HomeMy WebLinkAboutA - 01-14-19 PC Minutes
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2019
ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA
January 14, 2019
CALLED TO ORDER COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA
5:47 P.M.
ATTENDANCE COMMISSIONERS Present:
ERIC ALDERETE
DAVID BENAVIDES
CYNTHIA CONTRERAS-LEO, Vice Chair
MARK MCLOUGHLIN, Chair
ANGIE CANO
KENNETH NGUYEN
LYNETTE VERINO
COMMISSIONERS Absent:
None.
PLANNING & BUILDING AGENCY STAFF Present:
MINH THAI, Executive Director
CANDIDA NEAL, Planning Manager
LISA STORCK, Assistant City Attorney
VINCE FREGOSO, Principal Planner
SELENA KELAHER, Associate Planner
PEDRO GOMEZ, Associate Planner
SARAH BERNAL, Recording Secretary
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS (on non-agenda items): None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 10, 2018
MOTION: Approve Minutes.
MOTION: Alderete SECOND: Nguyen
VOTE: AYES: Alderete Contreras-Leo, McLoughlin, Nguyen, Verino (5)
NOES: None (0)
ABSTAIN: Benavides, Cano (2)*
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2019
ABSENT: None (0)
B. EXCUSED ABSENCES
MOTION: Excuse absent commission members: Alderete
MOTION: Alderete SECOND: Nguyen
VOTE: AYES: Alderete Contreras-Leo, McLoughli, Nguyen, Verino (5)
NOES: None (0)
ABSTAIN: Benavides, Cano (2)*
ABSENT: None (0)
*Commissioners abstained as they were not in attendance at the December 10, 2018 meeting.
* * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR * **
BUSINESS CALENDAR ITEMS
PUBLIC HEARING
1. DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENT APPLICATION NO. 2018-01 TO ALLOW
CONSTRUCTION OF A 93-UNIT MULTI-FAMILY AFFORDABLE RENTAL RESIDENTIAL
PROJECT LOCATED AT 609 NORTH SPURGEON STREET – NATIONAL COMMUNITY
RENAISSANCE OF CALIFORNIA, APPLICANT
Legal noticed published in the Orange County Reporter on January 4, 2019 and notices
mailed on January 4, 2019.
Case Planner Pedro Gomez provided a presentation which included information on the
following:
• Project Description
• Site Aerial
• Adjacent Neighborhoods
• Site Plan
• Elevations
• Density Bonus Calculation
• Requested
Incentives/Concessions
• Project Analysis
Commission discussion ensued regarding the site plan review process and by-right
development. Commissioner Cano suggested that the project be changed from 100%
affordable to mixed-income, as originally proposed.
The applicant spoke in support of the project as proposed.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2019
Written communication in opposition to the matter was received from Tim Rush.
Chair McLoughlin opened the Public Hearing.
The below speakers support the project. Statements in support of the matter were generally
made regarding the property owner’s desire to continue their ministries by providing housing
and the benefit the project will have on the community as it provides housing to those in
need.
• Ivan Rodriguez
• Kerry Wright
• Ruben Esponda
• Adiel DePano
• Doug Gillen
• Nina Khiv
• Deborah Gillen
• Jose Sanchez
The below speakers oppose the project. Statements in opposition to the matter were
generally made regarding safety, inadequate parking, opposition to the demolition of a
church, inadequate time for public review, and benefits the two churches renting the property
provide to the community.
• Mike Rakhshani
• Jeff Dickman
• Debbie McEwen
• Joel Solis
• Gabriel Hernandez
• Jules (last name not provided)
• Adelina Navarra
• Amelia Sanchez
• Jessica Barnoso
• Amalia Ventura
• Shadi Allamehzedeh
The applicant responded to speakers’ concerns indicating that a community meeting was
held on November 27, 2018 and notice was mailed to those residing within a 500’ radius of
the project site; a community service center located on the project site will be accessible to
the neighborhood residents and provide support services to the community.
Chair McLoughlin made a final call for public comments. The following spoke on the
matter:
• Jevon Crane – both sides should be considered.
There were no other speakers and the Public Hearing was closed.
Commission discussion ensued regarding the applicant’s financing timeline, by-right
development, community meetings, and inadequate parking. Commission announced that
the matter before them was only to consider the Density Bonus Agreement and generally
agreed that there is a need for affordable housing. Commissioner Cano and Nguyen
dissented citing concern with inadequate parking and the demolition of a religious building.
