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PC - Minutes - 06-03-24Minutes of the PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING June 3, 2024 The regular meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Berry at 7:00 PM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Vice -Chair Escobar INVOCATION — Chair Berry ROLL CALL —Commissioner Tang, Commissioner Ung, Vice -Chair Escobar, Chair Berry and Commissioner Lopez is absent. STAFF PRESENT — Community Development Director Valenzuela, Associate Planner Lao, and Commission Liaison Lam EXPLANATION OF HEARING PROCEDURES AND APPEAL RIGHTS City Attorney Stephanie Gutierrez presented the procedure and appeal rights of the meeting. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There being no comments, Chair Berry opened and closed the Public Comment period. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. DESIGN REVIEW (DR) 24-03 — Maggie Thai has submitted a Design Review application proposing to modemize the exterior facade of an existing shopping center and to renovate the existing freestanding sign. In addition, the proposed project also consists of various site improvements such as the rehabilitation of the existing parking lot, landscaping, and fencing. The project site is located at 8966- 8968 Garvey Avenue (APN: 5282-010-030), in the Medium Commercial with Residential/Commercial Mixed -Use Development and Design Overlays (C-3/RC-MUDO/D-0) Zone. Approval of a Design Review is required for all improvements requiring a building permit or visible changes in form, texture, color, exterior fagade, or landscaping within a Design Overlay zone. CEQA — Section 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines exempts projects consisting of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. Accordingly, Design Review 24-03 is classified as a Class 3 Categorical Exemption, pursuant to Section 15303 of California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of lune 3, 2024 1of4 STAFF RECOMMENDATION — It is recommended that the Planning Commission ADOPT Resolution No. 24-05 with findings (Exhibit "A"), and APPROVE Design Review 24-03, subject to the 42 conditions outlined in Attachment "A" attached hereto. Associate Planner Lao presented the staff report. Chair Berry opened the Public Hearing. Commissioner Tang commented that he liked the conceptual design, but wanted to clarify if the conceptual design is consistent with the tenant or if this is an applicant proposing an upgrade. Associate Planner replied that the property owner is submitting the improvements for the entire shopping center. Commissioner Tang asked if they had to move the building structure back to create the outdoor dining area or if there was enough space to accommodate the outdoor dining area. Associate Planner responded that they did not have to do any structural improvements such as moving the structure back. There was an existing space that accommodated the outdoor dining area. Commissioner Tang further commented that he liked that there was existing space that allowed the conversion into outdoor dining. He added that for future developments, the City should incorporate outdoor dining areas. If the outdoor dining space will not be used, it will make the sidewalk feel more open. Commissioner Ung commented that all the upgraded materials for the property are great, and it is adding to the dynamic fagade on Garvey Avenue, especially with the signage that will be visible along the corridor. She further added that this shopping center upgrade is a great addition to the City. Chair Berry thanked the applicant for this great addition to the City because this further helps the Garvey Avenue corridor and modernizes the building by using upscale materials and designs with the amazing outdoor dining. Chair Berry opened the floor to the applicant to speak. The applicant, David Lieu, stated his name. Mr. Lieu grew up in Rosemead and expressed his love for the City and wanted to invest in Rosemead because it is his hometown. Commissioner Tang asked Mr. Lieu if he was the property owner. Mr. Lieu replied that he is the property owner. Vice -Chair Escobar thanked Mr. Lieu for investing back into the City of Rosemead. Commissioner Tang appreciated that Mr. Lieu is from Rosemead and is giving back to the community. He further expressed that if there is anything that the City can do to help the property to attract new tenants. Mr. Lieu commented that next to the property is Vikon Center and they are trying to acquire that property as well. Commissioner Ung agreed that it is great that Mr. Lieu is investing back into the City of Rosemead. Chair Berry opened the floor for the Public Testimony. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2024 2of4 City Council Sean Dang congratulated Community Development Director Valenzuela on being newly appointed the Director of Community Development. City Council Dang expressed his appreciation for Community Development Director Valenzuela for her hard work and dedication to the community over the years. City Council Dang added that he wanted to thank the developers and property owners for revitalizing the Garvey Avenue corridor and investing back into the City. He also thanked staff and Commissioners for their coordination and commitment to the City. Commissioner Tang commented he was one of the members that had an opportunity to weigh-in and provide insight on the Garvey Avenue Specific Plan. While the Garvey Avenue Specific Plan ends close to Walnut Grove Avenue and does not extend to Rosemead Boulevard, a development like this is what we are hoping for. He compared the north side of the City to the south side and said there are vast differences between the Valley Boulevard corridor to the Garvey Avenue corridor. He added these types of developments do not happen overnight and it is made possible with developers and property owners because the City cannot revitalize everything due to limited funds and resources. He also said that he really appreciates Mr. Lieu for bringing this project forward to rebuild the community. These onset of developments in the City are exciting, this will attract new tenants and increase foot traffic on Garvey Avenue. He ended and said these developments would also encourage other developers to renovate and invest in Garvey Avenue. There being no additional questions or public comments, Chair Berry closed the hearing period and requested for a motion and a second motion. ACTION: Commission Tang motioned to approve to adopt PC Resolution 24-05, and Commissioner Ung seconded the motion. Vote resulted in: Ayes: Berry, Escobar, Tang and Ung Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Lopez Vote resulted in 4 Ayes, 0 Noes, and 1 Absent 4. CONSENT CALENDAR A. PC MINUTES O4-15.24 Chair Berry requested motions to approve the minutes. ACTION: Vice Chair Escobar motioned to approve, and Chair Berry seconded the motion. Vote resulted in: Ayes: Berry, Escobar, Tang and Ung Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Lopez Vote resulted in 4 Ayes, 0 Noes, and 1 Absent. Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2024 3of4 5. MATTERS FROM STAFF Director Valenzuela expressed her appreciation for Council Member Deng's visit to congratulate her on her new role in the City. She informed the Planning Commission that City Manager just appointed her as new the Director of Community Development this morning and she is looking forward to her new role and continuing to work with the Commissioners. 6. MATTERS FROM THE CHAIR & COMMISSIONERS Vice -Chair Escobar praised staff for all their hard work and congratulated Director of Community Development Valenzuela as the new Director of Community Development. Commissioner Tang congratulated Director of Community Development Valenzuela on her new role. Commissioner Ung congratulated Director of Community Development Valenzuela on her new role and it is well deserved. Chair Berry congratulated Director of Community Development Valenzuela and he is happy for her. ADJOURNMENT Chair Berry adjourned the meeting at 7:16 p.m. The next Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for June 17, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. 11,7 ATTES QdaLam Administrative Assistant Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2024 4of4 Vice -Chair