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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-02-02; Housing & Redevelopment Commission; Minutes5. 0 0 MINUTES Meeting of: HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Date Time of of Meeting: Meeting: February 6:OO p.m. 2? 1988 /\I\ ?$ pL% % Place of Meeting: City Council Chambers COMMISSIONERS % $% $ The Meeting was convened at 6:13 p.m. The following Commissioners were present: Commissioners Lewis, Kulchin, Pettine, Mamaux and Larson. Absent: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the Meetina held November 10, 1987, were X Lewis approved as presented. Kulchin xx Pettine X Larson X Mamaux X i DEPARTMENTAL: 1. AB 894 - REDEVELOPMENT TAX ALLOCATION BOND PROGRAM. Chris Salomone, Housing and Redevelopment Director, Gave the staff report as contained in the Agenda Bill, and also gave a brief history of the Redevelopment Agency. Jim Elliott, Finance Director, stated the Commission was being asked to authorize the upper limit in terms of the total debt issue at this time. A transparency was used to show the distribution of bond issue proceeds, which indicated a fourteen million dollar bond issue would net approximately ten million dollars. Another transparency was used to indicate the total income stream the Agency would have. Mr. Ell-iott stated the Senior Center would be financed out of the 20 percent Housing Set-Aside Fund. which must be used for low income housing or amenities. Mr. Anderson of Stone and Youngberg addressed the Commission. He stated that there is no advantage, at this time, to issuing two bond issues, and concurred with staff's recommendation of Alternative I (the issue of one maximum-sized Tax Allocation Bond). Mr. Anderson indicated that tonight's action will enable them to proceed with the sale and notice to bidders. He also stated that an alternate date would be selected as a back-up. In answer to Commission query regarding income flow, Mr. Elliott explained that any increase in assessed valuation of property in the Redevelopment Area goes to the Redevelopment Agency. The tax increment funds are paying for all the operating costs of the Redevelopment Agency at this time. In the past, the City loaned the Agency money to pay those costs, but the Agency is now self-sustaining as of this year. Chris Salomone stated approval tonight would put into motion the drafting of the documents and notices and preparing the project area and getting a rating. This item would be returned March 29, 1988, with a sale date. .- e 0 MINUTES \\\ % 9&% % February 2, 1988 Page 2 COMMISSIONERS % $% % Housing and Redevelopment Commission adopted the following Resolution: X Lewis X Larson TAX ALLOCATION BONDS IN THE APPROXIMATE PRINCIPAL X Mamaux RESOLUTION NO. 99, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF X Pettine xx Kulchin AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED FOURTEEN MILLION DOLLARS ($14,000,000) FOR THE VILLAGE REDEVELOPMENT PR03ECT, APPROVING THE FORM OF NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL SAID BONDS AND DIRECTING THE PUBLICATION THEREOF AND APPROVING THE FORM OF INDENTURE AND OFFICIAL STATEMENT. PUBLIC HEARING: 2. AB f93 - STREETSCAPE - ELM AVENUE/CARLSBAD BOULEVARD Chris Salomone gave the history of the project, emphasizing the design had been very slow and deliberate, with public hearings and a task force working on this. He stated there are three major elements involved in this project: economic development, the aesthetic aspect and traffic concerns. Pat O'Connor, representing Austin Hansen Fehlman, narrated a slide presentation indicating the areas to be streetscaped and the new storm drainage system. He explained how Elm Avenue would be landscaped, including the medians, and how Carlsbad Boulevard landscaping would be more rural. He stated there will. be new curbs on Elm Avenue, replacing the old ones, and new light standards. The most unique feature of the streetscape will be the art nature, with 3im Hubbell designing gateway features and Andrea Blum designing a southern gate feature on Carlsbad Boulevard. Marty Bouman, Transportation Planner, continued the report, stating the goal of the streetscape was beautification and environmental enhancement, but at the same time the opportunity existed to help the traffic engineering in the Village and to correct traffic ills existing there. Mr. Bouman stated the removal of on- street parking was a concern of the merchants, but no parking was to be removed until it had been replaced at least by the same amount of off-street parking. Mr. Bournan stated that traffic volumes taken two weeks ago indicate there is a traffic problem existing right now in the Village Area that needs to be solved. Also, other factors, such as nearby intersections, friction points and pedestrians tend to reduce street capacities. Me told of the high rate of accidents on Elm Avenue and the cost of such accidents. Mr. Bouman stated that a suggested mid-block traffic signal between 1-5 and Harding Street would not work, as that would be too close to the other signals and create more hazards. I. 0 0 MINUTES \\\ $9&% % February 2, 1988 Page 3 COMMlSSlONERS % %% % I PUBLIC HEARING: (Continued) In conclusion, Mr. Bouman stated the traffic for Village business had to be accommodated, as well as the through traffic using Elm Avenue. He commented on the "Grant Plan", which was Mr. John Grant's recommendation to dedicate six feet additional right-of-way on the north side of Elm Avenue, which if expanded to include the other property owners on the north