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2005-10-13 PC MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA OCTOBER 13, 2005 Chairman Funk called the meeting of the El Segundo Planning Commission to order at 7:04 P.M. in the Council Chamber of the City of El Segundo City Hall, 350 Main Street, El Segundo, California. Commissioner Fellhauer led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. PRESENT: FELLHAUER, FRICK, FUNK, WAGNER ABSENT: KRETZMER None. Chairman Funk presented the Consent Calendar. None. Commissioner Wagner moved, seconded by Commissioner Frick, to approve the September 8, 2005, Planning Commission Minutes as presented; and to approve Environmental Assessment 658 and Administrative Use Permit 04-04, Expansion of an Outdoor Recreation Vehicle Storage Facility at 1 Chapman Way/655 South Douglas Street and an adjacent and contiguous portion of the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way. Motion passed 4-0. CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE TO FLAG ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS CONSENT CALENDAR CALL ITEMS FROM CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION Director Jurjis stated that a Revised Resolution No. 2593 had been WRITTEN distributed to the Commission this evening, amending Condition Nos. COMMUNICATIONS 87 and 88 for the drive -through and loading dock hours. Chairman Funk presented Agenda Item No. H-3, Environmental PUBLIC HEARINGS, Assessment No. 668 and Subdivision No. 05-05. Applicant: Patrick NEW BUSINESS, Ayau, Lee & Associates. Address: 301 North Sepulveda Boulevard. EA NO. 668, SUB Property Owner: Amherst Capital Partners. NO. 05-05 Planning Manager Christensen introduced new Senior Planner Ava To subdivide eight Pecherzewski. parcels into two 1 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, October 13, 2005 Page 1 Senior Planner Pecherzewski presented staff report and staff recommendation (of record). Chairman Funk questioned why the parcels have been separated into two parcels. Chairman Funk opened the public hearing. Jerry Chong consultant representing Amherst Capital Partners Mr. Chong stated that this project will remove a blighted window into the City; advised that all current buildings will be demolished, with the exception of the Grand Cafe; and noted that a new Walgreen's will be built and that a restaurant is proposed for the corner pad. He pointed out that these amenities will help to limit traffic in the City because this will provide an opportunity for office tenants across the street to go to lunch and not drive their cars elsewhere for dining and shopping. He added that upgrades will be made to the street frontage and advised that this project meets all City requirements and codes. Mr. Pat Ayau applicant representing Amherst Capital Partners Mr. Ayau advised that his team has worked on refining this proposal for approximately a year and a half; and explained that there are a lot of complexities with this land ownership, noting that this site is consolidating into two large parcels — Amherst Capital owning the northern half, the Benson family retaining ownership of the Grand Cafe, and the Stenlake Trust owning the southern half in its entirety. He mentioned that Walgreen's is anticipating annual sales from this location in the neighborhood of $12- to $15 million, generating a great tax generator for the City; and stated that this center will accommodate some of the local tenants in the shop space. He highlighted some of the strict conditions for development of this site, noting that it will have a 25- foot setback around the entire perimeter of the property. He explained that this site is bordered by manufacturing and residential uses; and stated that part of Indiana and Holly Streets and its corners will be improved to conform to the City's Circulation Element, such as putting in new curbs, gutters and sidewalks along the side streets. He noted for Chairman Funk that most of the existing trees will be removed because of construction; and stated that a 6-foot high wall all along the backside of Indiana Street will screen the loading areas. Chairman Funk questioned if there will be any left-hand turn lanes going into the rp operty while traveling north on Sepulveda Boulevard and east j parcels and to construct a commercial shopping center comprised of a 13,650-square-foot retail drug store with drive -through pharmacy, a 7,800- square-foot multi - tenant retail building, and a 2,500-square- foot restaurant. 2 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, October 13, 2005 Page 2 on Grand Avenue. Senior Planner Pecherzewski stated that all turns will be right -turn only from all driveways entering/exiting this site. Planning Manager Christensen stated that the right turn in and right turn out would be on Sepulveda Boulevard and Grand Avenue; and that the driveways on Holly and Indiana Streets would have options for a left turn in/out, that one would be able to enter the property from Indiana and Holly Streets. Senior Planner Pecherzewski stated that one could turn left, but there would not be a dedicated left -turn lane. Chairman Funk expressed her belief the prominent corner building lacks design consistency with the rest of the buildings on site. Mr. Ayau explained that initially, their design plans were to provide this pad with some flexibility, but noted that