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as proposed. He stated that he was in agreement with the findings and recommendations of Mr. Kaliski's analysis. Commissioner Mill expressed concerns with lack of open space and found the project to be reminiscent of poorly designed apartment complexes built in Santa Ana in the 1970s and 80s. He emphasized the need to outreach to the Sandpointe neighborhood and stated that he thought the project might not be well received. He also expressed concerns with the project's limited ingress/egress • and circulation. Commissioner Yrarrazaval made comparisons to the Geneva Commons project stating that the proposed project did not match the quality of that which is currently entitled. He expressed disapproval with the lack of landscape setbacks, lack of open space, and of the square footage per unit design. Commissioner Nalle stated the project is over-built, dealing with only two acres for 319 units; recommended going to back to three acres usage. Mr. Bisno indicated the long term proposal for the remaining acre is to construct a high rise project, but that no plans have been made. Commissioner Nalle asked if the project's coverage of the two acres could be reduced if directed by the Planning Commission. Mr. Bisno stated that the project coverage could not be reduced by much. Commissioner Nalle also recommended that there should be a break in the median on First American Way to allow for a left turn lane. Commissioner Acosta stated that the project design looks overcrowded and not appealing. He stated that, while the architect had described the building's "blocky" design as being appropriate, that the City would like to try to get away from the blockiness of the existing buildings. He stated that the new Lyon project, also by Chris Coe, is a much better design. He expressed concerns with the lack of landscape setbacks, that the design was not showing enough greenery and that • he would like to see a more friendly and visionary development. He also emphasized the need to do extensive outreach to the Sandpointe neighborhood. He stated that the project just wasn't there in terms of its design and that he was looking for more in establishing a sense of place for the area. Chairman Alderete stated that the project resembles some of the large apartment complexes being constructed along Jamboree in Irvine, which are not a good architectural fit for the MacArthur Place South area. In terms of the unit mix, he stated that the over-abundance of one-bedroom units does not meet the community's needs. He noted that the overall low-rise scale of the project is inconsistent with the surrounding building type. He requested information on projects already constructed by the developer, Vineyards Development. Mr. Ogulnick responded that they did not have any projects in Orange County, but had some in Los Angeles and Riverside counties. The Commission requested more information regarding Vineyard Development's specific projects. Chairman Alderete expressed concern with the lack of master planning over the entire three- acre site and felt that this project was lacking in quality. Chairman Alderete also stated any possible development of the remaining acre was not germane to the Commission's deliberation of the project before it. Mr. Kaliski summarized the analysis provided in his detailed memo and was in agreement with the Commissioners' comments regarding the project's design deficiencies. • 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS (on non-agenda items) No public members spoke. Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 7 May 23, 2011