HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 2002-04-17
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA for April 17, 2002
7:30 p.m.
District 1 - Brian Brown
District 2 - Jim Sharp
District 3 - Len Cutuli
District 4 - David Hood
District 5 - Phil Ladner
Deoartment of Develooment Services
Lee Whittenberg, Director
Terence Boga, Assistant City Attorney
Mac Cummins, Assistant Planner
Carmen Alvarez, Executive Secretary
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City Hall office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed noon to 1 :00 p.m.
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The City of Sear Beach complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you
need assistance to attend this meeting please telephone the City Clerk's Office at
least 48 hours in advance of the meeting (562) 431-2527.
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Planning Commission meetings are broadcast live on Seal Beach TV3. They are
rebroadcast on Sunday evenings, Channel 3 at 4:00 p.m.
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Videotapes of Planning Commission meetings may be purchased from Seal B.each
TV3 at a cost of $20 per tape. Telephone: (562) 596-1404.
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Copies of staff reports and/or written materials on each agenda item are on file in
the Department of Development Services and City libraries for public inspection.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of April 17, 2002
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
The following is a brief explanation of the Planning Commission agenda
structure:
AGENDA APPROVAL: The Planning Commission may wish to change the order of the
items on the agenda.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Anyone wishing to address the Planning Commission, only
on items not on tonight's agenda, may do so during this time period. No action can be
taken by the Planning Commission on these communications on this date, unless
agendized.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: Public Hearings allow citizens the opportunity to speak in
favor of or against agendized items. More detailed information is found in the actual
agenda attached. If you have documents to distribute, you should have enough copies
for all Planning Commissioners, City staff and the public. Please give one .to the
secretary for the City files. The documents become part of the public record and will not
be returned.
CONSENT CALENDAR: Consent Calendar items are considered routine items that
normally do not require separate consideration. The Planning Commission may make
one motion for approval of all the items listed on the Consent Calendar.
SCHEDULED MA TIERS: These items are considered by the Planning Commission
separately and require separate motions. These transactions are considered
administrative and public testimony is not heard.
STAFF CONCERNS: Updates and reports from the Director of Development Services
(Planning and Building Departments) are presented for information to the Planning
Commission and the public.
COMMISSION CONCERNS: Items of concern are presented by the Planning
Commissioners and discussed with staff.
All proceedings are recorded.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of April 17, 2002
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Agenda for April 17, 2002
7:30 p.m.
I.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II.
ROLL CALL
III.
AGENDA APPROVAL
By Motion of the Planning Commission, this is the time to:
(a) Notify the public of any changes to the Agenda;
(b) Re-arrange the order of the Agenda; and/or
(c) Provide an opportunity for any member of the Planning Commission, staff, or public to
request an item is removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
At this time, members of the public may address the Planning Commission regarding any items
within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Planning Commission, provided that the Planning
Commission may undertake no action or discussion unless otherwise authorized by law.
V.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and are enacted by one motion unless
prior to enactment, a member of the Planning Commission, staff, or the public requests a specific
item be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action.
1. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 3, 2002.
VI. SCHEDULED MATTERS
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Mitigated Negative Declaration 02-1
Height Variation 02-3
12501 Seal Beach Blvd, Northwest Corner of Seal Beach Blvd. and St. Cloud Drive
Applicant/Owner:
Request:
J. Brian Gibbons for Century National Properties
To demolish four (4) existing buildings and construct two (2) new
buildings for a net increase of 22,203 sq. ft. Related construction
includes a new section of parking lot and associated parking lot lighting
as well as landscaping along the perimeter of the new buildings. Project
requires approval of a Height Variation to allow one building to exceed
the permitted building height by up to seven (7) feet to accommodate a
decorative parapet.
