Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.13.2018 SP & PC Minutes @9:00MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HOUSING STANDING COMMITTEE OF J O THE CITY COUNCIL AND �RZIFOAA PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue) South San Francisco, California 94083 Meeting will be held at: CITY MANAGER CONFERENCE ROOM 400 GRAND AVENUE SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2018 9:00 a.m. 1. Call to Order. TIME: 9:09 a.m. 2. Roll Call. PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto, Councilmembers Addiego, and Planning Commissioners Faria, Wong and Alternate Committee Member Planning Commissioner Shihadeh. 3. Public Comments. None. Matters for Consideration 1. Continuation of interviews of developers for the Public Utilities Commission site, a Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency of South San Francisco property, and selection of a preferred developer and alternate developer. (Mike Lappen, Economic Development Coordinator) Coordinator Lappen reviewed the interview process with the Commission and disused the interviews conducted with KASA Partners and Blake Griggs on March 12, 2018. He stated the interviews would continue with Republic Metropolitan, Sares Regis and Summer Hill, followed by closed session to discuss price and terms, at which representatives from each business would be available for questions. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto, Analyst Talavera confirmed that a second round of interviews with the top candidates was possible, if needed. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto gave examples of additional questions that would further define the project. Deputy Director Selander advised the Committee of the tentative deadline for a recommendation of March 28, 2018, and the need to schedule additional interviews soon. Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto said she wanted more specific information on Child Care proposals from the developers and the high -rise concept. In response to Planning Commissioner Faria, Analyst Talavera stated the Blake Griggs' plans included the location of the potential child care. Councilmember Addiego stated he felt child care was important but he wanted to make sure it was the right use for the space and that it benefited the whole community. Coordinator Lappen indicated there would be more details regarding the financials during the closed session. Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto called a recess at 9:21 a.m. Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto reconvened the meeting at 9:26 a.m. Bob Mendelsohn, President of Republic Metropolitan, introduced the project team and explained their goal to work closely with the City and neighborhood to create a project everyone could be proud of and was in keeping with the El Camino Real Chest Avenue Area Plan. He discussed the project including a welcoming neighborhood environment with townhomes, apartments and condominiums for lease and /or sale, neighborhood shopping, child care center, community park, open space, pedestrian and bike trails. He stated they envisioned a planned transit village that would take advantage of connectivity to BART, airports, the community and local hospitals. He summarized the proposal to development both parcels of land, totaling 5.9 acres, coordinated with site and infrastructure improvements. He stated there would be 639 housing units, 458 market rate units and 181 affordable units. He discussed the 5,000- square foot child care center, adjacent to 7,500 - square feet of dedicated protected open space. He explained that the area would be staffed and operated by the YMCA. He discussed the amenities including a fitness center and spa, club room, business and media center, public park program with public art. He summarized the financing for the project. Barbara Gualco, Vice President Real Estate Development Mercy Center, addressed the Commission and discussed their past projects and qualifications. She stated their intent for a mixed retail area that would bring small retailers to the area. She discussed the financing plan for the project which included transit related funding. She stated 75 percent of the units were 2 or 3 bedrooms that would serve families well. Anne Senores, Child and Youth Development Executive of the YMCA, discussed their programs and how they would partner to provide child care, recreation areas and youth sports. JOINT HOUSING STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 13, 2018 MINUTES PAGE 2 Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto asked if scholarships were available. Ms. Senores advised that the YMCA offered scholarships. Sergio Lima, SWA Group, discussed the Urban Design complexities and how they responded to the various features with large landscaped areas and other outdoor spaces. John Kosi, Design Director from BDE Architecture, explained that the project created an integrated community sensitive to the existing context and insured walkability. He stated there would be approximately 10,000 square feet of retail space. In response to Councilmember Addiego, Mr. Kosi stated the common area could include a resident's lounge, a gymnasium or fitness facility. Mr. Kosi commented on the parking area, housing and gateway areas, open space, and pedestrian access points to the Centennial Trail. John DeRiggi, Vice President with Republic Metropolitan, and John Baker, Swinerton, discussed the financial aspects of the proposal. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto stated a good working relationship with BART was critical to the project and asked about their experience working with BART. Mr. Todd Adair, Principal with BKF Engineers, discussed their work history and relationship with BART. Don Cecil, Community Liaison and representing MC2, discussed their commitment and involvement with community engagement. He discussed the key components for success. Councilmember Addiego stated he saw the level of sensitivity to the community and was pleased with the presentation. In response to Commissioner Faria, Mr. Lima stated Colma Creek would have enhanced landscaping but no additional walking trails. He stated the focus was on the connection to the trail and ensuring walkability. Commissioner Faria asked about other projects. Ms. Gualco discussed other affordable housing projects. Commissioner Wong complimented aspects of the design. In response to Commissioner Wong, Mr. Gualco discussed ideas for restaurant space. Mr. Mendelsohn spoke on financing the project to completion and discussed the child care space requirements and use after hours. Councilmember Addiego and Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto disclosed that they met with Republic Metropolitan representatives. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto commented that different developers saw things differently and asked how they defined inclusionary and affordable. Mr. Mendelsohn stated inclusionary was the same as workforce housing. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto stated the affordable housing area would fill quickly and she wanted to first concentrate on residents and people that work JOINT HOUSING STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 13, 2018 MINUTES PAGE 3 in South San Francisco. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto asked about phasing. Mr. Mendelsohn stated the first phase would include child care and Mercy housing. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto asked for additional information on the parking plan. Mr. Baker explained that parking would be hidden and the design was flexible. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto asked for information on the proposed shuttle to BART. Mr. Mendelsohn stated the shuttle would be available to residents and other members of the community. In response to Commissioner Faria, Ms. Gualco indicated that Mercy Housing would have on -site property management. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto thanked them for their presentation and recessed the meeting at 9:24 a.m. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto resumed the meeting at 10:43 a.m. and invited representatives from Sares Regis to make their presentation. Drew Hudacek, Chief Investment Officer for Sares Regis, discussed their proposal focusing on connectivity, community interaction and mixed housing types and density. The members of his team introduced themselves. Mr. Hudacek and Matt Chin, Vice President of Acquisitions, discussed their business and other projects they had worked on. Chek Tang, President of AIA, discussed the development site and opportunities provided to maximize the value. Andrew Turco, Development Project Manager, talked about the linear connection to the BART Station and the civic center. He discussed the extension of the Oak Avenue area in Phase One and reimagining Centennial Way. He reviewed the proposed pedestrian and bike paths, bridges, open spaces, enhanced landscaping, connection to El Camino Real and setting the stage for the future. Ken Busch, Senior Vice President of Development, discussed the design aspects, focusing on making Centennial Way a more active area and 4.5 acres of improvements for open space. He also spoke on the retail space, the civic center area and various housing aspects including the proposal of housing with stoops along Centennial Way, connectivity to BART, open space and public art. Mr. Hudacek stated mixed for sale and rental housing was appropriate for the area. He stated the higher density housing was closest to the BART Station and the lower density housing option would be a townhouse type structure built on top of a podium parking structure. He further explained the for -rent housing options, housing near the BART Station and how it fit into the greater community. He discussed Sares Regis and their commitment to the project. JOINT HOUSING STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 13, 2018 MINUTES PAGE 4 Commissioner Wong confirmed the proposal for 4,000 square feet of retail space and asked the type of retail was being proposed. Mr. Hudacek advised that retail areas were limited based on vehicular and pedestrian traffic and they were proposing a third -party retailer. In response to Commissioner Wong, Mr. Hudacek stated they had financial and equity partners available for the project and believed the transit availability would make financing easier. Commissioner Faria asked for elaboration on the inclusionary housing component. Mr. Hudacek stated they were proposing twenty percent affordable housing. He explained past projects with mixed housing developments. In response to a question regarding BART, Mr. Hudacek stated they had a good working relationship with BART and were confident they could work with them successfully. Councilmember Addiego asked for additional information on the architecture because he was not pleased with parts of the proposal. Mr. Hudacek stated they had various ideas and were willing to work with the City on design aspects and make modifications as needed. He and members of his team explained their collaborative design process. Councilmember Addiego and Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto disclosed that they met with the Sares Regis team. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto confirmed they were willing to make modifications to their vision. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto, Mr. Hudacek explained that parking was based on the transit population, increased pedestrian traffic and other parking availability along the trail and Oak Avenue extension. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto confirmed the inclusionary housing would be twenty percent and scattered throughout the project. She commented on past projects with inclusionary housing on studio or one - bedroom units and suggested that was a more reasonable option. City Manager Futrell stated the Committee had the flexibility to work out the inclusionary housing rates with the individual developer. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto asked for information on child care. Mr. Busch stated the child care was on site and no provider has been selected at this time. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto asked about parking. Mr. Busch stated parking would be in structures and would not be exposed. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto asked about plans for Centennial Way. Mr. Chin discussed the proposal for re- alignment and landscape enhancements to BART. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto asked about phasing. Mr. Hudacek stated the mix of housing units would be completed at the same time in Phase One. He stated the timeline was subject to BART requirements and any other unforeseen issues. He discussed the housing needs and stated affordable housing was an issue in every community. JOINT HOUSING STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 13, 2018 MINUTES PAGE 5 Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto thanked them for their presentation and recessed the meeting at 11:42 a.m. Mayor Pro Tern Matsumoto resumed the meeting at 12:21 p.m. and invited SummerHill Housing Group to present their proposal. Robert Freed, President and CEO of the SummerHill Housing Group, introduced himself and asked his team to introduce themselves. He discussed the qualifications of SummerHill Housing to complete the project successfully. Katia Kamanager, Executive VP of the Development Team, stated they specialize in in -fill and challenging development sites. She discussed their team experience and other projects they have completed. She commented on their approach for land planning and having the right team in place. Sara Fernandez, Director of Planning, presented their vision for the development site, which they understood might change as recommended by the City. She stated their objective to create a memorable and iconic space, capturing the feeling of openness, sensitive to the neighbors and enhancing trail connections to active frontages. She explained the podium style buildings and open space facing the creek and Centennial Way. She stated the ground level units would be activated with amenities and retail spaces, 4,500 square foot child care center, and townhomes with stoops accessing the ground level. She stated the parking structure would wrapped into the two -story townhomes. She displayed the public open space areas including pedestrian and bike pathways. She stated they were inspired by the City's modern design concept of the Civic Center and were envisioning a contemporary architectural design with unexpected angles that respond to the triangle site geometry. She discussed the open space areas, park amenities and public art. Elaine Breeze, Vice President of Development, indicated expansion of the open space near BART or Kaiser were options they have accounted for financially. She stated the Affordable Housing Plan proposed units be dispersed and indistinguishable throughout the property and they were providing twenty percent or 151 units of affordable housing. She stated they were open to providing different levels of affordable housing depending on the City's goals and that South San Francisco residents would have priority. She stated the units were family friendly and she described the amenities. She explained the proposed child care center and their experience working with BART. Douglas McDonald, Chief Operating Officer, explained their financial strategy and commitment to the project. He also explained past development and financing. Mr. Freed stated the team was focused and experienced and understood there would be changes along the way. He stated they looked forward to working with the City on final plans for the development. JOINT HOUSING STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 13, 2018 MINUTES PAGE 6 Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto confirmed they were willing to make changes as needed and would be flexible. Commissioner Wong stated he loved the rendering of Colma Creek. He asked why no commercial space was being proposed. Ms. Breeze explained that the design followed the City's current zoning and retail space, which was limited to coffee retail use. He stated they focused on activating the site with open spaces and a natural feel and could integrate 3,000 square feet of commercial space adjacent to the Oak Avenue and Antoinette area. Commissioner Wong asked about the flexible construction costs and if there were plans in place to adjust as needed. Mr. Freed discussed the built in anticipated cost increases and indicated they had or would have the ability to have finances in place. Commissioner Faria asked about the narrowing of Oak Street and expressed concern that it might become a very active street. He stated the ability to successfully work with BART was imperative. Ms. Breeze stated they would conduct traffic studies to insure the traffic flow was enough to accommodate the area. Ms. Fernandez explained that there would not be fewer lanes just no street parking. In response to Commissioner Faria, Mr. Freed stated the affordable housing units would have the same amenities as the other units. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto asked if for sale units would be provided and the types. Mr. Freed explained the one area with condominiums and indicated they had not determined whether they would be for sale units but were willing to work with the City. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto asked if a child care provider had been considered. Ms. Kamanager said they have not identified an operator at this time, but they would be looking for a local operator. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto, Ms. Breeze stated they had worked with BART on past projects and they were familiar with the permit process and would apply their prior experience. Mr. Freed anticipated changes and indicated flexibility. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto suggested a small retail area. Mr. Freed stated they would be comfortable adding small retail space to the proposal. In response to Planning Commissioner Wong, Mr. Freed stated the retail space could be anywhere from 3,000 to 9,000 square feet. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto thanked them for their presentation. 2. Closed Session: Conference with Real Property Negotiators: (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8) Properties: PC Site (APN 093 - 312 -060) City Negotiators: Alex Greenwood and Nell Selander JOINT HOUSING STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 13, 2018 MINUTES PAGE 7 Negotiating Parties: Housing Standing Committee of the City Council and Planning Commission of the City of South San Francisco and AGUKASA, Blake Griggs, Republic Metropolitan, Sares Egis, and SummerHill Housing. Under Negotiations: Price and terms for disposition of the property. The Committee entered Closed Session at 1:18 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto resumed the meeting from Closed Session at 2:59 p.m. No direction was given and there was no reportable action. Adjournment Being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Submitted Ap ove b Gabriel Rodri ,Deputy City Clerk Karyl atsumoto, Mayor Pro Tem City of South San Francisco City of South San Francisco JOINT HOUSING STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 13, 2018 MINUTES PAGE 8