because of the potential to lease this space to the Chipotle restaurant, the chain's design theme has been incorporated into this design. Mr. Ayau stated that they would be able to gain more consistency with colors proposed for the other buildings on site. Chairman Funk stated that this is a highly visible entrance into this City, questioning whether some type of sign could be erected on the corner reflecting "Welcome to El Segundo." Commissioner Fellhauer addressed her concern that illuminated signage not be permitted on the north and west sides of Walgreen's, stating that this would negatively impact the residential units facing Walgreen's. Mr. Ayau stated that no illuminated signs will be on those elevations, with the exception of some small and low directional signage for the drive -through. John Peruzzi. project architect Mr. Peruzzi stated that he has done business with Walgreen's on many occasions, noting that it is an outstanding company to do business with; mentioned that because of the restrictive 25-foot setback requirement, 40 percent of this lot will be in that 25-foot perimeter; and expressed his belief that with all the restrictions, this is a successful design. He ex lained that the corner restaurant building pad is greater than a 90- 3 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, October 13, 2005 Page 3 degree angle with a large landscaped setback; and noted that it has been specifically designed to fit on this corner. He expressed his belief that its dissimilarity with the rest of the center creates a lot of synergy on this corner and that this uniqueness should be maintained because it is the corner gateway into the City. He stated that he would work with staff on making it a little more cohesive with the rest of the center if that is the Commission's desire. He stated that the Walgreen's signage will be located on the south and east faces of the building; noted that there will be a small sign (6-inch high letters) to indicate the location of the pick-up window. He stated there will be no signage for Walgreen's on the Indiana Street side, with the exception of building addresses; and that there will not be Walgreen's signage on the north side of the face, except the directional signage for the pick-up window. Mr. Peruzzi explained that the pick-up window will only be used for pharmacy items, not for shopping in the rest of the store; and highlighted the convenience of the drive -through, especially for those with disabilities. Mr. Peruzzi explained that the loading area for Walgreen's will be utilized about once a week; noted that Walgreen's makes its own deliveries utilizing the loading dock overhead door that is 6 feet wide and 8 feet high; stated that their trucks will pull up alongside the overhead door; and that an expandable conveyer will come out of the back of the truck and roll the boxes off the truck and into the storage area. He noted that this activity usually takes about 40 minutes. He mentioned that the setback of the building is a nice distance from the residential area. He added that Walgreen's anticipates its main clientele will live within a mile to a mile and a half of this store. Mr. Peruzzi noted for Chairman Funk that the drive -through goes in/out of Holly Street; that there is a pass -through next to the drive -through lane for those who mistakenly get in the drive -through lane; and he reiterated his opinion that the corner pad should be distinctive from the rest of the center. Chairman Funk mentioned that she was hoping for a more architecturally pleasing design, similar to the interesting design of a Mimi's restaurant. Commissioner Wagner stated he would like to see the corner pad more in keeping with the design of this center. Mr. Peruzzi stated they are amenable to working with staff on a more consistent design. Don Haves protect partner, Amherst Capital Partners 4 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, October 13, 2005 Page 4 Mr. Hayes urged the Commission to consider extending the drive - through hours of operation, highlighting the convenience it offers customers, especially the aged and disabled; and noted his concern that Walgreen's security system will conflict with the security cameras being required by the City for this project. Director Jurjis explained that the condition for the security cameras is a standard condition required by the Police Department for those retail businesses providing drive -through service; and stated that the security system will need to meet the requirements of the Police Department. Planning Manager Christensen added that there was some concern with the hours of operation of the drive -through window and the potential projection of sound impacting the closest residential units. There being no further input, Chairman Funk closed the public hearing. Commissioner Fellhauer reiterated her concern that no illuminated signs be permitted facing the residential area, with the exception of the low drive -through window sign. Planning Manager Christensen mentioned that there will be a comprehensive center sign program, noting that all businesses would have to be consistent with that sign program, unless requests for deviation are granted by the Director of Planning and Building Safety. Commissioner Fellhauer clarified for staff that she is referring to the west elevation of the building, that there be no