Recommendation: Approval, subject to conditions and adoption of Resolution Nos. 02-21
and 02-22.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of Apri/17, 2002
VIII. STAFF CONCERNS
IX. COMMISSION CONCERNS
X. ADJOURNMENT
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of April 17, 2002
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2002 Aaenda Forecast
May 08
CUP 98-18 (Indefinite Extension) Hennessey's
CUP 02-1 Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Outdoor seating)
CUP 02-10 Ayres Country Suites Hotel (Serve on-sale alcoholic beverages)
May 22
June 05
June 19
July 03
July 17
Aug Q7
Aug 21
Sept 04
Sept 18
. Oct 09
Oct 23
Nay 06
Nay 20
Dee 04
Dee 18
TO BE SCHEDULED:
Q
Q
Q
Q
Study Session:
Staff Report:
Study Session:
Study Session:
Permitted Uses and Development Standards in Commercial Zones (5/6/98)
Undergrounding of Utilities
Retaining Walls
ADA Handicapped-Accessible Restrooms
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of April 17, 2002
Chairperson Hood called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning
Commission to order at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2002. The meeting was
held in the City Council Chambers and began with the Salute to the Flag.1
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Hood, Commissioners Brown, Ladner, and Sharp
Also
Present: Deoartment of Develooment Services
Lee Whittenberg, Director
Terence Boga, Assistant City Attorney
Mac Cummins, Assistant Planner
Absent: Commissioner Cutuli
AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION QY Sharp; SECOND by Ladner to approve the Agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
4-0-1 .
Brown, Hood, Ladner, and Sharp
None
Cutuli
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Chairperson Hood opened oral communications.
There being no one wishing to speak, Chairperson Hood closed oral
communications.
Mr. Whittenberg noted for the record that Commissioner Cutuli arrived at 7:32 p.m.
1 These Minutes were transcribed from audiotape of the meeting.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of April 17, 2002
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 3, 2002.
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by Ladner to approve the Consent Calendar as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Brown, Cutuli, Hood, Ladner, and Sharp
None
None
SCHEDULED MATTERS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Mitigated Negative Declaration 02-1
Height Variation 02-3
12501 Seal Beach Blvd, Northwest Corner of Seal Beach Blvd. and St. Cloud
Drive
Applicant/Owner:
Request:
J. Brian Gibbons for Century National Properties
To demolish four (4) existing buildings and construct two
(2) new buildings for a net increase of 22,203 sq. ft.
Related construction includes a new section of parking lot
and associated parking lot lighting as well as landscaping
along the perimeter of the new buildings. . Project
requires approval of a Height Variation to allow one
building to exceed the permitted building height by up to
seven (7) feet to accommodate a decorative parapet.
Recommendation:
Approval, subject to conditions and adoption of
Resolution Nos. 02-21 and 02-22.
Staff Report
Mr. Cummins delivered the staff report. (Staff Report is on file for inspection in the
Planning Department.) He provided some background information on this item and
then reviewed the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process for
completion of a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND). He reported that the MND
has been circulated for the 30-day public review and comment period, which ran
from March 1, 2002 through April 1, 2002. He stated that comments were received
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of April 17, 2002
and a response to comments letter was prepared and circulated. He indicated that
in order to grant the Height Variation (HV), the MND must first be approved with
mitigation monitoring in place. He explained that the 4 buildings marked for
demolition are located between the existing Albertsons Market and Stats Store and
had formerly housed the Super Saver Cinema, Rite-Aid Drugstore (which has
relocated elsewhere within the center), and other miscellaneous commercial uses.
He reported that the two new buildings to be constructed would house a 98,540
square foot Kohl's Department Store and a Home Goods store, comprising 25,800
square feet. He stated that the net increase of square footage to the center is
approximately 22,203 sq. ft., which is roughly half the size of the existing Stats
Store. Mr. Cummins noted that the project would place the buildings closer to the
rear property line with approximately 100 feet between the proposed new buildings
and the existing condominiums to the rear of the shopping center. He said that there
would also be a new section of parking lot at the front of the buildings facing SBB,
with landscaping along the rear perimeter of the property. He noted that there would
also be additional landscaping shielding the loading dock sound wall to the rear of
the stores. He then presented a visual display of the site plan and provided
clarification as to the proposed locations for the new buildings and parking areas.
The Assistant Planner then described the application for Height Variation (HV) 02-3,
noting that this falls under Section 28-2317 of City Code, which allows for non-
habitable architectural features that can extend a maximum of 7 feet above the
height limit. He explained that this code section is most frequently applied to
Covered Roof Access Structures (CRAS) on residential housing, but also allows for
roofline projections or other non-habitable architectural features to exceed the height
limit. He stated that there are no maximum size requirements, however, the
Planning Commission is required to evaluate the following:
1. Is the height variation appropriate to the architectural style of the building?
2. Is the variation appropriate for the character and integrity of the neighborhood?
3. Does the variation significantly impair the primary view from any property located
within 300 feet.
