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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-09-28; Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Committee Ad Hoc; Minutes.. MINUTES -. \ MEETING OF: DATE OF MEETING: September 28, 1981 TIME OF MEETING: 7:OO P.M. PLACE OF MEETING: City Council Chambers />)' HCIUSINCI AND REDEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE $ - MEMBERS CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ward at 7:Ol P.M. ROLL CALL Present - Chairman Ward, Members Carney, Chriss, Hall, Hayes, Moralez, Runzo, and Sanchez. Absent - Member Helton. Also present were: Drew Aitken, Acting Director Council Liaison Anear Larry Dossey, Principal Civil Engineer Items out of order Chairman Ward suggested that the agenda be slightly revised, to accomodate the presentations on Items 3 and 4. The Committee concurred. DRB - Laeuna Plaza - 550 Lanuna Drive Drew Aitken indicated that the representative for the applicant was unable to attend the meeting. Chairman Ward inquired if there was anyone in the audience present to speak on the item, and received no response. The item was tabled to later in the meeting. DRB - Ralph and Eddie's - 390 Grand Avenue Drew Aitken gave a staff report on the matter, essentially as contained in the written staff report. He also showed some pictures of the existing and proposed buildings to the Committee, and added that the Engineering and Planning Departments have expressed concern regarding the parking and traffic circulation both on and off the site. In response to Committee query, Mr. Aitken indicated that the existing building would remain if the project was approved; however, the use would not remain. Mr. John Stanton, 2141 El Camino Real, Oceanside, addressed the Conanittee; and indicated that he was an Attorney representing the applicant. Mr. Stanton explained that if the project was approved, the applicant would remove the cardroom, which would then exist as a parking lot; however, the cocktail lounge would remain. He stated his opinion that this would upgrade the building, and add to the esthetic value. Mr. Stanton continued to suggest that if an agreement could be reached with the Santa Fe Railroad, more parking could be provided on the east side of Washington Street. In conclusion, Mr. Stanton requested Committee consideration for approval of the project. Mr. Donald Rosenstock, 355 W. Vista Way, Vista, addressed the Committee, and indicated that he was the Attorney for Allegro Antiques. Mr. Rosenstock explained that the economy has caused a decline in the antique business. MINUTES September 28, 1981 Page 2 Mr. Rosenstock continued to explain that Ralph and Eddie's will be putting up awnings, and possibly a Chinese Restaurant, which he feels would help upgrade the downtown area. In response to the concerns of traffic circulation, Mr. Rosenstock stated his opinion that he did not feel it was heavy enough to warrant any concern. In conclusion, he urged approval of the project. Committee discussion reflected on the parking situation in the area, and Drew Aitken indicated that the applicant is short a few parking spaces. For clarification purposes, Mr. Stanton explained that the applicant would like to have 27 parking spaces, which will be located on Washington Street, to the rear of the Allegro Antiques building and the cardroom. He reiterated that there is a possibility they may get a right-of-way from the Santa Fe Railroad for additional parking on the east. Drew Aitken pointed out that the City will not permit diagonal parking on a public right-of-way. Member Runzo indicated that most of the use for Ralph and Eddie's would be during nighttime hours, and inquired if customers for the establishment could utilize the park across the street for parking. She also requested additional information with regard to the lighting. Member Chriss indicated he does not like the idea of having to share the parking; however, he is in favor of the use. He also expressed concern that the applicant will be upgrading one building, and not the other. Member Sanchez suggested that the applicant pursue negotiations with the Santa Fe Railroad for the additional parking. Drew Aitken indicated that the City cannot give credit for parking, and reiterated that the matter is before the Committee for review of the use only. Council Liaison Anear suggested that the applicant may wish to consider trading property to the west for the existing building. Mr. Stanton indicated that they have pursued the idea already, and same was not feasible. During discussion, Committee concensus reflected that they were in agreement with the use of the new building. On behalf of the Committee, Chairman Ward indicated that they were in favor of cooperating to the best of their ability in making a reconmendation with regard to the parking situation. Once they know the optimum plan that the applicant has come up with, they want the applicant to be aware that if anything like this should be approved, the two properties will be tied together permanently, unless they come back and go through the City process. \ MEMBERS MINUTES ,- September 28, 1981 Page 3 Chairman Ward continued that the Committee would be supportive in suggesting to the Planning Department and later to the downtown Redevelopment Commission, that there should be some credit for on-street parking, for uses such as this, because it is existing, and they have paid taxes to improve it. Chairman Ward added that the Committee would like to see a specific site plan and design, and exterior elevation treatment, and suggested that the applicant should come