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PC Min 11/07/1991WINCHE~;TER DRIVE-IN DEVELOPMENT Special Planning Commission Meeting Commissioners Present: November 7, 1991 City Council Chambers Campbell City Hall Campbell, CA 95008 7:30 p.m. Vice Chair David Fox Commissioner Robert Dougherty Commissioner Jay Perrine Commissioner I. (Bud) Alne Commissioners Absent: Chairperson Jane Meyer-Kennedy Commissioner Alana Higgins Commissioner Mark Wilkinson Staff Present: Director of Planning, Steve Piasecki Senior Planner, Randy Tsuda Planner I, Curtis Banks Traffic Engineer, Gary Kruger Deputy Public Works Director, Bill Helms City Engineer, Joan Bollier Redevelopment Department Manager, Marty Woodworth Reporting Secretary, Karon Shaban COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Randy Tsuda, Senior Planner, City Planning Department, additional items of communication. distributed 17 ORAL REOUESTS There were no Oral Requests. Planning Commission Minutes 2 November 7, 1991 PD 91-04 - Western Federal Savings and Loan - Public Hearing to consider the application of Western Federal Savings and Loan for approval of a Planned Development Permit to allow construction of a 245,000 square foot destination commercial center on a 22.7 acre site located at 535 Westchester Drive in a PD (Planned Developmen0 Zoning District. Mr. Curtis Banks, Planner I, City Planning Department, provided a brief overview of the proposed planned development, as follows: · Staff's recommendation that the Planning Commission review the application, accept public input, and continue the item to November 12, 1991, in order to address concerns raised. · Outlined the traffic access to the site. · Staff's preference to change Cristich Lane into a public street, rather than providing a frontage road along the highway. This would include providing a right-of-way, left turn lanes, and street parking. No businesses would have to be removed. · Loading and unloading facilities would be placed along the western side of the site, away from the mobile home park. · Staff is not asking for approval of a freeway oriented sign at this time. · Outlined the Planning Commission's options. Mr. Banks further noted major Conditions of Approval, which include: · Details of the site plan, lighting and landscaping to be approved prior to issuance of a Building Permit. · Providing a 7 foot soundwall atop a 3 foot berm, near the mobile home site. · Providing security gates. · Limiting hours of operation, and limiting the hours for parking lot sweeping. Vice Chairperson Fox explained that this meeting was scheduled in order to accept public comments regarding the Planned Development Permit, and that concerns expressed relating to the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or the McGlincey Lane Expansion will only be accepted if they relate to the subject Planned Development Permit. Mr. Gary Kruger, Traffic Engineer, City of Campbell, Public Works Department, explained mitigation measures and recommended conditions necessary for project approval. He outlined the following proposed street improvements near the proposed development: · Addition of a lane to the San Tomas Expressway at Highway 17. · Addition of a north bound right turn lane at Curtner/Camden. · Realignment of Curtner at McGlincey and signalization. Planning Commission Minutes 3 November 7, 1991 · Signalizing and striping McGlincey and Union. · Addition of three signals along McGlincey. · Addition of a lane on Whiteoaks Road to allow left turning lanes on Camden and San Tomas Expressway. · Signalization at Whiteoaks and Camden. Mr. Kruger noted that negotiation efforts are in process between the City of San Jose, the Cambrian Community Council, the County Transportation Agency and the City of Campbell for the addition of a pedestrian and bike path under Highway 17 leading to the Los Gatos Creek Trail on the south side of Camden Avenue. He said that traffic signals between the City of Campbell and the City of San Jose should be synchronized. Other mitigation measures being considered include providing an additional north bound left turn lane at Bascom and Camden Avenues in order to reduce traffic on Whiteoaks Road, and that left turns on Shelley Avenue and Redding Road should also be reduced. Campbell is asking that the State relinquish control of traffic signals on Camden and Highway 17, allowing the City of Campbell to control the lights. Mr. Kruger displayed several overheads, illustrating the current and estimated Levels of Service (LOS), and the daily traffic volumes as they currently exist and what is expected. He explained differences between the LOS on display and the Draft EIR. He further explained that since four agencies are involved in matters relating to traffic in the area, the process is slow. Approval of the project would improve traffic conditions in the area because the developer would fund some of the street improvements. Commissioner Alne pointed out that several letters from residents in the McGlincey Lane area are calculating current traffic volumes at much higher rates, and asked why. Additionally, he asked what portion of the proposed street improvements the developer would be providing. In response, Mr. Kruger explained that the developer would be providing construction of Cristich Lane, the signals along Union and McGlincey, signals at Cristich and McGlincey, and signals at Curtner and McGlincey. He stated that he is not aware of where the traffic counts from the public came from. Commissioner Alne asked if those requested improvements would be done by the City whether or not the project was approved, and he asked how Caltrans could ignore the City's request for an interchange at this location. Also, he asked if the City's traffic volume calculations