side of Elm, would allow a U-turn at the Harding Street signal. Mr. Bouman stated this proposal could certainly help the motorists desiring to return to 1-5. In answer to Commission query regarding bike lanes, Mr. Bouman stated all bike lanes on Carlsbad Boulevard would be retained. On Elm Avenue, there are no bike lanes except in the problem block between 1-5 and Harding Street. He noted a suggestion was made to perhaps move the bike lanes one block to the north to Grand Avenue. Mr. O'Connor stated some of the existing light standards could be used on Carlsbad Boulevard and this project would not be undergrounding any utility lines. The City Manager stated staff could not begin construction of the streetscape without approval of plans and specifications to go to bid, and this would happen only after the off-street parking had been provided. Chairman Lewis opened the Public Hearing at 7:45 p.m., and issued the invitation to speak. George Willis, 539 Elm Avenue, stated he lived at that I address and has a business there, and had attended all but one of the meetings held on the streetscape. Mr. Willis stated off-street parking is needed in addition to the parking on Elm Avenue. He said he favored the streetscape, but was not in favor of removing the parking. Girard Anear, 1728 Calavo Court, spoke regarding the light standards, stating the City should go with standard poles and lights that illuminate the street. Mr. Anear felt the replacement costs of custom lights would be excessive. He felt the pavers could present a problem when the street needs to be overlayed, and also if the brick is polished, it could become slick when wet. Thelma Hayes, 580 Laguna Drive, Chairperson, Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Committee, stated the Members of that Committee urge the Commission's support of the streetscape plan. She stated four Mayors had helped to bring the Redevelopment Area to where it is tonight with this project. She stated that the project not only will be an asset to the City, but will provide Carlsbad with a gem which is called the Village Area. Gottfried Klement, 377 Elm Avenue, read from a letter written to Chris Salomone on June 1, 1987, stating the removal of parking would diminish his ability to service customers. He displayed data on Elm Avenue stating the traffic counts do not indicate the large amount of traffic indicated by the Engineers. e e MINUTES /\k 3 YA% % February 2, 1988 Page 4 COMMISSIONERS % %% PUBLIC HEARING: (Continued) Don Hoyt, 3307 Highland Drive, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, stated the Chamber had reviewed this streetscape proposal and wholeheartedly endorsed the project. The Chamber is looking forward to reaping the rewards to the City and the Village. Don Schempp, 878 Heather Way, spoke in favor of the streetscape project, stating this would beautify the downtown area and economically enhance the area. Kim A. Mikhael, 2701 Via Juanita, addressed the Commission stating she owns two businesses in the downtown area, and was in favor of the streetscape project. She felt this project would bring a lot of local trade into the downtown area, and with off-street parking, it would be easier for people to find places to park. Ms. Mikhael stated this project would be an improvement for the City from a safety point of view. Mark Rifkin, 2521 Via Naranja, representing the Traffic & Transportation Action Group of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, stated the Chamber supports the proposal to stripe Elm Avenue to four lanes. This will have an important impact on the movement of traffic. Mr. Rifkin stated he felt it was important not to remove parking until it was demonstrated that it was necessary. He suggested taking the parking on Elm Avenue away during peak traffic hours when it was necessary to move cars. Mr. Rifkin said he supported the concept of the U-turn at Harding Street. As far as the overlay question on Elm Avenue, with the techniques available, the pavement can be reduced or cut back for the overlay to be level. Belynn Gonzales, 2728 Chestnut, spoke in favor of the streetscape and urged the Commission to approve it this evening. She added the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term inconvenience, bringing more people walking through the Village and increasing her business. Muriel Roston, 2075 Playa Road, representing the Arts Commission, stated she was strongly in favor of approval of the streetscape to enhance and beautify the City. She stated it will make the Village area a more desirable place to go and shop. Richard Johnson, 1044 Elm Avenue, Carlsbad Chevron, stated the entrance art piece scheduled to be placed at Elm Avenue and 1-5 would be on CalTrans property. He stated by law he must have a gasoline price sign displayed and the sign is in that same spot. Mr. 3ohnson commented on the stations located in San Marcos that were shown in the slide presentation. He stated those stations were located on a street twice as wide as Elm Avenue, and since the installation of the medians their business had decreased considerably. b 0 0 MINUTES \f$i ?