Architectural Review Committee Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · January 17, 2024
Minutes
MINUTES
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
4:00 PM 5:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER AND ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Members Present: Tregenza, Ostovar, Palmer, Schmidt, Turgen
Members Absent: Pauly, Hunter
Staff Members Present: Planning Manager Hill, Senior Associate Planner Schmidt,
Recording Secretary Arganbright
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Tregenza called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Recording Secretary Arganbright
provided information to the public about how to participate by calling in to give public comment
on the live web meeting.
CONSENT ITEMS
No comments were made regarding the consent agenda.
On a motion by Committee Member Schmidt, seconded by Committee Member Turgen, and
carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved the CONSENT
ITEMS as submitted:
AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Tregenza, Ostovar, Palmer, Schmidt, Turgen
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Pauly, Hunter
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
Approval of Minutes
2. December 20, 2023 (Not a project under CEQA per Article 20 Section 15378 and
under General Rule Article 5 Section 15061)
Action: Approved as submitted.
***End of Consent Agenda***
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
3. Consider 1047 Cass Street; Architectural Review Permit ARP-23-0214 for
Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of a New Two-Story Single-Family
Dwelling; Applicant Brendan Connolly & Diane Coward, Re:Vision West, LLC;
Owner 1045 Cass LLC; CO-ES Zoning District; Commercial General Plan
Designation (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15303, Class 3)
Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Action: Approved Architectural Review Permit Application ARP-23-0214 for Preliminary
and Final Architectural Review of a New Two-Story Single-Family Dwelling at
1047 Cass Street as submitted.
Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions
Senior Associate Planner Schmidt presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee
regarding the style of the house and trees to be planted.
Applicant
Applicant Diane Coward informed the committee about their experience and the vision of the
company, Revision West, and how they would like to ease the housing crisis by creating
workforce housing currently and low-income housing in the future.
Applicant Brendan Connolly noted it is not affordable to build affordable housing and to help
mitigate costs Revision West partnered with Shibusa Systems. Connolly mentioned the
positives behind the Shibusa System and implementation in Monterey. Connolly then
answered Committee questions regarding the component assembly.
Public Comments
The owner of 1035 Cass St spoke up to express opposition to the project. The owner
mentioned that the runoff from 1047 Cass St flooded their property and speculated that this
was not disclosed to the new buyers. The property owner also said that the increased
impervious surface will increase the runoff and that the project at 1047 Cass St is not exempt
from CEQA due to pre-existing conditions. The property owner also mentioned that the
previous owner of 1047 Cass St never installed a sump pump and speculated the new plans
do not include a pump for runoff.
Senior Associate Planner Schmidt relayed that the runoff was considered in plans by changing
the grade to allow more flow towards the street, a new sump pump, and a retaining wall.
Schmidt also informed the owner/Committee that City does require storm water control
systems in the building process.
The 1035 Cass St. property owner restated that there was no plan for the pump and would like
a condition for a pump to be added to the resolution.
The Committee and Senior Associate Planner Schmidt pointed out the plans for a pump on the
Site Plan. Applicant Brendan Connolly mentioned the developers have taken the runoff under
heavy consideration and that the project attempted to avoid increasing impervious surfaces,
hence the driveway is pervious. Connolly acknowledged it was a civil matter and verbally
agreed to the pump condition.
Planning Manager Hill noted that as part of the project the drainage plan has been reviewed
and approved by the Public Works department for the City of Monterey.
Committee Member Comments
The Committee expressed the support of the building s environmentally friendly design and
aesthetics as well as the community s need for housing. The Committee noted the
thoughtfulness put into the design by the developer and were assured that the stormwater will
be addressed by the Public works/engineering department.
Architectural Review Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
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Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, January 17, 2024
On a motion by Chair Tregenza , seconded by Committee Member Palmer, and carried by the
following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved Architectural Review Permit
Application ARP-23-0214 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of a New Two-Story
Single-Family Dwelling at 1047 Cass Street as submitted.
AYES: 5 MEMBERS: Tregenza, Ostovar, Palmer, Schmidt, Turgen
NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: 2 MEMBERS: Pauly, Hunter
ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None
RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None
4. Consider 2101 North Fremont Street; Architectural Review Permit ARP-24-0001 for
Preliminary and Final Architectural Review to Construct a New 42-Room, 4-story Hotel
and Parking Lot. In lieu of story poles, which pose a potential safety hazard in this
location, the applicant has displayed noticing boards on-site showing a rendering of the
proposed structure; Applicant Adriana Cook, Arris Studio Architects; Owner Lakshmi
Hotel Partners; VAF Zoning District; Commercial General Plan Designation (CEQA:
Environmental Impact Report certified)
Action: Approved Architectural Review Permit ARP-24-0001 for Preliminary and
Final Architectural Review to Construct a New 42-Room, 4-story Hotel and
Parking Lot at 2101 North Fremont Street as submitted.
Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions
Senior Associate Planner Schmidt presented the Agenda Report and answered
regarding power lines, parking requirements, storm
water control, and traffic. Planning Manager Hill also helped to answer the questions
regarding power lines.
Applicant
Cody Phillips on behalf of the applicant recalled the plan was unanimously approved by
the Planning Commission and the City Council and stated that the project is fully
compliant within the VAF zoning. In response to questions, Phillips also recalled that the
C Building Official confirmed the potential hazard in erecting story poles due to the
power lines and that they supported the conceptual simulations securely posted on site.
Phillips concluded by stating the environmental impact report investigated potential
negative impacts and found no potential significant impacts.
Applicant and Architect, Adriana Cook, presented the existing conditions, potential future
appeal and aesthetics, materials used, how the project complies with zoning and
matches the neighborhood, and addressed concerns about story poles and views.
Public Comments
The adjacent property owner, Laila Mahroom, expressed opposition to the city pushing
the project through on grounds of insufficient notice and unsafe sidewalk conditions.
Mahroom listed other options in lieu of story poles and referred to what the City of
Carmel had done on a recent project. Mahroom stated the lack of story poles obfuscates
the project from the public and denies a true representation of architectural aspects of
the project. Mahroom also asserted the sidewalk was unsafe around the project
considering there were no current plans to underground the utilities before the project is
Architectural Review Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
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Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, January 17, 2024
constructed.
Wendy Brickman, who worked with the North Fremont Business District expressed
gratitude for the project. Brickman said the grounding of utilities is up to PG&E.
Brookman listed the economic benefits of the hotel and strongly urged for approval.
Committee Member Comments
Chair Tregenza addressed previous concerns about the sidewalk and asked Senior
Associate Planner Schmidt if the project complies with Monterey City Code.
Senior Associate Planner Schmidt recounted that City Council s condition of approval
required the hotel owner to grant an easement increasing the width and safety of the
sidewalk. Schmidt also confirmed that grounding the utilities would be up to the City s
engineering/public works department and PG&E.
Committee Member Schmidt expressed multiple concerns about traffic, parking,
pedestrian and driving safety, and overall aesthetics of the utility lines in regards to the
proposed building.
Committee Member Ostovar expressed a desire to understand when/if the City would
require developers to underground their utilities. Ostovar said that the proposed project
overall looks good and then had to leave due to a time conflict.
Committee Member Palmer expressed appreciation for the project and talked about how
the area of North Fremont needed revitalization. Palmer also asked the number of
previous parking spaces to which Senior Associate Planner Schmidt replied there were
32 parking spaces compared to the 42 proposed for the project.
Chair Tregenza appreciated the additions to the hotel plans and believed it to be a good
addition to North Fremont Street and long overdue. Tregenza noted that the
undergrounding will eventually happen, and that pedestrian safety has been addressed.
He also noted that he was in favor of the project as well as the pedestrian access.
Committee Member Turgen appreciated the non-typical design and thoughtfulness of the
hotel compared to other hotels under the same brand and expressed concern about the
power lines.
On a motion by Committee Member Palmer, seconded by Chair Tregenza, and carried by the
following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved Architectural Review Permit
Application ARP-24-0001 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review to Construct a New
42-Room, 4-story Hotel and Parking Lot at 2101 North Fremont Street as submitted.
AYES: 3 MEMBERS: Tregenza, Palmer, Turgen
NOES: 1 MEMBERS: Schmidt
ABSENT: 3 MEMBERS: Pauly, Hunter, Ostovar
ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None
RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None
Architectural Review Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
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Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, January 17, 2024
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
None.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Received update.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:16 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Planning Manager Chair
Architectural Review Committee
Architectural Review Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
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Agenda
Architectural Review Committee Members
Committee Patrick Tregenza, Chair
Meeting Agenda Justin Pauly, Vice Chair
Ed Hunter
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 Payam Ostovar
Eric Palmer
4:00 PM Shelly Schmidt
Council Chamber, 580 Pacific St. Kimberly Turgen
Monterey, California
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING:
Written comment: Members of the public may submit comment(s) to
planning@monterey.org until ½ hour before the start of the meeting. These messages
are not read aloud during the meeting but are made available to the meeting body and
public at https://monterey.org/submitted-comments. All comments received become part
of the record.
In-Person: Please see the meeting location listed above. Wearing a mask is
recommended and encouraged.
Remote via ZoomGov Webinar:
o Join on a computer or smartphone:
https://monterey-org.zoomgov.com/j/1619149563 An up-to-date version of
the Zoom software must be used.
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Enter Webinar ID: 161 914 9563 #
If prompted to enter a participant ID, press #
To “raise your hand,” dial *9. Once called upon, dial *6 to unmute
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This meeting will also stream live for viewing only on youtube.com/cityofmonterey (10
second delay) and on Comcast Channel 25 (up to 90-second delay).
PUBLIC COMMENT PROCEDURES AND TIME LIMITS:
The total amount of time allocated for public comment on a particular issue and for each
individual speaker is generally as follows:
1. Up to three minutes per speaker.
2. For regular Architectural Review Committee meetings, there is one 15-minute public
comment period for items not on the agenda.
