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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEQCB Min 1987-03-24 . . . e e , . CITY OF SEAL BEACH ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL BOARD March 24, 1987 MINUTES 1. Call to Order Chairperson Gayle Knapp called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Lowell Kolb led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Roll Call Pam Walker called the roll. Present: Donald Eisenberg (arrived approximately 7:50 p.m.) Stephen Gavlick G,ayle Knapp Lowell Kolb Absent: Ray Fortner Also Present: Pamela G. Walker Department of Development Services 4. Approval of Minutes Lowell Kolb moved, Steve Gavlick seconded, that the minutes of February 3, 1987 be approved as submitted. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Gavlick, Knapp, Kolb None Eisenberg, Fortner Steve Gavlick moved, Lowell Kolb seconded, that the minutes of February 24, 1987 be approved as submitted. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Gavlick, Knapp, Kolb None Eisenberg, Fortner . . . e e EQCB Minutes March 24, 1987 Page 2 5. Scoping Session: Environmental Impact Report for Amendment to Hellman Specific Plan Chairperson Knapp explained the environmental review process, and the purpose of the scoping session. Ms. Knapp introduced Kirk Evans, a representative of the Mola Development Corporation, and asked him to discuss Mola's proposal for the Hellman property. Kirk Evans, Mola Development Corporation, 8072 Adams Avenue, Huntington Beach, indicated that Mola hoped to obtain public input through the scoping process, and to answer any questions the public might have. Mr. Evans brought out two issues relating to Mola's proposal: He stated that Mola would forego the inclusion of a Hyatt Hotel due to the negative public response. He also informed the Board that Mola would be preserving 6.8 acres of the 9 acre Gum Grove Park, encompassing 60-70% of the trees and the entire nature trail. In addition, Mola would be providing land for the extension of the trail to Seal Beach Boulevard. Mr. Evans stated further that two horticulturists are studying the park to make recommendations as to which trees to preserve. Mr. Evans referred to a newsletter summarizing Mola's site plan which was mailed to residents on Crestview, adjacent to the project site, and to residents of Leisure World. He noted that since Mola's initial presentation to the City Council, the street access to the project had been redesigned to allow through access from Pacific Coast Highway to Seal Beach Boulevard. Mola may also abandon or realign the 66 KV lines running through the Hill in conjunction with development. As an additional feature, the 7 1/2 - 8 acre water system on the golf course addresses the wetlands issue raised in response to a previous development proposal. Chairperson Knapp asked Mr. Evans what access would be provided to Gum Grove Park, as the plans do not show a parking lot at the end of Avalon. Mr. Evans responded that Mola anticipated pedestrian access only. He observed that it was not clear that any significant parking demand existed at the park, and that no specific design for parking had been proposed at Avalon or Seal Beach Boulevard. Mr. Evans indicated that Mola could consider parking at Seal Beach Boulevard, but that the safest access is probably from the Hill. Chairperson Knapp inquired whether Mola had considered including public tennis courts in the plan in response to questions at a previous scoping session. Mr. Evans stated that Mola cannot provide the tennis courts, nor can Mola provide for all of the community's needs. He suggested that interested parties discuss the possibility of using City property off of Regency Drive. He recalled that such discussion have been held with City staff. . . . e e EQCB Minutes March 24, 1987 Page 3 Mr. Jerry course was Mr. Evans spaces. Imhoff, 613 Beachcomber Drive, asked whether the golf public, and how many parking spaces were provided. responded that the course is public, with 127 parking Mr. Anthony Sanchez, 105 Coastline Drive, asked what type of wall would be provided between the golf course and the residences on the Hill. Mr. Evans stated that Mola was not advocating any type of fence, as the golf course would be below the level of the homes. Mr. Evans noted, however, that this presentation does not preclude any changes to Mola's plans in the future. Mr. Randy Johnson, 1505 