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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 1970-03-04 . . . e . MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 4, 1970 The Planning Commission of the City of Seal Beach met in regular session on Wednesday, March 4, 1970, in the Council Chambers at the City Administration Building. The meeting was opened at 7:40 P.M. by Chairman Barton and Vice Chairman Knapp led the Salute to the Flag. Present: Absent: Barton, Crowley, Knapp, Morris Lanning The minutes of the meeting of Eebruary 18, 1970, were approved as presented. Mrs. Lanning's absence was excused because of illness. Chairman Barton welcomed the audience and explained the Planning Commission procedure. 1. Continued Public Hearing - Beverly Enterprises, v-4-70 The applicant requested additional time to study various parking possibilities at their site. Earl Raines requested the reading of the portion of the minutes regarding th~s application. It was explained that the originally advertised hearing had been continued to this date with no discussion. The Chairman directed this hearing be continued to the meeting of April 1, 1970. 2. Continued Public Hearing - Zoning of a Portion of P.E. Right-of-Way, CZ-2-70 Apollo Development Co., proposerl'0:fl1"a.:'development for subj ect parcel, requested the hearing be continued until April 18 to enable them to prepare a presentation of the complete proposal. The Secretary announced the developer's name, address and phone number for interested parties. Cha.:i:rman Barton stated the hearing would be reopened for the persons present and possibly carried over to the next meeting. Mr. Crowley suggested the balance of the agenda be handled f~rst and with the concurment of the other members, the chair so ordered. 3. Cont~nued Public Hearing - Rossmoor Park Apartments, v-6-70 Applicant requested continuance to April 1. Chairman so ordered. 4. Plan Review - Golden Rain Foundation, PR-1-70 Plans were presented for a new guardhouse at the main entrance for LeisureWorld. Mr. Brooks Copeland, Physical Properties Director, described the proposal. Rest room facilities are located 117 feet from the proposed site. Mr. Crowley explained that landscaping and aesthetics were the main concern for the entering view of the Leisure World area. Mr. Copeland had not understood this and indicated his willingness to cooperate. Mr. Barton moved to approve PR-1-70 subject to approval of landscaping by the staff. Seconded by Mr. Crowley and passed unanimously by the members present. Resolution No. 400. 5. Plan Review - Golden Rain Foundat~on, PR-3-70 Plans were presented for a metal building for the maintenance yard at Leisure World for dirt storage. Mr. Copeland stated it would meet requirements for air pollution and its purpose was to prevent the dust problem for the area. Mr. Knapp moved to approve PR-3-70. Mr. Morris seconded and it passed unanimously by the members present. Resolution No. 401. . . . e e 2 6. Plan Review - Security Pacific National Bank, PR-Q-70 Security Pacific National Bank presented site plans for their proposed bank branch to be located at 8th St. and Pacific Coast Highway. A colored artist's rendering was also exhibited. The staff recommended that sidewalks, curb modifications and alley improvements as well as improved traffic pattern on-site be conditions of approval. Secretary advised that the architect was in agreement on the modified traffic flow and plans would be changed to agree. Mr. Morris moved to approve the plans aSL)~odified subject to the requested public improvements. Landscaping and identification sign are excluded from this approval and subject to future review. Seconded by Mr. Barton and passed unanimously by the members present. Resolution No. 402. 7. Public Hearing - Paul Yacoby, CP-2-70 Mr. Yacoby, 301 7th St., requested approval to permit construction of an addition to his manufacturing plant which is a non-conforming use in the C-2 zone. Mr. Paul Gray, attorney in the area, said the General Plan called for "highway commercial" in thh area and felt the aim should be toward that end and not expand a non-conforming use. He was fearful that it could ~n the future move to more noise and expansion and requested denial. Mrs. Yacoby indicated that only l/3 o~the addition would be used for assembly with hand tools and the balance used for storage. Mr. Morris asked and was advised what other M-l uses were in the area. Mr. Yacoby advised that the area was zoned M-l originally when he started the business and had since been rezoned. He also stated that he had never had complaints from the neighborhood. Mrs. "Brown, 212 14th St., asked what areas of the City are zoned for manufacturing and was advised the North American property. Mrs. SchiH.1D:!hauer stated that she had owned apartments previously in this area and had no complaints about noise nor any problem with tenants because of the Yacoby plant. Mr. John Bender felt the attorney's office had been established opposite this plant w:mth the knowledge of the type of operat~on. Mr. Carston, 312 15th St., suggested an investigation of noise from the operation. The Chairman said that property owners had been advised of the hearing and apparently had no large concern. Mr. Gray stated that there was no problem at the present time, but was concerned of the future and possible conversion of the use. Hearing closed. Mr. Morris moved to approve CP-2-70 w~th the condition that the non-conforming use be limited to the applicant and non-transferable. Seconded by Mr. Crowley and passed unanimously by the members present. Resolution No. 403. 