MOTION: Adopt a resolution approving Density Bonus Agreement Application No.
2018-01 as conditioned.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2019
MOTION: Alderete SECOND: Contreras-Leo
VOTE: AYES: Alderete, Benavides, Contreras-Leo, McLoughlin, Nguyen,
Verino (6)
NOES: Cano, Nguyen (2)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
2. FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NO. 2018-01, DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT NO. 2018-01, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2018-06 AND
AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO. 2018-10 FOR THE PROPOSED MULTI-FAMILY
DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 2525 NORTH MAIN STREET – AC2525 Main Street, LLC,
APPLICANT
Matter continued from the meeting held on November 26, 2018 by a vote of 4:1 (Verino
absent).
Legal notice published in the Orange County Register on January 4, 2019 and notices
mailed on January 4, 2019.
The following disclosures were made:
• Commissioner Contreras-Leo – contacted by the developer.
• Commissioner Alderete – contacted by the developer.
• Commissioner Verino – met with neighborhood leader, Dale Helvig.
• Commissioner Nguyen – received the video presentation from the developer.
• Chair McLoughlin – met with the developer’s representative, Pam Sapetto, and
neighborhood leader, Dale Helvig.
Commissioner Cano recused herself from the matter due to a political contribution received
from the developer in 2018. She left the meeting and did not return.
Case Planners Fregoso and Kelaher provided a presentation which included information on
the following:
• Entitlements
• Project Overview
• Aerial Photo
• Site Plan
• Development Agreement
• Conceptual Park Improvements
• Environmental Impact Report
• General Plan Amendment
• Amendment Application
• Public Participation
• Project Access
• Secondary Access
• Traffic
• Parking
• Density
• Height
• Neighborhood Characteristics
• Economic Analysis
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2019
Case Planners Fregoso and Kelaher responded to Commission inquiries regarding parking,
the parking management plan, architectural design, cumulative impacts of projects in
surrounding area, Walkie-Way site access, current zoning, and the Development
Agreement terms. Questions relating to traffic congestion and Level of Service were answed
by Ruben Castenada, Public Works Agency.
The applicant’s representative, Pam Sapetto, spoke in support of the matter and provided a
video presentation.
Written communication in support of the matter was received by the following individuals:
• Lewis & Jeanette Wood (2)
• Tim Johnson
• Alfredo Quitral
• Elizabeth Hansburg
Written communication in opposition of the matter was received by the following individuals:
• Darcie Cancino
• Kelly Medina
• J.J. Janis
• Diane Fradkin
• Laborers International Union of
North America, Local Union
No. 652
• Bill Bonnett
• Dale Helvig (2)
• Roger Allen
• Flor Barajas-Tena
• Alan Fuller
• Washington Square
Neighborhood Association
• Eric Rosenburg
• Angela Solis
• Tim Rush
Chair McLoughlin opened the Public Hearing.
The below speakers support the project and cited the following reasons: project is
supported by the Discovery Cube Board, provides additional housing to help alleviate the
housing shortage; positive impact on the local economy; located on an arterial road; existing
zoning (Professional Office) will produce more traffic than what is being proposed; Housing
Accountability Act limits ability of local agencies to deny projects; and Level of Service as a
qualitative measure to analyze traffic flow will eventually be eliminated.
• James Walkie Ray
• Jessie Arren
• Lydia Notoola
• Judy Amador
• George Atalla
• Arianne
• Alan
• Jensen
• Matthew Miller
• Gilbert Rojas
• Freddy Arbiso
• Michael A.
• Vanessa Ramirez
• Alex Ramirez
• Bailey Marrs
• Rey Ferdin
• Vince Romo
• Irma Montagalano
• Richard Lopez
• Daniel Ortiz
• Robert Placencio
• Paul Morales
• Veronica Morales
• Yvette Estrada
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2019
• Annette Arellano
• Lisa Flores
• Erica Estrada
• Chris
• Cassius Rutherford
• Elizabeth Hansburg
• Tim Johnson
The below speakers oppose the project and expressed concern with the following:
Development Agreement terms and conditions; inadequate parking; density; bulk/scale;
increased traffic; site access; cumulative impact of other projects; increased noise,
discrepancies within the Environmental Impact Report i.e. closure of the I-5 HOV lane,
impacts of the Main Place Mall project, air quality, mitigation measures, and traffic impacts;
proposed General Plan Amendment from Professional Office to District Center;
incompatibility of the project with the surrounding neighborhood; possible decline of the
existing neighborhood; unaffordability of the apartment units; removal of the existing palm
trees along project site; close proximity of the project to the residential neighborhood;
unwillingness of the Developer to work with the neighborhood; questionable actions by the
Developer; and campaign contributions made by the Developer to Council members.