would be substantially different if they were taken at peak hours. Planning Commission Minutes 4 November 7, 1991 Mr. Kruger indicated that dealing with Caltrans is a lengthy process, and that traffic volumes, if taken at peak hour traffic times would be relatively the same. Discussion ensued between Commissioner Perrine and Mr. Kruger, relating to whether or not businesses would be removed to widen the streets for additional lanes being proposed, and the area between Bascom and Camden. Mr. Kruger indicated that the additional space needed would come from landscaping areas, and that the City of San Jose would be redesigning Bascom and Camden to fit in the additional lanes. Commissioner Dougherty pointed out that the proposed second right turn from Curtner was previously tried and it did not work. Additionally, he asked Mr. Kruger to explain how traffic modelling works. Mr. Kruger noted that the current proposal is configured differently, and explained the traffic modelling process. Vice Chairperson Fox noted that a lot of trucks currently use Cristich Lane to unload and turn around. He asked how these maneuvers would work. Mr. Kruger stated that cars would be able to go around the trucks. Further, Vice Chairperson Fox asked about the turning radius of delivery trucks. The Vice Chair asked how the City of San Jose could afford these traffic improvements, and was told that the estimated cost would only be $50,000, and that there is a great deal of pressure on the City of San Jose to make the improvements. Vice Chairperson Fox called for a recess at 8:35 p.m., and the meeting was reconvened at 8:50 p.m., with all Commissioners present except Commissioners Wilkinson, Higgins and Chairperson Meyer-Kennedy. The Public Hearing was opened. Mr. Bob Dodge, 170 Twin Oaks Drive, Lost Gatos, 95032, property owner on McGlincey Lane, expressed concern about current traffic conditions and noted that the street is too narrow to handle traffic and allow for on-street parking. He suggested that small businesses would be affected if the street was not widened. Mr. Arthur Burton, 879 McGlincey Lane, explained that adding 5 feet to widen Cristich Lane would not work, specifically for large trucks and emergency vehicles. Further, he suggested that the traffic volumes cited by the Traffic Engineer were incorrect. Mr. Steve Ulett, 2640 Curtner Glen Court, explained to Commissioner Alne how the public has calculated the traffic volumes. He noted that the Cambrian Community Council has requested that further traffic studies be done; suggested that Hamilton Avenue or the Pruneyard Shopping Center would be more appropriate for this type Planning Commission Minutes 5 November 7, 1991 of use; that two left turn lanes will be needed on Whiteoaks Road and Camden Avenue; and, that additional traffic from Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley will come to this site to shop at Costco but this was not been antidpated by the City's Traffic Engineer. Additional traffic will require that left turns be made at Curtner, and suggested the addition of two lanes accessing the project at Camden/Curtner. Mr. Ulett will be video taping the current p.m. traffic at Campbell and Union, and Camden and Highway 17. Mr. Kruger stated that providing a double left turn lane at Whiteoaks and Camden was reviewed by Staff, that Staff found that this approach was not as effective as doubling the amount of green time for left turns at Whiteoaks and Curtner. When asked if consideration was given to making Curtner a one-way street, Mr. Kruger said that it was not considered. Mr. Bill Horbaly, 199 Bland Avenue, expressed a concern regarding statements made in the EIR relating to impacts on air quality that cannot be mitigated. Mr. Ray Matsumoto, 119 Capistrano Place, Los Gatos, business owner on McGlincey Lane, pointed out conflicts in Section 5, pages 5-1 and 5-3; Section 4, pages 4-27 and 4- 56; Section 7, page 7-1, section 4F; Chapter 10-7; and, the Appendix B, of the EIR. He was concerned about traffic going to and from the subject proposal not being able to make left turns, which will create a need for traffic to make U-turns in his parking lot. He also noted that the increased volumes of traffic dted is less than the amount of customers he gets at his current business, and asked how the Commission could make a 'decision on this Planned Development Permit without having the Final EIR available. Mr. Matsumoto pointed out that the Interchange Study prepared by HMH Engineering indicated that the major problem with the addition of an interchange off the highway was the expense. Mr. Jim Richards, 108 Kilmer Avenue, President of Whiteoaks Neighborhood Watch, discussed the LOS and suggested that the calculations were wrong. Mr. Don Drexel, Sanco Pipelines, 213 Cristich Lane, speaking on behalf of David Richardson Schrader, expressed concern relating to possible taking of taking of private property, traffic, economic effect on established businesses in the area, and poor access to the site. He asked why there has been no response from Staff to Mr. Schrader's letter. Mr. Randy Tsuda, Senior Planner, stated that response would be provided to Mr. Schrader in the Final Environmental Imapct Report. Mr. Drexel informed the Commission that at least a dozen trucks come to the end of Planning Commission Minutes 6 November 7, 1991 Cristich Lane daily requesting to make a turn-around in the Sanco Pipelines' parking lot. Ms. Babette Dornbush, 870 Sydnor Drive, expressed concern for her access in and out of her neighborhood. She stated that many times traffic is backed up from Campbell Avenue to the railroad tracks. Mr. Kruger agreed that traffic does back up to Railway Avenue and Union Avenue as well, however, implementation of traffic signal coordination will