8. Continued Public Hearing - Zoning of a Portion of P.E. Right-of-Way, CZ-2-70 Minutes for the hearing on Febrbary l8th were read aloud for the benefit of the audience and the hearing reopened. Tom Brady, 1607 Electric, representing the Seal Beach Council of Environmental Concern, presented a resolution adopted by a group of citizens on February 28, 1970. Solace Jackson, 1335 Crestview, read the resolution aloud in its entirety and it is made a part of these minutes by reference. The Chairman commended those responsible for the resolution on its preparation and commented that this was the best way for them to proceed. Mr. Morris took exception with the last paragraph of page one of the resolution by stating that the C~ty had no where near $2,000,000 in surplus funds. Mr. Brady said he has evidence to prove it. Mary Lou Brophy, 134 5th St., asked for a referendum vote by the people. This received a favorable reac~ion of the persons in attendance. Mr. Lindstrom, 14th St., read page 5 "Statement of Community Goals" of the General Plan developed by the citizen's committee. He emphasized that the City should maintain and capitalize in its community ident,;:ty and features. He feels that residents should have access to the beach maintained and that the development of the right-of-way would be a disservice to the community. Mr. Barton . . . e 3 e pointed out that page 6 also applies and read it for the total "Statement of Community Goals" to be heard. Mr. Brady asked what investigations or study have been made for the use of the right-of-way since no objectives were set in the General Plan and the question of use was left open. Chairman answered this by describing the public,:hearings held before the Planning Commission and the City Council during the preparation and adoption of the Riverfront Redevelopment :P,r.o~ect which established tentative uses of the total right-of-way. This work was carried out with profess~on~ assistance. The Journal had also carried articles about this project. After comments from the audience that the citizens never see any notices, the Secretary explained the legal requirements as well as additional efforts made to advise of actions under consideration He also gave the project boundaries. Mrs. Dorr, 231 6th St., said she had attended a meeting in 1969 with only three persons in the audience. However, now people are interested through the national concern for environment. Mort Baum, 815 Catalina, urged the Commission to heed the people, deny extension of the hearing and deny the zone, then citizen and officials can work to find the proper development of the right-of-way. Geraldine McQueeney expressed her disagreement with the development and reminded everyone that city planners back through history had recognized the need for parks. The Chairman advised that he had been working on the ad hoc park committee to prepare and present a comprehensive park plan for the City. He also pointed out that a bond issue a few years ago for park development had been souddly defeated. Paul Boisvert, 405 Opal Cove Way, spoke stating that although the Hellman Estate were owners of the property, citizens must have first voice regarding use. The Planning Commission should not delay because of election or politics. Mr. Knapp advised that is was not necessary for them to make their decision at this meeting. A delay had been made to allow the people to consult and work together and it is only fair to hear all sides. No decision has been made. Mr. Knapp was interrupted with disrespectful language. Chairman Barton restored order and announced that any recurrance would cause the person to be removed from the Chambers. Mr. Knapp continued and expressed concern about the distribution of anonymous literat~e by small children. He felt the issue was .:for the attention of all but should not be anonymous. Mr. Boisvert said he had distributed letters, but had attempted to stamp them:'all with his name for identification. Art West, l20l Electric, stated he had written the notes Mr. Knapp referred to. Mrs. Scheab~auer discussed the development of the General Plan and expressed concern 'that the title "Riverfront Redevelopment Project" misled people. Mrs. Carston, 213 15th St., referred to an article about Los Angeles subsidizing beachfront development and also asked if there was any way that the sale of the r~ght-of-way can be stopped. Bob Harris, l012 Ocean, spoke about troubled times and the need for places for the generations to meet in a green and open-air environment. He would like a referendum vote to ascertain the people's wishes for development of the area. Mr. Crowley advised that when outside governmental agencies are