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concerns that the proposed project might not support the City's previously adopted high-rise urban village vision for the area and that this was a policy shift that Commission must consider in evaluating the project. He commended the architect for making changes responsive to the Commission's previous comments. Commissioner Nalle asked staff to investigate the potential to allow an additional access point from the alley to the east of the site. Taig Higgins stated that staff . would research it. Mr. Bisno stated that he had accepted the proposed ingress/egress design as necessary for safety and supports it. Commissioner Yrarrazaval clarified that the project will have a condominium map to allow for future sales of the units. The architects provided the Commission with a materials/color board for their review. E. DISCUSSION OF THE CITY'S POLICIES REGARDING ALCOHOL LICENSES SAPD McCoy provided two additional handouts to the commissioners, Police Reporting District Map and common Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) definitions that are used with reporting criteria. Planning Manager Karen Haluza provided historical information regarding the city's policies for the regulation of alcohol sales. She referred to a map depicting the locations and number of existing on -sale and off -sale ABC licenses throughout the City and provided a presentation of the data contained in the staff memo included in the Planning Commission packet. Ms. Haluza made the recommendation that Planning staff undertake a study to evaluate the current effectiveness of the City's codes and policies related to the regulation of alcohol sales in order to provide for long-term consistency, insure continued public health • and safety, and respond to market demand. Commission discussion ensued regarding the need to create a process that is fair to all; that promotes business, and that reflects current and best practices for the regulation of alcohol sales. The Commission agreed that staff should study the City's current codes and policies regulating alcohol sales for potential changes to the code. The Commission will create an ad hoc committee to further study the issue. Public speakers: Ryan Chase, downtown property owner, stated that the City's policies need to provide more clarity for new businesses and to ensure that Santa Ana can be competitive with other cities. Archer Altstaetter, downtown business owner, expressed concern that the existing code was out -dated. Joey Mendes, owner of Proof Bar, expressed support for modifications to the code that would provide opportunities for more bars (Type 48 ABC license) to open. 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS (on non -agenda items) • No public comments were made. 2. STAFF COMMENTS No comments were made. Planning Commission Minutes 4 of 5 November 14, 2011