mitigate the problems. Ms. Dornbush asked why Campbell and Union Avenues were not included in the EIR. It was suggested that Ms. Dornbush talk with the Staff of the Planning Department after the meeting if she wanted further clarification of environmental issues. Ms. Deena Vaughn, 911 McGlincey Lane, drew attention to a letter received by the Planning Commission, from concerned business owners of McGlincey Lane, dated October 30, 1991. She read the letter and thanked Commissioner Alne for addressing the concerns outlined in the letter. Additionally, she presented a petition with over 250 signatures, requesting further traffic studies be done, and that a freeway access be investigated. Ms. Vaughn stated that the business owners are not opposed to redevelopment at all; are not opposed to box retail operation; and have contacted Caltrans about the provision of a freeway interchange. She discussed the I-IMH Incorporated Traffic study, noting that the report found the interchange was feasible, however, the cost was a consideration, not the sparing requirements of Caltrans as mentioned by Staff. She asked how often the Commission sees interchange exit signs 1/4 and 1/2 mile apart. She stated that she was told that the City of Campbell need only to show that a need exists for an interchange in the proposed project area. Commissioner Alne pointed out that Caltrans works for us and can be persuaded to consider this option. Further, Ms. Vaughn suggested that the burden for funding access usually falls on the developer, and suggested that Costco could afford to fund project access. Ms. Vaughn presented a memo from Robert Kass, Redevelopment Agency Director, to Jim Cost, Acting Fire Chief, dated June 3, 1991, and read the letter into the record. She expressed her disappointment in the Agency and suggested that the letter requested the Fire Department sweep the area in pursuit of as many problems as possible. Ms. Garnetta Annable, 951 Dry Creek Road, pointed out the problems in the area relating to flooding and the storm drain system. She began to discuss the expansion of McGlincey Lane and the draft EIR. Plannin~ Commission Minutes 7 November 7, 1991 Mr. Randy Tsuda stated there that the hearings for the McGlincey Lane Expansion will be before the City Council in February or early March of 1992. Ms. Annable requested that the Commission defer taking action on this item until all the facts are in. Mr. Larry Levy, 223 Martinvale Lane, San Jose, property owner at 390 McGlincey Lane, a truck driver, asked Mr. Kruger about the turn radius into the site. Mr. Kruger explained the overhead schematic and changes that would occur, that the turn radius is 40 feet curb to curb, and that 25 feet should accommodate any vehicle allowed on the highway. Mr. Levy displayed a fold out of a triple tractor trailer that is currently being used to deliver freight to retail stores, and explained why even a single tractor trailer currently has difficulty making the turn, and stated that the extra 5 feet proposed would not work. Further, he asked the Commission to consider an overpass and cautioned the Commission about public safety relative to access in case of fire or another earthquake. Mr. Ken Pearsall, 945 Norin Court, discussed page 1-3 of the Draft EIR relating to the air quality, and asked the Commission not to take any action that would impact the air quality and can not be mitigated. Commissioner Perrine requested that the Traffic Engineer address the comments made, specifically the critical issue of traffic entering Curtner. Mr. Kruger explained street capacity and traffic volumes. Commissioner Alne noted his concern regarding trucks going up Cristich Lane, he asked if the triple tractor trailer is legal in California. Mr. Kruger stated that triple tractor trailers are not legal in California. Discussion about allowing access for legal vehicles ensued, and Mr. Kruger explained that it is acceptable for a truck making a legal turn to encroach on another lane. Commissioner Dougherty reminded everyone that trucks deliver more than once a day, and suggested restricting hours of delivery. Vice Chairperson Fox noted that currently flat bed trucks park along McGlincey, and that their fork lifts move along the side of the trucks to unload them. He asked how parking and unloading problems in conjunction with increased traffic of cars and Planning Commission Minutes 8 November 7, 1991 additional truck deliveries could be mitigated. Mr. Kruger said he would look at these problems as they occur, on a case by case basis. Vice Chairperson Fox asked Mr. Kruger to investigation of mitigation measures to address his concern and to investigate the possibility of Caltrans providing an overpass, and would like the solutions made available to the public. Mr. Steve Ulett asked that the Planned Development Permit be deferred until the Final EIR is granted. Mr. Tsuda reminded the Commission that the Final EIR would not come before the Commission, that the City Council would have the final say. Vice Chairperson Fox explained the duties of the Planning Commission, and Mr. Ulett said that he would prefer to see a mixed use on the drive-in site. MOTION: On motion of Commissioner Perrine, seconded by Commissioner Dougherty, it was unanimously approved that the Public Hearing be continued to the Planning Commission meeting of November 12, 1991. ADJOURNMENT The special Planning Commission meeting of November 7, 1991, was adjourned at 10:10 p.m., to the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting of November 12, 1991, at 7:30 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers, 70 North First Street, Campbell. Respectfully submitted by: Karon Shaban Reporting Secretary ATTEST: Steve Piasecki Secretary APPROVED: David Fox Vice Chairperson