4. Have detailed and complete plans for the proposed work been provided.
Mr. Cummins noted that Staff has determined that it is appropriate to the
architecture of the structure and maintains the same theme and design style.
With regard to the MND, the Assistant Planner noted the following areas of possible
concern, unless mitigated:
1. Air Quality
2. Geology I Soils
3. Hazards and Hazardous Materials
4. Hydrology and Water Quality
5. Noise
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of April 17, 2002
Mr. Cummins then briefly reviewed the proposed mitigation measures for the above-
noted issues. (See Staff Report on file in the Planning Department for details of
proposed mitigation measures.) The Assistant Planner then reported that 44
comment letters were received during the public comment period and he noted the
primary concerns to be as follows:
1. Affect on traffic patterns - A Traffic Study was completed, which reflected that
the net increase of 22,000 square feet of retail space would create no significant
traffic impact.
2. Aesthetics - Loading docks are to be screened by 12-foot sound walls and
further screened with landscaping.
3. Truck Deliveries - Staff has conditioned approval of the MND with the
requirement that the new tenants have all truck deliveries made via Rossmoor
Center Way, turn left along the rear of the property, load and unload at the backs
of the stores, and exit via St. Cloud Boulevard to SBB. Mr. Cummins noted that
because the project is decreasing the number of retail tenants, the number of
truck deliveries would also be reduced.
4. Noise - Applicant remains bound by the City of Seal Beach noise standards. He
noted that there are standards within the Noise Element of the City Code that do
allow for short-term deviations as when a truck pulls in and the noise level
increases for a short period of time while unloading and loading of the truck. He
also noted that trash dumping would not be permitted between 10:00 p.m. and
7:00 a.m.
Mr. Cummins stated that Staff recommends approval of MND 02-1 and HV 02-3
subject to conditions. He noted that a memorandum had been provided to the
Planning Commission noting changes in verbiage to the Draft Resolutions.
Commissioner Questions
Commissioner Cutuli asked that Mr. Cummins indicate on the Site Plan where the
two new building were to be constructed. Commissioner Cutuli then asked what the
surrounding land uses would be. Mr. Cummins described the surrounding land uses
as follows:
WEST:
Residential condominiums in the Residential High Density
(RHD) Zone.
SOUTH:
Existing commercial within the Rossmoor Center shopping
area.
NORTH & WEST:
Parking for the Rossmoor center.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of April 17, 2002
Commissioner Cutuli asked if the sound walls would be located to the rear and/or
sides of the proposed new buildings. Mr. Cummins reported that the 12-foot high
sound walls would run along the rear property line along with landscaping that would
screen noise from the loading docks.
Chairperson Hood noted that the memorandum with revised verbiage states that
truck deliveries could take place between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and
8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays, but trash pickup is not mentioned. He stated
that from the text it appears that trash pickup can occur at any time. Mr. Cummins
clarified that trash pickup would be restricted to the same hours. He stated that the
point that is being made in Item 3 of the Draft Resolution is to specify that truck
deliveries are restricted to the same provisions of the City agreement for trash
collection. Mr. Whittenberg interjected that the trash hauler is bound by the
conditions of an existing franchise agreement with the City that provides for control
as to when the trash hauler may do trash collection. Chairperson Hood asked what
these conditions were. Mr. Whittenberg stated th~t he did not know, but these are
conditions that apply regardless of whether or not this project is approved.
Chairperson Hood stated that as a member of the public, he would want to know
what the conditions of this franchise agreement are: Mr. Whittenberg stated that the
franchise provisions could not be changed, so the hours as stated in this agreement
would remain regardless of any action taken tonight. He noted that there would
probably be less trash coming out of this center, as there would be fewer
commercial tenants. Chairperson Hood asked who had written the franchise
agreement. Mr. Whittenberg stated that City Council had written the document.
Chairperson Hood stated that it should then be possible to find out the hours as
stated in the document. Mr. Whittenberg stated that he could not acquire that
information tonight as the City Clerk's office was closed for the evening.
Public Hearing
Chairperson Hood opened the public hearing.
