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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-27-2007 PC Minutes Planning Commission Minutes CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL A special meeting of the City of Dublin Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, February 27, 2007, in the Council Chambers located at 100 Civic Plaza. Chair Schaub called the meeting to order at 4:32 p.m. Present: Chair Schaub, Vice Chair Wehrenberg, Commissioners Biddle, King, and Tomlinson; Mary Jo Wilson, Planning Manager; Erica Fraser, Senior Planer; Kristi Bascom, Consultant Planner; Larry Cannon, Consultant Architect; and Rhonda Franklin, Recording Secretary. ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO THE AGENDA - NONE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS The February 13, 2007 minutes were approved as submitted. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NONE CONSENT CALENDAR - NONE WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - NONE PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE NEW OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9.1 Study Session: P A 06-061 Grafton Station - Site Development Review and Stage 2 Planned Development Minor Amendment. Chair Schaub asked for the Staff Report. Ms. Erica Fraser, Senior Planner, presented the specifics of the project as outlined in the Staff Report. Chair Schaub asked about the parcels that will be built by other developers. Ms. Fraser explained that the parcels will be built by other developers because the parcels are not currently a part of this project and the developer of the parcels is unknown at this time. Chair Schaub ask if this project is directly across from the proposed Promenade at Dublin Ranch, and Ms. Fraser said yes. Chair Schaub asked if the steps of the building at the corner of Dublin Boulevard and Grafton Street would be constructed as proposed in the Site Development Review, and Ms. Fraser said yes. Cm. Tomlinson asked if the steps would flatten as they connect to the adjacent building, and Ms. Fraser said yes. . !J'fanning Commission Specia{~eetiTI{J 18 'Fe6ruary 27, 2007 Cm. Tomlinson asked about the building materials that would be used for the project, and Ms. Fraser showed the Planning Commission the materials board for the project. Cm. Biddle asked for a general update of the properties surrounding the project. Ms. Fraser gave a brief update on the development of the properties surrounding the project. Cm. Biddle asked if Lowes is in the plan check process, and Ms. Fraser said yes. Cm. Biddle asked about development activity on Pad A of the project site. Ms. Fraser explained that an application has not yet been submitted for Pad A. Chair Schaub asked about the status of the construction of Grafton Street. Ms. Fraser explained that Grafton Street would be built as part of the Lowes project. Vice Chair Wehrenberg asked about the parking and traffic circulation for the project. Ms. Fraser pointed out the proposed parking areas and traffic circulation routes on the diagram. Vice Chair Wehrenberg expressed concern about the types of shrubbery that would be planted near the ends of the parking aisles. She stated that she would like the shrubbery to be low growing so as not to block oncoming traffic. Ms. Fraser stated that she would discuss the types of shrubbery with the project Development Team. Cm. Tomlinson asked about the type of material that would be used for the metal roofs. Ms. Fraser explained that the roofs would be finished with copper and would fade to a green color over time. Cm. Tomlinson asked about the location of the proposed fountain. A member of the Development Team pointed out the location of the fountain on the diagram. Cm. Biddle asked about the traffic circulation of delivery trucks. Ms. Fraser pointed out the proposed delivery truck circulation route on the diagram. Chair Schaub invited members of the Development Team to speak about the project. Mr. Christopher Koch, Architect, explained that the roof would either be a roof with a copper veneer or a full copper roof. Chair Schaub asked if the keystone arches would be made of foam. Mr. Dave Chadbourne, of McKay & Somps, stated that the arches would not be made of foam. Vice Chair Wehrenberg expressed concern about the quality and detail of the proposed veneer finishes. A member of the Development Team explained that the quality of veneers has improved. He further explained that the intention of the Development Team is to use authentic materials and to stay away from foam materials. Cm. Tomlinson complimented the Development Team on the design of the project. He stated that he may have a potential concern with how the use of ceramic tiles would look. A member !J'fanniTI{J Commission Specia{ ~ eetiTI{J 19 'Fe6ruary 27, 2007 of the Development Team explained that the tile would be glazed porcelain which will result in a transparent look. Vice Chair Wehrenberg expressed concern about the potential of the tile to show cracks. A member of the Development Team explained that because porcelain is normally on the ground and carries impact load, it is less likely to crack if placed above ground. Cm. King asked how the concrete block wall would look. A member of the Development Team explained that the design of the concrete block wall is still in development. Vice Chair Wehrenberg asked about the height of the shrubberies in the parking areas. A member of the Development Team stated that the shrubberies would be 2 - 2.5 feet high. Cm. King asked about the view of the plaza area from the parking areas. A member of the Development Team described how the plaza area would look from the parking areas. Cm. King asked about the width of the sidewalks along Dublin Boulevard and Grafton Street. A member of the Development Team explained that the sidewalks would range from 8 -12 feet wide. Cm. Biddle stated that he would like to ensure that the Dublin Boulevard and Grafton Street intersection is pedestrian friendly. He stated that he likes the architectural emphasis on stone and brick, and the minimization of stucco. He further stated that he likes the 4-sided architecture, the mix of building elevations, and the orientation of the building and parking areas. Vice Chair Wehrenberg commented that she likes the treatment of the trash