HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes - 1974/10/08 - RegulariloINITIATION
1. .CALL TO ORDER
I2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Pro Tem Atkins led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
3. ROLL CALL
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
October 8, 1974
Chairman Pro Tem Atkins called to order the regular meeting of the
Planning Commission of the City of Temple City at 7:30 p.m., October
8, 1974.
Present: Commissioners Clark, Lawson, Stacy, Atkins
Absent: Chairman Breazeal
Also present: City Manager Koski, Asst. City Attorney White, Planning
Director Dragicevich, Public Works Coordinator Leonetti and Asst.
Planner. Burnham.
Commissioner Lawson moved to excuse Chairman Breazeal's absence for
cause. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stacy and carried.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting of September 24, 1974
Chairman Pro Tem Atkins called attention to p. 6, para. 11, that
the first sentence should read "it was time to halt uncontrolled
development ". There being no further corrections or additions, Commis -.
sioner Stacy moved the minutes be approved as corrected. Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Lawson and. passed.
PUBLIC HEARING: ZONE VARIANCE. CASE NO. 74 -426
Dr. Denver D. Coleman - Owner /Applicant
248 So. San Rafael Avenue
Pasadena, Ca.
1
Site: 5721 N. Rosemead Boulevard
The Planning Director said the notices had, been sent as required by law.
He said the applicant proposes to erect a vehicular directional sign
in excess of permitted height and sign face area. The plot plan marked
Exhibit "A ", which shows the proposed free - standing sign located in the
parking lot, Exhibit "B ", showing the graphics and color of.the pro-
posed sign, and Exhibit "C ", showing location of the sign in the parking
lot, were referred to by the Director. He then reviewed staff condi-
tions proposed if the Commission approves the variance. In response
to Commissioner Clark's question about height of other signs on Las
Tunas Drive, the Director said American Savings & Loan sign is 50 ft.
high, and First Western Bank sign is 40 -41 ft. The C&R Clothiers
sign is 25 ft. high.
•
There being no further questions, the public hearing was declared open.
Dr. Denver D. Coleman, 248 S. San Rafael Avenue, Pasadena, owner of the
subject property, said the subject sign is the same one that existed for
several years at Rosemead and Elm Avenue. C&R Clothiers considered the
,sign too small for their identification. The proposed height is the
same as previously. Between the building to the north, (C &R Clothiers)
and the restaurant to the south (Tiffany's), the area is completely dark
at night. People coming south on Rosemead do not know they can park on
that property, and proceed to Las Tunas, turn right and go back up
through the restaurant parking lot to go to C &R Clothiers. Further, the
dark parking lot is unsafe for customers and for waitresses who change
shifts late at night or early in the morning at the all -night restaurant,
Dr. Coleilan said he also intended to install four flood lights to go
across the lot and to the rear of it. One purpose of the requested
height for the sign is to throw the light as far as possible on the park-
ing area; further, C &R Clothiers specified they did not want this sign
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF OCTOBER 8, 1974 PAGE TWO
to be at a.height to interfere with their identification sign. Since the
property in question is in the CRA area and can be used as the City sees
- fit in the future, the sign would be of a temporary nature. He has read and
•understands conditions proposed by staff; the proposed sign will be the only
one on that piece of property; other signs are on another lot. He concluded
by saying that he owns the property on which the sign will stand.
In answer to Commissioners' questions, the Director said the current signs
were installed in accordance with the Sign Ordinance at this location, one
IIree- standing sign for the clothing store and one for the restaurant. The
ree - standing sign previously was for identification; the proposed use of
his sign is for direction, and under a different category.
No one else came forward to speak to the issue, therefore Commissioner
Lawson moved to close public hearing. Motion was seconded by Commissioner
Stacy and carried.
Commissioner Lawson began the closed discussion by saying the difference in
height and size of the sign proposed and that allowed under the Code is too
great and he was not in favor of allowing that much difference. He ex-
pressed the opinion that a common ground could be found to obtain the relief
the owner is looking for and yet not be so far out of bounds with the City's
code. This sign is not for identification, and far exceeds the restrictions
for parking lot signs.
Commissioner Clark felt the requested height was necessary to sufficiently
light a dark area between two commercial buildings; however, he felt flood
lights could be a solution, and was against the proposed height.