Mr. Brian Gibbons from Century Properties (CP) and the owner of the Rossmoor
Center, stated that it has taken a long time to get to this public hearing. He likened
the Rossmoor Center as the "center between the Hatfields and the McCoys." He
said that no matter whom they tried to please, there was always someone throwing
rocks at them. He stated that he believes that they have come up with the best
project that can be delivered. He noted that some people would be impacted by the
changes taking place, but he said that the alternatives could not compare to what is
being proposed tonight. He reported that the architect for the project was also
present tonight to respond to questions. He stated that the reason it has taken so
long to present this project is due to the many complex issues surrounding the
Rossmoor Center. He indicated that the leases for the various tenants inherited
when CP purchased the center in 1983 contained many restrictions on the ability of
the owner to build elsewhere, and the control of parking areas and specific uses. He
explained that getting to the point where everyone could agree so that the
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of April 17, 2002
redevelopment project could move forward took a long time. He reported that the
Super Saver Cinema had twenty years left on its lease and there are also many
tenants in the center that occupy major positions within the shopping center with
extended lease terms or options to renew. He said it was a stroke of luck that
approximately two years ago the cinema went into bankruptcy after it had been sold
to another theater group. He continued by stating that it became necessary to
advise many of the existing tenants that their lease would not be renewed. He said
that CP spoke with many of the large retailers but based upon what the public
wanted, they chose to attract a high-end department store like Kohl's. He explained
that in order to have the addition of Kohl's work and to conform to all zoning and
parking requirements, the best option appeared to be that Kohl's become a two-story
building constructed closer to Seal Beach Boulevard (SBB) than to the rear of the
property. Mr. Gibbons then discussed the noise mitigation measures proposed for
the rear loading dock area stating that the distance from the rear of the building to
the rear property line is approximately 100 feet. He noted that approximately 50% of
the two new buildings combined have a rear setback of approximately 140 feet. He
stated that this is the best possible option available in order to have Kohl's
Department Store as a tenant. He noted that the throat of the road that leads to
Montecito Road has been narrowed to ensure the trucks do not use this route. Mr.
Gibbons also pointed out that the landscaped area and sidewalk have been
increased to lead pedestrians from the rear of the property to prevent them from
going into the loading areas. He emphasized that substantial landscaping has been
included along the rear sound wall to help screen the noise from the loading docks.
He stated that he feels the project is an attractive one and will lead the way for future
development of the remainder of the center.
Mr. Jules Gilbert stated that he is a resident of the condominiums that abut the
Rossmoor Center property to the rear. He said he is not opposed to this renovation,
but he expressed his concern that the sewer system in Seal Beach would not be
adequate to handle another EI Nino storm season. He stated that the parking area
for the condominiums is under the buildings, but the entrance has a slight elevation
downward. He said that during the EI Nino storm the parking area was flooded with
up to 12 inches of water which ran down into the parking area both from the street
level and from the shopping center. He indicated that damage to the parking area
was so bad that the association had to apply to the Small Business Association
(SBA) for a loan of $225,000 to pay for the repairs. He asked if anyone could
explain how the proposed excavation phase for the project would not cause the
groundwater level to rise and lead to possible flooding.
Mr. Lester Eagle, President of the Rossmoor Homeowners Association, stated that
he had been present at the meeting where permission was granted for the Super
Saver Cinema to operate in Rossmoor Center. He said he had spoken against this
due to the issues of noise and parking. He said that for years residents of the
condominiums were kept awake until 11 :00 p.m. or 12:30 a.m. due to the parking at
the theater. -He stated that there are too many parking spaces at the Rossmoor
Center. He said that there is a 5-yard width of parking lot right off of SBB where no
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of April 17, 2002
cars ever park. He asked why the building line for the new construction could not be
kept level with ACE Hardware and where the theater is located instead of locating
closer to the rear of the property. He emphasized that he likes the project and is not
speaking out against it, but would simply like to see the buildings constructed further
from the rear property line.
Mr. Matt Stein, a homeowner in Rossmoor, expressed his support for the proposed
changes to the Rossmoor Center, specifically the request for the Height Variation.
