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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 1970-03-18 . . . . . MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 18, 1970' The Planning Commission of the City of Seal Beach met in regular session on Wednesday, March 18, 1970, in the Council Chambers at the City Administration Building. The meeting was opened at 7:30 P.M. by Chairman Barton and recessed ~ until approximately 8:00 P.M. at McGaugh School Auditorium, Seal Beach Blvd. and Bolsa Ave., Seal Beach. The meeting reconvened at McGaugh School at 7:50 with the Salute to the Flag. Present: Absent: Barton, Crowley, Knapp, Lanning, Morris None The tentative minutes of the meeting of March 4, 1970, were cor~ected to include on page 3 "Redevelopment plan and map to be posted in City Hall for availability to the public." The minutes were approved as corrected. Chairman Barton welcomed the persons in attendance and briefly explained the legal procedure for public hearings. 1. Public Hearing - Ceci11e Hillmer (Walter Babcock), CP-3-70 Walter R. Babcock, authorized representative of the property owner, requested a Conditional Use Permit to allow the on-site sale of beer and wine at a proposed seafood restaurant and fish market at 201-203 Main Street, Seal Beach. Hearing opened. Proper legal notice had been given as required by ordinance. One written communication was received from John Nescher favoring the proposal. NO oral protests were made. Hea~ing closed. Mr. Crowley expressed concern that the proposed overhanging facade might be detrimental to traffic vision at the corner. Applicant agreed to modify the plan to be similar to that at John's Food King Market to avoid any vision obstruction. Mrs. Lanning moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit subject to the mod~fieation and approval of the overhang by the City Council. Seconded by Mr. Knapp and passed unanimously. Resolution No. 405. 2. Public Hearing - Boeger-E1ectro-Dyne, Inc., CP-4-70 Mr. Ray Boeger of Boeger-E1ectro-Dyne, Inc. requested a Conditional Use Permit to allow sales and light service of electric cars, motorized wheelchairs and adult bicycles in a C-1 Zone at 13869 Seal Beach Boulevard. Hearing opened. Legal notices had been properly posted. No protests, written or oral, were made. Applicant stated sign would be backlighted with no flashing effect. Hearing closed. Mr. Knapp moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit with the condition that service be limited to installation of accessories, batteries, tires and minor maintenance and excluding major maintenance and assembly. Seconded by Mrs. Lanning and passed unanimously. Resolution No. 406. 3. Public Hearing - Michael Comminos, UV-2-70 Mr. Comminos requested renewal of Use Variance permitting on-site sale of liquor at a dinner house located at 1600 Pacific Coast Highway and adding entertainment in the form of a piano or organ bar. Hearing opened. Proper legal notices had been mailed and posted. Mrs. Stegen, 331 16th, stated the neighbors had been very happy with the Ranch House and asked for clarification of the type of entertainment planned. She was also concerned about parking space if business increased. Mr. Comminos explained the entertainment and stated he was attempting to lease the empty lot located easterly from his location for additional parking. . . . . e Mr. W. H. Taylor, 16th St., was concerned about noise that might develop although there was no problem now. Victor Rheinhold, 1510 Emerald Cove Way, felt the piano bar would create no problems unless increased traffic would. Hearing closed. Mr. Barton moved to renew the use variance for on-site liquor sales at a dinner house and the addition of a piano bar type of entertainment limited to one entertainer and excluding dancing in normal course of business. Said Use Variance is effective for one year and is issued to Mr. Comminos and is non-transferable. This Use Variance to be effective upon ratification by the City Council. Seconded by Mrs. Lanning and passed unanimously. Resolution No. 407. 4. Plan Review - Herbert M. Spielman, PR-5-70 Mr. and Mrs. structure by living room. Mrs. Lanning Spielman. 1213 Seal Way, presented plans for remodeling an existing the addition of a bath and storage room and the enlargement of the Mr. Barton moved to approve the plans as presented. Seconded by and passed unanimously. Resolution No. 408. 5. Plan Review - Leisure World Liquors, Inc., PR-6-70 Leisure World Liquors presented plans for a fascia identification sign to be installed at 13962 Seal Beach Blvd. No flashing or rotating lights will be installed. Mr. Knapp moved to approve the plans as presented and excluding the installation of any flashing or rotating lights. Seconded by Mr. Morris and passed unanimously. Resolution No. 409. 