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PC Min 08/25/1982 Special MeetingPLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF CAMPBELL, CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY, 7:30 P.M. AREA 4 MINUTES AUGUST 25, 1982 The Planning Commission of the City of Campbell convened this day fora Special Public Hearing at the San Tomas Community Center, Room 17, 1510 Hacienda Avenue, Campbell, California. ROLL CALL Present Commissioners: Dickson, Campos, Howard, Fairbanks, Kasolas, Meyer; Planning Director Arthur A. Kee, Planner II Marty Woodworth, Recording Secretary Linda Dennis Absent Commissioner Kotowski Chairman Meyer introduced the members of the Planning Commission and Staff to the audience, then briefly stated the purpose for the Special Nearing and noted that the Commission would like to hear testimony from the residents of Area 4 primarily. Chairman Meyer noted that some residents in the area may have received a pink colored Notice of Hearing with additional sheets attached to the front of it. She stated that the additional information attached to these notices was not distributed by the Commission or City Staff, but was in fact added by an interested resident of the San Tomas Area. Chairman Meyer asked that a copy of the extra attachments be attached to these minutes. The Recording Secretary read into the minutes a letter from Mary E. Meyer, attached hereto. Mr. Kee stated the purpose of tonight's meeting is to take in information, and that Staff will be summarizing this input for the final meeting to include all areas. Mr. Woodworth gave a brief description of the General Plan designations, the Zoning, and the Land Use Element for Area 4. He noted that Area 4 is unique in that it has the largest parcels of undeveloped land in the San Tomas Area. Chairman Meyer declared the public hearing open and invited anyone in the audience to speak. Mr. Jess Cummins, 1000 York Avenue, stated he preferred the area just the way it is. Mr. Jim Belcher, 1441 Juanita Way, spoke in favor of larger lots. Mr. Kenneth Campbell, 1440 Juanita Way, wanted to know what is being planned for the piece of property that the San Tomas School sits on. He felt that the City should purchase the property and keep it as open space. Mr. Kee explained that the property was owned by the School District, which is a separate entity from the City. The property is shown on the General Plan as Public Facilities. Mr. Kee continued that °there are no plans for -2- the property to his knowledge other than what is currently existing. He stated that should the School District decide the sell the site, they can offer it for sale to the City. Currently the City is leasing the site from the School District through special HCD funding. It is uncertain what will happen when that funding runs out. Mr. Kee then explained the public hearing process involved in changing the General Plan and Zoning of a parcel. Mr. Jeff Hoffman, 1313 Estrellita Avenue, also questioned the disposition of the San Tomas School Site. Commissioner Fairbanks briefly explained the HCD funding, noting that the City's current lease is for approximately three years, and that if the residents are interested in retaining the site as a public facility--now is the time to start expressing that interest. Mr. Tony Mendivil, 1393 Estellita Avenue, stated that even though these types of meetings have been held before--the density in the area still keeps increasing. Mr. Kee explained the R-1 zoning and low density uses.- Ms. Betty Grashaw, 1846 Virginia Avenue, stated that the Commission is not consistent. The Commission put eleven townhomes on an acre in the midst of single family homes. Mr. Frank Nichols, 1430 Westmont Avenue, asked about the status of the annexations in the area. Mr. Kee explained that the Lovell annexation has been delayed because of a law suite; however, recent discussions with the City Attorney indicate that this will soon be resolved, at which time this area will be coming into the City of Campbell. Mrs. Maggie Desmond, 1491 Hack Avenue, stated that she felt the PD zoning was what had allowed the eleven-unit condominium development referred to earlier. She then read from a recent article published in the San Jose Mercury regarding PD zoning. Mrs. Desmond spoke against higher densities, and felt that the minimum lot size in the area should be increased from 6,000 sq.ft. to at least 8,000 sq.ft. and possibly 12,000 sq.ft. Mrs. Patricia Nichols, 1430 Westmont Avenue, spoke in favor of 8,000 sq.ft. minimum lot sizes. She added that the City should adopt a tree ordinance. Mr. Hugh Cloutier, 1551 Walters Avenue, asked if each area would be considered individually with regard to density desires, or would the whole San