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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 07-10-1978 Planning Commission Min✓' , July 10, 1978 Page 1 `/1. 1362ND ZONING UNIT - RIDER DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION - Petition to Approved reclassify from the H-1 (Highway Commercial) District to the PD 78-97 (Planned Development) District to permit construction of an office complex and ancillary commercial uses (i.e. bank and restaurant), an 8.08 acre site located in the block bounded by San Ramon Road, Dublin Boulevard, Donlon Way, and I-580 Freeway, Dublin, unincor- porated Alameda County. Mr. Fry presented the staff report. He noted that the Alameda County Parks, Recreation, and Historical Commission recommended that a condition 22 be added to the list of conditions to enable greater control over the restoration of the building. He noted that a copy of the letter has been furnished each member of the Planning Commission. Mr. Fry pointed out that it is questionable whether the Commission should require that the Green Store meet as closely as possible the National Registry Standards when it is not yet known whether it will qualify for the National Registry. He also noted that the Alameda County Parks, Recreation, and Historical Commission cannot be delegated the power it asked for of final approval of the site Green Store restoration, though it is important that the plans be referred to them for recommendation. He recommended that the Commission adopt the Negative Declaration and resolution and recommended to the Board that the project site be reclassified to the PD District per the staff recommendation. Commissioner Douglas asked if there is provision for carrying a pedestrian orientation throughout the project and asked for staff comment on the letter from the Valley Community Services District. Mr. Fry advised that vehicle and pedestrian areas are well separated. He noted that the Dublin San Ramon Services District's preliminary recreation plan shows Donlon Way as a pedestrian mall. He noted that the plan has not yet been adopted so it has no official status even at the District level. He noted that the staff has proposed that a special street design study be made to keep Donlon Way as free as possible from traffic. Commissioner Shockley asked if the number of parking places should be reduced to provide a more park like area. Mr. Fry advised that the number shown on the map will have to be reduced to accommodate staff recommended conditions, beyond that he didn't think that the Commission would want to attempt to second guess the developer if he wishes to provide more parking than the County standard. Commissioner Upshaw believed that the Commission should be cautious about requiring compliance with unknown standards of the National Registry. Mr. Fry agreed and said that such standards could limit the project beyond what the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors would intend. He suggested that the Commission could use a condition that said that the standards should be referred to and used as a guideline. He noted that the Commission will be reviewing the final plan for the Green Store and they will need criteria on which to base this evaluation. Commissioner Tully suggested that Condition 17 is sufficiently broad with a minor amendment relative to using the National Registry for guidelines. He didn't believe that Condition 22 is necessary as it is too vague. He indicated that the County could retain control but have the flexibility that they need. Commissioner Tissol suggested that the condition be modified to read "a comparison of the restoration plans with the standards of the state and national guidelines shall be made and a plan to meet those guidelines submitted. The feasibility of meeting those guidelines shall be up to the Planning Director." She asked if they would meet the intent of Commissioner Tully. Planning Commission Mir....es July 10, 1978 Page 2 1. (continued): Commissioner Shockley asked if this would also include reference to the Park, Recreation and Historical Committee. Commissioner Tissol replied affirmatively. Mrs. Sybil Judd representing Rider Development Company advised that she has a copy of the guidelines from the office of the State of California and they do allow you to add onto the building as long as it is compatible with the original design. She indicated that is as close as she could come to guidelines and these are printed by the Secretary of the Interior. She noted that the parking area is within the Earthquake Fault Zone so there isn't much that they can do because of the earthquake fault. She offered to answer any questions. Mrs. Dagmar Fulton, Livermore Amador Valley Historical Society said that her Society endorses this project and they feel that this project should be allowed to proceed. Mr. Richard Fleridenheim of the Parks, Recreation and Historical Commission, explained that his Commission has recommended that the Green Store be designated a "point of historical interest" by the State. He also noted that there is an application pending at the National Registry and they would hope that whatever restoration is done to the store would meet the guidelines of the National Registry. Commissioner Tissol believed that the concerns of the Commission are taken care of by Condition 17 with the addition suggested by the Commission. Ms. Marie Cronin of the Dublin Historical Preservation Society indicated that they are not against this development per sebut they do have some concerns. She noted that this site is the main entrance to Dublin and they are concerned about the historical resources on the site. She said that a review committee of DHPA met with Mr. Stu Rider and they would submit the following report. (A copy of the report is on file with the Planning Department.) She said that the "Dublin Preservation Review Committee" recom- mends that the following points be considered and be conditions for zoning: a) That Historical Preservation District zoning be considered; b) Green Store to maintain its historical integrity. The exterior be restored as it appears in the early photos. c) That the restoration be completed and the building be occupied in the first phase of the development. d) That the plans of the addition be part of the HP zoning. That the addition be detached from the original "Green Store" by a breezeway or connecting "galleria." That the addition maintain the National Registry guidelines of "The Integrity of the Green Store". e) That the-"Green Store" not be left vacant more than 3 days prior to start of restoration. That it be adequately fenced to protect it from vandalism. f) That the recommendations of the preliminary archaeological report be followed. g) That an EIR should be considered. h) That the Alameda County Point of Historical Interest designation be allowed to proceed before the Board of Supervisors. She said the National Registry in Washington, D.C. this morning said they feel that before 30 days are up - the designation should be finalized. She requested that there be a 20 to 30 day continuance for archaeological and initial EIR Study. She also expressed concern that there will be 500 employees with no park or lunch area; traffic on Donlon Way should use the southern most driveway at the end of Donlon Way. She endorsed the staff recommendation to open the median on Dublin Boulevard. Commissioner Tully was excused from the meeting at 2:15 p.m. Ms. Judd advised that the entrance at the back of Donlon Way is required by the Fire District and the Rider Company has no control over that requirement. She also advised that they will make this a service entrance in order to cut down on traffic on Donlon Way. She said that is the only way they could leave it open and yet meet the fire District standards. t n /'.