HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-01; Planning Commission; MinutesPlanning Commission Minutes Dec. 1, 2021 Page2
DISCLOSURES:
Commissioners Kamenjarin, Merz, Stine, Sabellico and Meenes disclosed they have visited the site.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Meenes asked if there were any members of the public who wished to speak on the project and
opened public testimony at 3:38 p.m.
Steve Linke stated he is not opposed to the development but wants to avoid some bad precedents that
continue to be set with traffic. He stated no VMT analysis was done on the project that would have
analyzed the environmental impact from traffic. He stated the facilities along Palomar Airport Road,
including the intersection with Avenida Encinas, which was described earlier, have been exempted from
the GMP because the local street system is already unable to handle current traffic volumes and the project
will be adding more traffic there that's significant enough in their own report that requires both
transportation systems and transportation demand management for mitigation and with regard to TSM,
the new traffic signal at the project driveway is great and appreciated, but feels the signal will not
meaningfully improve circulation. He would like to see funding by the applicant for further traffic studies,
improvements, and a sidewalk to the north of the proposed project.
Arnie Cohen stated support for the project and shared how the company is family oriented and supports
the local community. He stated having a location in the City of Carlsbad would be good for residents and
the city.
Bret Schanzenback, President and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce stated support for the
project and praised the history Chick-Fil-A has of creating great work environments and great community
engagement. He urged the commission to support the staff recommendation and approve the application
to move the project forward.
Collin Olson stated support for the project and urged the commission to approve the project.
Chair Meenes asked if there were any additional members of the public who wished to speak on the
project. Seeing none, he closed public testimony at 3:47 p.m.
City Planner Neu stated Mr. Linke did submit comments on the environmental document and they were
responded to and that the commission had received all of that information.
Chair Meenes asked if the commission wanted further information on the comments from the public and
the commission was comfortable moving forward.
QUESTIONS TO STAFF:
Commissioner Stine asked for further information on circulation improvement.
Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager, Nathan Schmidt, stated the main project improvement is
the new signal at the southern driveway. He stated it will provide management of traffic coming in and
out and the protected pedestrian crossing, which currently does not exist. He stated pedestrians would
need to walk quite a way North to access any nearby employment center so the signal will provide more
direct access to cross Avenida Encinas. He stated this is all based on the analysis provided by the applicant
and they will need to wait and see if it will operate at an acceptable level once implemented.
Planning Commission Minutes Dec. 1, 2021 Page 3
Walter Musial, applicant's traffic engineer, gave a brief overview of the traffic model analysis they
conducted and how the model did show level of service or LOS in fact improved with the addition of the
traffic signal. He stated additional lanes are being added to the driveway, improvements to the driveway
to the north will occur so that there is a bypass to the main driveway should it become too congested.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Sabellico stated support for the project and was impressed with the presentation.
Commissioner Stine stated support for the project and gave kudos to staff and the applicant.
Chair Meenes stated support for the project and stated the applicant did a fine job in addressing all the
issues with the assistance of staff.
ACTION:
Motion by Commissioner Stine, seconded by Commissioner Meenes, to adopt Resolution No's. 7433,
7434, and 7435. Motion carried, 5/0/2 (Commissioners Lafferty and Luna absent).
2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS -Elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for calendar year 2022.
The Planning Commission discussed postponing the election of a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson until
a date certain of Jan. 19, 2021 so that all commissioners are present and seated.
ACTION:
Motion by Commissioner Stine, seconded by Commissioner Merz, to postpone the election of officers.
Motion carried, 5/0/2 {Commissioners Lafferty and Luna absent).
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS/COMMENTS:
Chair Meenes shared the annual League of CA Cities Planning Commission Academy is coming up in March.
CITY PLANNER REPORTS:
City Planner Neu shared the Adams Street Homes was appealed to the City Council and the appeal was
denied upholding the Planning Commissions decision to approve the project. Mr. Neu gave a brief
overview of the updates to the Village and Barrio Master Plan being discussed by the City Council.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS:
· None
ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Meenes adjourned the duly noticed meeting at 4:24 p.m.
~~
Melissa Flores -Minutes Clerk