2012-03-19 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Pulido opened the Public Hearing at 6:35 p.m. There were no speakers or written communication and the hearing closed. Council discussion ensued. Councilmember Benavides, noted that has received variations of the proposed project with additional modifications made since the Planning Commission considered the item; asked Planning and Building Executive Director Trevino to comment on current status of the project. Trevino noted that staff has held additional meetings with applicant; applicant has made additional improvements to the project including reduced number of units, changed unit mix, reduced percent of tandem parking, increased open space, and broaden menu of amenities. Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez, indicated that project has been reviewed by the Planning Commission and staff; applicant has met several times with staff; Planning Commission raised questions that have since been addressed; and staff recommends project. Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez noted that approximately 700 jobs expected in the next 2 years; City will have public benefit fees derived from this project; advised that the Tower could be built at a later date. Councilmember Sarmiento, asked Executive Director Trevino to discuss original vision; noted that current proposed project is .6 acres smaller than original project, had 18 story tower of stacked condominiums and an 8 story tower over parking lot, current project has similar parking structure and identical number of units; difference is type of construction and layout, developer has taken original project and made amendments are before the City Council for consideration. Councilmember Sarmiento expressed desire to maintain some of the original vision for undeveloped lot; site allows for vertical construction; concerned with the Planning Commission's inability to come to a consensus on the project and also the size of remnant parcel that will be hard to develop; proposed that developer amend to .8 acres to allow for future development of a tower; City Council will have opportunity before the next City Council meeting to discuss Tower (before final adoption of ordinance). Councilmember Martinez, asked applicant if agreeable to amendments requested; CEQA not invalidated with proposed changes to remnant parcel size - applicant agreed; Executive Director Trevino noted that CEQA was okay since project decreasing in size. Councilmember Bustamante, opined that consistency important as well as maintaining original vision for the site. Councilmember Benavides, asked for decorative fencing /screening around vacant fenced parcel, integrated sitting area to be available around water feature and retail. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 13 MARCH 19, 2012