10-24-23 meeting minutes
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 I 7:30pm
City Hall Council Chamber
CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Planning Commission meeting of October 24, 2023, was called to order at 7:30 pm by
Chair Buchbinder, and the following proceedings were had to wit.
ROLL CALL
Staff present:
Rob Eastwood, Director
Bill Seligmann, City Attorney
Ian White, Captain
Brad Rice, Sergeant
Stephen Rose, Senior Planner
Daniel Fama, Senior Planner
Ken Ramirez, Administrative Analyst
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of Minutes of October 10, 2023 (Roll Call Vote)
➢ Meeting Minutes, 10/10/2023 (Regular Meeting)
➢ Commissioners present at 10/10/23 Planning Commission meeting approved
meeting minutes.
o Commissioner Majewski, Ostrowski, Kamkar abstained.
Planning Commissioners Present:
Adam Buchbinder, Chair
Alan Zisser, Vice Chair
Davis Fields
Michael Krey
Maggie Ostrowski
Cori Majewski
Matt Kamkar
Planning Commissioners Absent
None
Campbell Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – October 24, 2023 Page 2 of 9
COMMUNICATIONS
None
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS
Desk Item to Item #3 was sent to Planning Commission.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
This portion of the meeting is reserved for individuals wishing to address the Planning
Commission on matters of community concern that are not listed on the agenda. In the interest
of time, the Chair may limit speakers to five minutes. Please be aware that State law prohibits the
Commission from acting on non-agendized items, however, the Chair may refer matters to staff
for follow-up.
Opened and Closed Public Comment, no public comments were received.
PUBLIC HEARING
Note: Members of the public may be allotted up to two (2) minutes to comment on any public
hearing item. Applicants/Appellants and their representatives may be allotted up to a total of five
(5) minutes for opening statements and up to a total of three (3) minutes maximum for closing
statements. Items requested/recommended for continuance are subject to Planning Commission’s
consent at the meeting.
2. PLN-2023-83– 43 Harrison Avenue
Public Hearing to consider the request of Salvatore Caruso on behalf of Ainsley Plaza LLC to
allow establishment of an outdoor "beer garden" inclusive of a freestanding bar, restroom
facilities, mobile food truck staging, seating area, live entertainment platform, trash
enclosure, children's play structure, a 14-ft tall entry gate, and related site improvements;
and minor exterior alterations to a Structure of Merit commonly known as the Ainsley
Corporation Headquarters Building, related to its adaptive reuse as a restaurant with indoor
dining space and new kitchen facilities, on property located at 43 Harrison Avenue. The
applications under consideration include a Conditional Use Permit with Site and
Architectural Review to allow Outdoor Retail Sales and Activities (the "beer garden"), Late
Night Activities (staff closing/clean-up after 11:00 PM), a Liquor Establishment (on-sale beer
and wine service), and Dancing and/or live Entertainment Establishment; and a Tier 1
Historic Resource Alteration Permit. File No.: PLN-2023-82. Staff is recommending that this
project be deemed Categorically Exempt under CEQA. Project Planner: Daniel Fama, Senior
Planner.
Senior Planner Daniel Fama presented staff report to consider the request of Salvatore Caruso on
behalf of Ainsley Plaza LLC to allow establishment of an outdoor "beer garden" on property located
at 43 Harrison Avenue.
Campbell Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – October 24, 2023 Page 3 of 9
Commissioners received clarification from Campbell Police Captain Ian White, that late night
crowds in Downtown Campbell have been better and not problematic. Campbell Police remains
proactive to ensure that it continues this way.
Commissioners were informed that the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will not issue a
license to the establishment without a restaurant on site, which the applicant has agreed to include
within the project. Applicant will ensure proper lighting is installed in the alley way to address and
safety concerns.
Applicant’s architect Salvatore Caruso and applicant, Alan Hicks, stated that they want to make the
site a living museum that will show the early days of canning in Campbell.
Dan Orlof of Pruneyard Cinemas and incoming president of the Chamber of Commerce spoke and
stated that he unofficially supports the project.
Ryan Slater spoke and stated that he was excited about the project.
Commissioners had questions regarding the public safety of pedestrians travelling through the
alleyway and were informed that the pathway would be lighted at night.
Senior Planner Fama clarified for the Planning Commission that the new Structures would serve
three purposes (storage, Bar, and restrooms) and that, per the business requirements it will be
required to functional operate as a restaurant with a kitchen inside. There will be limited seating
inside one of the buildings.
Commissioners inquired about potential parking and traffic impacts to the intersection. Senior
Planner Fama clarified that there will be after-hours parking available across the street with the
library.
Commissioners also inquired about traffic congestion impacts to the downtown area.
Senior Planner Fama clarified for Planning Commissioners that the City’s Downtown development
plan encourages more development in the Downtown. The City’s traffic improvement efforts are
not trying to make things more convenient for drivers but rather trying to improve things and
promote safety for pedestrians. There are a lot of factors that go into the operations of the
downtown and although are considered by the Planning department, are outside the scope of this
application.
Planning Commission received clarification that their purview includes private parking lots but does
not include public parking lots or public traffic operations.
Commissioners discussed their full support of the project and stated it would be a great addition
to the community.
