08/14/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MOTION: De La Torre SECOND: Cribb VOTE: AYES: Benavides, Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, (6) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Betancourt (1) G. SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 2004-05 AND CITY PLACE ART PROGRAM Filed by Main Street Concourse LLC, Bill Hammerstein, to allow modification the commercial component plaza and to allow the art program at 2775 North Main Street. RECOMMENDATION: 1. Adopt a resolution amending Site Plan Review No. 2004-05 as conditioned. 2. Adopt a resolution approving the Art Plan. Senior Planner Sergio Klotz presented the staff report and recommendation. Amy Oliver discussed the proposed redesign of the main retail plaza to replace the previously approved sunken amphitheater with an at-grade plaza stating that their studies of urban places had shown that at-grade plazas are better places for the public to congregate than a sunken amphitheatre. Commission discussion ensued regarding the appropriateness of replacing the amphitheatre, the orientation of the at-grade plaza, potential for spill-over noise from the plaza, concern that an at-grade plaza would lend itself as easily to regular entertainment event planning, and a discussion that the at-grade plaza might be a more flexible space allowing for multi-uses. Applicant referred Commission to page 4 of staff report for Daily/Festival Options. Commission also commented on water fountain in the plaza. Following this discussion Chairman Leo asked the designer of the proposed art piece, Laddie John Dill, to describe his work. Artist Laddie John Dill provided a presentation on the sculpture proposed for the fountain. Mr. Dill described the sculpture's materials, dimensions, water feature/system design, and compatibility with the project architecture. Commission continued discussion regarding the water feature design, materials, lighting effects with the sculpture, and its maintenance. MOTION: 1. Adopt a resolution approving the City Place art program. 2. Adopt a resolution approving amendment to Site Plan Review No. 2004-05 After further Commission discussion Commissioner Lutz withdrew the motion. Commission discussion ensued regarding the pluses and minuses of the sunken amphitheatre vs. the at-grade plaza. Commissioner Benavides suggested that perhaps a hybrid design (elevated platform design, or decorative pavers) that better delineated the performance venue space could be developed so that it was clear that the space was intended for live performances and did not just become part of the outdoor eating area. Commission recommended that applicant develop a hybrid design, and continue that portion of the item until such time as the applicant returns with a revised site plan that also illustrates how the area would look with and without performances. Planning Commission Minutes 3 August 14, 2006