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PC - Minutes 07-20-81CITY' OF ROSEMEAD 8838 VALLEY BOULEVARD ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 20, 1981 MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Rosemead was called to order by Chairman Lowrey at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of Rosemead City Hall, 8838 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. The.Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Schymos. The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Mattern. 2. ROLL CALL - Present: De Cocker, Schymos, Mattern and Chairman Lowrey Absent: Ritchie Ex-Officio: Kress, Carmona, Valsamis 3. - APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting, July 6, 1981 Due to increased workload and other circumstances beyond staff's control, the Minutes of July 6, 1981, were not completed in time for this Agenda packet. 4. " ORAL'COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE: On items not on the Agenda None . PUBLIC HEARINGS 5. Zone Change 81-125: Request by Narramore Christian Foundation for a modification to an existing Planned Development plan, for property located at 1409 Walnut Grove Avenue. (Continued from July 6, 1981) The Staff Report dated July 16, 1981, was presented by Mr. Carmona, in which he stated that staff was unable to complete a thorough review of the new proposal. There were two alternative recommendations to choose from, which are as. follows: 1. Continue the Public Hearing to allow staff sufficient time to review the proposed changes; 2. Allow this matter to be heard by the City Council,.with~,,a•recommendation for denial from the Planning Commission. Planning Director John Carmona indicated that there may be a third alternative which .would .be for the Commission to review the matter at this time .,without the direction of staff. City Attorney Kress indicated that the reason that staff did not have an opportunity to review this item was because the City was presented with a lawsuit and Mr. Carmona along with. other City staff had to work full-time putting together the pleading for the lawsuit, which was filed late Friday afternoon. He added that he realized that the last time the Narramore Christian Foundation was present, certain deadlines were agreed to, which they have met, however, City staff did not have time to adequately review the matter. Chairman Lowrey called for a 2-minute recess. Chairman Lowrey reconvened the meeting and stated that the reason for the recess was because he needed some input from the City Attorney and Commissioners as to which way they were going to go with the item. Chairman Lowrey then opened the Public Hearing. 'PROPONENT: Dr. Bendel Narramore Christian Foundation 1409.North.Walnut Grove Avenue Rosemead Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting - July 20, 1981 Page Two 5, zone Change 81-125 (Cont'd) Dr. Bendel thanked the Commission for the opportunity to speak before the Commission. He stated that the proposal presented to the Commission at this meeting is similar in content to the one presented at the previous.meeting, although with alternatives. He added that he understood the reason why staff was unable to review the matter. He indicated that if the Commissioners went to the location and observed the structure, their judgement would be relied upon without staff recommendations, and that they would be open to any final action taken. Chairman Lowrey thanked Dr. Bendel and asked if anyone in opposition of the project would like to speak. OPPONENT: Mr. Jose Gonzales 8537 Dreyer Lane Rosemead Mr. Gonzales stated that he lives directly south of the proposed project, and added that he has not changed his mind on the structure as it obstructs the'view.-. Chairman Lowrey thanked Mr. Gonzales and asked if there was anyone else wishing to speak in opposition of the proposal. PROPONENT: Mr. Richard Hall, Architect Narramore Christian Foundation 1409 North Walnut Grove Avenue Rosemead Mr. Hall stated that he did not know at this time if the Commission was considering postponing the matter or proceeding with the Public Hearing. Chairman Lowrey explained that the Public Hearing was open to give everyone an opportunity to speak on the subject. He added that it :is up to the"Commissiod- to make their decision after the Public Hearing. Mr. Hall posted a Site Development Plan for the Commission to review. City Attorney Kress requested that the Narramore Christian Foundation explain to the Commission what transpired after the last meeting for the benefit of the Commission, opponents and himself. Mr. Hall first:,of all stated that all of the commission's requests had been met. He then explained all of the changes that 'had- transpired as of the last meeting. Fie concluded by adding that he would like to have the Commission consider their Site Development Plan on an approval basis with the same recommendation to the City Council. PROPONENT: Dr. Bendel Narramore Christian Foundation Dr. Bendel summarized a letter which was submitted to the Commission. He explained that the letter reviews the entire process of the past 4 months, and the fact that the Narramore Christian Foundation had originally proposed a 4-story building which has been changed to a 3-story. He indicated that the letter also presents some of the other alternatives which could be utilized if the Commission so desired. Dr. Bendel in" -closing introduced' Mr. Paul Lot;, Attorney for the Narramore Christian Foundation. Chairman Lowrey. asked if there was anyone else wishing to speak on the subject. There was a gentleman wishing to speak in opposition, however, Chairman Lowrey explained that the Opponents turn to speak had ended and Proponents were being heard. City Attorney Kress,.s-ated that in fairness to all, whoever wished to speak should be heard. He further stated that up to this point, all who had spoken had been previously sworn in. He then asked all persons wishing to speak who had not been Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting - July 20, 1981 Page :7iree 5. Zone Change 81-125 (COnt'd) to stand and receive the oath by the Secretary. OPPONENT- Mr. Iwao Fukumoto 8521 Dreyer Lane South San Gabriel Mr. Fukomoto stated that he lives directly southwest of the