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PC Min 08/05/1982 Special MeetingPLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF CAMPBELL, CALIFORNIA THURSDAY, 7:30 P.M. AREA I MINUTES The Planning Commission of Special Public Hearing at Hacienda Avenue, Campbell, ROLL CALL AUGUST 5, 1982 the City of Campbell convened this day for a the San Tomas Community Center, Room 18, 1510 California. Present: Commissioners: Dickson, Howard, Meyer; Planning Director Arthur A. Kee, Principal Planner Philip J. Stafford, Planner II Tim Haley, Planner II Marty Woodworth, Engineering Manager Bill Helms, Recording Secretary Louise Pena Absent Commissioners: Campos, Fairbanks, Kotowski, Kasolas (arrived at approximately 8:00 p.m.) Chairman Meyer introduced the members of the Planning Commission and Staff to the audience, then briefly stated the purpose for the Special Hearing and noted that the Commission would like to hear testimony from the residents of Area I primarily. Mr. Kee presented the areas on the map that are open for discussion this evening and stated that this meeting is to describe the General Plan in effect at the present time for the areas outlined and to listen to any comments or changes requested within the neighborhood that residents might like to see in the future. At this point Mr. Kee introduced Planner II Tim Haley to the audience. Mr. Haley gave a brief discussion on lot size breakdown as well as current zoning regulations for this particular area. Chairman Meyer then declared the public hearing open and invited anyone in the audience to speak. Ms. Loretta Serpa, 585 Emory Avenue, questioned the R-1 lot zoning and further stated that she has been a resident of Campbell for 35 years and is hesitant about allowing development of two story unity on her block. Mr. Kee stated that he wanted to clarify the purpose for tonight's meeting stressing that the Commission is anxious to hear the audience's opinions and concerns, and will formulate these into a report to be brought before the City Council. h1r. Rene Pellet, 710 Budd Avenue, expressed concern regarding traffic on Budd Avenue. He stated that this area is zoned R-1, but the traffic on this street is so heavy that it should in effect be zoned commercial. Special Hearing August 5, 1982 Area I -2- Mr. Dave Perry, 756 Old Orchard Road, made reference to a letter dated April 28, 1980, referring to a Planning Commission or City Council directive to all potential developers of the area open for discussion this evening, which implied that this area was designated rural and that it was to remain so. Mr. Perry questioned the reasoning for having another meeting in which the resident's were again asked to appear before the Planning Commission to voice their concerns. Mr. Kee explained that there is always a possibility of modifying the General Plan, and reiterated that the purpose of this hearing is to review the policy statement and make recommendations to the Planning Commission. If the changes are warranted, then the Planning Commission will make recommendations to the City Council. The policy will then be changed if the Council concurs. Mr. Kee suggested that Mr. Perry make a formal suggestion to the Planning Commission. Mr. Perry stated that his primary concern is the area at Sunnyoaks and Winchester in which a warehouse type building is proposed. He added that if builders were allowed to develop this area the traffic would be too intense and would increase by 160 cars per day, and that this traffic would flow along Old Orchard Road. He further added that if this was so, he would like to submit this as part of his objection. Mr. Kee explained that vacant parcels cannot remain vacant indefinitely and that at one time or another proposals for development will be made. He added that when a parcel of land is vacant for a considerable length of time and no proposals for development have been made; the City does have an option to buy the land; however, due to the economic situation, the City does not have funds available in its Capital Improvement Budget to allow the purchase of such land. Mr. Perry explained that a developer does have an approval to build the warehouse structure and that the gentleman plans to make it a high density type of property. Chairman Meyer at this point asked for clarification on the status of this property. Mr. Kee explained that the warehouse has been given PD approval and the property a low intensity type of use. Mr. Kee further stated there have been a couple of approvals for this property but nothing has been constructed and suspects that fin4::~;ng may not have been available. Mr. Perry asked the Commission what it would take for Area I to keep its rural atmosphere and asked if a show of hands would suffice. Chairman Meyer then asked for a show of hands. It is recorded that the majority of the audience voted to keep Area I as a rural community with no plans for high density development. Special Hearing August 5, 1982 Area I -3- Mr. Kee at this point encouraged the residents:..to make their specific concerns known to the Commission. Mr. Richard McCullough, 771 Old Orchard Road, stated that the off-ramp connection to S/B Winchester is too close to a very substandard piece of road and suggests that this off-ramp be reconstructed to a standard that would be reasonable for that area. He further explained that this area is useful only for roadway development and that any expensive structure built on this property would eventually need to be torn down. Commissioner Kasolas addressed the audience at this point encouraging input from the residents as to their concerns for redevelopment in their area and to express their expectations for development in their neighborhood in light of the possibility of increased traffic and higher density. Mr. Herb Killmeyer, 696 Emory Avenue, stated that he would like to see the Planning Commission get input from the .neighborhood residents before any vacant land is developed and that approvals for development not be granted until such input is received. Mr. Ernest Juhasz, 945 Robin Lane stated that his main concerns are a safe environment for his children to play and go to school. He added that an increase