back with a detailed plan. In addition, Chairman Ward indicated that it would be to the advantage of the applicant to investigate, at the appropriate time, with the Christiansen family, to reopen the lot. If same was not feasible, Chairman Ward suggested that the City might want some security on the lot if it were in the middle of the two properties to avoid trespassing problems. Chairman Ward also suggested the applicants' participation in a parking plan or structure, by buying into the parking authority. Member Chriss suggested that the applicant contact the Redevelopment Commission, in the event of an impass. SIGN PROPOSALS Drew Aitken distributed copies of a newspaper article on a Chamber sign program to the Committee. He indicated that same is a campaign for more freeway signs to attract people to the downtown area. SixDence Inn Sien ProDosal Drew Aitken gave a brief staff report on the matter, and showed the Committee some pictures of different Sixpence Inn locations, and the various signs utilized. Committee discussion then reflected on the height of the proposed freeway sign. Member Chriss stated his opinion that the proposed sign is too cluttered. With regard to the use of a monument sign, Drew Aitken indicated that they propose to eliminate the terminology, "Best of the Budgets,'' from the sign. Mr. Don Sodaro, President of Sixpence Inns, addressed the Committee. Yr. Sodaro indicated that they were successful at the Planning Commission with regard to the joint parking. the Chevron people, they indicated they did not want the Sixpence Inns sign going on top, as Sixpence is the newest business; however, Sixpence Inns does need some freeway identity. In talking with Denny's Restaurant and Mr. Sodaro continued that they would agree to put Denny's on top, with a blank area which could be used to designate the downtown village area; and Chevron and Sixpence Inns could share the lower slots, side by side. Drew Aitken showed some sketches of proposed sign designs, which are within the height limitations. MEMBERS ' .' MINUTES September 28, 1981 Page 4 I Chairman Ward suggested, if the Committee concurs, that Mr. Sodaro come back with a specific plan outlining the applicants' proposal; taking into consideration the input from Staff and the Committee, maximizing the impact from the freeway and minimizing the impact on the other businesses. In addition, providing some locational direction to the Carlsbad Village Shopping Area. Mr. Sodaro indicated that he has an escrow deadline of October 12, 1981, and inquired what stage he would be at after he brought in his proposed sign program. Chairman Ward suggested that the sign needs more height. Council Liaison Anear stated he has reservations that the project is not freeway oriented. Committee concensus reflected no objection to concentrating the signing, as long as it provides directional information to the Village Area. Mr. Sodaro agreed to come back with a finalized proposed sign program, and a written verification from Denny's Restaurant and Chevron. I I I - RECESS I Chairman Ward called a recess at 8:03 P.M., and the Committee reconvened at 8:07 P.M., with eight members present. Presentation by City Manager Frank Aleshire, the City Manager, addressed the Committee, and spoke with regard to the question of where the City is going with the Redevelopment and Housing Program. He reiterated that Jack Henthorn, the Director of Housing and Redevelopment has resigned; as well as Lydia Stinemeyer, who was an Administrative Aide in that Department . I .- Mr. Aleshire continued that currently there are two vacancies in the Housing Program, and one vacancy in the Redevelopment Program. He explained that he has to make some decisions with regard to replacing these personnel, and requested input from the Committee on their goals and objectives. Mr. Aleshire requested that the Committee consider holding a special meeting, to discuss these issues. He added that the Committee is getting more and more into planning issues, even though their role is different from the Planning Commission. He suggested that there might be a need for more strength in Staff with regard to planning, and the Committee might need to work closely with the Planning and Engineering Departments, or possibly even share Staff personnel. Therefore, he indicated he would like to discuss these matters with the Committee at a special meeting or workshop. Mr. Aleshire continued, indicating that the City might wish to consider contracting with outside organizations, rather than hiring full time personnel; as there are firms that specialize in redevelopment work. In the past, the City could not justify adding consultant work on top of Staff. MINUTES September 28, 1981 Page 5 Mr. Aleshire stated that he feels this is the time for the Council and the Committee to think through where they are going, and if there are any changes, now is the time to consider same, prior to hiring new personnel. He continued that a special meeting would allow Staff to present their views of where they are going in regard to the various programs. With regard to the Housing Program, Mr. Aleshire explained that the Federal Government will most likely be reducing funding in this area. In addition, there is the Redevelopment Program, the Block Grant Federal Funding Program, and the Rehab Program. With cutbacks being made in Federal funding, Mr. Aleshire suggested it is important that the City look at this, and act accordingly. Council yet; however, requested input from the Committee on these issues. He added that he has not talked to Mr. Aleshire suggested that the Committee