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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-2000 PC MinutesA regular meeting of the City of Dublin Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, April 11, 2000, in the Dublin Civic Center City Council Chambers. Vice Chairperson Oravetz called the meeting to order at 7:00. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners, Jennings, Johnson, Musser, and Oravetz; Eddie Peabody Jr., Community Development Director; Janet Harbin, Senior Planner; Andy Byde, Associate Planner; Regina Adams, Assistant Planner/Code Enforcement Officer; and Maria Carrasco, Recording Secretary. Absent: Cm. Hughes PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Cm. Oravetz led the Commission, Staff, and those present in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. The minutes from the March 14, 2000 were approved as submitted. ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO THE AGENDA - None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None WRITTEN COMMUNICATION - None PUBLIC HEARING 8.1 PA 99-036 - Enterprise-Rent-A-Car Conditional Use Permit (CUP) A Conditional Use Permit to establish a satellite car rental office to provide administrative services only at 6077 Dublin Boulevard. The proposed operating hours will be Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and closed on Sundays. Cm. Oravetz asked for the staff report. Ms. Adams presented the staff report. She stated that Enterprise Rent A Car has applied for a CUP to establish a satellite branch at 6077 Dublin Boulevard. The proposed satellite branch will facilitate the delivery of vehicles to auto dealerships, auto body shops, and other businesses in the area. The proposed site is compatible with other uses and does not adversely affect the health or safety of persons residing or Planning Commission 31 April 11, 2000 Regular Meeting working in the vicinity and the use is consistent with the General Plan. There are adequate provisions for public access to water, sanitation, public utilities and services within the existing commercial building. The site will have one employee and the operating hours are Monday through Friday 7:30a.m. to 6:00pm and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. The CUP shall be subject to an annual review by the Planning Department Staff and shall expire if the approved use ceases for a continuous one-year period. She stated that staffrecommends opening the public hearing, receive staffpresentation and adopt the resolution. Cm. Oravetz asked if anyone had any questions from Staff; hearing none he asked if the applicant was available. Chris Sparboro, Regional Manager, explained that the satellite office is different than their regular car rental sites. The satellite office will support the parent branch and helps service the customer. Cm. Jennings stated that there isn't enough parking to accommodate 2 full time employees and 1 part time employee. Ms. Adams stated that the part time employee would only work on Saturday. One of the full time employees will be driving cars back and forth between the 2 sites. It is anticipated that there will only be one full time employee at the satellite site. Mr. Sparboro stated that one of the full time employees is a manager that will have access to a rental car each night. The next morning the car is taken to an existing account site. Daniel Freedman, Enterprise Rent A Car stated that the second employee would not physically work at 6077 Dublin Boulevard. The employee would be renting cars from an existing account site such as Hacienda Motors or Dublin Auto Center. Cm. Jennings asked where the employee training would be conducted. Mr. Freedman stated that the training would be held at one of their dealership account sites or the 6867 Dublin Boulevard site. Cm. Oravetz asked if there were any other questions. Hearing none he closed the public hearing. On motion by Cm. Musser, and seconded by Cm. Jennings, with a vote of 4-0-1 with Cm. Hughes absent, the Planning Commission unanimously adopted RESOLUTION NO. 00 - 16 APPROVING PA 99-036 ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SATELLITE CAR RENTAL FACILITY WITHIN THE EXISTING FACILITY LOCATED AT 6077 DUBLIN BOULEVARD, MAGNUSSEN CAR WEST. Mr. Peabody asked the Planning Commission their opinion on the PowerPoint presentation Ms. Adams presented. Planning Commission 32 April I 1, 2000 Regular Meeting Cm. Jennings stated she liked the presentation. She asked if the future packets will include the same PowerPoint materials that Staff will be using for their presentation. Mr. Peabody stated that the packet materials may vary depending on the project. 9.1 NEW OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mr. Peabody explained that the City Council directed Staffto work on three Specific Plan studies. The Planning Commission will receive an update on Staff's progress on these three studies. The projects will require a public hearing before the Planning Commission and City Council at a future date. Janet Harbin presented a PowerPoint presentation. She explained that tonight's presentation is a status report on the development of the Downtown Specific Plan. A downtown task force did a study in 1998 and gave recommendations to the City Council. The City Council directed Staff on developing Downtown Specific Plans for three areas, the Village Parkway area, the Downtown Core, and the West Dublin Bart Station. The goals and objectives are to rejuvenate the three downtown areas and consultants have been hired to assist Staff. Staff presented an update to the City Council on April 4th. Staff will conduct development program testing in late April that will be finalized by mid May and complete the design standards and guidelines by the beginning of June. The draft specific plans will be completed in early July for Planning Commission review in August and City Council review in September. She stated Andy Byde will discuss the existing market conditions. Andy Byde stated that the