Crestview, inquired whether the City would have any say regarding which of the trees in Gum Grove Park would be removed. Mr. Evans said that two independent horticulturists would be recommending trees for removal, and that one study had already found many trees to be diseased or unsafe. Because Mola will be dedicating the land to the City, the City will be responsible for ultimately identifying any trees to be removed. Mr. Johnson asked further whether vermin problems were being addressed. Mr. Evans answered that the EIR would examine that issue. Mr. Johnson asked whether a fence would be provided between Gum Grove Park and the golf course. Mr. Evans stated that Mola was not now proposing such a fence. Mr. Johnson inquired lastly about the price ranges and square footage of the homes proposed by Mola. Mr. Evans provided a rough price estimate of approximately $350,000 for the single family homes and, based on current prices for similar products elsewhere in Orange County, $150,000 - $180,000 for the condominiums. Square footages would run between 2,500 and 3,000 for the single family homes, and between 500 and 900 for the condominiums. Mr. Carl San Filippo, 801 Avalon, voiced his strong support for the golf course, and preference for chain link fences so as not to obstruct the view of the course from the Hill. Mr. San Fillippo stated further that Gum Grove Park has been a nuisance to Avalon residents as the park is used primarily for walking dogs and for parties on weekend nights. He also objected to the idea of connecting Seal Beach Boulevard with Avalon. Mr. San Fillippo observed that during construction, dust may be a problem to nearby residents, as may the likelihood that excavation could disturb sites of past chemical dumping. He asked what the height of the buildings would be. Mr. Evans responded that the average height of the three-story buildings would be 35 feet, and that all roof lines would be below the pads of the homes on the Hill Mr. San Fillippo asked how traffic on Pacific Coast Highway would be addressed. Mr. Evans noted that he would not have an answer to that until the traffic studies are completed. Mr. San Fillippo wondered if there would be an opportunity for one-on-one . . . e e EQCB Minutes March 24, 1987 Page 4 discussion with Mola staff. Mr. Evans stated in the affirmative, that Mola was meeting the next evening with a homeowner's association, and that he would be happy to meet with other groups. Mr. San Fillippo observed that the development had moved to the west on the site plan since the last presentation before the City Council. Mr. Evans explained that the site plan had been rearranged in order to relocate the access road to the north. Ms. Helen Sebring, problems on Pacific Coast Highway where congestion would this issue be examined 1705 Bolsa Avenue, stated that traffic may result in increased traffic on Bolsa, be more troublesome. She requested that in the EIR. Mr. Robert Post, 1615 Crestview, asked for an explanation of the staking in Gum Grove Park, noting that it appeared that greens would be close to the homes on Crestview. Mr. Evans responded that the closest feature to existing homes would be a raised tee, approximately 50-60 feet from the homes. In explaining the staking system, he stated that the area above the stakes would remain untouched by the project. Mr. Post asked whether grading would be severe. Mr. Evans said it would be no steeper than now. Ms. Donna Kett, 805 Avalon, expressed concern regarding Gum Grove Park, and the possibility of a nature trail from Avalon to Seal Beach Boulevard. She observed that the transient presence in the park comes from Pacific Coast Highway, and that with direct access from Seal Beach Boulevard the problem would not be corrected. Mr. Evans stated that Mola was considering the extension of the nature trail in response to community wishes, but that the final proposal could include or delete that option. Councilmember Joyce Risner, 845 Driftwood, observed conflicts between this discussion and Mola's previous presentations. She asked Mr. Evans whether the tennis courts would be public. Mr. Evans said no, that two or three courts are now proposed for the condominiums. Ms. Risner asked whether Mola could consider a joint project with the City, sharing in the liability. Mr. Evans responded that the realignment of the road through the project site had precluded some tennis courts. In addition, the homeowner's