Loading...
PC Min 07/14/1982 Special MeetingPLAN~JING C0~IMISSION CITY OF CAMPBELL, CALIFORNIA 4JEDNESDAY, 7:30 P. P1. P~INUTES JULY 14, 1982 The Planning Commission of the City of Campbell convened this day in Special Hearing at the San Tomas Neighborhood Center, 1510 Hacienda Avenue, Campbell, California. ROLL CALL Present Commissioners: Kasolas, Dickson, Howard, Fairbanks, Campos, 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 Linda Dennis Absent Commissioner Kotowski _ Chairman Meyer introduced the Commission and Staff to the audience, then briefly stated the reason for the Special Hearing, and noted that the Commission would like to hear testimony this evening from residents who live in Areas 2 and 3, primarily. Mr. Kee presented the area on the map that was open for discussion this evening, and called attention to the table attached to the agenda regarding the lot size breakdowns. Mr. Woodworth reviewed the breakdown of lot sizes for Areas 2 and 3, noting the maximum development possibilities in these areas would be approximately 175 units. Mr. Stafford briefly explained the existing General Plan and stated that one of the purposes of this evening's hearing is to solicit from the residents their goals for their area. Chairman Meyer declared the public hearing open and invited anyone in the audience to speak. Mrs. Lutz, 1696 Adrian Drive asked if Harriet Avenue will go all the way through to Pollard Road--if so, she did not want this to happen. Mr. Helms stated that the Circulation Element does call for Harriet Avenue to cut through to Pollard Road, and that this has been planned to improve nor~:h and south circulation in the area. Mrs. Jane Catalano, 940 Hazel Avenue, cited traffic problems in the area which she felt were the result of increased tenants in ~cwo new developments in her area. She asked if there were any plans to construct additional thru streets. Mr. Helms noted that most of the land in the area is already developed and it is unlikely that another major arterial street will be constructed. Special Hearing Areas 2 & 3 -2- July 14, 1982 Mr. Ervin Pinto, 751 Pecan Way, questioned the policies regarding flag lots. He stated that he realized the concerns of the group regarding traffic, etc; however, he would like to present the economical position. He continued that some of the area is very depressed and substandard, and allowing development in the area would clean it up. Mr. Kee stated that the potential of the area is exactly what was presented at the beginning of the meeting; however, this did not mean that the Commission or the Council would automatically approve any plans for development that are presented. Mrs. Pat Nichols, 1430 4Jestmont Avenue, when trees are destroyed to accommodate regarding existing trees. stated that she is against development homes. She asked if there is a policy Mr. Kee stated that there are provisions for saving existing trees in the Site Approval section of the Zoning Code. It requires that any existing trees be shown on the site plan and that they be preserved if at all possible. He added that Campbell does not have an ordinance similar to Saratoga regarding diameters of trees. Mr. Doug Ohmrach, 1142 Smith Avenue, stated that the method of noticing residents was inadequate, He noted that he is in favor of increasing density and allowing development in the area. He added that his property has several large trees on it, and he is finding it more and more expensive to keep them watered. Mr. Dan Youngblood, 1121 Lovell Avenue, spoke in favor of maintaining adult landscaping whenever possible. He noted that. he would rather have trees than homes such as those built on Hacienda and Peggy Avenues. Mrs. Eileen Dunn, corner of Hazel and San Tomas Aquino Road, asked why the sidewalk in front of her property does not continue around the corner. Mr. Helms stated that the sidewalk stopped at this point, because that is where the City ran out of money for the project. Mr. Mike Catalano, 940 Hazel Avenue, asked about street improvements, and if there are any plans to improve the "rustic" appearance of any of them. Mr. Helms explained the City's standard street improvements, and the recommendation of the San Tomas Task Force relating to less than standard street improvements. He continued that the City is usually not in the business of building streets-- this is usually required by the developers of new projects. As development picks up in the area, L~~ere will be opportunities for neighborhoods to discuss improvement. Mr. Helms noted that the area has considerable drainage problems and that streets will need to be regraded. Also, some type of separate walkway out of the road will be required, since there is much pressure on the Council for this type of improvement. Commissioner Fairbanks commented that the policy statement referred to by Mr. Helms is not "cast in concrete" and that the mechanism for "less than standard" street improvements must be triggered by the Commission or by the residents-- it is not automatic. Special Hearing July 14, 1982 Areas 2 & 3 -3- Mrs. Eileen Dunn asked if there were any plans for widening Hazel Avenue. Mr. Helms noted that the standard street width is 60 feet; however, he was not aware of the exact width of Hazel Avenue. He stated that this may be an area where a less than standard street width would be appropriate. He then went on to explain some of the ways that monies are made available for street improvements. Mr. Doug Ohmrach stated that there are numerous checks and balances to protect residents from inappropriate development, however there is nothing that protects them from neighbors who do not take care of their property and allow it to deteriorate to a point of embarrassment to the neighborhood. Mr. Dan Youngblood concurred with this statement and said that he wished to bring the standard of the area up. Mrs. Lutz spoke in favor of retaining a low density in the area. Mrs. Maggie Desmond, 1491 Hack Avenue, asked if there were any funds available for revitalizing residential areas. Mr. Kee noted there are some funds available through HUD, and that Campbell currently participates in the program whereby loans are made for rehabilitating homes. He added that Campbell does currently have a re-development agency which is presently looking at the downtown area in relation to commercial buildings as well as low income housing. Mr. Helms added that the City is using Housing and Community Development funds of approximately $300,000 to build storm drains in the area. Commissioner Fairbanks stated that Staff has been encountering some problems with the interpretation of some of the policies as recommended by the San Tomas Task Force. She asked Mr. Kee to explain some of these concerns to the audience. Mr. Kee noted that one problem stems from an interpretation of "rural atmosphere"; another from "larger than normal lot sizes". Mrs. Mary Meyer, 1765 Hacienda Avenue, asked why someone would have a San Jose mailing address and be within Campbell's city limits. Mr. Kee explained that the post office did not usually recognize city boundaries. Mrs. Nancy Steinfield, 1303 Elam Avenue, s;,ated that she is in favor of re- development and the zoning of her property, medium density, because the area is deteriorated and crime ridden, and she would like to be able to see some new construction. No one else wishing to speak, it was the consensus of the Commission that Area 1 be considered at the next meeting, and that this meeting be continued to Thursday, August 5, 1982 at the San Tomas Community Center at 7:30 p.m. Speal Hearing Areas 2 & 3 -4- July 14, 1982 Commissioner Dickson urged those present to get the word to their neighbors about the rest of the hearings. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Commissioner Dickson, and seconded by Commissioner Campos, that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. APPROVED: Jane P. Meyer Chairman ATTEST: Arthur A. Kee Secretary RECORDED: Linda Dennis Recording Secretary