Commissioner Stacy said he had reviewed the conditions for granting a vari-
ance, and the applicant has not proved the property is unique, he is not be-
ing denied a right enjoyed by other properties, and he felt granting a
variance was not in order.
hairman Pro Tem Atkins said the requested variance would not preclude
utting up parking lights. He agreed that the applicant did not prove need
for a variance as there are no special circumstances, no preservation of
property rights and applicant can make reasonable use of his property.
Commissioner Stacy moved to deny the request in Zone Variance Case 74 -426
on the basis that there are no special circumstances to indicate a variance
should be granted nor is the property owner suffering hardship or loss of
right of ownership in this case.. He can be accommodated within the law.
Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lawson and carried.
•Asst. City Attorney White read title to Resolution 74- 589PC, A RESOLUTION OF
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY DENYING A VARIANCE IN
ZONE VARIANCE CASE 74 -426. Commissioner Lawson moved to waive further read-
ing and adopt. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and carried.
6. PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: .
Tentative Parcel Map No. 549
Mr. and Mrs. Charles M.. Lawson - Owner /Applicant
1062 North Bender Avenue
Covina, California
1
Situ: 4933 North Hallowell Avenue ..
Director'Dragicevich said a zone variance (Case 74 -422) was approved
by the Planning Commission on August 27,.1974, for the substandard lot
widths for the proposed parcels. Further, an Environmental Impact
Report was submitted and certified at this hearing. The applicant is
proposing to -divide the subject property. into three parcels, •The
Director explained the.plot plan marked Exhibit "A'.', indicating exist-
ing and proposed development, reviewed. the factual data on the subject
property. and listed the.staff proposals. Commissioner Lawson was con -
cerned with the condition requiring the . existing fire.hydrant.on the
east side of Hallowell Avenue to be upgraded. Asst. Planner Burnham
said existing is a 4" substandard fire hydrant.
The public hearing was declared.open.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF OCTOBER 8., 1974 PAGE THREE
Mr. Charles Lawson, applicant, 1062 North Bender Avenue, Covina, said he had
only one objection to the suggested conditions, i.e., the fire hydrant re-
quirement. He said the Seeman School property, on which the subject fire .
hydrant is located, is being considered for development. If this is the
• case, he suggested that the, fire hydrant upgrading be included in their
development requirements.
In answer to Commissioner Clark's question it was stated the closest fire
hydrant to the subject property other than the one being discussed was on
IIILower Azusa Road.
Commissioner Stacy said that, not knowing when Seeman School property will
be developed, and since the applicant is going to proceed with the develop-
ment of his property at this time, it would be logical to ask him to upgrade
the hydrant.
Staff pointed out that no new line would be required, only a new cap. Chair-
man Pro Tem Atkins was in agreement that the hydrant requirement was not an
unreasonable one to make of the applicant. Commissioner Lawson was in
agreement.
Commissioner Clark moved to approve Tentative Parcel Map No. 549 with staff
conditions. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stacy and passed.
.
Asst. City Attorney White read title to Resolution 74- 590PC, A RESOLUTION
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY APPROVING TENTATIVE
PARCEL MAP NO. 549. Commissioner Stacy moved to waive further reading
and adopt, seconded by Commissioner Clark and the motion carried.
7. PUBLIC HEARING: DETERMINATION OF EXISTENCE OF PUBLIC NUISANCE
5218 Farago Avenue (Case No. 74 -27)
Mr. George Kessler
Director Dragicevich said the proper notices had been sent and property
posted. He reviewed the conditions maintained on said property which
may exist contrary to the-Municipal Code of the City, and methods of
abatement.
1
1
The public hearing was declared open. No one came forward to speak
to the issue. Commissioner Lawson moved to close public hearing,
seconded by Commissioner Stacy and the motion carried.
The Commissioners were in agreement that the property had not improved
in appearance since proceedings in this case began, and that the
property owner, by not appearing or contacting staff, showed lack of
concern about his property. Commissioner Stacy moved to declare the
existence of a public nuisance at 5218 Farago Street. .Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Clark and carried.
Asst. City Attorney White read title to Resolution 74- 591PC, A RESOLUTION
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY DETERMINING.