association in the condominiums would have a role in determining the use of the courts. Ms. Risner also spoke on the wall issue, noting that Mola had offered to provide one at a Redevelopment Agency meeting. Mr. Evans stated that Mola would consider any such request. Ms. Risner asked how close the structures on the Hellman property would be to property lines on the Hill. Mr. Evans answered that they were over 300 feet away. Ms. Risner reiterated her appreciation of Gum Grove Park, and observed that Mola's offer to remove the 66 KV lines along Bolsa e e , . . EQCB Minutes March 24, 1987 Page 5 would be a boon to residents of the Hill. Mr. Bill Morris, 1729 Crestview Avenue, asked whether lighting or netting would be included in the golf course. Mr. Evans responded that the EIR would address these issues. . Ms. Frances Johnston, 125 Coastline, expressed concern regarding the large number of trees tagged for removal in Gum Grove Park, and asked whether the hotel was still a possibility. Mr. Evans explained the responsibilities of the horticulturist, and said that a hotel was no longer being considered. Mr. Matthew Mikkelson, 125 Surf Place, asked whether the golf course could be City-owned. Mr. Evans stated that the City would determine that. Ms. Sally H~SCh, 1325 Crestview, expressed her support for maintaining Gum ~rove Park. Mr. Bob Charles Newber, Crestview Avenue, spoke on the park and fence issues, and suggested that road access to Westminster be provided. Mr. Evans emphasized that Mola is not taking any stand on the park issue, but is open to the suggestions and requests of the City. Councilmember Joyce Risner, 845 Driftwood, introduced letters she had received about the Hellman plan into the record. These letters discussed Gum Grove Park, traffic, noise from oil wells, erosion on the Gum Grove slope, and monarch butterflies habitat issues. Mr. Dave Bateson, 62 Windjammer, Long Beach, spoke as a member of the Island Village Homeowner's Association. Mr. Bateson requested that Mola provide bicycle access to Pacific Coast Highway from the north side of the project site, and include pedestrian paths along the proposed roadway. Mr. Bateson also proposed that the EIR address the liability involved in maintaining Gum Grove Park along the golf course. Mr. Randall Johnson, 1505 Crestview, discussed night lighting on the golf course, and noise production. Mr. Carl San Fillippo, 801 Avalon, requested that access to Gum Grove Park, noise from construction, and animals currently inhabiting the vacant property be addressed in the EIR. . Mr. Jerry Imhoff, 613 Beachcomber, expressed concern about Gum Grove Park, generated by oil e e .. .. t..,. -' . EQCB Minutes March 24, 1987 Page 6 traffic impacts, and the possibility that a hotel would be suggested again in the future. He requested that a hotel not be included as a land use option in the EIR, and that an amended EIR be required if a hotel is proposed later. Mr. Mike Vincent, 125 Coastline, stated his oplnlon that access from Seal Beach Boulevard to Gum Grove would be unworkable, and requested that parking be provided in the park. Ms. Frances Johnston, 125 Coastline, spoke about access to Gum Grove Park, and police patrols in the park. Mr. George Jueler, 1709 Crestview, reiterated the benefits of the park, and the need for easy police access. Councilmember Joyce Risner, 845 Driftwood, requested that additional information be provided by tree studies, including how diseased trees might be cured. Ms. Risner supported the concept of pedestrian access through the entire project. Mr. Anton Dahlman, 1724 Crestview, spoke on the noise issue. . Mr. Don Eisenberg commented that statistics on pedestrians and Park, especially on weekends. concern regarding police access. it would be helpful to have automobile traffic in Gum Grove Mr. Eisenberg also expressed Ms. Mary Johnson, 1505 Crestview, asked about the public notice procedure. Mr. George Jueler, 1709 Crestview, requested that mosquito abatement be addressed in the EIR. Councilmember prepared and complete. 6. Adjournment Joyce public Risner notice r eq u est ed be given that when news the releases be draft EIR is With the unanimous consent of the board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. THESE MINUTES ARE TENTATIVE, SUBJECT TO ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL BOARD. APPROVAL BY THE . Respectfull.t submitted, 01)b ~. Walke~ Department of Development Services