Tomas Area be considered as a whole--perhaps allowing other areas to impose their desires on Area 4. He spoke in favor of larger minimum lot sizes--8,000 sq.ft. or more. Chairman Meyer stated that each area would be considered on it's own merit-- in addition to all areas together. Mr. Frank Nichols asked for an explanation of the statement on the handout attached to the notice of hearing concerning lot calculations. -3- Mr. Kee explained the method of calculating gross acreage, adding that it -- is the General Plan that establishes the density. Mr. Lee Peterson, 1156 Audrey Averiue, questioned the computation method for lot sizes in relation to the PD Zoning. Commissioner Dickson noted that the General Plan and Zoning for the City have been in effect a long time. He stated that there are certain legal procedures for holding public hearings which Staff must adhere to, and that in specific areas where higher densities occur--that development was decided at a public hearing. He encouraged residents to be aware of these public hearings. Commissioner Dickson also noted that the Planning Staff can only state what the law says regarding any application. Mr. Jess Cummins asked about a house on Harriet Avenue that has a two-foot setback, he wanted to know how this happened. Mr. Kee invited Mr. Cummins to come into the office at his convenience, noting that Staff would be happy to go over the plans with him. Mr. Kenneth Jones, 1693 Hyde Drive, spoke in favor of 8,000 sq.ft. minimum lot sizes. Mr. Wendell Bradley, 1580 Beth Way, asked about the way the streets in the area are named and the way they are laid out. He stated he would like to see sor~iething done to bring some continuity to the area. Mr. Gordon Ruddell, 1306 Juanita Way, gave a brief history of the area explaining the street layout. He noted that the area had been in the County when most of the streets were put in. Mr. Kee stated that a study could be made regarding Mr. Bradley's request, and that recommendations could be made. Mrs. Dee Crew, 1190 Steinway Avenue, spoke in favor of 4-acre lots, one-story home, and no condominiums. Mr. Belcher asked about the possibility of the City selling bonds for the purchase of the school site. Mr. Kee explained that after the passage of Proposition 13, there are extremely strict laws pertaining to bond sales. Additionally, he noted that the City gets less than 10% of the area's property tax dollar. Mr. Lee Peterson felt that the issue of retaining t~~e school site is something that should be addressed by the City from a standpoint of a total neighborhood concept. -4- Ms. Chirley Chapel, 1450 S. Abbott Avenue, questioned the plans for Abbott Avenue, referring to tt~e handout that had been attached to the public hearing notice. Mr. Clement Tobacco, 1181 S. Abbott Avenue, also questioned the extension of Abbott Avenue. Mr. Lee Peterson asked if anyone knew for sure that the City is planning to run Abbott Avenue and Harriett Avenue together. He asked that the Staff be prepared to discuss this issue at the last area meeting. Mr. Kee stated that it was his understanding that the Circulation Element does show a connection of these two streets. However, Mr. Kee noted, that he would prefer these questions to be addressed by the Public Works Department. It was noted that Mr. Helms, Engineering Manager, was not present this evening due to another meeting. Ms. Norma McCoy, 1418 Abbott Avenue, asked who should be contacted to express disapproval of the proposed connection of these streets. It was suggested that Ms. McCoy contact the Public Works Department,. h1r. Jeff Hoffman spoke in favor of 10,000 sq.ft. minimum lot sizes. Mr. Jess Cummins asked what would be done with all the traffic if Harriet Avenue is taken all the way through. He requested that a staffinember contact him with an answer. Mr. Ty Gruenig, 1370 Juanita Way, asked about the repair of the existing streets before the Circulation Element proposals are put into effect. Ms. Alta Dougherty, 1377 York Avenue, questioned the parking restrictions, particularly along Walters and York Avenues. She stated that these are very narrow street in poor repair, and that after 6 p.m. there are so many cars parked on the street that the street in effect becomes a one-way lane. She noted that this is a very dangerous situation. Mr. Bill Topolsky, 1545 Hacienda Avenue, spoke in favor of increasing the minimum iot sizes. There being no one else wishing to speak, it was the consensus of the Commission that the next public hearing regarding the San Tornas Area be held on Thursday, October 7, 1982 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. APPROVED: Jane P. Meyer a rman ATTEST: Arthur A. Kee Secretary RECORDED: Linda Dennis Recor ing Secretary