in density would cause or increase traffic thus creating an unsafe environment. He is recommending that the Planning Commission keep the San Tomas area as a rural community and stressed the importance of his neighbors taking pride in their neighborhood by speaking out and voicing their concerns. He suggested that the residents also appear before the City Council to express their desires for maintaining the San Tomas Area as a low density, residential neighborhood. Mr. Don Rose, Hazelwood Avenue, reiterated those opinions expressed by previous speakers in that he feels that an increase in density would destroy the rural atmosphere of his community. Mr. Pete Silva, 894 Robin Lane, stated that he would like to see his community remain as a low density area. Mr. Ron Potter, 774 Old Orchard Road, stated that he would like to see the multi-story commercial building that is proposed for development on Sunnyoaks and Winchester eliminated. Commissioner Kasolas discussed the issue of this area being zoned low density and suggested that a closer examination be made. He pointed out that if this area were zoned R-1 then certain traffic problems would arise; such as backing out onto a main or busy street from a private residence. He pointed out that this would be a major problem that should be discussed at tonight's meeting. Special Hearing Area 1 -4- Mr. Potter, 774 Old Orchard Road, pointed concerned with all the streets and traffic also with those problems that may occur in ment of condos and two-story structures be August 5, 1982 out that the residents are problems that have arisen and the future should further develop- continued. Ms. Robinson, 892 Connie Drive, stated her primary concern is that of safety. She feels that at the present time there is not enough police protection against speeding and other traffic violations and claimed that an increase in development would only enhance the traffic problems already in existence. Mr. Juhasz, 945 Robin Lane, discussed the importance of keeping their neighborhood rural. He added that an increase in traffic to this area would only serve to add to the traffic complications that are present in the area now. Ms. Maggie Desmond, 1491 Hack Avenue (Area 5), addressed the Planning Commission regarding the implementation of a policy whereby two-story developments in established residential neighborhoods can be closely scrutinized, thus allowing the Planning Commission to reject any proposals that should come before them. Mr. Milton Brown, 1181 Steinway (Area 5), asked the Commission about maintenance responsibility of common driveways. Commissioner Kasolas stated that a good example of shared maintenance of common driveways is that of the planned development, Hamilton Downs. The residents of this development pay a fee for maintenance of the grounds, which includes driveway maintenance. These common driveways lead out to the street and are maintained by the complex as a whole. Mr. John Merriell, 855 Robin Lane, gave a brief summary of the recommenda- tions heard at tonight's meeting, stating that it is a consensus of the residents that Area I should remain as originally zoned, low-density residential. He stated that he will back any ordinance that would keep their neighborhood as such. Mr. Merriell suggested that if any development does occur on the 8 acre site on Sunnyoaks that an access to Hacienda as well as Sunnyoaks be allowed, enabling the traffic flow to be lessened somewhat giving an opportunity to use Hacienda, Burrows or San Tomas Aquino Road. At this point Mr. Merriell stated that he would not like to see this area zoned high density. Mr. Juhasz, 945 Robin Lane, stated that it has supposedly been the plan of developers to contribute a substantial amount of money to put a traffic light at Winchester and Sunnyoaks. He stated that it should be taken into consideration that when a traffic light is installed controlling the Sunnyoaks left turn on to Winchester northbound and westbound San Tomas Expressway (by the trailer park property) an additional light would have to be installed so that they could use Old Orchard and Emory. Special Hearing August 5, 1982 Area I -5- He stated that $90,000 would be required to develop this light, and stated that it might be insensitive to sway in the developer's position. The City of Campbell may save $45,000 on this. If they don't have this, then they will take the easiest route, residential streets. Mr. Roger Lindquist, 829 Laura Court, stated that the Planning Commission should recommend to the City Council a policy of larger than minimum lot sizes, with a minimum of 12,000 square feet, that the Planning Commission maintain the general character of this area, that the Planning Commission direct staff to review the traffic situation in this area and that everyone should express their concerns to the City Council as well. At this point Chairman Meyer asked for further questions relating to Area I. Mr. Milton Brown, 1181 Steinway, asked for the status of Highway 85. Chairman Meyer reminded Mr. Brown that this was not an issue for tonight's meeting. Mr. Brown stated that he felt that this did have an impact on their area and asked for clarification on the status. Chairman Meyer referred the inquiry to Bill Helms, Engineering Manager. Mr. Helms at this point gave an update on the status of Highway 85. Chairman Meyer thanked all the residents for attending the public hearing and welcomed everyone to attend the public hearing for Area 4, but cautioned them to give the residents of Area 4 their opportunity to be heard. Mr. Kee advised the audience that after the public hearing for Area 4, a public hearing will be held at City Hall. The recommendations heard from previous meetings will be compiled and staff will make a report to the Commission. Notification of the public hearing will be made to all residents of the five study areas. Commissioner Dickson moved, and Commissioner Howard seconded, that the public hearing be continued to Wednesday, August 25, 1982, at 7:30 p.m. at the San Tomas Center. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 p.m. APPROVED: Jane P. Meyer Chairman ATTEST: Arthur A. Kee Secretary RECORDED: Louise Pena Recording Secretary