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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.01.96 Minutes MINUTES SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING COMMISSION February 1, 1996 CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice-Chairman Romero, Commissioners Barnett, DeZordo and Masuda. MEMBERS ABSENT: Chairman Warren, Commissioners Lucchesi and Padreddii. CHAIRMAN COMMENTS CONSENT CALENDAR-AGENDA ITEMS East of 101 Area Plan, Open Space General Plan Amendment; GP-96-004; Negative Declaration No. 794 (previously certified) General Plan Amendment to policies in the East of 101 Area Plan regarding development in Open Space areas and adjacent to known sensitive resources. (Continuance requested to February 15, 1996) 128 Harbor Way, Bay Area/Diablo Petroleum Company; SC-95-31 Type "C" Sign Permit to allow a sign program including a pole sign 26 feet in height and a total sign area of 262 square feet, in accordance with SSFMC Section 20.76. (Continuance requested to February 15, 1996) 740 Del Monte Avenue, Alta Lorna Pre-School (Grace Covenant Church, owner); UP-95-996 Use Permit to allow a pre-school accommodating up to 36 children in accordance to the provisions of SSFMC Section 20. 16.030(b). (Continuance requested to February 15, 1996) 300 So. Airport Blvd., Chevron (Chevron USA, owner) UP-90-879/Mod 3; Cat. Ex.: Class 1, Section 15301 Use Permit Modification to allow expansion of food mart into the area occupied by service bays in accordance with the provisions of SSFM C Section 20.91. Motion-DeZordo/Second-Masuda: To approve Consent Calendar. It was unanimously approved by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING - AGENDA ITEMS Terrabay Development - Hillside Boulevard, SunChase G.A. California 1, Inc. SP-96-0 12, Draft Supplemental EIR Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for Terrabay Specific Plan and Development Agreement Extep~Jon. Vice-Chairman Romero opened the public hearing. Project Planner, Lida Budko, presented the staff report. She summarized the project history since the adoption I by City Council of the Specific Plan in December 1982, after certification of the project EIR. Ms. Budko described the project and its three phases. She stated that the site for Phase I has been graded and most of the infrastructure improvements have been constructed, including a new fire station and Sister Cities Boulevard. She noted that the current developers, SunChase, are requesting a la-year extension of the specific plan and development agreement to complete implementation of the approved plan. The City decided to update the EIR before taking any action, and John Wagstaff & Associates were retained to prepare the Draft Supplemental EIR (DSEIR). She noted that the purpose of this meeting was to receive comments on the Draft Supplemental EIR. At the conclusion of the public hearing, and after the public review period ends, on February 18, 1996, all verbal and written comments received will be responded to and included in the Final EIR. Applicants/Owner Representative: Mr. Breen advised he was available for any questions on this project, and introduced Mr. Sweeney as Project Manager, also available for questions from the Commission or the public. Dennis Breen, SunChase, G.A., and Jim Sweeney, Project Manager Sterling Pacific Management Grp. 6001 No. 24th Street Phoenix, AZ 85016 Draft Supplemental EIR Consultant: Mr. Wagstaff reported on the scope of work which was to prepare the environmental updates to conform with current CEQA requirements. The Specific Plan and Development Agreement approvals are due to expire on February 14, 1997, and the Developer is requesting a la-year extension. The DSEIR gives a detailed assessment for Phase I where more information is available, and includes detailed mitigation. A broader assessment is provided for Phases II & III as the information is more conceptual for Phase II & III. The 45-day review period on the DSEIR ends on February 18, 1996. John Wagstaff Wagstaff and Associates 2512 Ninth Street, Suite 5 Berkeley, CA 94710 Page 2 of 9 Pages PC Meeting of 2/1/96 Representing SSF Unified School District: Ms. Smith submitted a letter dated January 29, 1996. She mentioned that the nearby school is in need of upgrades, and the State Architect is asking for this school site be brought up to code. Janice Smith, Assist. Supt. of School/Business Services So. San Francisco Unified School District 400 "B" Street, So. San Francisco, CA Speaking Against Terrabay DSEIR: Ms. Coffey spoke of the concern of Phase III Indian village