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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-13; Planning Commission; MinutesPlanning Commission Minutes Minutes of: Time of Meeting: Date of Meeting: Place of Meeting: CALL TO ORDER April 13, 2016 PLANNING COMMISSION 6:00pm. April 13, 2016 COUNCIL CHAMBERS Chairperson Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:00p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Black led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Page 1 Present: Chairperson /\nderson, Commissioners Black, Goyarts, L'Heureux, Montgomery, Segall and Siekmann Absent: None STAFF PRESENT Don Neu, City Planner Ron Kemp, Assistant City Attorney Farah Nisan, Senior Office Specialist Tammy McMinn, Administrative Secretary Scott Donnell, Senior Planner Jason Geldert, Engineering Manager PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA None. PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING Chairperson Anderson asked Mr. Neu to introduce the first item and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 1 1. DRAFT VILLAGE AND BARRIO MASTER PLAN-Staff informational presentation on the Draft Village & Barrio Master Plan. The proposed planning document provides a vision, land use regulations and design guidelines for the city's downtown Village and adjacent Barrio. The Village and Barrio are generally located west of Interstate 5 between Tamarack Avenue and Buena Vista Lagoon. The railroad corridor forms the west boundary of the Barrio. Parts of both neighborhoods are in the Coastal Zone. Mr. Neu introduced Agenda Item 1 and stated Senior Planner Scott Donnell would make the staff presentation. Mr. Donnell gave a brief presentation and stated he would be available to answer any questions. Chairperson Anderson asked if any member of the audience wished to address Agenda Item 1. Christine Davis, 2412 La Costa Avenue, resident, store owner and member of the Carlsbad Village Association. She participated in the charrettes, open houses and workshops. The Association has helped to spread the word about the process. Planning Commission Minutes . Apri113, 2016 Page 2 John Bailey, 790 Magnolia Ave., stated his concerns with parking standards in the Village. The plan proposes to reduce parking. He strongly urged the Commission to not change parking until the parking study is done. Alex Kononchule, 3305 Tyler St., industrial family owned business. Thanked Mr. Donnell for allowing his concerns to be addressed. He believes the west side of Tyler should be looked at as a separate entity from the east. He asked for the line dividing the usage in that area to be re-examined. Christine Bevilacqua, 235 Pine Ave., stated her concerns with the neighborhood density, tourist mix, and possible future increase in density. She is concerned to hear another traffic study is being planned when Urban Place Consulting Group prepared several while they were here. She is also concerned about the Native American heritage not being honored, and to commemorate it, it could be incorporated into the Master Plan perhaps as public art. Gary Nessim, has concerns with changing Carlsbad Village Drive from four lanes to two as it would prohibit emergency vehicle access. He is also concerned with the need for more parking spaces, and noted that parking garages can be privately built by developers as opposed to waiting for the city to build them. He agrees we should delay parking changes, at least for residential. He stated that design changes could allow residents to buy offsite parking spaces. Being able to buy offsite spaces could also allow smaller, more affordable units. Julie Ajdour, 3537 Madison, stated that she thinks using traffic circles in the Barrio to slow traffic and replace 4-way stops is a good idea. She is concerned with the traffic at the corner of Tamarack and Jefferson. She is also are concerned about the proximity of the circle between the highway and elementary school. She stated that traffic roundabouts should be "boring," so as not to be a safety hazard. Bob Wilkinson, 2277 Cameo Road., supports roundabouts. He's focused all his attention on the BarrioNillage area for many years and is in support of the Master Plan and thanked Mr. Donnell. He will be submitting written comments for the Commission's review. He is concerned about the implementation. There are three residential streets in the Barrio that run half a mile long with no traffic calming. People have been hit on these streets. He would like to see more architectural character in the Village. Noel Breen, 2758 Olympia Drive, stated his concerns with the footprint of the community and building buildings too high. He stated staff should be careful with altering the architecture of the buildings downtown and changing the character. He supports traffic calming. Greg Gutierrez, Granite Court, stated his concern that high density will affect air quality, traffic, crime, and will chase away small businesses. The plan is out of character with who Carlsbad is. He asked to help people stay here instead of pushing them out, with the idea of making Carlsbad better for current residents. Linda Breen, 2758 Olympia Drive, agrees with walkability and bicycling in the plan. She asks that we go slowly so that everyone gets a fair chance in commenting and giving feedback to the plan especially after Measure A. She wants to see more trees and does not want to see increased density. She would like to see local consultants and artists, and she would like to see resident's opinions be the highest priority. Marissa Torres, 880 Magnolia Ave., thanked Mr. Donnell