$9&% % February 2 7 1988 Page 5 COMMISSIONERS % $% $ PUBLIC HEARING: (Continued) Mr. 3ohnson said his station was the only one with one way to exlt, and that was onto Elm Avenue. He felt it would be impossible to ask freeway customers to drive through private property to return to 1-5. He stated his opposition to the Elm Avenue median. Edgar Monroy, 16123 Lyons Valley Road, 3amu1, Civil and Traffic Engineer, who did the engineering study for the merchants, spoke on the parking situation, stating the Elm Avenue Merchants were satisfied with the Commission's assurance the parking will be replaced. The removal of the parking should not impede the construction of the medians, because removal of parking could be phased in. Mr. Monroy stated a mid-block signal between Harding Street and 1-5 could be timed to work with the other signals that are at Harding Street and the freeway. i I 1 Ted Frye, 7121 Linden Terrace, Arts Commissioner, spoke in support of the streetscape, stating it was an exciting project and would make life in Carlsbad more interesting and exciting. He felt this would make Carlsbad a place visitors would like to come to, as it would be distinctive and interesting. Mr. Frye concluded his statement, adding the benefits would offset a great many of the problems. 3ackie Wrench, 3531 Charter Oak Drive, spoke in support of the Redevelopment Agency and the Arts Commission plan to revitalize the Village Area, stating she was aware of the traffic problem on Elm Avenue. She felt the entire City would benefit from this project and urged approval. Diana Allen, 1048 Amber Drive, San Marcos, owner of a business at State and Oak, said she could see the benefits to the City and was looking forward to this project being approved. Bob Nielsen, 525 Elm Avenue, stated there are 60 plus businesses affected by the parking, and all of those merchants were in favor of the streetscape. However, other cities have kept the parking on the main streets, and he recommended off-street parking be added to the existing on-street parking. The parking could be banned during peak traffic hours and ban commercial vehicles also. Mr. Nielsen stated the merchants want to be part of the selection process for the off-street parking lots. . ., e e MINUTES \\b 5 % 9&% 3 February 2, 1988 Page 6 COMMISSIONERS % $% PUBLIC HEARING: (Continued) Mario Monroy, 3610 Carlsbad Boulevard, Chairman of the Beach Erosion Committee, stated that Committee had recommended a walkway for the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard from Cherry Street to Ocean Street. This would help protect the bluffs in that area, as every time it rains, part of the bluffs are lost. Mr. Monroy, as a Member of the North Beach Planning and Traffic Study Committee, stated this Committee also supported the walk and recommended it to protect the pedestrians in that area. That portion of Carlsbad Boulevard is a hike lane and the people walk in the bike lane. Mr. Monroy spoke in favor of the streetscape project for both streets and asked that the walkway along Carlsbad Boulevard from Cherry Street to Ocean Street be included in that project. Steve Densham, 3965 Monroe Street, spoke as a citizen, downtown merchant, property owner and business operator, stating this Redevelopment Area project would have an effect on the entire City. This shows a commitment and confidence to keeping Carlsbad one of the fine cities--if not the finest. He asked everyone to expand their perspective and see how this affects the continued enhancement of Carlsbad. games Sims, 2920 Wilson Street, property owner and businessman, stated he would like the parking left on Elm, but wanted the beautification of the downtown area. He stated his customers want the parking and suggested the parking be taken off at a later date. goann Bianchi, 1929 East Pointe Avenue, spoke in favor of the streetscape, but felt some changes should be made in order to allow emergency vehicles to proceed through Elm Avenue. She stated there is no crosswalk for pedestrians at 1-5, and felt there should be some provision for pedestrians to cross Elm mid-block between 1-5 and Harding Street. Since no one else wished to speak on this item, the public hearing was closed at 8:35 p.m. In answer to Commission query regarding emergency vehicles, Chris Salomone stated Battalion Chief Watson of the Fire Department had indicated the streetscape on Elm Avenue with the medians would make it safer for the emergency vehicles. Commissioner Larson inquired whether the parking issues would be addressed when the design standards were discussed, and Chris Salomone stated those items will be explored further, but reiterated staff's opinion that Elm Avenue ultimately must be four lanes. i b 8. * a MINUTES /\b % YA% 3 February 2 9 1988 Page 7 COMMISSIONERS % $% PUBLIC HEARING: (Continued 1 Commissioner Mamaux reiterated his concern with the utili.ty poles. Chairman Lewis stated Mr. Johnson was correct about the pricing signs at the Chevron station, and he thought the location of the entry sign would need to be studied further . Commissioner Mamaux suggested the parking be eliminated on Carlsbad Boulevard first and then on Elm Avenue. Housing and Redevelopment Commission adopted the Lewis X following Resolution and approved the design as Kulchin X follows: Pettine X Mamaux X RESOLUTION NO. 98, APPROVING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR Larson xx THE ELM AVENUE/CARLSBAD BOULEVARD STREEETSCAPE PROJECT. The approval of the streetscape design is to include staff work and investigation on the "Grant Plan" U-turn at Harding Street, undergrounding of utility poles and the relationship of the art work and Chevron station at the 1-5 Intersection. RECESS : Chairman Lewis declared a recess at 8:48 p.m., and the Housing and Redevelopment Commission re-convened at 8:59 p.m., with all Members present. AD30URNMENT: By proper motion, the Meeting of February 2, 1988, was adjourned at 9:OO p.m. Respectfully submitted, SiXYT Deputy City Clerk Harriett Babbitt Minutes Clerk h