Planning Commission Meeting

Name: Planning Commission Meeting — Monterey, CA
Start: 2020-04-14T16:00:00
End: 2020-04-14T18:00:00
Location: Monterey, CA

Regular Meeting

Monterey, CA · April 14, 2020

Agenda Minutes Packet

Minutes

DocuSign Envelope ID: 64EDEB6A-AB41-429E-AE5D-5D7E652A713E MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, April 14, 2020 4:00 PM AFTERNOON SESSION ONLY 580 PACIFIC STREET, COUNCIL CHAMBERS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Brassfield, Freeman, Dawson, Fletcher, Latasa, Millich, Reed Commissioners Absent: None Staff Members Present: Community Development Director Cole, Principal Planner Flower, Recording Secretary Cleary CALL TO ORDER Chair Brassfield called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. 1. Meeting Procedures Community Development Director Cole read the COVID-19 protocols for virtual public meetings, including the capability to submit public comments via email to planning@monterey.org. CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 2. March 24, 2020 ACTION: Approved as submitted On a motion by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner Dawson, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved the March 24, 2020 PC meeting minutes as submitted. AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Brassfield, Freeman, Dawson, Fletcher, Latasa, Millich, Reed NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC HEARING 3. Consider Recommendation to the City Council to Amend the Downtown Specific Plan to Include 650 East Franklin Street and 437 Figueroa Street within the Boundaries for the Density Cap Overlay District; Exempt from CEQA per Section 65457 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15182 DocuSign Envelope ID: 64EDEB6A-AB41-429E-AE5D-5D7E652A713E Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, April 14, 2020 ACTION: Made a recommendation to the City Council to amend the Downtown Speciic Plan to include 650 East Franklin Street and 437 Figueroa Street within the boundaries for the Density Cap Overlay District. Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions Principal Planner Flower presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners’ questions. Commissioner Dawson asked what the zoning is on the two sites, and if it is zoned for 4-story buildings; Mr. Flower clarified that this is a Planned Community within the Downtown Specific Plan, and the overlay allows for up to 4 stories. Chair Brassfield inquired about parking. Mr. Flower clarified that parking remains the same before and after the overlay changes. Commissioner Latasa thanked Mr. Flower for his presentation and asked for the rationale behind Council’s prior decision. He also asked if Mr. Flower felt the Council would view the change favorably. Mr. Flower explained he had received comments expressing concerns about parking. He added that several properties have recently been designated Historic in the Pearl District, so historians and residents believe a historic designation may benefit the neighbors if more buildings are added adjacent to the subject district. Commissioner Latasa requested the issue be clarified in the Agenda Report for the City Council, pending Planning Commission approval. Vice Chair Freeman asked if ARC approval would be required for a four-story building in that area. Mr. Flower disclosed that the area does not require ARC approval, but it does require architectural review, and he aims to avoid a four-story firewall unless it features a mural. Applicant Submitted by email and read by Recording Secretary Cleary Mike Avila and Steve Avila provided background information on the Council’s previous decision, including a description of Council’s phased approach to inclusion and a mention of greater possibility for more housing. Further, they described design options for potential construction on-site and benefits to adding housing in that location. Public Comments Submitted by email and read by Ms. Cleary Tsuneo Akaha, a local historian, supported the acknowledgement of Japanese contribution in Monterey’s development and inquired about interpretive sites to be constructed. Local historian Kent Seavey provided background on the area and requested the historic emphasis to include Sicilian residents. Tim Thomas, local historian and curator of the Monterey Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Heritage Center, shared historic information regarding the Monterey Japanese community and spoke in support of the proposal. Patrick McNeill, resident of the Pearl District, spoke in support of the amendment. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 14, 2020 2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 64EDEB6A-AB41-429E-AE5D-5D7E652A713E Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, April 14, 2020 Sandy Lydon, local historian and Emeritus Historian at Cabrillo College in Aptos wrote in support of the historical designation. Ted Esaki, Pastor at El Estero Presbyterian Church in the Pearl District, supplied a history of his family’s Japanese American heritage in Monterey and commented in support of declaring the Pearl District as historic to honor its Japanese contribution. Pearl District residents Bud and Cheri Miller and Curt and Marietta Tipton informed the Commission that their district, a half block away from the designated overlay, intends to request a historic designation. Barbara Meister commented on behalf of the Monterey Bay Aquarium employees to support the overlay amendment, stating they would benefit from increased affordable housing near transit lines and worksites. Commissioner Comments Chair Brassfield thanked the public for sending in public comments despite meeting virtually. Commissioner Reed moved to recommend the Downtown Specific Plan to be amended as submitted; Commissioner Fletcher seconded the motion. Commissioner Dawson asked how this would change the adaptation for the new Japanese/American historic zone. Mr. Flower stated that this is a public venue for neighbors to state their intentions in the neighborhood. With this overlay and the neighborhood’s nearness to the changing land use area, they are requesting consideration on this Planning Commission decision. Mr. Flower reminded the Commission that staff cannot move forward with any project without Commission or Council approval. Adding to Mr. Flower’s answer, Ms. Cole noted that two buildings in this area were recently rezoned as historic resources based on their history with the Japanese community and these historic designations have been inspiring the community to rezone a portion of their neighborhood. Ms. Cole twice stated that the proposed density overlay changes are outside of this potential future historic district. Vice Chair Freeman expressed concern about the public’s understanding of the link between the designated overlay area and the potential historic district, as only two of nine public comments were focused on increased low-cost housing in the area. Mr. Flower noted that the neighbors understood the proposal and seemed to be utilizing the opportunity to comment. Vice Chair Freeman commented that the density overlay district and the Pearl District’s potential historic designation are seemingly not associated, and suggested the decision is left to the developer whether to honor the potential historic designation or not. The Vice Chair reiterated the two topics seem unrelated. Ms. Cole explained that the Planning Commission is considering the Density Overlay District at this meeting, and simultaneously citizens near the proposed overlay district aim to potentially re- designate their properties historic. She noted that these are two distinct, adjacent areas and the latter may be discussed at a future meeting. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 14, 2020 3 DocuSign Envelope ID: 64EDEB6A-AB41-429E-AE5D-5D7E652A713E Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, April 14, 2020 Commissioner Latasa asked which public comment Mr. Flower had referred to previously. With Chair Brassfield’s permission, Mr. Flower shared a recently received email from Curt Tipton, Pearl District Community Leader, explaining that his community has no opposition to including 650 East Franklin and 437 Figueroa in the overlay area. Commissioner Millich questioned how far the potential four-story buildings in the overlay would be from the church and asked what affect they would have on the adjacent properties. Mr. Flower clarified by sharing the property map, which exhibits no adjacent affect. The Commission experienced technical difficulties as a result of poor teleconferencing connection and Commissioner Brassfield was unable to register his vote on this motion. Accordingly, he is identified as "Absent" below. On a motion by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner Fletcher, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission made a recommendation to the City Council to amend the Downtown Specific Plan to include 650 East Franklin Street and 437 Figueroa Street within the boundaries for the Density Cap Overlay District. AYES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: Reed, Dawson, Millich, Fletcher, Latasa, Freeman NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: Brassfield ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS Vice Chair Freeman noted that Alvarado Street is undergoing massive improvements. She said that they have taken advantage of the streets being empty to work on impressive maintenance. Commissioner Latasa requested to receive public comments documented with the agenda packets prior to future meetings. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS  Update received. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:01pm Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kimberly Cole, AICP Chair Community Development Director Planning Commission Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 14, 2020 4