consultants and Staff are working on a market-based approach for the three areas. The City does not have redevelopment opportunities. Staff has a summary of existing market conditions of square footage, floor area ratio, and tax revenue breakdown. The West Dublin Bart Area is 77 acres of area, the average floor area ratio is .36, and generates 9% of the City's tax revenue. The Downtown Core area is smaller with 54 acres of ama; the average floor area ratio is .23 and generates 29% of the City's tax revenue. The consultants found that the market demand for land uses in the area of Livermom, Dublin, Pleasanton and San Ramon is retail space rather than office space at the present time. He stated that there is a significant demand for residential units with approximately 2,700 additional units needed in the area based on ABAG's projections. Ms. Harbin will discuss conceptual land use scenarios that Staff has developed. Ms. Harbin stated that the main objective in presenting the draft concept plans is to have ideas on paper for feedback. The City Council may direct Staff to look at other alternatives in the future. The land uses proposed for the west Dublin Bart station specific plan will be industrial, retail and office use. The assumptions for the area include the Cor-o-van business relocating, and Crown Chevrolet to remain in the area. Also included as part of the land use plan is high-density residential units and a hotel. There are opportunities for additional retail development in the area. The Council asked Staff to develop a second alternative for the area with more flexible zoning. Cm. Johnson asked if Staff has talked to the landowners about the City's plans. Ms. Harbin stated that Staff has informed the landowners and will send out public notices at the end of April. Cm. Johnson asked if the landowners are invited to the Task Force committee meetings. Planning Commission 33 April I 1, 2000 Regular Meeting Ms. Harbin responded yes. She stated that the Village Parkway Specific Plan is the one project of the three specific plans with a committee. There are 13 property owners for the Village Parkway area and they are invited to attend the meetings. Mr. Peabody said that Staffwill contact the property owners for the other two sites. He stated that Micro Dental is one of the major property owners. They plan to move from their current site. Sid Correy is the property owner of the bowling alley. It is possible that the bowling alley may not have their lease renewed. It is the objective of Staff to spend time with the owners and tenants and discuss the City's plans. Cm. Johnson stated that a successful downtown has people living downtown. The City should concentrate on high-density condominiums and apartments. Cm. Jennings asked what the star areas on the Bart map indicated. Ms. Harbin explained that they were "opportunity sites" or sites where changes in land use are anticipated when a business vacates. Cm. Oravetz stated that there are some real issues that the Planning Commission should review. He had concerns about phasing out the bowling alley. The teens in Dublin have midnight bowling every Friday and Saturday night, which is popular with the teens. He was also concerned with the lack of affordable housing and senior housing in Dublin. Mr. Peabody said the bowling alley has a five-year lease. It may not be there after their lease expires. Cm. Oravetz asked if the Bart Project will be reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council. Mr. Peabody said that Bart is not required to come before the City for review but will as a courtesy. Cm. Oravetz asked if Bart would build their project if the City did not approve it. Mr. Peabody responded yes. The City will provide feedback on their project. Cm. Johnson stated the Bart project will not provide any revenue for the City for 20 years. Mr. Peabody stated that the development of the Bart Station could be an economic catalyst to the City for further downtown development. Cm. Johnson said the development around the Bart Station will be fine but a new Bart Station is questionable. Cm. Jennings stated that there is too much traffic on Village Parkway, Dublin Boulevard, and Amador Valley Boulevard between 11:45 and 1:15. She asked if the proposed colored map showed the restaurants in the color fuschia. Mr. Peabody responded yes. The map shows the Outback Steak House Restaurant, which is at the end of Regional Street. Planning Commission 34 April 11,2000 Regular Meeting Cm. Jennings asked if the map also showed the Willow Tree Restaurant. Ms. Harbin responded no. Cm. Jennings stated that the traffic pattern is heavy during the lunch hour. She recommended changing the zoning to add a restaurant in the office/retail area. It may improve the traffic flow throughout the Village Parkway, Dublin Boulevard, and Amador Valley Boulevard. She asked ifa study has been done on the amount of office space needed in Dublin. Ms. Harbin stated the Economic Consultant did a study and there is a plan to put in 3.5 million square feet of office space in East Dublin. Mr. Peabody stated that residential and office uses near a major transit center is an ideal situation. Cm. Jennings stated that living above a retail shop is becoming popular. She asked if that is an allowable use. Ms. Harbin responded yes. The City Council would like Dublin to have flexible zoning. Cm. Jennings was concerned with the lack of senior housing in Dublin. Cm. Johnson asked if the City Council discussed the height limit on buildings. Ms. Harbin stated that the City Council did not give any direction on building height limitation. Cm. Johnson suggested that Dublin change their height limitation policy to allow 7-8 story buildings. He asked if Crown Chevrolet is planning to move or stay at their current location. Mr. Peabody stated that Staff hasn't heard anything indicating Crown Chevrolet will be moving. Mr. Byde discussed the Downtown Core Area. The direction is focused towards more offices near intensified retail sites. A new access way will