Planning Commission Meeting

MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, May 28, 2019 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM 580 PACIFIC STREET, COUNCIL CHAMBERS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Latasa, Fletcher, Dawson, Millich, Brassfield, Freeman Commissioners Absent: Reed Staff Members Present: Recording Secretary Leinen, Community Development Director Cole, Housing and Community Development Manager Caraker, Principal Planner Flower FIELD TRIP The Planning Commission will conduct a field trip on Friday, May 24, 2019 to review the Tuesday, May 28, 2019 Planning Commission meeting agenda. The field trip will depart from the field behind Colton Hall at 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 831-646-3885. Date Posted: May 24, 2019 CALL TO ORDER Chair Dawson called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. April 23, 2019 ACTION: Approved as submitted. Commissioner Fletcher made a motion to approve the minutes. Vice Chair Latasa seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner Fletcher, seconded by Commissioner Latasa, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved the April 23, 2019: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Latasa, Fletcher, Dawson, Millich, Brassfield, Freeman NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Reed ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS  Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 28, 2019 None. PUBLIC HEARING 2. Adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Storm Drain Maintenance Plan ACTION: Adopted a resolution adopting a mitigated negative declaration for the Storm Drain Maintenance Plan involving maintenance activities for 29 high priority sites over a five-year period that are necessary for upkeep of the City’s storm water drainage system. Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions Elizabeth Caraker presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners’ questions. Ms. Caraker introduced Steve Wittry, Public Works Director, who also answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments None. Commissioner Comments Commissioner Dawson said “lineal” is spelled incorrectly throughout the entirety of Exhibit A to the resolution. Vice Chair Latasa said the report appears to be comprehensive and has identified mitigation measures, and he made a motion to adopt a resolution adopting a mitigated negative declaration for the Storm Drain Maintenance Plan involving maintenance activities for 29 high priority sites over a five-year period that are necessary for upkeep of the City’s storm water drainage system. Commissioner Fletcher seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner Latasa, seconded by Commissioner Fletcher, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission Adopted a resolution adopting a mitigated negative declaration for the Storm Drain Maintenance Plan involving maintenance activities for 29 high priority sites over a five-year period that are necessary for upkeep of the City’s storm water drainage system: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Latasa, Fletcher, Dawson, Millich, Brassfield, Freeman NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Reed ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None PUBLIC APPEARANCE 3. Recommend to the City Council that the 2019/20 and 2020/21 Capital Improvement Program is Consistent with the General Plan, Area Plans, Master Plans, Traffic Calming Plans, and Multi-Modal Mobility Plan (Exempt from CEQA Article 19, Sections 15301 15331, Classes 1 and 31) Planning Commission 2 Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 28, 2019 2  Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 28, 2019 ACTION: Adopted a resolution recommending to the City Council that the 2019/20 and 2020/21 Capital Improvement Program is consistent with the City’s General Plan, area/specific plans, master plans, traffic calming plans, and Multi-Modal Mobility Plan. Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions Kimberly Cole presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners’ questions. Mr. Wittry also answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments None. Commissioner Comments Commissioner Brassfield made a motion to adopt a resolution recommending to the City Council that the 2019/20 and 2020/21 Capital Improvement Program is consistent with the City’s General Plan, area/specific plans, master plans, traffic calming plans, and Multi-Modal Mobility Plan. Commissioner Freeman seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner Brassfield, seconded by Commissioner Freeman, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission adopted a resolution recommending to the City Council that the 2019/20 and 2020/21 Capital Improvement Program is consistent with the City’s General Plan, area/specific plans, master plans, traffic calming plans, and Multi-Modal Mobility Plan: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Latasa, Fletcher, Dawson, Millich, Brassfield, Freeman NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Reed ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 4. Vacation of a Portion of Church Street Consistent with the City of Monterey General Plan (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15305, Class 5) ACTION: Adopted a resolution determining the proposed vacation of a portion of Church Street consistent with the City of Monterey General Plan. Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions Ms. Cole presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners’ questions. Mr. Wittry also answered Commissioners’ questions. Public Comments Derric Oliver, San Carlos School, said it is a misnomer to say the street will be vacated and that there will still be room for a sidewalk if City desires one. Mr. Oliver said the main difference would be a one foot reduction at the smallest area and six feet four inches at the largest. He also said it will not impact traffic and that entitlements for utilities will be carved out. Planning Commission 3 Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 28, 2019 3  Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 28, 2019 Commissioner Comments Commissioner Millich made a motion to adopt a resolution determining the proposed vacation of a portion of Church Street consistent with the City of Monterey General Plan. Commissioner Fletcher seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner Millich, seconded by Commissioner Fletcher, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission Adopted a resolution determining the proposed vacation of a portion of Church Street consistent with the City of Monterey General Plan: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Latasa, Fletcher, Dawson, Millich, Brassfield, Freeman NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Reed ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 5. Receive Report on Planning Office Work Program ((Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) ACTION: Received a report on the Planning Office Work Program, took public comment, and held a discussion. Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions Ms. Caraker gave an overview of current and long-range planning projects and answered Commissioners’ questions. Ms. Cole also answered Commissioners’ questions. Chair Dawson said Commissioner Brassfield requested this discussion to ensure that everything that the Planning Commission is tasked with doing annually is being completed. Commissioner Brassfield said he is also concerned regarding making decisions on issues such as housing without having a broad discussion on housing overall he requested that the Planning Commission have a discussion on the General Plan. Public Comments Tom Rowley said the City is overdue for a review of the mixed-use policy and that the General Plan should be updated with regards to issues like housing and water as it is not working in the way it was envisioned to and he suggested a dedicated committee or meeting to accomplish this. Commissioner Comments Commissioner Dawson said the noise ordinance really needs to be reviewed. Commissioner Brassfield said the Circulation Element needs to be reviewed. Ms. Caraker said a CalTrans grant will address circulation. Ms Cole. said there will be a workshop with City Council in late June regarding all housing legislation that has come down from the State and encouraged the Planning Commission to attend. Planning Commission 4 Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 28, 2019 4  Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 28, 2019 Commissioner Fletcher said he would like to have more involvement as a Planning Commissioner in prioritizing which issues are dealt with and said it would be beneficial to have an understanding of the larger picture of issues that the Planning Commission addresses. Commissioner Latasa suggested more study sessions and public meetings with City Council to keep proactive. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENTS Luis Osorio said, regarding affordable housing, said there has been an issue in California for quite a few years, and the estimate of shortage in the State is 100,000 units. He also said Planning Commissioners are the leaders in the community and should become educated in this issue and own the leadership role. A speaker identifying herself as Doreet said people are struggling and suffering now and something needs to be done for affordable housing. PUBLIC HEARING 6. Approve Use Permit UP-18-0359 to Allow Density Increase for a Total of 44 Dwelling Units per Acre (Du/a) to Construct a New 3-Story, 40-Unit Mixed-Use Building; Approve Affordable Housing Density Bonus and Incentive for Eight Low Income Housing Units at 2200 & 2210 North Fremont Street; Applicant Paul W. Davis; Owner, Susan W. Ward; Planned Community – North Fremont Zoning District (PC-NF); Commercial General Plan Land Use Designation (Exempt from CEQA Requirements as a Transit Priority Project per Chapter 4.2 Section 21155.4) ACTION: Adopted a resolution approving a use permit for a density increase, allowing two additional dwelling units, to a proposed 3-story, mixed-use building with a total of 40-dwelling units at a total density of 44 dwelling unit per acre located at 2200 North Fremont; and, an affordable housing density bonus for eight low-income units with an incentive that would enable parking at the site to be allocated differently than prescribed with the North Fremont Specific Plan. Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions Ande Flower presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners’ questions. Ms. Cole also answered Commissioners’ questions. Applicant Paul W. Davis, applicant, said he is joined by the property owners Sue and Robert, Beth Matz of BFS Landscape Architects, and acoustical engineer Jim Barth. Mr. Davis gave a presentation on the project, focusing on the plans and highlighting the features believed by the development team to meet and demonstrate consistency with the design guidelines of the North Fremont Specific Plan. Planning Commission 5 Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 28, 2019 5 Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 28, 2019 Public Comments Luis Osorio, Matt Huerta, Mike Dellapa, Kevin Dayton, Laura Nagel, Elizabeth Granado, Kelly Keen, Leslie Svetich, Wendy Brickman, Kayla Fossum, Linda Fossler, Howard Fossler, and public commenter identifying herself as Ashley spoke in support of the proposed project because of the lack of affordable housing in the area, the large amount commuters, homelessness and the current housing crisis, the projects achievement of higher density, the transit-oriented nature of the project, the resulting reduction of blight and increase to property values in the area, the low income housing the project will provide, the support of several COPA members, the project meeting the North Fremont Specific Plan requirements, the high quality nature of the project, the project meeting goals of the Housing Element, a lack of housing for professionals, and the proximity of housing to jobs. Jennifer Nichols, Robert Yoha, Richard Ruccello, James Nichols, Diana Jones, Robert Taylor and speakers identifying themselves as Jessica and Jennifer spoke in opposition of the proposed project because of the project’s proximity to the neighboring single-family housing, the project being a three-story C2-zoned project next to an R1 home, the need for a buffer between the project and the neighborhood, the three-story height of the project, the project’s mass and density, a reduction of privacy for the neighbors, the incompatibility of low-income housing with market-rate housing, a decrease to neighborhood property values, added congestion to the neighborhood, parking impacts and concerns, the minimal storypole staking done for the project, the proposed exemptions for parking and density, and the potential loss of character of the neighborhood. Chair Dawson called for a brief recess at 9:19 p.m. Chair Dawson reconvened the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Commissioner Comments Chair Dawson said the North Fremont Specific Plan shows a building drawn at the project site similar to what is proposed. He also said the issue of parking will self- correct over time. Commissioner Fletcher said the project is very nicely done and he supports it. He said the applicant did a great job in addressing issues that were raised. Commissioner Fletcher also said the neighborhood should apply for a restricted parking program. Commissioner Freeman said the project is ready for the site and the site is ready for the project. She said she supports the project as presented. Commissioner said the project is a brilliant one but is not compatible with the neighborhood. He said the project is wonderful conceptually, however, there is a parking problem that needs to be addressed in the present. Commissioner Millich said he would be in favor of the project if it were two stories with fewer units, but he does not support the project as proposed. Commissioner Latasa said the project will impact the residential area next to the site being a large, three-story project, however, it is appropriate for the Fremont Planning Commission 6 Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 28, 2019 6  Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 28, 2019 Corridor. He said both the North Fremont Specific Plan and the Zoning Ordinance allow what is proposed and the architect did a great job, so he supports the project. Chair Dawson made a motion to adopt a resolution approving a use permit for a density increase, allowing two additional dwelling units, to a proposed 3-story, mixed-use building with a total of 40-dwelling units at a total density of 44 dwelling unit per acre located at 2200 North Fremont; and, an affordable housing density bonus for eight low-income units with an incentive that would enable parking at the site to be allocated differently than prescribed with the North Fremont Specific Plan. Commissioner Fletcher seconded the motion. Dawson made a motion to approve as submitted. Fletcher seconded. Millich said LHSP has redily accessible public parking. Fletcher said parking is as much of an issue in New Monterey as in this area. On a motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Fletcher, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission Adopted a resolution approving a use permit for a density increase, allowing two additional dwelling units, to a proposed 3-story, mixed-use building with a total of 40-dwelling units at a total density of 44 dwelling unit per acre located at 2200 North Fremont; and, an affordable housing density bonus for eight low-income units with an incentive that would enable parking at the site to be allocated differently than prescribed with the North Fremont Specific Plan: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Latasa, Fletcher, Dawson, Brassfield, Freeman NOES: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Millich ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Reed ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS No Commissioner comments. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 7. Planning Office Update · Update received. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m. Planning Commission 7 Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 28, 2019 7 Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 28, 2019 Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Elizabeth Caraker Chair Housing and Community Development Manager Planning Commission Planning Commission 8 Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 28, 2019 8