Motion: Upon motion by Commissioner Krey, seconded by Commissioner Zisser the
Planning Commission motioned to grant approval of a Conditional Use Permit
Campbell Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – October 24, 2023 Page 4 of 9
with Site and Architectural Review to allow establishment of an outdoor retail
sales and activity (“Beer Garden”) with live entertainment and dancing, late night
activities (staff closing/clean-up after 11:00 PM), and on-sale beer and wine
service (liquor establishment), inclusive of a freestanding bar, restroom facilities,
mobile food truck staging, seating area, live entertainment platform, trash
enclosure, children’s play structure, a 14-ft tall entry gate, and related site and
landscaping improvements; and a Tier 1 Historic Resource Alteration Permit to
allow minor exterior alterations to a Structure of Merit commonly known as The
Ainsley Corporation headquarters building, related to its adaptive reuse as a
restaurant with indoor dining space and new kitchen facilities, on property located
at 43 Harrison Avenue. File No.: PLN-2023-82, by the following roll call:
AYES: Fields, Majewski, Ostrowski, Buchbinder, Zisser, Kamkar, Krey
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Chair Buchbinder paused Public Hearing. Chair Buchbinder opened public hearing after a five-
minute break.
OLD BUSINESS
3. PLN-2023-175 – Study Session on Permissibility of Land Uses
Study Session to review and provide feedback on recommendations from the Planning
Commission’s Ad-Hoc Economic Development Advisory Committee on proposed
amendments to the Campbell Municipal Code related to the permissibility of land uses
in commercial, office, and industrial zoning districts to support objectives targeting
business attraction and retention identified during preparation of the City’s updated
Economic Development Plan.
Senior Planner Rose presented the Study Session to solicit feedback from the Planning
Commission on recommendations from the Planning Commission’s Ad-Hoc Economic
Development Advisory Committee on proposed amendments to the Campbell
Municipal Code.
Senior Planner Rose presented the structure of the Study Session as follows:
Campbell Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – October 24, 2023 Page 5 of 9
Senior Planner Rose outlined the background and purpose of the Study Session as
follows:
Senior Planner Rose presented the Objectives and Principles of the Study Session as
follows:
Campbell Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – October 24, 2023 Page 6 of 9
Complexity, cost, and time to process existing permit processes were outlined as
follows:
The following Zoning Tools were discussed for consideration:
Campbell Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – October 24, 2023 Page 7 of 9
Senior Planner Stephen Rose presented the Ad-Hoc Subcommittee’s recommendations
on which uses should be changed from requiring a Conditional Use Permit to a Zoning
Clearance as follows:
Senior Planner Stephen Rose presented the Ad-Hoc Subcommittee’s
recommendations on which uses should be changed from requiring a Conditional Use
Permits to an Administrative Conditional Use Permit as follows:
Campbell Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – October 24, 2023 Page 8 of 9
Final Discussion Topics convened with the discussion of the following questions:
Planning Commissioners expressed an appreciation of the work and research of the Ad Hoc
Committee members and CDD staff that supported efforts.
Commissioner Buchbinder questioned whether the distance from the right of way would
apply to the second floor of businesses.
Senior Planner Stephen Rose responded that such use limitations have historically been
applied only to ground floors (such as historically in the Downtown) and that a similar
approach may be taken when implementing the changes in the code.
The Ad Hoc Committee members stated that the intent to improve or change permit
processes was to make Campbell a more business friendly community and supported
streamlining recommendations.
Community Development Director Eastwood noted that the work effort from Ad Hoc
Subcommittee were a good pairing of research and enthusiasm.
Next Steps of Subcommittee Permit process streamlining recommendations:
• Feedback collected would be passed on to City Council on December 5, 2023.
• Staff will return to Planning Commission to review any changes or comments.
• Changes will be adopted with Economic Development Plan.
Report of the Community Development Director
Director Eastwood reported that:
• City Council reviewed recommendation on City Affordable Housing Overlay Zone.
Campbell Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – October 24, 2023 Page 9 of 9
• Department is close to selecting a candidate for Housing Program Manager
position.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned meeting at 9:57 p.m. to the next Regular Planning Commission Meeting on Tuesday,
November 14, 2023, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 70 North First Street, Campbell, California
and via telecommunication.
PREPARED BY: _______________________________
Ken Ramirez, Administrative Analyst
APPROVED: ______________________________
Adam Buchbinder, Chair
ATTEST: ________________________________
Rob Eastwood, Secretary
10.24.23 PC meeting minutes
Final Audit Report 2023-12-15
Created:2023-11-30
By:Ken Ramirez (kenr@campbellca.gov)
Status:Signed
Transaction ID:CBJCHBCAABAASaQgPwo0XmOBT5A0JhoeY7sQj6u4gKDm
"10.24.23 PC meeting minutes" History
Document created by Ken Ramirez (kenr@campbellca.gov)
2023-11-30 - 1:06:20 AM GMT
Document e-signed by Ken Ramirez (kenr@campbellca.gov)
Signature Date: 2023-11-30 - 1:07:18 AM GMT - Time Source: server
Document emailed to Rob Eastwood (robe@campbellca.gov) for signature
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Email viewed by Rob Eastwood (robe@campbellca.gov)
2023-12-15 - 5:40:20 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Rob Eastwood (robe@campbellca.gov)
Signature Date: 2023-12-15 - 5:40:31 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Document emailed to adam.buchbinder@gmail.com for signature
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Email viewed by adam.buchbinder@gmail.com
2023-12-15 - 11:37:46 PM GMT
Signer adam.buchbinder@gmail.com entered name at signing as Adam Buchbinder
2023-12-15 - 11:39:14 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Adam Buchbinder (adam.buchbinder@gmail.com)
Signature Date: 2023-12-15 - 11:39:16 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Agreement completed.
2023-12-15 - 11:39:16 PM GMT