open up a majority of the area to further retail development. Some of the assumptions include existing "Big box" retail businesses to stay in the short- term period. An additional access way from Dublin Boulevard to Amador Plaza Road will allow for further retail development. There is a potential opportunity at Shamrock Ford for office use within ¼ mile of BART and an opportunity at the comer of Dublin Boulevard and Amador Plaza Road to change to a combination of retail and office use. There is also the potential opportunity to introduce senior residential housing next to the new Senior Center. Ms. Harbin discussed the progress of the Task Force Meetings for Village Parkway. On the Task Force there are 13 members that were appointed in February. The Task Force has met on four occasions and they have discussed traffic, economics, vision for the area, and urban design of streetscape. The topic for the next meeting is Goals, objectives and policies. Cm. Johnson asked if the Golden Gate extension could extend to Donahue? Planning Commission 35 April 11,2000 Regular Meeting Mr. Byde responded that is an option that Staffcould review. Staff is going to meet with the property owners to discuss different issues and ideas. Cm. Oravetz asked if the old Shamrock Ford site is up for sale. Mr. Byde responded no, it is not for sale. Cm. Johnson stated that Autonation owns the old Shamrock Ford site. He stated that senior housing is very expensive and doesn't plan on moving from his current residence. He agreed that there is a need for senior housing in Dublin. Mr. Peabody said senior housing can be a variety of things. It can be assisted living, limited care facilities or for people with disabilities. Those are options that can be addressed in further detail. Cm. Oravetz stated that he is in favor of senior housing but affordable housing is also needed. Cm. Musser stated that he would like to see more housing introduced in the plan. He suggested 2-3 levels of housing above commercial sites. He would like to create more of a downtown area with out a "big box" commercial building. Ms. Harbin stated that the plan is to complete the study with the task force in June. The assumptions made for Village Parkway are that the auto uses will remain in the short term of 5-10 years. Major improvements and changes may only apply to new businesses and voluntary for the existing businesses. The committee has discussed phasing out auto uses as the buildings are vacated. The committee has also discussed establishing a business improvement district that could help fund some of the improvements. There was concern with the center median, which affects visibility and is a hazard to pedestrians. The plan will need a substantial buy in from the property owners to be effective. Staffwill notify the property owners. The constraints involved are that the small business owners can't afford major improvements, and relocation of the auto uses. The City Council agreed that the center median affected visibility. Cm. Johnson asked why Village Parkway was chosen for a downtown area. He suggested Regional Street or Amador Plaza Road for a downtown area. Mr. Peabody stated that the City Council responded to the comments made from the businesses on Village Parkway. There are problems with visibility, parking, traffic and land use. They recommended establishment of the Village Parkway Task Force to develop a plan for that area. Cm. Oravetz stated that the previous Downtown Committee had concerns that Village Parkway would lose businesses because of the new development in East Dublin. The concern was Village Parkway could become an eye sore with vacant sites. Cm. Johnson recommended angled parking to slow down the traffic on Village Parkway. He asked if the homeowners in the area have been talked to. He suggested asking them if they walk to Village Parkway to shop. Mr. Peabody said those issues were discussed and the committee is making those recommendations. He explained that the three specific plan projects will come before the Planning Commission at a future date. Planning Commission 36 April 11, 2000 Regular Meeting Cm. Jennings suggested putting the business names on the maps that Staff uses for their presentation. She asked if there was any discussion on funding some of the improvements for Village Parkway. Ms. Harbin continued her discussion on the Village Parkway Task Force. The issues identified include phasing out certain types of uses, the lack of foot traffic, and the traffic and parking problems. The committee discussed revitalizing the area to bring in new businesses and possibly relocate the auto uses. There have also been discussions on applying for certain funding and the City providing financing or incentives. Mr. Peabody stated that Staff recommended to the Council working with a citizens group for the Village Parkway area. Cm. Jeunings asked if there is a plan for the old drive through dairy. Mr. Peabody stated that DSRSD has been using the dairy site for storage. Cm. Jennings asked how many Village Parkway committee members are landowners. Mr. Peabody responded three members are landowners. Cm. Jennings asked what the committee wants for Village Parkway. Ms. Harbin stated that the committee wants a more vital business area that is pedestrian oriented. She stated that Staff will continue to work with the committee and will hold a public hearing with the Planning Commission and City Council at a future date. Cm. Musser stated that the median and traffic are problematic and would like to see other uses come in to the Village Parkway area. Cm. Oravetz stated that Dublin's youth and senior citizens need to be considered as part of the three specific plan studies. He asked if there was any further business; hearing none he adjourned the meeting. ADOURNMENT Being no further business, the meeting was~umed at 8:50 p.m. /// R~gp~/fful. l~s ul~/m i~t [ ed, p/l~ann/i6:~ ~mm~/s~i!n Chairperson ATIEST: Community Development Dil'~ctor I/ Planning Commission 37 April 11, 2000 Regular Meeting