solicited for aid in development of local areas, they make the decisions as to what is needed and control passes from the citizens. He also gave some background to the General Plan processes and development and relayed the planning consultants opinion that development of the entire right-6f-way as a park would be insufficient area for the phenom~nal cost. Secretary adv~sed that the railroad was still active and no one knew vhen it would be abandoned and title cleared, consequently no projections where nade in the General Plan. Also, the Riverfront Redevelopment Project set the concupt and left exact control to the City. He listed all uses as planned for the Project. Redevelopment Plan and Map to be posted in City Hall for availability to the public. . . . Charmaine Denlinger wan_he atmosphere ~f the town pre&ed. David Betts, 1219 Electric, commented on Mr. Knapp's statement of allowing the people to be heard when it is the people's right. Mr. Betts went on that the people did not want apartments in this area but realized that the Planning Commission were more capitilistic minded. He suggested that a portion of the right-of-way near Main St. be zoned commercial and the balance be developed for a park that would help bring unity to the generations. Mr. Knapp definitely agreed it was the people's :dght to speak at public hearing and clarified his previous remarks ,(,offering his apology for a misstatment or misunderstanding of his words. Mr. Lindstrom remarked on the inference that taxes would go sky-high if property not developed and he did not believe this to be true. Mr. Crowley clarified his remark that he was referring to City tax only, not total tax bill. Mr. Lindstrom and Mr. Brady both asked for a moratorium on any use until a study is made and a plan developed. Mr. Dan Riner, 14th St., said only a minority had" indicated favoring the development into apartments, but majority wanted to preserve open area in a park or green belt. If a park is developed, he would donate a sculpture. After questions regarding the possibility of obtaining funds from other agencies, the Secretary explained there is a new program that could be investigated. Chris Lindstrom said he had grown up here and wanted the character and atmosphere of the City to remain and zoning should accomplish this. Mrs. Roger West read a section regarding the tax structure under a redevelopment agency and had projected the income to be derived from the Bridgeport and R & B developments that should be able to supply funds for park development. Richard Anthony, 1206 Ocean, was concerned about pollution of the environment. and wondered if the young people could plant this area during the interim period. June Roughton, 1413 Electric, stated that the neighbors had tried this, but it couldn't be maintained. There was discussion of other sources of revenue, request for the City Council and City Manager to be present at these hearings and for the hearings to be moved to a larger auditorium. The question was asked if the City had approached the owner to donate the land to the City. Mrs. Scheiblauer felt the need to develop for additional revenue to cover costs for upgrading the sewer plant was offset by the increased demands the development put upon the plant. Mr. J. A. Francis, 637 Sandpiper, recommended denial of the R- 3 zoning and let any interested party use legal methods of appeal. The Chairman felt ~ t only fair to allow the developer the right to be heard, that the land had been undeveloped :for some time, another two weeks would not matter. Mr. Barton moved to establish a Commission policy to post the agenda, minutes and applications at a time and place similar to the City Council agenda to give the public the opportunity to be informed of issues. Seconded by Mr. Morris and passed unanimously by the members present. Resolution No. 404. Mr. Barton moved to continue the pUblic hearing to March 18, request the City Council to attend in joint session and move the hearing to McGaugh School Auditorium. Seconded by Mr. Crowley and passed unanimously by the members present. 8. Wr~ tten Communications Cue & Cushion Billiards requested a determination of zone for a billiard parlor w~ thout on-site alcohol. Proposed location is 311 Main St. Chairman ordered this to be held over to the next meeting to enable staff to investigate a similar operation in Stanton. Mrs. Steinman submitted a letter regarding an approach for development of 25 foot lots. Chairman ordered this be combined with amenities study for future meeting. . e 5 . Commission advised that the City Council had referred the R & B Development back for study. City Attorney has been asked for an opinion as to proper procedure. 9. Other Business Chairman brought up the possibility of closing of the Naval Air Station adjacent to the City and feels all abutting cities should hold a fact finding session since it is of mutual interest. Staff directed to contact the County Planning Department and investigate proper method td proceed. No further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:55 P.M. ..,...." ...' ----' (.-- ..........~ Lois Arnold Recording Secretary ~ -. . .