illuminated signage on the Holly and Indiana Street facades. Chairman Funk reiterated her desire to see some kind of "Welcome to El Segundo" sign on this corner. Assistant City Attorney Berger explained that because there is no nexus between the Commission's desire to have the welcome signage and this project, it would require a voluntary effort on the applicant's behalf to provide that signage. He suggested adding the following Condition No. 90: "Illuminated signage on the north and west sides of the project are prohibited" and Condition 91: "The applicant is encouraged to install a gateway sign on the property in a manner and form approved by the Director of Planning and Building Safety." Commissioner Wagner suggested adding the words "at the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Grand Avenue." 5 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, October 13, 2005 Page 5 The public hearing was re -opened. Mr. Ayau asked that the new condition be specific to the Walgreen's building. Assistant City Attorney Berger clarified the Commission's interest that no illuminated signs on the areas facing the residential areas be permitted because of concerns with aesthetics and protection of those residents living in that building; and he suggested the Director of Planning and Building Safety approve any signage for that area with the understanding that no illuminated signage face toward those residential areas, that no illuminated signage be permitted on the north and south side of the Walgreen's building. Assistant City Attorney Berger suggested that the Director of Planning and Building Safety be given some flexibility to work with the applicant on any acceptable illuminated signs by keeping the Commission's concerns in mind; and amended the suggested language for Condition 90: " Illuminated signage on the north and west sides of the project that face residential areas are prohibited. The Director of Planning and Building Safety shall work with the applicant to approve illuminated signage that complies with this condition." Assistant City Attorney Berger clarified for Chairman Funk that there is enough flexibility in the language to allow the applicant and Director to work on the issue of a monument sign, "Welcome to El Segundo," again, noting this would be voluntary on the applicant's part. Commissioner Frick expressed her belief that extending the drive - through hours would unduly inconvenience the neighbors. It was the consensus of the Commission to maintain the 9:00 P.M. limitation for the drive -through hours. Chairman Funk closed the public hearing once again. Commissioner Fellhauer moved, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, MOTION to approve Environmental Assessment No. 668 and Subdivision No. 05- 05, including the additional Condition Nos. 90 and 91; and moved to adopt revised Resolution No. 2593. Motion passed 4-0. Chairman Funk advised that she viewed a presentation of this proposal at the Kiwanis meeting and that Jerry Chong had provided a presentation at another meeting_ 6 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, October 13, 2005 Page 6 :ommissioner Wagner advised that he too viewed a presentation of this )roposal at the Kiwanis meeting. Vone. PUBLIC HEARINGS, CONTINUED BUSINESS 'tanning Manager Christensen advised that items will be scheduled for REPORT FROM :he October 27t and November 10th meetings and commented on plans DIRECTOR :o schedule an alternate meeting date because of the Thanksgiving ioliday. Vone. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS chairman Funk stated that she enjoyed the R-1 presentation last night PLANNING provided by Planning staff, noting that the information was interesting. COMMISSIONERS' She stated that future community planning workshops would be useful COMMENTS :o this community. She stated she is excited about the Walgreen's Droject. commissioner Wagner commended staff for their presentation on the R- 1 project, noting he is looking forward to the next phase. Presentation of Smoky Hollow Specific Plan — UCI Study OTHER BUSINESS Planning Manager Christensen provided an update of the Smoky Hollow Specific Plan and the specific recommendations that have come from the study (study available in the Planning Department). Commissioner Wagner moved, seconded by Commissioner Frick, to MOTION receive and file the report, moving this item on to Council for consideration. Motion passed 4-0. Planning Commission Annual Report to City Council — October 18, 2005 OTHER BUSINESS Director Jurjis advised that City Council has requested that all Commissions/Committees provide an annual report to Council; and noted that staff has scheduled the Planning Commission to report to Council at its October 18, 2005 meeting. Commissioner Frick moved, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, for Chairman Funk to make the Planning Commission presentation to Council. Motion passed 4-0. MOTION 7 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, October 13, 2005 Page 7 The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.i\ PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 2 J I Seimone Jurjis, cr ary of the Planning Co iss on and Director of Planning, Building Safety Robin Funk, Chairman of the Planning Commission City of El Segundo, California 8 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, October 13, 2005 Page 8