Laserfiche WebLink
APPEAL #301 <br />VA 72-18 <br />WESTERN UNION REALTY COMPANY - (Continued) <br /> <br />Mr. Tom Criteser of the Western Union Telegraph Company, stated that he would' <br />operate the £acility that Mr. Warnecke proposes; that they would be putting in a <br />facility that would upgrade the area; that they propose to bring into this complex <br />other facilities now located in Orange, Anaheim, and Fullerton; and that they <br />would hesitate to proceed with their plans if the area is going to be downgraded. <br /> <br />Mr. Clarence Walton, Z01 S. Broadway, stated that the property adjacent to the <br />Western Union Realty property has outside storage, as allowed in the M 2 zone; <br />that in the lot beyond his is an M Z fence yard which has siding off the Southern <br />Pacific Railway track; that there are apartments to the rear, but by measuring <br />straight back, they are about 120 feet away; that there is a building 45 feet to the <br />northwest with no windows in the rear; that the Planning mepartmentproposed an <br />eight foot block wall; that the front will be landscaped and the impound part of the <br />yard will not be visible unless you cokne to the gates; that there would be outside <br />storage on Hunter Street in the M Z zone; that they would be decreasing the number <br />of yards in the City by this use. <br /> <br />There were no further proponents or opponents, and the Mayor closed the public <br />hearing. <br /> <br />Councilman Patterson stated that he concurs with the staff recommendation; that <br />three points were made -- Santa Aha has 40% of the wrecking yards in Orange <br />County; apartments are nearby; and the testimony of the Western Union people; <br />that it goes back to good versus poor development. <br /> <br />In response to a question by Councilman Herrin, the City Attorney stated that <br />the Council is given unlimited discretion in granting or denial of variances; that <br />the Council is to some extent guided by precedence; but that each variance ~lepends <br />upon its own particular facts. <br /> <br />Councilman Herrin stated there is a need for auto salvage operations; that approval <br />has been granted to the same type of operation in the same area; and that he would <br />be in favor of granting the appeal. <br /> <br />Councilman Evans stated that if three wrecking yards were discontinued and <br />replaced by one, he would be in favor of granting the appeal. <br /> <br />The City Attorney stated that the question had been raised as to whether or not <br />Council can impose a condition on other properties as a condition to granting a <br />variance on still another property; that perhaps the matter should be continued <br />in order to get a definite answer; that, however, if the variance is denied, it is <br />a moot point. <br /> <br />Mr. Warnecke stated that if such a condition is not valid, instead of eliminating <br />three impound yards, the City might be gaining one. <br /> <br />Mr. Waldo Haug, , 827 N. Bristol, stated that the conditions of appro~zaI of'the <br />Planning Commission were that there be no dismantling or sale of parts; that the <br />other three wrecking yards are legal non-conforming uses, and when they are <br />abandoned the use will not go with the land. <br /> <br />CITY COUNCIL -171- April 17, 197Z <br /> <br /> <br />