Planning Commission Meeting

MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, June 30, 2011 Evening Only 6:30 - 10:00 p.m. CONFERENCE CENTER FERRANTE ROOM, 1 PORTOLA PLAZA MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Widmar, Davis, Garden, McCrone, Osorio, Stites, Stocker Commissioners Absent: None Staff Members Present: Principal Planner Cole, Principal Planner Caraker, Recording Secretary Hanes CALL TO ORDER Chair Widmar called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 1. Select Preferred Transportation and Parking Alternatives STREET NAMES ACTION: Approved a study to extend Alvarado Street to Highway 1, to change the name of Abrego/Washington/Munras to one common name and not pursue the Lighthouse name change. 7-0-0. Staff Presentation/Commissioners Questions: Kim Cole and the Consultants presented the Citywide Transportation and Parking Study and answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments: James Bryant said a sign should be installed on Highway 1 indicating an exit for Downtown Monterey and directional signs should be added throughout the City directing visitors to Downtown. He said the Abrego/Washington/Munras Street is confusing and simplification of the name should be considered. Darius Engles, City of Pacific Grove, said renaming of the streets is a good idea but cautioned staff to review the duplication of numbers with regards to the two cities that share Lighthouse. Uwe Grobecker, Santa Lucia Café, said signage from the highway should be more evenly distributed to direct visitors to both the Downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf/Cannery Row and Planning Commission Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 suggested a further review to look at the need to add better signage throughout the City. He also said it makes sense to rename streets to have one name. Jerry Anderson said it would be beneficial to offer the community groups and neighborhood associations that have not had a chance to comment on this issue an opportunity to be involved in the decisions and suggested waiting on the parking standards until an intensive survey has been completed. He also said the street names are confusing but is part of the charm of Monterey. Mary Alice Fettis, Fisherman’s Wharf Association, said better signage could allow the street names to stay the same and maintain the character of the City. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Osorio said Abrego/Washington/Munras would benefit from being a one name street. Commissioner Stocker concurred that having streets be one name would be beneficial and Abrego should become one name, but better signage on the freeway along with added directional signage in town could also assist with the problems. Commissioner Garden concurred that through streets should have common names and the Abrego corridor should have one consistent name. He suggested changing the exit from the Highway 1 to a street named something other than Fremont, possibly Lighthouse. He also said Alvarado should be a longer street and the Abrego connection should be a single lane and suggested coordination with Cal Trans regarding better street signage. Commissioner Davis also said Abrego should become one name and concurred with Commissioner Garden that a study should be done to extend Alvarado Street and would like to see the Del Monte exit from the Highway remain the same. Commissioner Stites said signage issue needs to be explored further and the Downtown needs to have the same notoriety that the Wharf does with regards to signage. He said a thorough analysis including input from business owners should be completed before streets are renamed. Chair Widmar said the traffic patterns add to the problems with the street names and extending Alvarado Street to the highway is an appropriate change. He said a study should be done on changing Abrego Street to one common name but suggested to not change Lighthouse Avenue. Commissioner Stocker motioned to study extending Alvarado Street to Highway 1, change the street name of Abrego/Washington/Munras to one common name and not pursue the Lighthouse name change. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner Stocker, seconded by Commissioner Davis, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved a study to extend Alvarado Street to Highway 1, to change the name of Abrego/Washington/Munras to one common name and not pursue the Lighthouse name change.: Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 2 Planning Commission Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Widmar, Davis, Garden, McCrone, Osorio, Stites, Stocker NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Downtown Circulation ACTION: Approved the proposal to modify the Downtown circulation to two-way, make Polk Street a historic walkway and implement a bike path along Simoneau Plaza. 7-0-0. Staff Presentation/Commissioners Questions: The Consultants presented the Citywide Transportation and Parking Study and answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments: None. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Garden said the merchants have requested the streets remain two-way and suggested Franklin Street remain one-way in the outbound direction. He said the Defense Language Institute (DLI) traffic will increase and suggested a study on ways to direct the DLI traffic in and out of the City to Highway 68. He also said suggested adding a walking path that celebrates the Historic Adobes at the end of Alvarado Street. Commissioner Mccrone concurred with Commissioner Garden. Commissioner Stocker concurred that Franklin Street should remain a one-way in the outbound direction and suggested making Polk Street a historic walking path and Pearl Street a bicycle path. Commissioner Stites questioned the timing of the signals for the proposed changes on Franklin Street regarding one-way versus two-way, The Consultants along with Rich Deal, City Traffic Engineer, gave a brief description of the project stating that the intention is to create a grid that allows the visitor to get into the Downtown easier. Commissioner Davis concurred that Polk Street should be a historic walking path, but requested a study on the impact to Hartnell Street and the Post Office. The Consultants said that Jefferson Street is the intended alternative street for traffic. Henry Ruhnke said losing two-way access on Franklin could be problematic for the Downtown. Commissioner Davis said the problems could possibly be a result of lack of signage. Commissioner Osorio said the downtown should be more of a pedestrian environment and Franklin should remain one-way. He said Polk would be an appropriate historic street and motioned to approve the two-way street pattern with Polk as a historic street and maintain Franklin as a one-way outbound. The motion died due to lack of second. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 3 Planning Commission Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 Commissioner Garden motioned to approve the proposal to modify the Downtown circulation to two-way, make Polk Street a historic walkway and implement a bike path along Simoneau Plaza. Commissioner Stites seconded the motion. Commissioner Stocker and Commissioner McCrone said they would support the motion. Chair Widmar said he supports the two-way alternative and does not see the need for Franklin to remain two-way for the length of the street. He said the expanded grid in the waterfront is a good change. Commissioner Osorio said he supports the motion. On a motion by Commissioner Garden, seconded by Commissioner Stites, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission Approved the proposal to modify the Downtown circulation to two-way, make Polk Street a historic walkway and implement a bike path along Simoneau Plaza: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Widmar, Davis, Garden, McCrone, Osorio, Stites, Stocker NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Transit Plaza ACTION: Approved alternative 1 to move the bus depot to Washington Street with the possibility of converting Washington into a transit center in the future, and reconfigure Simoneau Plaza. 7-0-0. Staff Presentation/Commissioners Questions: The Consultants presented and answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments: James Bryant said he is in favor of moving the transit plaza from Simoneau Plaza. Mike Becker said the Monterey bus depot should invite all bus companies and include local businesses such as the airport shuttle and cab services. Anthony Davi Sr. suggested staff and the consultants consider a site for the bus depot that has an opportunity for future expansion. Carl Outzen questioned if the Monterey Salinas Transit (MST) has been consulted on the issue of the location of the bus depot. The consultants responded that they are working with MST. Mr. Outzen said the potential for a train stop to be added to our area is a possibility in the future and suggested adding a Greyhound route back to the Monterey Peninsula. He said the bus station should be one central location to coordinate all transit possibilities. Uwe Grobecker said because Monterey is a relatively small town, a centralized bus depot is not necessary and has the potential to look crowded. He said the Waterfront is not a good Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 4 Planning Commission Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 location for the depot and suggested Washington Street as a possible location. He also suggested closing Tyler Street and developing it as part of the plaza which should be a location that invites people to events and landscaped so that people can enjoy the scenery. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Davis motioned to approve alternative 1 to move the bus depot to Washington Street with the possibility of converting Washington into a transit center in the future, and reconfigure Simoneau Plaza. Commissioner McCrone seconded the motion. Commissioner Garden said Washington Street is an appropriate location for a bus transit center, and concurred with Carl Outzen stating that the changes proposed and the possible addition of a train depot would connect the Waterfront to the Downtown. He said he has concerns that creating a Grand Central Station where all transit opportunities meet, would be would be too much for the Waterfront area. Chair Widmar said he supports the motion and the train terminal could be reconsidered at a future date. On a motion by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner McCrone, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved alternative 1 to move the bus depot to Washington Street with the possibility of converting Washington into a transit center in the future, and reconfigure Simoneau Plaza: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Widmar, Davis, Garden, McCrone, Osorio, Stites, Stocker NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Del Monte and Washington ACTION: Approved a study of the expanded Downtown alternative with the enhanced square-about and explore alternatives for the Alvarado Mall connection regarding different modes of transportation through the Custom House Plaza. 7-0-0. Staff Presentation/Commissioners Questions: The Consultants presented and answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments: Don Bachman, Executive Director with the Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC), suggested that staff and the consultants take into consideration accommodation of the addition of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system into Monterey in the future. He said that TAMC is currently preparing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Monterey Branch Line which should be ready for review in fall 2011. Anthony Davi Sr. said the proposal is very exciting and offers enormous opportunities. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 5 Planning Commission Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 John Narigi, Cannery Row Business Association, said a pedestrian bridge has been suggested many times and he did not see one in the proposal. He suggested a study of the intersection that would result in a Resolution showing improvement to the traffic traveling through the tunnel from the west side. Mike Bellinger, landscape architect, said preservation of the Waterfront is a big asset to the City, and the plan should encourage more people to walk around and discover things in Monterey. He expressed concern about vehicles using Custom House Plaza. Barbara Meister, Public Affairs Director for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, said there is an incredible wealth of assets in the Downtown area and 78% of Aquarium visitors come by car and should have more incentive to stay in the Downtown area when they visit. She encouraged the concept of a gateway into Monterey, but has concerns about pedestrian access and the possibility of a traffic jam in the tunnel when visitors leave the Aquarium. Chair Widmar clarified that the preferred alternative discussed at a previous meeting would change Del Monte from an eight lane road to a three lane road therefore making a safer crossing environment for the pedestrian. Mary Alice Fettis said she supports the alternative and suggested using the old train depot as a possible future location for the LRT. Adam Jesselnick, local architect, said the premise of connecting the Waterfront to the Downtown is incredibly important to the success of the both areas. Mary Lynch, BicyclingMonterey.com, concurred that bringing the Downtown and the Waterfront together is very important and the plaza needs to be utilized better with the possibility of it becoming a welcome center with visually pleasing landscaping with additional signage. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Osorio expressed concerns that it would be detrimental to extend Alvarado Street through the Custom House Plaza and said the reconnection between the Waterfront and Downtown would be better served as a pedestrian connection. He said the proposed change could be a potential environmental impact on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis that will need to be completed. Commissioner Stocker said the square-about solution allows people an opportunity to experience the Waterfront which is not currently happening, and he does not support the concept of a pedestrian bridge at the location. He encouraged the consultants to enhance the bike path and supported the idea of extending Alvarado through the Custom House Plaza to create the Alvarado Mall. He also said the concept of Scott Street extending should be studied in more depth. Commissioner Davis concurred with Commissioner Stocker, and said the City would have control over the opening and closing of the extended portion of Alvarado through the Custom House Plaza to vehicular traffic. He suggested a further study into the route to get Downtown from Del Monte and said Franklin Street could possibly become the entrance into Downtown. Commissioner Garden said he supports the proposal and encouraged the retention of some of the Waterfront area as parking. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 6 Planning Commission Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 Commissioner McCrone said the proposal recreates Monterey as a Waterfront town, and would like to see Washington Street travel to Scott Street with a return on Tyler Street leaving open space beyond Scott. He said the parking in the Waterfront area is not necessary, and the parking that is there should be corrected. He concurred with John Narigi indicating that a pedestrian bridge should be added so that it directs pedestrian traffic over the tunnel. He also said he does not support the extension of Alvarado Street through the Custom House Plaza for vehicular traffic. Chair Widmar motioned to approve a study of the expanded Downtown alternative with the enhanced square-about and explore alternatives for the Alvarado Mall connection regarding different modes of transportation through the Custom House Plaza. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. Commissioner Osorio said if the LRT is approved in Monterey, the train depot terminal should be considered as the preferred location for the depot. On a motion by Commissioner Widmar, seconded by Commissioner Davis, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved a study of the expanded Downtown alternative with the enhanced square-about and explore alternatives for the Alvarado Mall connection regarding different modes of transportation through the Custom House Plaza: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Widmar, Davis, Garden, McCrone, Osorio, Stites, Stocker NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Chair Widmar called for a five minute recess at 9:03 pm. Reconvened at 9:09 pm. Realignment of Calle Principal ACTION: Approved the study of the Calle Principal realignment. 7-0-0. Staff Presentation/Commissioners Questions: The Consultants presented and answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments: None. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Stocker motioned to approve the study of the Calle Principal realignment. Commissioner Stites seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner Stocker, seconded by Commissioner Stites, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved the study of the Calle Principal realignment: Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 7 Planning Commission Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Widmar, Davis, Garden, McCrone, Osorio, Stites, Stocker NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Parking Management Strategies ACTION: Approved the parking management strategy with the added alternative for merchants to utilize their parking spaces as additional opportunities for business. 7-0-0. Staff Presentation/Commissioners Questions: The Consultants presented and answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments: None. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Garden said the parking specifics should be considered by the parking division and the Zoning Ordinance has items that currently need review but supports the proposal. Commissioner McCrone motioned to approve the parking management strategy. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. Commissioner Osorio suggested adding the consideration to remove some of the on-street parking to the proposal. Kim Cole said that this will be reviewed when the Environmental Review is completed to determine if removal of some on-street parking has a significant impact that requires mitigation. The Consultant informed the Commission that the option for merchants to utilize their parking spaces as additional opportunity for business was not included on the alternative presented, but could be added if the Commission agreed. Commissioner McCrone added the alternative to the motion. Commissioner Davis concurred. On a motion by Commissioner McCrone, seconded by Commissioner Davis, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved the parking management strategy with the added alternative for merchants to utilize their parking spaces as additional opportunities for business: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Widmar, Davis, Garden, McCrone, Osorio, Stites, Stocker NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 8 Planning Commission Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 Parking Zoning Strategies ACTION: Approved the study of parking zoning strategies. 6-1 (Noes- Garden)-0. Staff Presentation/Commissioners Questions: The Consultants presented and answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments: None. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Garden motioned to deny the study of parking zoning strategies and bring the parking zoning strategies to the Planning Commission for further study and discussion. Commissioner Davis said the intention is to study the parking zoning strategies and the process should not be stopped at this time. Motion failed due to lack of second. Commissioner Davis motioned to approve the study of parking zoning strategies. Commissioner McCrone seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner McCrone, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved the study of parking zoning strategies: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Widmar, Davis, McCrone, Osorio, Stites, Stocker NOES: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Garden ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Lighthouse Circulation ACTION: Approved the modified existing plan for Lighthouse circulation. 