Agenda

Planning Commission Commissioners Agenda Mike Brassfield, Chair Sandra Freeman, Vice Chair AFTERNOON SESSION ONLY Mike Dawson Daniel Fletcher Tuesday, April 14, 2020 Terry Latasa Stephen Millich Teleconference - per Governor's 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Hansen Reed Executive Order Monterey, California IMPORTANT NOTICE: Pursuant to Governor Newsom’s Executive Orders N-29-20 and N-33-20, and to do all we can to help slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus):  Meetings of the Monterey City Council and its Boards and Commissions will be conducted with virtual (electronic) participation only. Members of the public may watch the live stream of the City Council and Boards and Commission meetings at https://monterey.org/tv or on television on Channel 25.  Members of the public may participate before and during each meeting by submitting comment(s) to planning@monterey.org from an email account or a cell phone’s texting app. The clerk will read each received public comment aloud into the record at the designated time, subject to time limits that may be imposed pursuant to the Brown Act. In the subject line of a public comment email, please specify the meeting body and date and indicate the relevant item number or “general” to help staff easily receive and organize public comments. Example subject lines: o Public comment for Planning Comm. mtg. 3/24 - General o Public comment for Council mtg. 3/25 - Item 1  The frequency and length of public meetings will be minimized. Non-urgent and non- essential City business with expected public feedback will be postponed. FIELD TRIP The Planning Commission will not conduct a field trip to review the April 14, 2020 PC meeting agenda. For more information, call (831) 646-3885. Date Posted: April 10, 2020. ***Afternoon Session Agenda*** 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER 1. Meeting Procedures CONSENT ITEMS CONSENT ITEMS allow for a review of those items recommended for approval on consent or recommended to be continued, tabled or withdrawn, etc. Consent items consist of those items which are routine and for which a staff recommendation has been prepared. A member of the public or a Commissioner may request that an item recommended for approval on consent be heard on the regular agenda for further discussion. Approval of Minutes 2. March 24, 2020 ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS PUBLIC COMMENTS. At this time, the public may speak for a maximum of three minutes on any subject which is within the jurisdiction of the Monterey Planning Commission and which is not on the agenda. Any person or group desiring to bring an item to the attention of the Commission may do so during Public Comments or by addressing a letter of explanation to the Commission, City Hall, Monterey, CA 93940. Public Comments are taken during the afternoon session and continued at the evening session. Individuals may choose to speak once for up to three minutes at either session, but not both. PUBLIC HEARING 3. Consider Recommendation to the City Council to Amend the Downtown Specific Plan to Include 650 East Franklin Street and 437 Figueroa Street within the Boundaries for the Density Cap Overlay District; Exempt from CEQA per Section 65457 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15182 COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS COMMISSIONERS may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement or make a brief report on his or her activities. In addition, a Commissioner may provide a referral to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the body at a subsequent meeting concerning any City matter, or direct staff to place a request to agendize a matter of business on a future agenda. (G.C. 54954.2) INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS supply information on activities or announcements and may request clarification or direction regarding the scheduling of meetings and study sessions. 4. Planning Office Update ADJOURNMENT ADJOURNMENT — The general policy of the Planning Commission is that the Afternoon Session will end no later than 5:30 p.m. and the Evening Session will end no later than 11:00 p.m. Any public agenda items that have not been completed within the designated adjournment time may be formally extended by the Commission, or continued to the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission Meeting, or continued to a Special Meeting. Agenda packets may be reviewed by the public in the Monterey Public Library, in the Planning Office, or on the web at http://www.monterey.org beginning late Friday afternoon prior to the date of the meeting. Members of the public have the right to address the Commission on any Agenda items. The Chair will formally open the floor for public comment. However, if you wish to speak to items during "Consent Agenda" or "Staff Informational Report," please advise the staff or the Chair prior to the action on that item and you will be recognized. Notification as much in advance as possible is appreciated. Information distributed to the Commission at the meeting becomes part of the public record. A copy of written material, pictures, etc. should be provided to the Secretary for this purpose. Planning Commission 4/14/2020 4:00:00 PM 2 Planning Commission 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. For more agenda information, call the Planning Office at (831) 646-3885. Planning Commission Meetings are cable cast live and videotaped for replay on Monterey's Government Access Channel 25 by Access Monterey Peninsula (AMP). 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 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 (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. MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE BY CALLING 646-3885 Planning Commission 4/14/2020 4:00:00 PM 3

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