\ Planning Commission Mint July 10, 1978 Page 3 1. (continued): She said that they met with the Historical Society and asked for their input. She felt that that could accommodate their objectives and the desires of the Historical Society. She indicated that they are willing to work within any guidelines that will allow them to proceed and yet meet their own objectives. Ms. Judd said that insofar as a continuance as developers they have deadlines to meet and they are scheduled by the year. A 30 day postponement at this stage would require them to wait another year and she did not know their financial position as far as allocating for restoration for the Green Store if they must delay construction another year. She suggested that hopefully the Historical Society members can help them keep an eye on the property itself and pointed out that at present they have no control over the property, they have an option on the property and have filed plans for development. She also advised that Mr. Burton, President of the Dublin Historical Society, suggested that possibly the employees could use their picnic area across the street. Commissioner Upshaw favored a measure that would make sure that the building is not destroyed by vandalism. He indicated that the property should remain occupied until the close of escrow. Ms. Judd said that would be fine with them, that they plan to start construction a week after they close escrow and she didn't know of any way to guarantee occupancy other than leaving the existing tenant there until that date. Mr. Fry noted that Condition 17 requires that the developer submit a plan for the protection of the Green Store during periods of vacancy. Mr. Fraley pointed out that the County cannot control the property until this developer wants to exercise the zoning. Commissioner Tissol said that the Commission indicated their thinking that the site could be protected by occupancy of the premises by a caretaker or a student. Mr. Dave Burton, President of the Dublin Heritage Association, and member of \ Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Briarhills Homes Association indicated that the DHA is interested in this project and they would support the staff recom- mendation on this project. He indicated that there is no real handle on what will happen if the developer does not leave the present tenant in until construction. He asked if there could be a condition that would tie the approval of criteria of the National Registry. Mr. Tom Fahey resident of Briarhill Hill urged that the Commission adopt measures to insure protection of this historical site. He commended the citizens of the Historical Society for their efforts in preserving this building. Chairman Bernhardt noted that at the time that the site development plan is filed the developer will have to comply with all the conditions set forth by the County. Commissioner Tissol referred to the proposed Condition 17 and suggested that line 3 be amended by omitting the phrase . . . inside the structure. She also questioned the use of the term "as near to the large, old walnut trees as possible" as found in Condition 18. Mr. Fry indicated that the object is to move the driveway as near to the Rider Development as possible without disturbing the trees. Chairman Bernhardt called for a motion which would incorporate the suggestions of staff and the other conditions that the Commission may wish to change. Planning Commission Miny^r July 10, 1978 Page 4 1. (continued): Commissioner Tissol requested that the minutes show that the Commission favors the retention of the integrity of the building. Commissioner Shockley suggested that Condition 17 be modified to say architectural integrity. Commissioner Shockley moved that the Commission approve the application subject to the changes requested by staff, deletion of #7, change in 118, revision of #17 as discussed, and omitting #22. Seconded by Commissioner Risteika and carried with Commissioner Tully excused. (See Resolution #78-97.) Ms. Cronin asked if parking could be restricted on Donlon Way. Mr. Fraley indicated that the intent of the Commission could be transmitted to the Director of Public Works and that specific actions restricting parking on public streets is not a function of zoning. 2. 1361ST ZONING UNIT - RONALD STALEY AND GEORGE MIRANDE - Petition Approved to reclassify one lot, containing approximately 9,100 square feet, 78-98 from the C-1-S (Retail Business - Sign Control) District, to the C-2-S (General Commercial - Sign Control) District, located at 21120 Redwood Road, at the northeast corner of the intersection with Pine Street, Castro Valley. Mr. Henn presented the staff report. He recommended that the subject property be reclassified PD, allowing all uses of the C-1-S District and in addition a drycleaning establishment. Mr. George Mirande was present and advised that a drycleaning business must meet standards of the Fire Marshall regarding solvent emissions. He agreed with the staff recommendation. Commissioner Douglas moved staff recommendation; Seconded by Commissioner Tissol and carried with Commissioner Tully excused. (See Resolution #78-98.) 3. 1363RD ZONING UNIT - HARRY AND LOIS KALSBEEK - Petition to Continued to reclassify one lot, containing 6,125 square feet, from the R-1 7-24-78 (Single Family Residence) District, to the C-1-S (Retail Business - Sign Control) District, located at 3423 Pine Street, south side, 141 feet east of Redwood Road, Castro Valley. Mr. Henn presented the staff report. He recommended that the Commission take public testimony and continue the matter to July 24, 1978 for staff evaluation of petitioners testimony and Planning Commission action on the petition. Commissioner Shockley indicated that she understands that there is a need for a traffic outlet from the mortuary next to this property out to Pine Street. Mr. Henn indicated that when a median is installed in Redwood Road there will be an access problem. Mr. Herb Way, realtor representing the applicant submitted a rendering which illustrates what the Doctor intends to erect on Redwood Road. He said that the requirement for parking is such that the small lot that was zoned commercial last year is not sufficient to accommodate the use. He indicated that none of the existing residences have been removed as they intend to retain them until they are certain that there is sufficient parking for the building he intends. Mr. Way said that in regard to conformity to the general plan, the recent amendment to the Castro Valley Plan would allow office uses provided the full property fronts on a major thoroughfare. He said that in regard to changed conditions, proper parking should be afforded to the offices and additional property is necessary to enable provision of the additional parking. He also noted that this property is contiguous to the property zoned C-1-S and