THE EXISTENCE OF A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND RECOMMENDING ABATEMENT THEREOF.
Commissioner Lawson moved to waive further reading and adopt, seconded
by Commissioner Stacy and the motion carried.
8. PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO AMEND GENERAL PLAN
RE. GOLDEN WEST AVENUE SOUTH OF OLIVE STREFT
The Director said the Planning Commission had discussed the future develop
ment of Golden West Avenue with the Traffic Commission and staff in
the past. Consideration. of the future. status of this street was prompted
by reconstruction of. Lower._Azusa..Road. The City Council had considered
recommendations from.the Traffic-Commission and referred the matter
back to the Planning Commission for, appropriate hearings with respect
to the Circulation Element..of..the General. Plan. On the General Plan
Golden West Avenue is shown.as a collector road, He explained the
configuration of this street, the land use abutting it, and the en
vironmental issues, He referred to the two large parcels abutting
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF OCTOBER 8, 1974 PAGE FOUR
Lower Azusa Road and Golden West Avenue, and then listed the alternatives
under consideration at this time. Asst. Planner Burnham explained the dedica-
tion..requirements from various property owners for each proposal - i;e.,
through street or cul-de-sac, and showed location of the storm drain from
4pthe proposed cul-de-sac to Lower Azusa Road.
Commissioner- Lawson said if the Commission accepts the cul -de -sac solution,
why not amend the Circulation Element, and it was explained that the City
doesn't know the demand on land use ten years from now and at this loca-
1
Lion the important consideration is what is going to happen to the several
large parcels on Lower Azusa Road, which constitute the only land left in
the City for large development after Seeman School. It is possible it will
be desirable to have Golden West go through to Lower Azusa Road.
Chairman Pro Tem Atkins said the Commission had received letters and
petitions which will be taken into consideration in determination of this
matter, as well as recalling the testimony of those attending the study
session on this item.
The public hearing was declared open: Chairman Pro Tem Atkins setting
a format that those in favor of making Golden West a through street to Lower
Azusa Road to speak first, then those in favor of a cul -de -sac, and lastly.,
those who wished: to retain a status quo condition would speak.
ill IN FAVOR OF IMPROVING GOLDEN WEST AVENUE TO LOWER AZUSA ROAD
Mr. Harvey T. Booher, Pastor of the First Southern Baptist Church, 4856
North Golden West Avenue, presented a petition with 47 signatures advocat-
ing that Golden West Avenue be made a through street. He owns property at
4901 N. Agnes Avenue, but is presently living in Rowland Heights. 82%
of those who signed the petition are residents of Temple City.
Mr. Robert Berlin, 1733. Hanscom Drive, So. Pasadena, representing his father,.
Mr. Newton Berlin, and Mr.. Hiroshi Komai, spoke in favor of having Golden
IWest Avenue improved to Lower Azusa Road. At this time, if there are not
sufficient funds to accomplish this he suggested a temporary fence at Lower
Azusa Road and one at the northern end of the unimproved portion of Golden
West, leaving a vehicle pass - through. Presently his father has no plans
for development, nor in the foreseeable future. . He gave the history of the
23 ft. strip which is now owned by. the County, and added that his father
and Mr. Komai are willing to dedicate 30 ft. if the City provides the improve-
ments.
Mr. Gerald Segal, 5338 Golden West Ave., asked how many of the 82% Temple
City residents who signed the church's petition, had residences on Golden
IWest, and what does the future development of land use on Lower Azusa. Road
have to do with development on Golden West Avenue. Chairman Pro Tem Atkins
replied that the petition contained the addresses of only two of the signees,'
and neither of those are on Golden West. In answer to the second question,
it is important for the Commission to consider what will happen with the land
use in determining the best course of action to take in developing Golden '
West Avenue.
Mr... Robert..Berlin said.originally his father planned to divide his property
into 8 lots, however,.since the widening of Lower Azusa Road it could
probably be divided into three or four lots. He would like the street t
go through to allow the possibility of development.
IIIMr. Lou Burstein, 9817. Hallwood Drive, favored a through street for Golden
West.as presently the traffic from Golden West goes across Hallwood to Agnes .