proposed project and has nothing against anyone wishing to build on their property, however, in this case his view would be blocked if 3 or 4 story buildings are built. He suggested that the subject area be used as a parking lot, and that the buildings be built against the hill on the northwest. By doing this, the view would not be blocked. He added that recently 2 posts were installed with alline:crossing, if it..indicates the level of the 3-story building there is no Problem, but if it goes to the top of the pole the view will be blocked. PRnPhNF.NT Mr. Evan McDermmit Director of Building and Maintenance Narramore Christiam,Foundation Mr. McDermmit stated that the Narramore Christian Foundation is interested in neighbor relationships, and has dedicated some time to examine the obstruction that the buildings might cause to the neighbors views. He indicated that he was given permission to photograph the backyards and view of 8521, 8527.and 8531 Dreyer Lane. He added that at time, a 4-story building was being discussed and upon examination of the pictures, it was realized that there would be no obstruction to the view. However,_9ome of-their-view may".,beobstructed.byi"C_ali:form_a±Federal''s._ 4-story building. Commissioner Mattern requested that the Public Hearing be kept in order as the Sopponents were trying to 'speak and had. been interrupted. City Attorney Kress stated that chairman Lowrey asked the,"Proponents to speak thinking that the Opponents had completed. He further stated that he suggested that the Public Hearing be reopened as the Narramore Christian Foundation had presented changes to the Plan. OPPONENT: Mr. Salvador Zelada 8517 Dreyer Lane South San Gabriel Mr. Zelada stated that he was surprised that no one mentioned the lack of privacy in their statements. He added that he has a beautiful backyard facing building no. 9 which he usually does not enjoy because of all the people entering and exiting the building. He further added that people utilizing building no. 9 can view directly into his living room and bedroom, therefore, he has to keep the drapes down, which he does not enjoy doing. Chairman Lowrey thanked Mr. Zelada and asked if there were any other opponents wishing to speak. OPPONENT: Nancy Chin 1815,-;-Eckhart South San Gabriel Property-Owner,at5 8531 Dreyer Lane Ms. Chin stated that she purchased the property at 8531 Dreyer Lane because of the privacy in the backyard. If the building is installed it will be facing the bedroom and her tenants will loose their privacy. She added that all she is thinking about is her tenants rights. OPPONENT: Mr. Jose Gonzales stated that the Narramore Christian Foundation are showing concern at this point, but they should have been concerned when they planted the pinetrees.•near their properties. Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting - July 20, 1981 Page Foux 5. Zone Change 81-125 (COnt'd) PROPONENT: Dr. Bendel Narrarmore Christian Foundation Apologized for having interrupted and stated that he had misunderstand the procedures. He also pointed out some of the cost increases that have been caused by the delay of the project and of modifications that have been made. He stated that Mr. Gonzales mentioned the pine trees that were planted, and he explained that they were planted for the privacy of both the Narramore Christian Foundation and their neighbors. He also complimented Mr. Gonzales on significant work done in his backyard which previously blocked his own view because of foilage in it. In conclusion he suggested that the Commission read the presented report on their position if they wished to make a decision after the Public Hearing. He thanked the Commission for the opportunity to speak. Chairman Lowrey asked if anyone else wished to speak on this item, seeing no one, he closed the Public Hearing at 8:10 P.M. DTFCTTasTnN- Commissioner Schymos stated that he felt that the Commissioners are not satisfied with what was proposed. He indicated that there is not a provision for the elevator penthouse which will make another complete story, and also _ is not satisfactorily informed as to where the crosswalk is going to be installed. He pointed out that he did not review the structure mark up, because he was not notified by staff that it was completed. He further stated that the Narramore Christian Foundation is asking but not offering to give much, because the Commission requested erasure of buildings 10, 11 and 12 which they have not agreed to do. He added that they have lowered a building to a 2-story level where it will not be an eyesore to the neighbors, however, they will see rooftops instead of greenery. Commissioner Mattern asked if Planning Director Carmona verified the parking spaces with regards to size and quantity. Planning Director Carmona stated that he had and now wanted to confront the Architect with some figures he had come up with. He requested a 5-minute recess to do so. Chairman Lowrey recalled the meeting at 8:34 p.m. Planning Director Carmona described the parking situation, concluding that the parking plan provides ample spaces for the needs of the Narramore Christian Foundation. Commissioner Mattern stated that he was concerned with the privacy and view of the homeowners being taken away. He further stated that at the previous meeting, he made it known that he was against a 3 or 4 story building and his feelings remain the same. He does approve of a 2-story building, however, Narramore Christian Foundation has chosenl a 2-3 story dual height building. It was moved by Commissioner Mattern, seconded by Commissioner DeCocker to deny Zone.. Change 81-125,:.as--requested .'by the Narramore Christian Foundation. POLL CALL VOTE - Ayes: De Cocker, Schymos, Mattern Nayes: Lowrey Absent: Ritchie City Attorney Kress indicated that this item will automatically be referred to the City Council. He added that their decision will be final, and that all of the correspondence, minutes and documents presented will be forwarded to the City Council also. He concluded by stating that everyone who has left their name and address will be notified of the time and place of the hearing. Commissioner Schymos informed of a section in the PD Ordinance referring to the height of trees. Chairman Lowrey: "I'd