sites, and noted Page 51 of the SEIR states that there are goals to preserve the archeological site of the shell mounds. She noted that since the detail traffic mitigation for Phase II and III are not clear, she is concerned of how the City will know the impact on the shell mounds. The City should ask for detail mitigation measures for all phases of the development. The archeological investigation of the shell mounds done for the previous owner, at the request of CalTrans, was not used in this report and should be made available. Josephine Coffey, SB Mtn Watch, 248 Dublin, San Francisco, CA Speaking with Concern: Mr. Vieira expressed his concern on the sensitivity that the planning of the commercial phase, in regards to the shell mounds and the increased traffic that will be needed to accommodate the other phases of the project. As a representative of the Historical Commission he would like to be kept informed when future phases becomes more detailed. Frank Vieira, Chairman of the City's Historical Preservation Commission 319 Spruce Avenue, SSF Speaking with Concern: Ms. Harks noted the Historical Preservation COlnmission was given the task of protecting historic and archeological remains in this City and they were overlooked in these studies; they will be sending in their written comments. She would appreciate reports being sent directly to the Commission; she had no comment at this time. Edna Harks, Past Chairperson of Historical Preservation Commission 210 Eucalyptus Avenue, SSF Page 3 of9 Pages PC Meeting of 2/1/96 Speaking Against Terrabay DSEIR: David Schooley, SB Mtn Watch, P.O. Box AO, Brisbane, CA 94005 Mr. Schooley has been concerned with development of San Bruno Mountain and Shearwater area for many years. His main concern: · the Habitat Conservation Plan, feels this development needs to be very concerned in preserving native animal and plant species. · the Indian shell mounds need to be preserved, wants Commission to be careful of the growth on San Bruno Mountain along Paradise Valley and around the frontage of H wy 101. · that as a gift from the owners, the Indian shell mounds, should be kept as a place for people to learn of endangered species and A verian Indian history. Speaking Against Terrabay DSEIR: Mr. Matthews noted: Fred Matthews 843 Easton Ave, San Bruno, CA . He uses the mountain for a peaceful place, feels this mountain should stay as open space as much as possible. · Compromise, with respect to the Indian shell mounds, don't take something that you can't get back; and · South San Francisco needs to be proud and take care of this area, there are owls in the canyons and development far up into the mountain will destroy this natural area. He asked the Commission to redevelop areas in the City before "you tread on sensitive areas like these". Page 4 of 9 Pages PC Meeting of 2/1/96 Speaking with Concern: Mr. Sigg noted they have seen the DSEIR, they are concerned with the project's compliance with the Habitat Conservation Plan for San Bruno Mountain. Specifically with the wild flower area that was a home for hawks, now it has become a weed patch; weeds are expanding from the Terrabay site onto San Bruno Mountain. Jake Sigg, President of the Yerba Buena Chapter of the California Native Plant Society 338 Ortega, San Francisco, CA Speaking Against Terrabay DSEIR: Mr. Irwin spoke against the Draft SEIR because it has not fully addressed the Indian shell mounds. He distributed information on the Indian shell mounds and information on some of the last known Yelamu-Amuctuc people who lived on the mountain. He stressed the importance of preserving this unique area for future generations to enjoy just as he did as a child. He will have a slide presentation at the meeting of February 18th of what a developer did in Vancouver, B. C. , building a mall around the burial grounds. Jerome Irwin 100 Alden Avenue, Colma, CA Speaking with Concern: Ms. Pont expressed concern with seepage, catch basins, parking facilities specially for emergency vehicles, earthquake, and geological studies. She asked if all these items had been thoroughly studied. The Chief PlaImer asked what she meant by "seepage"? She noted that underground springs and drainage come down from the mountain during the winter months, even with the improvements done. She feels the drainage problems have not been corrected. Jan Pont 111 Belmont Avenue, SSF Vice-Chairman Romero closed the public hearing. Commissioner DeZordo commented on the vegetation and wildlife section. He too was concerned with the native plants being replanted per the Habitat Conservation