for the presentation. She has concerns with the corners of Jefferson & Magnolia and Harding & Magnolia where there are no stop signs to slow traffic. She witnesses speeding cars including city employees. Lighting is also another important safety issue. She has asked for better lighting and nothing happens. She would also like to see Carlsbad Village connect with the Barrio. She was asked if she thought we should continue with the name as the Barrio or should it be named as the Village? She replied that it's always been known as the Barrio, why change it? Terry Chalfant, 3292 Roosevelt, stated that the small town values and the importance of relationships within the community should be regarded. She feels that the history and culture should be retained. She is waiting on the Master Plan so that they can develop their property. She feels traffic calming should be implemented. She stated that we have to do something affordable and we want to retain a family friendly community with historical and cultural values. Planning Commission Minutes April13, 2016 Page 3 Sherry Alvarado, 3331 Tyler St., thanked Mr. Donnell for his efforts and listening to what the community wants. She stated that they need slower streets in the Chestnut area including crossings. They need more thoroughfares so fire and police can get around easier. She feels that the Barrio name change should be known as one village and that the history will always be there. She has been involved with Christine Davis with Carlsbad Village Association cleaning up the area and taking pride of ownership. They want to be part of the Village. She has offered help to other residents to clean up the Barrio. Kathy Kinane, 2987 Highland Dr., has a business on the corner of Grande and Harding. She is very disappointed that little attention is paid to the parking needs in the plan. She stated that parking is needed for businesses to thrive. She said that lighting on Grand Avenue is not acce·ptable. Was told nothing will be done until the Master Plan is completed. Parking structures are important for businesses to thrive. She said that we need to act now before all the land is gone. Mike McDonald, has lived in Carlsbad for 20 years. He stated his concerns with lighting, wider sidewalks, traffic calming, and a pedestrian friendly village. He believes that quality of life is where less is more. Lisa McKethan, expressed her desire to have access to the plan. She stated that extensive input is what you have and you need meaningful input. She had an idea that printed copies could be provided so people can check thern out from the libraries, and have multiple copies at the Senior Center. Chairperson Anderson asked 1f there were any other questions and seeing none she closed the public testimony. Chairperson Anderson asked Mr. Donnell if he would like to respond to the issues. Mr. Donnell stated that the Urban Place parking study was done in 2014 and was limited and focused on the core of the Village. The new study will touch other areas including the Barrio. The study will help answer question such as "By using existing resources that we already have, can we get by without a parking structure, and when would a parking structure be appropriate?" There are a number of issues that need to be addressed before we can solve the parking concern. The Master Plan is not proposing any changes to density or the number of stories on a building. With regard to public art, the vision is to try to lay down the foundation that people can take further and develop. With regards to Carlsbad Village Drive going from 2 lanes to 1 lane in each direction, the Master Plan encourages the conversion of 1 lane with no median. This would not happen soon. This would be a topic for further discussion. As for parking structures, where and how they should be built should be addressed in the comprehensive parking study. He concluded by noting the Master Plan paper documents will be at city facilities including City Hall, the libraries, and the Senior Center. Chairperson Anderson asked if the Commission had any questions of staff. Commissioner Montgomery asked if we should not wait until after the parking study is complete since it is connected to land use and everything we're talking about. He stated that it seems too critical in the decision making of the document and it seems to be the elephant in the room. Mr. Donnell replied that the Village and Barrio are the one area in the city where you could vary parking since it is a walkable area where you can walk from your home to businesses. He recognizes there are concerns. The latest plan has scaled back on the changes proposed to parking requirements. Mr. Donnell is aware of parking concerns in the Barrio. We revised the document based on the concerns but still felt it appropriate to relax some standards. It is a draft document and feedback will help in making those decisions. Commissioner Montgomery stated that he would have to weigh in with serious judgment since the document isn't available. Mr. Neu responded to Commissioner Montgomery's question about parking saying that staff's intention is that when the study is completed will have a number of recommendations including parking structure and parking rates based on land use. When we get the results of the study we would actually amend the Village Master Plan based on those recommendations. We're not trying to relax the parking rates as we were initially because we don't have the information. There are enough positive things in the plan to go ahead with development in the Village instead of putting the entire plan on