7-0-0. Staff Presentation/Commissioners Questions: The Consultants presented and answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments: Anthony Davi Sr. said the modified existing plan that maintains traffic in both directions with left turns is the preferred alternative. He said he has concerns that the one-way streets would have a negative impact on the businesses. Mike Becker, Cannery Row Company, said safety needs to be a major consideration, and the Del Monte tunnel should also be studied. Mathew Sundt said pedestrian access should be emphasized and the sidewalks should not be reduced in size. He suggested revisiting the study of bicycle access and movement. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 9 Planning Commission Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 Ken Kineo, Pacific Grove City Council, said any changes will impact the neighboring cities and asked that staff and the consultants take that into consideration when proceeding with the studies. John Narigi, Cannery Row Business Association, said Lighthouse Avenue should remain a two-way street, and encouraged the Planning Commission to make a recommendation to City Council to study the congestion and traffic concerns. Mary Lynch concurred with Anthony Davi Sr. and encouraged the consultants to consider more options for cyclists to browse the Lighthouse district. Barbara Meister said the Aquarium is working to aid in the solutions for the traffic in the tunnel and suggested implementation of incentives for patrons to use the WAVE bus system. She said the Aquarium employees are encouraged to not park or drive to work, rather to use public transportation, bicycle or walk and they support any efforts that would enhance the business community. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Garden said he supports the modified existing plan with some consideration for additional left turns off Lighthouse Avenue. He said mitigation will be necessary for traffic accidents, and encouraged the left turns to direct people to the Cannery Row and neighborhood areas. He motioned to approve the study of the Lighthouse circulation. Chair Widmar seconded the motion. Commissioner Osorio said he supports the motion and suggested a further study to improve access to public transit. Commissioner Stocker said the sidewalks should not be reduced in size and supported the modifications. Commissioner Garden said the Bus Rapid Transit will be accommodated with this modification and suggested adding Lighthouse Avenue. On a motion by Commissioner Garden, seconded by Commissioner Widmar, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved the modified existing plan for Lighthouse circulation: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Widmar, Davis, Garden, McCrone, Osorio, Stites, Stocker NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Lighthouse Parking Management Strategies ACTION: Approved the Lighthouse parking management strategy. 6-1 (Noes - Garden)-0. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 10 Planning Commission Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 Staff Presentation/Commissioners Questions: The Consultants presented and answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments: Mike Becker said parking costs should not significantly inconvenience visitors, and cautioned staff and the consultants to study parking costs carefully. Commissioner Comments: Chair Widmar motioned to approve the Lighthouse parking management strategies. Commissioner Stocker seconded the motion. Commissioner Garden suggested the zoning strategies be reviewed by the Planning Commission for further study and discussion. On a motion by Commissioner Widmar, seconded by Commissioner Stocker, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approve the Lighthouse parking management strategy: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Widmar, Davis, McCrone, Osorio, Stites, Stocker NOES: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Garden ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Lighthouse – Parking Zoning Strategies ACTION: Approved the Lighthouse parking zoning strategies. 6-1 (Noes - Garden)- 0. Staff Presentation/Commissioners Questions: The Consultants presented and answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments: None. Commissioner Comments: Chair Widmar motioned to approve the Lighthouse parking zoning strategies. Commissioner Stocker seconded the motion. Commissioner Garden suggested the zoning strategies be reviewed by the Planning Commission for further study and discussion. On a motion by Commissioner Widmar, seconded by Commissioner Stocker, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved the Lighthouse parking zoning strategies: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Widmar, Davis, McCrone, Osorio, Stites, Stocker NOES: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Garden ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 11 Planning Commission Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 North Fremont ACTION: Approved the North Fremont proposal. 6-1 (Noes - Garden)-0. Staff Presentation/Commissioners Questions: The Consultants presented and answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments: Mary Alice Fettis requested a speed limit of 30 miles per hour so that Fremont Street maintains the same speed through to Seaside. She also requested the signal coordination be synched with Seaside. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Stocker motioned to approve the North Fremont proposal. Commissioner McCrone seconded the motion. Commissioner Garden said the zoning strategies should be separated from the specific plan and reviewed by the Planning Commission for further study and discussion. On a motion by Commissioner Stocker, seconded by Commissioner McCrone, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved the North Fremont proposal: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Widmar, Davis, McCrone, Osorio, Stites, Stocker NOES: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Garden ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:05 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kimberly Cole Chair Principal Planner Planning Commission Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 30, 2011 12