might wish to consider holding a joint meeting with the City Council. Member Hayes indicated that it is essential that Ron Beckman, Assistant City Manager/Development, be part of these meetings, as he oversees these programs. Mr. Aleshire further suggested that along with Mr. Beckman, the Planning Director and Building Official should also be present at the meeting. Following brief discussion, the Committee agreed to hold a special meeting to discuss the above issues on Wednesday, October 7, 1981, at 4:OO P.M. Chairman Ward suggested that the Committee also submit any comments in written form to the City Manager prior to the meeting of October 7, 1981. Drew Aitken indicated there is a report he can provide the Committee with from the Human Services Advisory Committee. Member Chriss suggested that a member of the Human Services Advisory Committee also be present at the meeting . Executive Committee Meeting (Memo) Chairman Ward indicated this was an informational item only, and briefly reported on same. State Street Ice Cream Parlor - 2917 State Street Drew Aitken indicated that he wished to discuss the issue of the rough draft sign program with the Committee at great length, as the Design Manual is very restrictive. He also presented pictures to the Committee for their review. With the aid of a wall exhibit, Mr. Aitken showed the design of the sign, and indicated that if it is workable, the Committee can request the applicant bring in a sign program. MEMBERS ' MINUTES September 28, 1981 Page 6 Following brief discussion, Committee concensus reflected that they would like to see the entire project, as they are looking for compatibility. Streetscape Design Contract: Project Board Report Drew Aitken gave some background on the matter, and distributed copies of the Streetscape Design Implementation Plan to the Committee. He added that the time frame was somewhat lengthy, due to the concerns of the Engineering Department. Mr. Aitken further indicated that the contract is two months behind schedule. Mr. John Starner, 2551 State Street, Carlsbad, addressed the Committee, and indicated he was representing CG Engineering. With the aid of a wall exhibit, he explained the Streetscape Implementation Plan, and indicated that they proceeded with the contract on the basis of the General Plan. With the aid of a transparency, Mr. Starner outlined street service levels. Committee discussion included traffic circulation, and incorporating the storm drains into the Streetscape Plan. Mr. John Landry, 2921 Roosevelt, Carlsbad, addressed the Committee. Mr. Landry indicated that they attempted to minimize the expenses to the owners and the City. Mr. Landry presented photographic reproductions of the conditions as they exist, versus the proposals, on the east and west sides of State Street. In addition, he explained a coordinated sign program, and indicated that they are attempting to save the existing trees wherever possible. Mr. Landry continued, outlining the facade study, and scale of the buildings. Member Runzo expressed some concern with the designs, and suggested that a little more wood should be used in keeping with the village atmosphere. Drew Aitken briefly explained the available funding; however, he indicated that the program has not been detailed as to how the funds will be allocated. Member Chriss suggested that the people who are directly involved should take part in a public meeting on the matter, to allow them input in same. Mr. Bob Nielsen addressed the Committee, and stated his opinion that the City is making too many projections. He requested clarification on the matter. Member Hayes expressed concern as nothing has been mentioned regarding a pedestrian system. Chairman Ward indicated that the main issues are the Streetscape Plan, the pedestrian system, the process of funding, signage, parking, and the storm drains. . . r' MINUTES '"-- September 28, 1981 Page 7 Committee discussion included the Bissell/August concept, and the options are outlined by Staff. Following discussion, the Committee agreed to recommend to the City Council that they consider Grand Avenue and State Street as the primary area for concentration for hard line advanced tracking, and secondly, to consider Roosevelt and Madison Streets. Larry Dossey, Principal Civil Engineer, indicated that the City has signed a contract to design Roosevelt and Madison Streets. Mr. Landry suggested that the City should improve as they go, and then put in the storm drains. Committee discussion reflected the storm drain issue on State Street, and the future of Grand Avenue. The Cowittee agreed, in keeping with the idea of being a village pedestrian oriented center, to recommend that Grand Avenue be a one lane each way street, as it will slow the traffic . Laguna Plaza (550 Laguna Drive) - Big Olaf Drew Aitken gave a brief report on the matter, and inquired if the Committee would agree to amend the zone section of the Design Manual to allow greater sign area. Chairman Ward responded that size does not denote quality. Following brief discussion, Committee concensus reflected that the proposed sign was too large. Drew Aitken indicated that the concept would work if it met the Sign Ordinance. ADJOURNMENT By proper motion the meeting was adjourned.at 10:52 P.M. to Wednesday, October 7, 1981, at 4:OO P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Ann R. Alleman Minutes Clerk NOTE: Due to time constraints, the remaining agenda items were tabled to the next meeting. Ward Carney Chriss Hall Hayes Mora le z Runz o Sanchez Ward Carney Chriss Hal 1 Hayes Moralez Runz o Sanchez X X X X X X X X X X K X X K X