areas. She asked if the parking areas would contain motorcycle parking stalls. Ms. Fraser explained that due to an overabundance of parking stalls on the site, motorcycle parking stalls would not be required. Cm. King complemented the Development Team on the design of the project. He stated that he would like to see more drama added to the Dublin Boulevard and Grafton Street intersection. He further stated that he would prefer a more open and inviting separation between the parking and plaza areas. Cm. Biddle stated that he would like to see the landscape improve in five years and not disappear. Ms. Fraser stated that the project would carry the standard conditions of approval for landscape maintenance. Cm. Tomlinson asked if the roof lines would be deep enough to screen HV AC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) equipment, and Ms. Fraser said yes. Chair Schaub stated that he is thoroughly pleased with the project. He commented that the graphics submitted for the project were highly appropriate. The Planning Commission thanked the Development Team for their efforts on the project and for working with Staff. <PfanniTI{J Commission Speciaf.'M eeting 20 'Fe6ruary 27, 2007 9.2 Study Session: Design Review discussion for a future retail commercial project. Chair Schaub asked for the Staff Report. Ms. Kristi Bascom, Consultant Planner, presented the specifics of the project as outlined in the Staff Report. Chair Schaub asked about the potential of having one or two anchor stores in this project. Mr. Jim Wright, of Blake Hunt Ventures, explained that there would be one or two anchor stores in this project that would each range up to 50,000 square feet. Ms. Bascom asked for Planning Commission feedback on the desired mixture of uses for the project. The Planning Commission gave the following feedback: . One or two anchor stores would be appropriate for this project. . Pedestrian and child-friendly areas and establishments. . Good mixture of retail and restaurant businesses. . Dramatic statement that announces the project. . Stores should have double-sided entries for customers. . Traffic could run through project depending on safety and design. Ms. Bascom asked for Planning Commission feedback on the pad and parking layout of the project. The Planning Commission gave the following feedback: . Pads should be well integrated within the site. . Efficient traffic circulation throughout site. . Parking areas should not encircle the site. . Main pedestrian area should be centralized within the site. Ms. Bascom asked for Planning Commission feedback on the architectural design of the project. The Planning Commission gave the following feedback: . Themed architecture with integrated traditional corporate designs. . A well designed variety in elevations. Ms. Bascom asked for Planning Commission feedback on the following design elements: . Signage The Planning Commissioners stated that they would like to see a mixture of different styles of high quality signage without neon features. . Paving Treatment The Planning Commissioners stated that they would like to see a variety of paving treatments that are warm and inviting, yet not too busy as to detract from the buildings. !J'fanni1l{J Commission Speciaf ~eetiTI{J 21 'Fe6ruary 27,2007 . Pedestrian Amenities The Planning Commissioners stated that they would like pedestrian friendly amenities such as benches, tables, plants, trees and child play areas; all of which should be scattered throughout the project. . Plazas and Outdoor Seating The Planning Commissioners stated that they would like to see a variety of well designed pedestrian friendly plaza and outdoor seating areas. . Walkway Design The Planning Commissioners stated that they would like to see wide, comfortable, and well landscaped walkways that are safe and that separate pedestrians from street traffic. . Landscape Elements The Planning Commissioners stated that they would like to see a variety of interesting and high quality plants that would continually flourish with time. . Roof Elements The Planning Commissioners stated that the roof design should depend on the architectural style of the project. There should be various roof designs that are well integrated with the architectural style of the project. . Building Forms The Planning Commissioners stated that they would like to see an open look with hanging plant and flower pots. . Building Materials The Planning Commissioners stated that they would like to see a variety of high quality building materials along with the use of high quality elements to break up any massing. They stated that they would like to see emphasis on brick, stone, wood and glass materials, while minimizing the use of stucco. . Parking Areas The Planning Commissioners stated that they would like to see differentiation in the materials used for the parking areas. . Outdoor Displays of Merchandise The Planning Commissioners stated that they would like to see outdoor displays that create pedestrian friendly environments, as opposed to the front of the store being used as a storage area. . Building Base Treatments The Planning Commissioners stated that they would like to see purposeful and high quality materials used for building base treatments. The Planning Commissioners commented that improper use of loading and/ or trash areas could ruin the project. PfanrliTI{J Commission Speciaf~eetiTI{J 22 'Fe6ruary 27, 2007 Mr. Jim Wright, of Blake Hunt Ventures, stated that double-sided entrances could impede the natural occurrence of a centralized gathering area for pedestrians that would otherwise form with one entrance area. Cm. Tomlinson stated that multiple entrances could work for anchor tenants. The Planning Commission thanked Blake Hunt Ventures for working with Staff and for sponsoring the Retail/ Commercial Developments in the Bay Area field trip that was held on February 12, 2007. OTHER BUSINESS 10.1 Brief INFORMATION ONLY reports from the Planning Commission and/or Staff, including Committee Reports and Reports by the Planning Commission related to meetings attended at City Expense (AB 1234). The Planning Commission did not have any items to report. ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 7:06 p.m. R~#~ Plan'iring ommission Chair !J'fanni1l{J ('ommission speciof'M eeti1l{J 23 'Fe6ruary 27, 2007