hold. Commissioner Black asked the audience how many people attended the sessions by a show of hands. He also asked how many felt that their input has been dealt with by the city at this point. An audience member responded that they have to some degree. Planning Commission Minutes April13, 2016 Page4 Commissioner Segall asked if there was a date that the parking plan would be finished. Mr. Neu stated that the Commission will have the opportunity to see the final plan. Commissioner Segall asked if there is a time set you would expect the final plan. Mr. Neu responded that yes, roughly a year from now, April of 2017 for the final plan. We would have interim drafts along the way as well. If the Village Master Plan moved forward, we would have a parking section that would apply until the study was finished. Commissioner Segall asked if the name Barrio would be removed from the plan. Mr. Donnell responded that yes they are currently two separate and distinct areas. Commissioner Segall stated that it seems like it's a divided issue. He asked if there was any way we can get a sense of what the community wants. Mr. Neu stated there are a number of areas in the city that have a name on a planning document that is different from entry monument signs. The determination of the name for the Barrio Neighborhood can be considered further if monumentation and signage is proposed to be constructed. Commissioner Siekmann asked if the amendment will have to go to the Coastal Commission for final approval and if so, that would be another year. Mr. Donnell stated that yes it would and for it to be effective in the Coastal Zone that yes it would take another year. Mr. Neu stated that we have seen quicker turn around times. It's on our list of projects that we've asked the Coastal Commission to focus on. Commissioner Siekmann responded that it could then potentially be two years. She then asked if there was anything that could be done before about a parking structure before those two years were up. Mr. Donnell responded that the Master Plan does recognize parking structures so it would be a possibility. City staff is already working with the Coastal Commission on some of these issues. Commissioner Siekmann stated that it's likely that it would be less than two years. Commissioner Siekmann asked if the city has ever considered rent control for any situations. Mr. Neu stated that we have been requested to have rent control for mobile home parks but we do not currently have that. We do have rent restrictions for the affordable housing projects. Commissioner Siekmann asked If there would still be affordable housing available in the Barrio and Village area. Mr. Neu responded that yes 15% of new housing units are to be rented to the middle and lower income brackets. Commissioner Goyarts asked what was happing with the immediate traffic calming and better lighting issues. Mr. Neu responded that there are several projects in the Capital Improvement Program for the area. Some are tied to what happens with the Village & Barrio Plan. Others are tied to the budget process, and once approved can happen on a faster timeline. Commissioner Segall stated that stop signs are not our jurisdiction, but can a recommendation be made to the Traffic Commission to investigate some of these high speed streets. Mr. Neu responded that the recommendation would be to the Council. Commissioner Segall asked if we could make the recommendation tonight. Mr. Kemp responded that no tonight's meeting is informational only. Chairperson Anderson asked if since there is already discussion about traffic and roundabouts, is that going to wait for the plan. Mr. Neu stated that it wouldn't be waiting for the plan. The issue of traffic calming can be considered with or without the plan. Commissioner Siekmann asked about major and minor permits and how they will now be the same in the city. Mr. Donnell stated yes, there are major and minor review permits that become site development plans. We are standardizing the terms so they will become site development plans or conditional use permits. Commissioner Siekmann asked if the 4 stories and 45 feet height restrictions are only allowed in certain places in the city. Mr. Donnell responded that the 45 foot height requirement is currently in the core of the Village, and has been that way since 2007. Prior to that in 1996, the height restriction was a 35 foot height limit within the same locations except that projects with ground floor parking could be 45 feet tall. Also one district that has a 30 foot height limit, is changing to 35 feet in the new plan. Commissioner Siekmann asked if the 55 feet only adds architectural and no living space. Mr. Donnell stated that living space heights are not going up at all. Commissioner L'Heureux asked if we put the Master Plan on hold until the parking study is completed, does it become one or two documents. Mr. Neu stated that the one year time table is for the parking study, its recommendations, and the public input on it. Once reviewed and accepted we would transfer the recommendations into the Master Plan. The study will recommend steps that precede going to the expense of a parking structure. Commissioner L'Heureux stated that there will be other projects proposed, some Planning Commission Minutes April13, 2016 Page 5 that would not fit with the new parking requirements. Mr. Neu commented that we raised the parking rates in response to comments that the proposed changes were too aggressive. So, we left them at a higher rate to require more parking than in some cases is required currently. Commissioner Black stated