6. Determination of Zone (cont'd) - Billiard Parlor (Arthur Miller) Mr. Arthur Miller has proposed establishing a billiard parlor at 311 Main St., Seal Beach and requested a determination of zone. This property is zoned C-2. Staff reported on a similar operation in the City of Snanton. Mr. Barton moved to find the C-2 Zone as the proper zone for this type of use subject to the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. This determination to be ratified by the City Council. Seconded by Mr. Knapp.and passed unanimously. Resolution No. 410 7. Public Hearing (cont'd) - Zoning of SE portion of Pacific Electric R/W, CZ-2-70 The Chairman read the minutes of the previous meeting pertaining to this hearing. City Attorney explained that the possibility existed that the City Council would also hold a public hearing on this proposal and in his opinion they should not be subject to prior influence in the matter. He had advised the Councilmen not to appear at this time. Hearing reopened. With the concurrence of the other members of the Commission, the Chairman requested the City Attorney conduct the hearing. Mr. Carnes reported that written communications had been received from Denis Morgan, 302 14th St., with questions regarding the proposed zoning and subsequent use and from the City Manager regarding the alleged surp&us city funds. Mr. Ron Miller, representative of the Apollo Development Company, made a presentation of their proposed development if the zoning of R-3 is approved. He exhibited a strip map of the entire right-of-way with the proposed uses as adopted by the Redevelopment Agency delineated. He also gave a brief history of the company, their Bridgeport development in Seal Beach and the background on acquiring this parcel and preparing a workable development. They had proceeded on their planning based on the adopted proposed uses by the Redevelopment Agency and the fact this was compatible with adjacent areas. Mr. Miller than presented slides showing artists' renderings of the proposed structures, tentative tract map, areas to be dedicated to the City and improvements to be furnished by Apollo. Other slides showed wall heights, setbacks. typical landscaping, floor plans and parking arrangements. . . . e e Their attempt was to achieve aesthetically attractive development that would enhance the area. Mr. Miller also cited the fees the City would receive as well as the major costs involved in developing. He pointed out that the adjacent three blocks on the right-of-way from 15th St. to 12th St. had been designated for park and public use by the Redevelopment Agency. Total increase in population would be approximately 100 persons. Donald Salem, 141 Dolphin, felt Apollo only interested in making a profit and not the benefit to the City. He felt this development would create wall-to-wall housing, more people, park adjacent is speculation only. He also felt the sewer treatment plant need not be such a major issue if new development was not allowed. Mr. Salem said this zoning and development might be the best use, but all alternatives should be investigated, studies should be made to find the best use and a moratorium should be declared on any zoning until this is done. A show of hands indicated that a vast majority of the persons in attendance agreed with this point of view. Carl Irwin, 636 Island View, felt that the "0" setback on one side and projections on the other left insufficient open area. If these buildings were sold and new owners put in fences on the property line would create substandard properties. He was advised that covenant could be recorded to prevent installation of fence or wall. Show of hands indicated agreement. Margaret Klein, 1211 Marlin, would like 100% of the area given as a park. She feels that would be the best use. Show of hands indicated agreement. Julie Dorr, 231 5th St., was very concerned about overcrowding which increases instability. Parks and open spaces needed. She presented slides of Santa Monica, Redondo Beach and Stuttgart, Germany, demonstrating how unusua11.reas can be developed and used. Show of hands indicated agreement. Denis Morgan, 201 14th St., asked why no on-street parking was proposed on the north side of the parcel. He also was concerned about curbcuts and setbacks feeling a developer should abide by the same regulations as everyone else. Show of hands indicated agreement. Art West, 1201 Electric, felt it had been shown that the majority of the people are against development of this area. Show of hands indicated agreement. Stewart Silvers, 114 7th St., expressed intense dislike of the Bridgeport development and the proposed development and opposes it. Tom Brady, 1607 Electric, presented a petition with 900+ signatures requesting deferrment of any zoning until every possible use of the land had been considered. The petition dated March 14, 1970 was read, received and accepted by the Commission. Paul Boisvert, 405 Opal Cove Way, felt that if this development were permitted it would eventually extend all the way to 5th St. He also quoted a councilman as saying that 95% of the people want a park. In reference to moneys