3. The total time allocated for public comment:
a. Items pulled from the consent agenda – 15 minutes each item
b. Public Appearance items – 30 minutes each item
c. Public Hearing items – 30 minutes each item
At the time an item is considered, the Chair will ask those attending the meeting in person to
line up at the podium or raise their hands, and for remote participants to use *9 on the telephone
or the “raise hand” function in Zoom, if they wish to address the Architectural Review
Committee. The maximum amount of time for each person to speak and the total amount of
time allotted for each item will be determined based on the number of people indicating an
interest in speaking and the amount of business to be conducted on the agenda. In exceptional
circumstances and when necessary to ensure a full opportunity for public input, the Chair may,
with the Committee’s consent, adjust the amount of time allowed for public input and/or the time
allotted for each speaker.
FIELD TRIP
The Architectural Review Committee will not conduct a field trip on January 17, 2024 to
review the ARC meeting agenda. For more information, call (831) 646-3885.
Date Posted: January 12, 2024
***Afternoon Session Agenda*** 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
1. Meeting Procedures
CONSENT AGENDA
All matters listed under Consent Agenda are routine and will be adopted by one motion
unless a member of the Architectural Review Committee or the public requests discussion or
a separate vote.
Approval of Minutes
2. December 20, 2023
***End of Consent Agenda***
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
The public may speak to any item that is not on the agenda and that is in the City of
Monterey’s subject matter jurisdiction.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
Public Appearance items are on non-routine issues that might stimulate public interest and
comments.
3. Consider 1047 Cass Street; Architectural Review Permit ARP-23-0214 for
Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of a New Two-Story Single-Family
Dwelling; Applicant Brendan Connolly & Diane Coward, Re:Vision West, LLC;
Owner 1045 Cass LLC; CO-ES Zoning District; Commercial General Plan
Designation (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15303, Class 3)
4. Consider 2101 North Fremont Street; Architectural Review Permit ARP-24-
0001 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review to Construct a New 42-
Room, 4-story Hotel and Parking Lot. In lieu of story poles, which pose a
potential safety hazard in this location, the applicant has displayed noticing
boards on-site showing a rendering of the proposed structure; Applicant
Adriana Cook, Arris Studio Architects; Owner Lakshmi Hotel Partners; VAF
Zoning District; Commercial General Plan Designation (CEQA: Environmental
Impact Report certified)
Architectural Review Committee
1/17/2024 4:00:00 PM
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COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Committee Members may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or
make a brief report on their activities. In addition, a Committee Member or the Architectural
Review Committee may provide a referral to staff or other resources for factual information.
(Government Code section 54954.2(a)(3).)
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Staff may make announcements and may request clarification or direction regarding the
scheduling of meetings and study sessions.
5. Planning Office Update
ADJOURNMENT
Writings distributed for discussion or consideration on these matters within 72 hours prior to the
meeting, pursuant to Government Code § 54957.5, are available at: monterey.org/submitted-
comments and in the Planning Office at 570 Pacific St., Monterey, CA 93940 during regular business
hours.
Information distributed to the Architectural Review Committee at the Architectural Review Committee
meeting becomes part of the public record.
Architectural Review Committee decisions may be appealed within ten (10) days from the date of the
decision on forms available in the Planning Division during business hours. When the tenth day falls
on a weekend or a holiday, the appeal deadline date is the next working day following the holiday or
weekend. An appeal fee will apply.
CITY OF MONTEREY'S 24-HOUR SUGGESTION HOTLINES:
Voicemail: (831) 646-3799 Fax: (831) 646-3793
Email: suggest@monterey.org WebPage: http://www.monterey.org
INTERPRETATION: The Architectural Review Committee invites and encourages public participation
at its meetings. Requests for language interpretation may be made by contacting the City Clerk at
cityclerk@monterey.org or 831-646-3935. The City Clerk will make every effort to accommodate
requests for interpreter assistance. Requests should be made as soon as possible in advance of any
meeting of the Architectural Review Committee. The City is committed to addressing language
interpretation requests swiftly in order to maximize public participation.
ACCESSIBILITY: The City of Monterey is committed to including the disabled in all of its
services, programs and activities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if
you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s
Office at cityclerk@monterey.org or (831) 646-3935. Notification 30 hours prior to the
meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting
[28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II]. Later requests will be accommodated to the extent feasible. For
communication-related assistance, dial 711 to use the California Relay Service (CRS) to speak to City
offices. CRS offers free text-to-speech, speech-to-speech, and Spanish-language services 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. If you require a hearing amplification device to attend a meeting, dial 711 to use
CRS to talk to the City Clerk's Office at (831) 646-3935 to coordinate use of a device.
Upcoming city meetings are listed at http://isearchmonterey.org
More information is available by calling (831) 646-3885
Architectural Review Committee
1/17/2024 4:00:00 PM
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