Avenue to Lower Azusa Road, and traffic from Lower. Azusa on Agnes reverses
the route. He referred to a petition signed by ,the residents on Hallwood
Drive. This street is very narrow. He considered the cul -de -sac solution
as "unfinished business ".
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF'OCTOBER 8, 1974 PAGE FIVE.
Mr. Ed Kipp_, who lives on a cul -de -sac on Camellia Avenue, said a cul-de-sac
does not stop speeding drivers.
'r. L. W. Townsend, owner 'of 4840 Golden West, said that opening the street
as the only way to get on the sewer line as there are 8 -10 .parcels in that
vicinity still on cesspools.
Public Works Coordinator Leonetti said the sewer line terminates at 4856
Golden West. This.was the last parcel that dedicated right -of -way for
ewers. Asst. Planner Burnham added that the L.A. County advised him that,
• III
ecause of the required depth of the sewer, it cannot go through to Lower
zusa Road. -City Manager Koski said the existing 23 ft. would provide an
pportunity to extend the sewer line. If the street goes through, the City .
will build the sewer line and an easement can be granted at that time. The
City has the right -of -way needed; if the property owners want the sewer
line the City will grant them the right -of -way. It could be done. if Golden
West is a through street or a cul -de -sac, they could still get the sewers.
•
Mr. William Marks, 9803 Miloanu, said he formerly owned a.home on the un--
dedicated portion of Miloann, and the City previously proposed sewers for
the whole area and all the property owners wanted them in, but Mr. Townsend
and the owners of the two large parcels facing Lower Azusa opposed it.
Chairman Atkins said this was not the issue before the Cop.lmission tonight;
he easement exists for sewers, and if the property owners decide to form
.n easement district a sewer project can be arranged.
IN FAVOR OF A CUL -DE -SAC
Mr. Daniel Arquette, 4863 Golden West, originator of a petition with 110
signatures, for a through street, five property owners could not be contacted
and three were against the proposal.. This represents 93% of the street :
from Lower Azusa to Howland. A through street would not benefit Temple City;
it would be used by race track traffic if, as the General Plan indicates,
his street is to be extended from Lower Azusa to Arcadia City limits.
aldwin Avenue and Temple City_.,Boulevard are both through streets, extending
outh of Lower Azusa Road, which Golden West does not; with these two streets
there is no need for another one
Mr. Charles Caldwell, 4850 Golden West, said those who live in the area and
own homes there are not in favor of a through street, only the church, whose
members do not live on the street, favors it being extended to Lower. Azusa.
The two large parcels facing Lower Azusa have access off that street, and
have no need for an access street unless they are developed. He asked. if
'the church owned the land from Golden West to Agnes Ave., and was told they
, wn 50,000 sq. ft., but do not own Agnes Street frontage. He expressed
Igioncern'about the traffic from the drive -in theater which would use Golden
West if it were a through street, and the attendent noise and trash.
Mr. Milton Booher, 9807 Hallwood Drive, was against opening Golden West
because of TTie location of the drive -in theater, with increase in traffic,
noise and litter. If the decision is to put the street through to Lower
Azusa, he suggests a stop sign at Lower Azusa on Golden West. He also sug-
gested a stop sign at La Rosa Drive to slow down speeding.
Mr. Ronald Baker, 4910 Golden West, said the street in its present state
cannot handle additional traffic of a through street. This area should re-
=main as a quiet, residential district. A through street would be a hazard
.)r the children who live on this street.
r. Darius Hays,.490L Golden West, questioned if there would be.a differ: -
..nce in the cost of installing a cul -de -sac opposed to that of a through street
Mr. Allen Maxwell; 5031 Golden West., was against a through street because
of the traffic hazard it would create for the children in the area.
Irs. G, K. Goldsmith, 4836 Golden West, asked why the City has to wait for
he large parcel,owners.to make a decision as to the future of their properties
• The cul-de-saz would not be forever. She was eager to be connected with a
sewer line. She continued that what the people on Golden West want is a
cul-de-sac, good drainage at the end of the street., and.possibly a stop sign
at La Rosa and Golden West.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF OCTOBER 8, 1974
PAGE SIX
IN FAVOR OF NO ACTION ON GOLDEN WEST AVENUE AT PRESENT
There was no one to speak to this issue
4I/Commissioner Lawson moved to close public hearing, seconded by Commissioner
Stacy and the motion carried.