He said that through the years he has observed many changes to the surrounding
landscape, but "the area remains starved for character." He said that despite
attempts at change all that has occurred is a duplication of what is becoming the
"norm across the nation" of large, vastly barren regional shopping centers. He
encouraged approval of MND 02-1 and HV 02-3 stating that this would be a very
positive change for the community.
Mr. Bruce Switski, one of the homeowners at Rossmoor Chateau, thanked Mr.
Gibbons for all of the thought put into redevelopment of the center. He said that
both Kohl's and Home Goods have a proven track record and will make a good
team. He said he was a little concerned about the proximity of the buildings to
Rossmoor Chateau, but he feels the positives outweigh the negatives and he
supports this project.
Ms. Marjorie Whitney, a Rossmoor resident, also thanked Mr. Gibbons for his hard
work and the time and thought that have gone into the Rossmoor Center
redevelopment. She expressed her concern over the delivery trucks servicing not
just the new buildings, but also the Albertsons Market. She expressed her desire to
have delivery trucks to Albertson routed via Rossmoor Center Way to help prevent
deliveries via St. Cloud, as at the exit from Farmers & Merchants Bank there have
been many accidents with drivers exiting and turning left into oncoming traffic.
Ms. Sherrie Springer, a resident of the Rossmoor Chateau, asked if the fac;ade
would expanse the entire length of the shopping center or just the 2 new buildings.
Mr. Whittenberg stated that the only changes to the fac;ade would be for the new
buildings. Ms. Springer stated that currently she is able to walk from her back gate
along various pathways to the Rossmoor and Target shopping centers. She asked if
this would still be the case after the project is complete. She expressed her concern
regarding the diesel emissions from the delivery trucks. Ms. Springer also
questioned why there was so much parking to the rear of the stores, when many
times the parking was not even utilized. She said that she did not feel a 12-foot
sound wall would be high enough to mitigate noise from the loading docks. She also
asked how high the walls of the new buildings would be. She stated that she was
thrilled that the new stores would be moving in.
Mr. Paul Buscalia, a resident of Rossmoor Chateau, stated that he is concerned
about noise. He said that with the theater no longer in business it has been very
quiet. He stated that with the two new stores there would be noise from traffic until
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
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10:00 or 11 :00 p.m. He said the noise would be worse than what they experienced
with the theater. He also expressed his concern with dust abatement during the
construction period and with diesel emissions from delivery trucks.
Mr. Peter Blankenship, a resident of Bridgecreek Villas, stated that he was
concerned with construction being conducted only during the hours allowed by the
City and restriction of hours for truck deliveries. He said that although it was good to
encourage new businesses, he still wants to ensure that there is as little disruption
as possible to the lives of surrounding residents.
Commissioner Sharp requested that prior to Mr. Gibbon's rebuttal, the Planning
Commission recess for approximately 5 minutes. The meeting recessed at 8:30
p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 8:35 p.m.
Mr. Brian Gibbons expressed his appreciation of the comments made. With regard
to the hydrology concerns expressed by Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Gibbons noted that this is a
regional problem and not exclusive to Rossmoor Center. He stated that based upon
what the experts have stated, nothing that will be done on this project will
exacerbate the problem of flooding. In response to Mr. Eagle's concerns about
excess parking, Mr. Gibbons stated that once the project is complete a lot of the
parking in the rear of the shopping center will no longer exist. He emphasized that
because of the lease situation, he cannot do anything with the other buildings in the
shopping center. He stated that the delivery route is set as one of the conditions of
approval for this project. He said he would like to have had the flexibility to use both
St. Cloud Drive and Rossmoor Center Way and he has no control over the
Albertson's truck deliveries. He noted that the loading docks are oriented so that
delivery trucks can enter via Rossmoor Center Way. Mr. Gibbons agreed with Ms.