that suppose the traffic study came out, the Plan had already been passed and something goes back into the Plan that changes the parking requirements, would it have to go back to the Coastal Commission for approval again. Mr. Neu stated yes because the Coastal Commission is concerned about parking in the beach areas and modifying the Coastal Zone boundaries requires state legislation. The Coastal Commission will be involved in the drafts of the parking study. We would like to have other options in that area, especially since there are tourists walking from hotels or timeshares. The Coastal Commission is not easily convinced of changing requirements. Chairperson Anderson asked if a public parking lot has been sold. Mr. Donnell stated that he was not familiar with that. Commissioner Segall wants to get something done now, approve it, or we wait and come back later. Mr. Neu stated that the Commission could recommend on the parking issue. Mr. Neu stated that the plan the Commission will be asked to make a recommendation on could address the community's, the Commission's and the Council's concerns knowing that the parking issues are put on hold. Commissioner Siekmann asked if all comments made tonight will be in the record. Mr. Donnell responded yes. Commissioner L'Heureux ask how long before we get back to the new plan, how much public notice and comment time. Mr. Neu stated that there was no set time and wanted to wait until paper copies of the plan are available before we commit to that. We would probably wait at least 30 days past the time the paper documents are available. June is our estimate. We have electronic and regular noticing and want to make sure people have enough time to review it. Commissioner Black asked if there is any possibility of having copies available at various city facilities. Mr. Neu responded yes, however, the paper copies are very expensive to reproduce. Commissioner L'Heureux stated that it would be nice to have a number of copies that stay in the library, or senior center, and have some that could be checked out for a short period of time. Commissioner Montgomery stated that as this goes forward and we have an approval of some type, there has been significant investment for the infrastructure to happen. Commissioner Montgomery asked Mr. Neu if he has considered within the recommendations how these Capital Improvement Projects are going to go forward. His fear is that several will be so much that they would trigger a city-wide vote. Commissioner Montgomery stated that we have a beautiful plan and we want to see it implemented. Mr. Neu stated that as part of the city's annual budget process there is the Operating Budget and the Capital Improvement Program Budget. There are some proposed projects in the Village area. There are projects that can move forward because they aren't paid out of the General Fund. There will be a priority list to accompany the plan and there are some early action projects that would be done as temporary improvements. Mr. Donnell added that staff made efforts to reach out to the community at the Barrio Strong and Carlsbad Village Association meetings to try to brain storm what those CIP projects would be and if they were identified in the Master Plan. That has set a basis as to what some of the CIP projects would be. Chairperson Anderson stated that some of the things are going to happen and some are a part of a wish list that developers would need to implement some of the big changes. She stated there is a long term wish list category like trenching the train track versus putting roundabouts in the Barrio which could happen in the short term. There should be some differentiation to what's realistic. Chairperson Anderson stated that the architectural elements are a guideline not a requirement. She wished there was a stronger requirement that developers choose some of these elements in their design. Chairperson Anderson asked if they choose not to, can we really deny them the approval of their project? Mr. Donnell stated that the Commission does have the authority based on the content of the Master Plan regarding compliance with the design guidelines. Planning Commission Minutes April13, 2016 Page6 Commissioner L'Heureux thinks it would be helpful to the Council if the plan did contain some recommendations of short, medium and long range projects. It's hard for the citizens to grasp some of this. It may be more complex with other legal issues. He suggested that an appendix would be helpful to see what is doable in the short, medium and long term. Mr. Kemp stated that the Commissioners should stay on topic as this meeting was not noticed to discuss some of these items. You will have the option to provide input to discuss these items when you have the document. Tonight was to be for information only, not to provide direction. Chairperson Anderson thanked the audience for being respectful and for coming and asked if we could look into a larger facility for when the Plan is brought forward. Mr. Neu·stated that we may be able to set up the Faraday facility but then we run into problems having the meeting videotaped. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Siekmann thanked Mr. Donnell for a great presentation. CITY PLANNER COMMENTS Mr. Neu stated that there will be copies of the plan available, and we will give you a full month for review. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS None. ADJOURNMENT By proper motion, the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission of April 13, 2016 was adjourned at ~·~ DON NEU City Planner Tammy McMinn Minutes Clerk