needed for the sewer system, he suggested applying for state and federal aid rather than getting it from developers. Problems created by the development would offset any gain. Mr. Boisvert cited an alleged quote by Mr. Barton in the Los Angeles Times regarding deferring action until after the city election and pressed for no delay and expressed his opposition to zoning the area R-3. Mr. Barton responded that this was a quote out of context resulting from a telephone interview. The City Attorn,y advised the audience that the City has received grants for water pollution and water systems in the past and continually pursue all avenue, for funds. e e Dan Kruz, 116 7th St., opposed the zoning. Sven Lindstrom, 215 14th St., expressed thanks for holding the hearing at the school, but felt the hearing should now be closed and the Commission take their vote. Show of hands agreed. . Mrs. Roger West, 1201 Electric, read an excerpt from the Congressional Record regarding the need for a renewed idea of community to serve human needs. Must serve interest of society and emphasize the long term quality. Solace Jackson, 1335 Crestview, read a wire Francis Dean of Eckbo Dean Austin and Williams urging use of open space and recommending study. The wire was received and accepted into the record. Mary Lou Brophy, 134 5th St., assisted on the petition and found 100% agreement among the people. Mr. Gilkerson, 1011 Electric, felt too much emphasis is made of dedication of land for street and parking, this would happen under any development, public or private. Mr. Carson, 312 15th St., felt area already overzoned, and development would block public access across the strip of land. Mike Brown, 150 120th St., pointed out that the Planning Commission had been acting in good faith and been receiving the abuse. He felt the Commission should be commended and trust they would act fairly for the City. Yvonne Miller, 1005 Electric, felt the area and parking already congested. . Mr. Miller of Apollo discussed the questions put by Mr. Morgan's letter. He also pointed out that the property owners have rights. The property is unzoned and they are restricted from any use. He went on to say the City cannot prevent the best use without taking it and paying marking value for this best use. Mr. Barton questioned other layouts or type of development by the owner and the need for more open space. Mr. Stateford explained the projected increase in population without new development of area as found by professional advisers at the time the General Plan was formulated and the resultant need for new sewer treatment facilities. He also explained the purpose and procedure under the Redevelopment Agency. An estimated population and sewage flow chart was received and entered into the record. The hearing was closed. Mr. Knapp expressed concern about park development for the entire city. He also felt the Commission should move on this action with no further delay. All other Commissioners expressed their agreement that a decision should be made. Mr. Crowley moved to recommend to the City Council that Zone R-3-2600 be adopted for the portion of the Pacific Electric Right-of-Way eastet1y of 15th St. consistent with the General Plan and Redevelopment Plan and surrounding area. Seconded by Mrs. Lanning. Discussion by the Commissioners followed regarding the best use of the land, the people's concern and studies by citizens and professionals in the past. The vote was: AYES: NOES: Crowley, Lanning Knapp, Morris, Barton Motion defeated. Resolution No. 411. Mr. Knapp moved to recommend to the City Council that the parcel be zoned an "Interim Zone" for one year and recommend a study be initiated for evaluation and determination of the best use. Seconded by Mr. Barton. After advice by the City Attorney that his motion was out of order, it was withdrawn by Mr. Knapp with permission of the second. . Mr. Knapp moved to recommend to the City Council to initiate a study of the P.E. right-of-way to determine the best possible use. Seconded by Mr. Barton and passed unanimously. Resolution No. 412. e e 8. Written Communications . A letter from Miss Julie Dorr to the City Council was referred to the Planning Commission by the Council for study regarding the R & B Development Co. plans for the "DownChemica1" property. Chairman deferred action until the next meeting. A letter was received from American Institute of Planning and was held over to the next meeting by order of the Chairman. 9. Other Business The staff reported to the Commission regarding the Naval Air Station, Los A1amitos, and any future information of proceedings will be furnished to the members as it is received. Staff directed to contact the County Director of Planning and advise of willingness to cooperate. Staff reported briefly on Garden Grove amenities and a fuller report will be forthcoming. No further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:10 A.M. ~~~ Lois Arnold Recording Secretary --,. . .