Commissioner Stacy asked when funds would be available for improvement of
Golden West, either as a through street or a cul -de -sac. The City Manager
IIIreplied the drainage problem would be corrected immediately. For street
improvements the right -of -way would be required, and we are somewhat de-
pendent on dedication.. The funds would have to be provided in the next
budget or adjust one of the projects in the budget presently.
City Attorney White said the question before the Commission is whether to
amend the Circulation Element of the General Plan or not. Any other.
recommendation to the City Council would be dependent on what action the
City Council decides to take.
Commissioner Lawson said when the General Plan was being developed Golden
West was to be one of. the City's collector streets, and he felt this was
still a good plan and should not be .changed. He was against a cul -de -sac
at this location. He felt the entire City should be considered, not just
the residents on Golden West. He favored either leaving it as it is or
• making it into a through street.
Commissioner Clark was in favor of improving the drainage and of closing
the street. He further suggested a stop sign between Olive and the end
of Golden. West on that street.
Commissioner Stacy said Golden West has a couple problems - this one and
between Olive and Broadway. At the present time he felt a cul -de -sac is
the direction to go; if the General Plan were not revised at the time he
would prefer the matter be left as is, with the drainage ditch improved..
Chairman Pro Tem Atkins said to open Golden West all the way would cost
a fortune as the entire length would have to be widened. He favored a
cul -de -sac; presently there is no proposed development for the properties
facing Lower Azusa Road.- He would not amend the General Plan. He was
opposed to the do- nothing position. He would enhance the neighborhood with
public works improvements of curbs, gutters. This approach would eliminate
the drive -in traffic threat which is very real. •
Discussion continued on the possibility of forming an assessment district
for improvement of the street. There is already some'right -of -way there, and
• the remainder would have to be obtained.
Commissioner Lawson moved to recommend to the City Council that the Circula .
tion Element of the General Plan not be amended; and that it be left as
shown on the General Plan. Commissioner Clark seconded and the motion.
carried with no objections.
Commissioner Stacy moved to recommend to'the City Council that Golden West
Avenue be improved with a cul -de -sac approximately 460 ft, south of Hallwood
Drive and that immediate steps be taken to correct the problems.relating
to the unimproved drainage ditch south of Hallwood Drive, Motion was seconded
by Commissioner Clark and passed with a. roll call vote with Couunissioners
Itkins, Clark, Stacy voting for, and Commissioner Lawson voting against
the motion.
Commissioner Stacy further moved to recommend that the traffic situation
at the lower end of Golden West be eliminated Ly installing a fence or gate
and allowing the property owners reasonable access to cul -de -sac and to .
Lower Azusa Road, Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lawson and carried.
•
Chairman Pro Tem Atkins called a recess at 9:30 p.m.; and reconvened the
meeting at 9:40 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF OCTOBER 8, 1974
9. PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION:
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 31002
Frost Development, Inc. - Applicant
650 West Duarte Road
Arcadia, Calif.
1
PAGE SEVEN
The Planning Director said this item was to be postponed to a future .date
inasmuch as the developer had not submitted suitable maps for presenta-
tion.
Mr. Lloyd Voorhes,5332 Farago, asked why the case was postponed, and . it
was explained to him, and he was also told he will receive a notice
again when the Tentative Tract Map will be before the Couuuission for
consideration.
Mr Patrick Owens expressed concern about the fencing around the proposed
development and came prepared to show slides of enclosures in Temple City
and around other similar developments, The Commission requested these
slides be shown when the development is before the Commission for con-
sideration.
10. COMMUNICATIONS - There were none.
11. TIME FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO SPEAK -- No one came forward.
12. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
A. The Commissioners made arrangements to meet for Monday's luncheon
meeting for the League of California Cities.
B. City Manager said additional information will be sent to them on
the forthcoming. City Seminar, and that there would be a bus to
transport those attending, leaving from City Hall at 4:30 p.m..
1[3. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Commissioner Stacy made a motion
to adjourn, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and
carried. Meeting,adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
Chairman
•ATTEST:.