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by Alan Lawson cited inconsistencies with the general plan. The public hearing <br />was opened. <br />Public speakers: <br />Robert Odle, representing the property owners, spoke in support of the project <br />and requested certification of the EIR as a full and complete analysis. He <br />introduced Scott Alan, representative of TAVA Development, who was available <br />to address technical issues. <br />Jeannie Gillett, President of The Old Orchard Conservancy (TOOC), stated that <br />the EIR: didn't adequately analyze alternatives to preserve the site, didn't provide <br />for adequate mitigation measures, contained project objectives that were too <br />specific and precluded the selection of any other alternatives as environmentally <br />superior. She also stated that she had not been able to access the EIR on-line. <br />Staff stated that the EIR had been posted in accordance with the law and that <br />several full sets were personally delivered to Ms. Gillett. <br />Deborah Rosenthal, representing TOOC and the California Preservation <br />Foundation, stated that she is a land use attorney and certified planner. She <br />commented that the EIR is inadequate due to its lack of mitigation measures and <br />failure to include any preservation alternatives. <br />Mathew Holbrook commented that the proposed variance for lot frontage could <br />not be supported due to the lack of any unique circumstances related to the size, <br />shape or topography of the property. <br />Nick Spain, representing TOOC, stated that the EIR is inadequate due to a lack <br />of alternatives that would preserve the property and mitigate impacts, that the <br />Hybrid Development Alternative was not a preservation alternative, that the Low <br />Density Alternative was too vague. Mr. Spain proposed a Commercial Orchard <br />' Alternative that would restore the orchard to its former commercial status with the <br />revenues generated from the sale of the fruit creating a revenue neutral, feasible <br />alternative. <br />Elaine Cali, representing TOOC, requested denial as there is a conflict with the <br />general plan and commented on the traffic impacts at the John Muir Elementary <br />School. <br />Ryan Bensley, Vice President of TOOC, emphasized the importance of <br />preserving the Sexlinger site. <br />Resident Patty Sigma-Maize emphasized the importance of preserving the <br />Sexlinger site and expressed concern with the potential for traffic impacts due to <br />traffic at John Muir Elementary School, and for incompatibly of the proposed two- <br />story houses with the existing neighborhood. <br />Resident Virginia Mayne, homeowner on Avalon and neighborhood <br />representative, stated that the trees still bear fruit, and that the neighbors object <br />to the opening of Lyon Street and that the proposed traffic calming measures will <br />be inadequate to address cut-through traffic. <br />' Lara Montague, Executive Director of Grain Project, emphasized the importance <br />of preserving the Sexlinger site as a community garden resource citing the Grain <br />Project's involvement with the Jerome Park community garden. She further <br />stated that the City could partner with community groups to farm the orchard, <br />which would generate revenue. <br />Alan Lawson, representing the Santa Ana Preservation Historical Society, stated <br />that the project is inconsistent with the General Plan and that the Statement of <br />Overriding Considerations is inadequate. He stated that he supports the City's <br />purchase of the property. <br />Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 of 8 February 11, 2013 <br />