like, to for a minute at this moment the record to show that the reason for my "no" vote against this, the reason for it, I want to see it first go to the Council. I really had no objection for this building being built. I felt that it was a good structure, I felt that the Narramore Foundation really bent over backwards and I would compliment Mr. Hall on the way Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting - July 20, 1981 Page Five 5. Zone Change 81-125 (COnt'd) on the way he posted those poles and everything in all honesty. As far as the view and blocking the view, I feel it's nice to have a view, everybody enjoys a view, there.are times that you don't get it. I was wondering about asking you Mr. Gonzales, Did you take into consideration of you, when you built your second story? You can look down in your neighbors yard, also in Narramore's yard, so as I say, it's nice to be able to say you have a view and we all loose it in time. I'm loosing the view of mine. ""I live in a little flatland lot in back of Montgomery Ward. I used to be able to see the Rio Hondo River. I used to be able to see the Whittier Mountains. I could see Rose Hills. Now I can't see anything, there's high rises across the Freeway that can look in my backyard and now they're putting a wall up there that's even going to block up the breeze into my yard. So these things, times change, and I was hoping we have to do the best we can and hope we'd consider that. But I think that they did have a good project and with that we'll let it go to Council." Commissioner Schymos requested that Chairman Lowrey's statement be shown in the Minutes verbatim. OTHER BUSINESS 6. Extension Request - Tract 37066 - Request by Loren Phillips and Associates for an extension of approval for.Tract 37066, located at 2438-2452 New Avenue Planning Director Carmona presented the staff report dated July 10, 1981. He pointed out that the tract map was approved on August 14, 1979, and not as erroneously stated in the memorandum. Mr. Carmona concluded by recommending that the Commission grant the requested six-month extension. It was moved by Commissioner Schymos, seconded by Commissioner Mattern to approve the request for a six-month extension on Tract 37066. ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes: Lowrey,-Decocker; Mattern; Schymos Nayes: None Absent: Ritchie 7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE Mr. Jose Gonzales 8537 Dreyer Lane Rosemead Mr...Gonzales spoke in reply to Chairman Lowrey's statement indicating that he did not take into consideration his neighbors privacy when he added his 2nd story. Mr..Gonzales welcomed Commissioner Lowrey to his home to observe that his second story does not take privacy away from his neighbors or obstruct their view in any way. Chairman Lowrey indicated that his statement was given respectfully. He added that everyone is entitled to privacy. Dr. Bendel Narramore Christian Foundation Dr. Bendel thanked the Commission for the time and consideration spent on this item. He stated that he did not know if the Commission is fully aware of the impact the California Federal building will have on the view of the neighbors. He further stated that their building will be in the same silhouette as the California Federal building. He once again thanked the Commission for their time and consideration and concluded by stating that he appreciated Chairman Lowrey's statements. Commissioner Schymos stated that he wanted the record to show that he was never notified that the structure mark up was ready for observation. Mr. Jose Gonzales thanked the Commission for the patience and cooperation they have had for the residents of Dreyer Lane. Commissioner De Cocker clarified that the decision made was not final, and will be forwarded to the City Council for final approval. Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting - July 20, 1981 Page Six 7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE (CONY D) Commissioner Mattern stated that his decision to deny the proposed plan was made because he felt that they were not making progress with it. He added that this item was brought up at several meetings and nothing was accomplished. 8. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS AND STAFF Commissioner Schymos asked if the Study Session on July 27th was still scheduled. Chairman Lowrey stated that Commissioner Ritchie will be on vacation, and that he will also be out of town. He asked if the Commission would like to postpone the meeting. The Commission agreed to postpone the Study Session to a later date which would be set at the next regular Planning Commission Meeting. Commissioner Mattern requested that the Commission be given copies of the proposed plan drawings of the Narramore Christian Foundation for files even though the item has been decided upon. Chairman Lowrey indicated that something was mentioned with regard to staff not doing a good job. He stated that he feels staff is doing their job very adequately. He further stated that Commissioner Schymos was probably not home when staff was trying to notify him that the structure mark up was ready for review. He added that he is always in and out, and he received 3 messages from Planning Director Carmona advising him of the mark ups. He closed with saying that the staff deserves their respect and wishes the Commission would consider this. Commissioner Schymos indicated that he did not intend to be critical of staff, however, when he is not at home there is usually someone to receive messages.. He added that he had been into City Hall several times during that week to see Mr. Carmona and he did not notify him. He stated that he has a good relationship with staff,--however, if 'doe s,not_takeaway.-from the fact'thaE"he.,was not informed,.. He concluded that if Chairman Lowrey mad his comments as a reprimand, he wasted his time. Chairman Lowrey indicated that his intention was not to reprimand him, but to point out that there should be respect towards one another. He then requested that the Secretary begin logging the time and date she telephones the Commissioners. 9. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, Chairman Lowrey adjourned the meeting to the next Regular Meeting, August 3, 1981.at 7:30 p.m.