on the fronts of the structures are subject to the review and approval of the Architectural Committee.1I The remainder of Condition #8 was deleted. 3. Special Conditions #12 and #13 were deleted. Special Condi- tion #18 was substituted to read as follows: liThe two separate buildings shown as IIfinancialll and IIfast foodll are removed from this application as they are of a conceptual nature and may be considered by the Planning Commission under separate application. 4. Special Condition #16 was changed to read as follows: IIThat the developer at his own expense shall cause a study to be made of the various alternatives to reducing the amount of t~affic and congestion on West Orange Avenue. Said study shall be submitted to the City Engineerls office for review and re- por~ by staff to the City Council for its consideration. Upon Ci!~YN Counci 1 approva 1, the developer sha 11 cause the improve- ments to be installed at his cost on a trial basis. If it is determined by the City Council that permanent improvements are to be made to the circulation system in the area, necessitated by the compounding of an existing traffic problem because of the proposeqdevelopment, then the developer shall install these improv~ments at his cost. 5. Special Condition #19 was added to read as follows: IIAny modification of the median strip on El Camino Real required by the City Engineer shall be installed and the cost borne by the applicant.1I - 3569 - Sutter Hill, contld May 25, 1976 The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bertucelli and was passed by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Bertucelli, Goldberg, Hale, Mathewson, Mullin and Chairman Slade NOES: Vice-Chai ABSENT: None WORK PROGRAM Secretary Hale explained the Work Program presented to the Commission, noting that he had attempted to list all functions of the Planning Division and the staff time involved with each. He noted that the total time in- volved, not including spur of the moment things that are unavoidable and which take up much of staffls time, is 4.1 man years. He further noted that this time did not include sick, leave, vacation time, Planning Com- mission meetings, City Council meetings, or unforeseen studies. The Commission expressed their concern with reducing Planning staff, based on the work program presented to the Commission, since it appeared obvious that there was insufficient staff at present to handle the anti- cipated work load. Director of Public Services Addi uggested that the Commission attend the budget hearings on June 5, so that they could get a clearer picture of what is happening with the budget and why certain cuts are necessary. The Commission could then present its position regarding the Assistant Planner deletion. Commissioner Mullin moved that the Commission send a letter to recommend to the City Council that the present Planning staff not be reduced, based on the work program submitted to the Commission. Commissioner Bertucelli seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. There being nothing to be considered under Good and Welfare or under Communi- cations or other matters of interest to the Commission, Chairman Slade announced that the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission would be held on June 8, 1976, at the West Orange Library Auditorium at 8:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 ~.m. Wesley Slade, Chairman Planning Commission City of South San Francisco David C. Hale, Secretary Planning Commission City of South San Francisco - 3570 - May 25, 1976 NOTE: The entries of this Planning Commission meeting indicate the action taken to dispose of each item. Oral presentations, arguments and documents are recorded on tape. The tapes are available in the office of the City Planner. Documents related to the items discussed are on file in the office of the City Planner and are available for public inspection. - 3571 -