• Suzanne Blav
• Gary Crane
• Patty Maize
• Rory Kirk
• Clay
• Phil Schaefer
• Rob Richardson
• Edward Ganz
• Lisa Ganz
• Brian Poteraj
• Sharon Gullikson
• Thomas Cartnegan
• Christine Denny-Helvig
• Jeff Dresser
• Gary Hendricks
• Peter Katz
• Genelle Johnson
• David Pockett
• Esther Lopez
• Frank Lopez
• Sue McDonald
• Kelly Medina
• Adriana De La Rosa
• Justin Chapman
• Paul Maag
• Peggy Steggell
• Steve Gorgone
• Madrigal Cancino
• Patricia Coleman
• Darcie Cancino
• Dale Helvig
• Karyn Igar
• Deborah Hicks
• Jeffrey Katz
• Mike Plantamura
• Marilyn Fuller
• John Fradkin
• Bill Bonnett*
• Art Mendelsohn
• Noah Garrison
• Cathy Morehead
• Steve Swytak
• Michael O’Valle
• Jane Chapman
• David Slaton
• Dimitri Luja
• Michelle O’Valle
*submitted a petition opposing the project with over 500 signatures.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2019
The following speaker maintained a neutral position commenting that if the project is
approved, local licensed carpenters should be hired to construct the building.
• Rich Gomez
There were no other speakers and the Public Hearing was closed.
The applicant’s representative, Pam Sapetto, spoke further in support of the matter and
requested that the Commission approve the project.
Commission discussion ensued.
A majority of the Commission did not express support for the project. Commission generally
cited the following as reasons for not supporting the project: too dense, inadequate parking,
incompatible with the nearby Park Santiago neighborhood, and strong opposition from the
neighborhood residents.
Commissioners Alderete and Benavides dissented, citing the following as reasons for
supporting the project: improves economic development, is situated in a prime location, and
will provide 1.6 million which will be used for affordable housing.
MOTION:
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution certifying Final Environmental Impact Report No. 2018-01
(SCH No. 2018021031), adopt environmental findings of fact pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act, adopt a Statement of Overriding
Considerations, adopt Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and
approve the proposed project.
2. Adopt an ordinance approving the Development Agreement No. 2018-01.
3. Adopt a resolution approving General Plan Amendment No. 2018-06.
4. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2018-10 for
Specific Development No. 93.
MOTION: Benavides SECOND: Alderete
VOTE: AYES: Alderete, Benavides (2)
NOES: Contreras-Leo, McLoughlin, Nguyen, Verino (4)
ABSTAIN: Cano (1)*
ABSENT: None (0)
*Commissioner Cano recused.
**Vote taken by roll call. Motion Fails.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2019
MOTION:
Recommend that the City Council deny the following:
1. Adopt a resolution certifying Final Environmental Impact Report No. 2018-01 (SCH
No. 2018021031), adopt environmental findings of fact pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act, adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations, adopt
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and approve the proposed project.
2. Adopt an ordinance approving the Development Agreement No. 2018-01.
3. Adopt a resolution approving General Plan Amendment No. 2018-06.
4. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2018-10 for Specific
Development No. 93.
MOTION: Contreras-
Leo
SECOND: Nguyen
VOTE: AYES: Contreras-Leo, McLoughlin, Nguyen, Verino (4)
NOES: Alderete, Benavides (2)
ABSTAIN: Cano (1)*
ABSENT: None (0)
*Commissioner Cano recused.
**Vote taken by roll call.
***END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR***
COMMENTS
3. STAFF COMMENTS: None.
4. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
All Commissioners welcomed Commissioner Benavides and Commissioner Cano as new
members and thanked staff.
Commissioner Nguyen
• Encouraged everyone to celebrate Vietnamese New Year on February 9 in Little Saigon
11:59 P.M. ADJOURNMENT –The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 28,
2019 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, California.
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