Plan and how it had been previously noted that the plants needed to be irrigated, and it turns out now that these plants are dying due to lack of irrigation. He suggested that native plants be replanted instead of hydro seeding. Trail access parking and signage is not mentioned in the DSEIR. Commissioner Barnett commented on the drainage erosion and soil erosion problem that could be handled with normal maintenance. He would like to see more detail on how this would actually take place. Motion-DeZordo/Second-Barnett: To direct staff to address all comments heard, and proceed to prepare a Final Supplemental EIR. It was unanimously approved by voice vote. Page 5 of 9 Pages PC Meeting of 2/1/96 162 & 164 W. Harris Ave., Troyer Door Control (Doug Troyer, owner) V-95-325 and Negative Declaration No. 806 Variance to allow tandem parking and parking in front setback in accordance with the provisions of SSFMC Section 20.82.080. Interim Planner Kasparowitz presented information from Mr. Doug Troyer wherein, they believe they have a solution that will not require a Variance, and request a continuance to next meeting. Staff recommends this item be continued to February 15th meeting. Motion-DeZordo/Second-Masuda: To continued V-95-325 and Negative Declaration No. 806 to February 15, 1996. It was unanimously approved by voice vote. 460 Pt. San Bruno Blvd., Genentech Central Spine DR-95-999, Negative Declaration No. 805 Design Review and Negative Declaration to allow the phased construction of landscape, parking, and pedestrian and vehicular circulation ilnprovements on a 28 acre portion of the 80 acre Genentech Inc. Campus, situated in the vicinity of Forbes and Point San Bruno Boulevards, in the Planned Industrial/Genentech Research and Development Overlay Zoning District (P-I/GR&D), in accordance with the provisions of SSFMC Chapter 20.40. Vice-Chairman Romero open the public hearing. Senior Planner Carlson presented staff report. Representatives of Genentech are here to present the project in detail and answer any questions. Representing Applicant: Mr. Yee noted that Mike Painter, (Landscape Architect) and Juergen Fehr, (Traffic Engineer) are present to answer any questions. He noted how the Planning Staff, the Design Review Board and the Planning Commission have been working very well to put together the Genentech Master Plan, and the Overlay Zone District documents that chart growth patterns for Genentech. The Central Spine is the first of the projects that carries out some of the ideas in the Master Plan and summarizes the areas. Peter Yee, Principal Planner Genentech, Inc. 460 Pt. San Bruno Blvd. M.S. 29, SSF Vice-Chairman Romero closed the public hearing. Commissioner Masuda referring to page 18, asked if the design goes around the intersection? Mr. Yee mentioned the design element does go around, it is a walk-way. Mr. Yee noted that this is a transition point for future growth. Vice-Chairman Romero asked if they considered an overpass on Pt. San Bruno due to cars speeding in this area, he is concerned with pedestrians. Mr. Yee noted that this area draws the attention of people as they enter Page 6 of 9 Pages PC Meeting of 2/1/96 this area and hopes it brings caution to drivers to slow down. He agrees with the need for mitigations of the Pt. San Bruno area and they are working on it. Commissioner DeZordo asked about the planting area. Tim VanMeter, the project Architect, presented two plans and described the different areas and their possible uses. He also illustrated wind mitigation and covered walk-ways used to buffer wind from some areas. The Commission commented on a very nice design. Motion-DeZordo/Second-Barnett: Motion to approved Negative Declaration No. 805 and DR-95-999 subject to the findings contained in the staff report and conditions of approval. 245-275 So. Airport Boulevard, SSF Conference Center/Ramada Food Court UP-91-888/Mod 1, Negative Declaration 798 Use Permit Modification to allow installation of a food court within the Ramada Inn which includes a drive thru pickup window, an on site automobile rental facility, and shared parking with adjacent properties in accordance with the provisions of SSFM C Sections 20.11.070 & 20.91. Vice-Chairman Romero opened the public hearing. Senior Planner Kalkin presented the staff report and recommended approval of Use Permit modification UP- 91-888/Mod 1 and Negative Declaration No. 798. Representing Applicant: Mr. Connor reported that United Airlines, which occupies a major portion of the Ramada Inn, is working well but one of their needs is the convenience of fast