02/12/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Dave Hoen expressed concern with the project density and the potential for parking intrusion into the adjacent neighborhood. He questioned where school buses would park to pick up students. He expressed support for some sort of project on the site, but stated that it should be the right thing. Dick Kirwan, Morrison .Park resident whose property abuts the project site, expressed concerns over the project and stated that he believed it had the potential to deteriorate into slum conditions similar to another high-density project that was replaced by the Ryland Homes project on the west side of Bristol. He expressed concern that the 15' proposed setback to the existing homes was not enough and expressed support for the two-story concept at the project edge rather than three stories. The Planning Commission requested that the City's Urban Design Consultant John Kaliski provide a summary of his comments on the project. Mr. Kaliski stated the site plan was very rigid and that, while it was a successful exercise in efficient design, primarily had appearance of being comprised of "product and pods." He stated that the project was neither New Urbanist nor neo-traditional in design and that the architecture was not very detailed or high quality. He stated that the architecture resembled product that you could find in any nearby community and included materials, such as foam plant-on details and faux shutters, which were poorly defined. He encouraged the developer and the City to be more ambitious and visionary in the design for this project. E. DISCUSSION OF THE METRO EAST MIXED USE OVERLAY ZONE Planning Manager Karen Haluza introduced EIP Associates representative, Woody Tescher who provided an overview of the overlay zone. Commissioner Betancourt proposed that the allowed height of the buildings along the Fourth Street frontage in the Village Center district should be increased to a narrow band of high rises in order to create a sense of drama on Fourth Street between two freeways and a sharp contrast to both the Golden Circle and entry from the City of Tustin. She stated that the north and south terminus of Golden Circle should serve as focal points and that the northern terminus could incorporate restaurants and a plaza. Commissioner De La Torre reiterated Commissioner Betancourt's comments regarding the incorporation of a circular gathering place at the northern terminus of Golden Circle Drive. He stated that the plan should show clear gateway features and demarcations of the Metro East district. He expressed interest in the plan including water features in open space areas and emphasized that the area should be designed to clearly have a unique character. Commissioner Gartner stated that he believed adoption of the Metro East Mixed Use Overlay Zone would increase property values, thereby stimulating re-use and reinvestment in the area. He also expressed support for taller buildings along the Fourth Street corridor. Commissioner Munoz agreed with proposal for taller buildings along Fourth Street, zoning could meet that need, inquired about what happens to businesses. Commissioner Mill expressed excitement for the opportunities that the Metro East plan could bring. Public Comments David Colton, major land holder in the Metro East area, expressed support for the proposed plan and stated that he would like to have the flexibility to have taller buildings along Fourth Street. Planning Commission Minutes 4 February 12, 2007