Springer's comment that none of the buildings in the center look like they belong
together, but stated that currently he has no control over that. He said that he is
certain that Kohl's will set the stage for the quality that will result later. He then
noted that the paths and trails to the rear of the center would not be eliminated. He
stated that the architect, Mr. Michael Koeberle, would discuss the landscape plans
for the rear of the stores. Mr. Gibbons stated that the issue of diesel fuel was
addressed in the traffic analysis, and he believes the impacts are really less than
what they have been over the years. He said that with fewer businesses there
would be less delivery trucks unloading and loading. He noted that the construction
process would not be easy for anyone, but he stated that CP would do the best they
can to prevent any serious problems. He stated that Kohl's would be handling the
construction and cost has not been an issue with them. He said that the time
schedule is to complete the construction as quickly as possible. He then introduced
Mr. Koeberle, noting that he is a long-term resident of Rossmoor and is very
knowledgeable of all of the issues of the community.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of April 17, 2002
Mr. Koeberle stated that the proposed redevelopment provides an excellent
opportunity to revitalize the existing Rossmoor Center. He said that among the site
improvements would be a new entry drive at SBB and Town Center Drive, which will
ailow ingress and egress to and from the property. He noted that landscaping would
be provided throughout the site improvement area and also concentrated at the rear
of the property. He described the design and color scheme for the new buildings.
Mr. Koeberle then addressed the concerns over diesel emissions and noted that
deliveries would be made only 2-3 times per week and the trucks would be turned off
and not sit idling while loading and unloading. He stated that the docks are to be
recessed 4 feet below grade level making the actual height of the sound wall 16 feet
rather than 12 feet. He also reported that Kohl's would close at 10:00 p.m., and
patrons would be parking in front of the center eliminating noise from any cars that
would park behind the stores. He said that the access gate from the condominiums
to the shopping center will be maintained and enhanced with pedestrian sidewalks
leading to the center and landscaping.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Chairperson Hood closed the public
hearing.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Sharp stated that he had recently read a newspaper article that
stated that legislation is being considered that would limit idling of diesel vehicles to
no more than 30 minutes. He assured the public that noise from late night traffic
would be greatly minimized and stated that this would be a wonderful addition to
Rossmoor. He also stated that the HV would not be a problem in this area of town.
Commissioner Cutuli stated that the Rossmoor Center has needed upgrading for a
long time, and that it is nice to see the changes. He said that he does support the
project and although the design for the front of the buildings looks wonderful, he is
not happy with the appearance of the sides and back of the buildings. He stated that
the sides and back reflect a lot of plain stucco that gives the appearance of an
industrial complex. He noted that he had hoped to see more architectural variances
like columns and arches. He said that this project would reflect a major
improvement in the appearance of the center and in the reduction in the noise level,
in particular at night. He stated he would vote to approve.
Commissioner Brown stated that he agreed with both Commissioner Sharp's and
Commissioner Cutuli's comments. He said that he was surprised with all of the
positive public comments made regarding this project. He agreed with
Commissioner Cutuli's comments regarding the large expanse of plain stucco walls
to the rear of the buildings, but noted that it was not within the purview of the PC to
comment on the design. He said with regard to traffic and noise the project would
be a great improvement -and the change is long overdue. He said he hoped the
property owners would continue to remodel the remainder of the center.
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Meeting Minutes of April 17, 2002
Commissioner Ladner stated that based upon what he has read, seen, and heard at
the meeting tonight it appears that this project would be a very positive improvement
to the City. He stated he would vote to approve.
Chairperson Hood stated that the store additions "are really a class act," and would
be a great enhancement to the Rossmoor Center.
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by Ladner to approve Mitigated Negative Declaration
02-1 subject to conditions and adopt revised Resolution 02-21.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Brown, Cutuli, Hood, Ladner, and Sharp
None
None
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by Ladner to approve Height Variation 02-3 subject to
conditions and adopt revised Resolution 02-22.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Brown, Cutuli, Hood, Ladner, and Sharp
None
None
Mr. 80ga advised that the adoption of Resolution Nos. 02-21 and 02-22 begins a
10-day calendar appeal period to the City Council. The Commissioner action tonight
is final and the appeal period begins tomorrow morning.
STAFF CONCERNS
None.
COMMISSION CONCERNS
Commissioner Sharp requested an update on the Hellman Project. Mr. Whittenberg
reported that approvals for the City are all in place and grading permits are ready to
be issued. He stated that once approval on the Coastal Development Permit is
received from the Coastal Commission, grading should begin. He noted that this is
projected to occur in mid to late May.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Hood adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
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Respectfully Submitted,
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of April 17, 2002
Carmen Alvarez, Executive
Planning Department
APPROVAL
The Commission on May 8, 2002, approved the Minutes of the Planning
Commission Meeting of Wednesday, April 17, 2002. ~ .
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