food. He noted that Mr. James Linebarger, project architect, and representatives from Burger King were available to answer any questions. Dave Connor, Owner of Ramada Inn 245 S Airport Blvd., SSF Vice-Chairman Romero closed the public hearing. Commissioner DeZordo asked the architect to point out the changes in the building. Mr. Linebarger noted the changes in the floor plan. Discussion followed on the site plan modifications, compliance with handicap regulations, signage, and how the queuing line has been worked around existing roads. Commissioner Masuda questioned whether consideration had been given to making drive aisles one-way. The traffic consultant, Juergen Fehr, noted that the existing parking is at 90 degrees on both sides of the aisle and cars exiting may go either direction. Consequently, it is necessary to keep drive aisles two ways. He further noted that where the queue line has been established there is sufficient widtll for three cars - two drive aisles and space for one car to wait. In reviewing other sites, Mr. Fehr has observed that if there are more than 10 cars waiting, people tend to park and go inside. He concluded that he did not find any major improvements were needed in the circulation system along So. Airport Boulevard. Senior Planner Kalkin recommended an additional condition of approval as follows: "11. The applicant shall implement the measures outlines in the Parking Management Plan and Page 7 of 9 Pages PC Meeting of 2/1/96 Supplement dated September 15, 1995 and October 18, 1995, prepared by Evergreen Associates. " Motion-DeZordo/Second-Masuda: Motion to approved Use Permit modification UP-91-888/Mod 1 and Negative Declaration No. 798 subject to the findings contained in the staff report and amended conditions of approval. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS Interpretation of East of 101 Area Plan policy DE-49 regarding the height of signs. Interim Planner Kasparowitz presented the staff report and recommended that the Commission consider signage exceptions restricted to the Airport and Dubuque Boulevards corridors. Commissioner Masuda asked if East Grand could be part of the corridor. Vice-Chairman Romero felt the corridor should be close to Highway 101 only. Discussion ensued as to why a sign should be allow over 12', as mentioned in the East of 101 Area Plan, and perhaps only "traveler" oriented signs were appropriate over 12 feet in height. Assistant City Attorney Seto advised that restricting advertisement based on the type of business could violate their First Amendment rights. The Commission discussed signs on East Grand Avenue past Gateway Boulevard, they do not want a cluster of signs on East Grand. The Commission asked if staff could bring graphic examples of different possible sign sizes, including signage as part of the building. Interim Planner Kasparowitz noted that due to the topography of some areas, some businesses do suffer. Vice-Chairman Romero asked if they could have several maps showing variations of these effects and identifying business. Staff agreed. Items from Staff: Chief Planner Solomon reported that the School District is preparing Requests For Qualifications for the sale of the EI Rancho School Site. He noted the school is closed, but it is being used as day care and other activities. Also, the SSFUSD has been talking to staff about Avalon School site. Discussion continued on the school district's procedure on the sale of surplus property, and the needs for schools in other areas of the City. Chief Planner Solomon also noted that at last week's City Council study session meeting, staff presented a series of zoning amendments for the Old Downtown areas. Direction given was to make the zoning standards more flexible for existing structures/residences in that area. Council looked at the package and directed staff to start preparing ordinance to bring to the Commission to implement the policy. Items from Commission: Discussion on the formation of a Planning Commission Staff and Project Recognition Committee. Commissioner DeZordo asked to continue this discussion for others to be present. Motion-Masuda/Second-DeZordo: Motion to continue this item to the next Planning Commission meeting. Page 8 of 9 Pages PC Meeting of 2/1/96 Items from the Public: None Adjournment: Motion-Masuda/Second-DeZordo: Motion to adjourn meeting at 9:30 PM, Meeting adjourned to February 15, 1996. Planning Commission City of South San Francisco ^ ;7'~ h.~M William Romero, Vice-Chairman Planning Commission City of South San Francisco SS:rp Page 9 of 9 Pages PC Meeting of 2/1/96