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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-07-28APPROVED 9/1/87 MINUTES HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION July 28, 1987 - 7:00 PM Council Chambers - Civic Center 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach, California PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE P P P P A ROLL CALL: Silva, Schumacher, Higgins, Pierce, Leipzig, P P Summerell, Livengood A. CONSENT CALENDAR None B. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMISSION ITEMS B-1 STATUS OF PERIMETER BLOCK WALLS - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 83-18 - M. WESTLAND COMPANY Staff reported to the Commission that a hydrology study was being performed to determine if the addition of the wall would meet the intent of equal distribution of water and that a report would be presented at the August 18, 1987 Planning Commission meeting. The following residents addressed their concerns regarding the construction of the wall: Dean Zitco, 16332 Magellan Lane; Reverand Robert Hardin, 16242 Magellan Lane; Frank Pfeifer, 16322 Magellan Lane; Cal Faello, 16351 Magellan Lane; and Fotis Georgatsos, 16262 Magellan Lane. C. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS C-1 LAND USE ELEMENT AMENDMENT 87-2C AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 87-2 Land Use Element Amendment 87-2C is a request to amend the General Plan by redesignating the 65 acre Meadowlark Airport site from Low Density Residential to Planned Community containing 50 acres of mixed residential totalling 1,975 units and 15 acres of retail commercial. The site is located approximately 600 feet north and east of the intersection of Bolsa Chica Street and Warner Avenue. Land Use Element No. 87-2C was originally processed as Area 2.1 of Land Use Element Amendment No. 87-2. Areas 2.1 and 2.2 were split up for separate processing; however, after the applicant for Area 2.1 requested continuation of that item. Area 2.1 is now being processed by itself as Land Use Element Amendment No. 87-2C. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Continue action on Land Use Element Amendment No. 87-2C and Environmental Impact Report No. 87-2 and direct staff to prepare a specific plan zone change ordinance with conditions. The specific plan would then be processed concurrently with the land use element amendment and environmental imapct report. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Dick Harlow, representing the applicant, spoke in support of the request. He stated that his client will not be requesting a density bonus and is presently doing a market study of commercial uses for the corner of the site. He said that the proposed development plans will include mixed development, single family homes, apartments, condominiums, etc. His client is concerned with traffic problems and the phasing plan for development of his project. He intends to file a conditional use permit after the specific plan which will address the distribution of housing is completed. He further stated that his client wants to avoid "piece -meal" development, is well aware of the potential impacts from development and desires to be a good neighbor. Estimated time frame for development will be 2 years for the commercial and 5 to 10 years for the overall development. Craig H. Mandeville, 4751 Hermanson Circle, spoke in favor of closing Meadowlark Airport. He objects to airplanes and the noise problems that they create. He feels that the airport will present a dangerous situation if the surrounding property is developed any further. He stated that the location of his home in relation to the airport presently prevents him from sleeping or talking during flight times and he feels the airport is an eyesore and a poor image for the City. He feels the airport should be closed immediately. PC Minutes - 7/28/87 -2- (8869d) Barbara Milkovich, 6032 Dundee Drive, member of the Historical Resources Board, stated that her board has considered the environmental impact report on the property and is concerned with development since there are archaeological sites present on the site. Mark Latham, 16371 Hollywood Lane, stated that he has no objection to the closing of the airport due to the noise and pollution problems caused from the airplanes. He further stated that he would like to see Low Density in the developed area due to the increased traffic that more density would create. He expressed his concerns over acces onto Heil from Graham with Medium Density or higher. Dean Albright, 17301 Breda Lane, member of Environmental Board, addressed his environmental concerns regarding sewers, water supply and traffic. He stated that he has personally completed a survey of the commercial centers surrounding the site and found 54 empty stores. He feels that since numerous mobile home parks will be vacated soon that this site should be seriously considered for that use. Terry Lancaster, 9055 Bitterott Circle, Fountain Valley, airplane owner, stated that airspace belongs to the citizens. He recommended that the City purchase the airport to retain the open space. Bill Sullivan, 16601 Graham Street, stated that he has no objection to the airport and is never bothered by noise. Mark Browning, 16771 Roosevelt, stated that he has no problem with the airport. He said that in 1980 this property was designated Low Density and that if the airport is removed he would hate to see it replaced with a High Density project. He is concerned with the lack of alternatives for the site and would much prefer the airplanes to the addition of automobiles. He further stated that he feels property values will be lowered if any designation but R1 is allowed for the development. Cheryle Browning, 16771 Roosevelt, spoke in support of keeping the airport. She stated that she is opposed to increasing the density in the area. She feels that the City should purchase the airport and that it would be an asset in the case of a major earthquake. Michael Obradovich, 5031 Pearce Drive, is opposed to any development that creates more traffic. He would like to see a Citizens Advisory Committee formed because he feels that studies completed by the City do not go into enough detail. He addressed his concerns with infrastructure problems. Robert A. Floyd, 30 Via De La Mesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, owner of airplane at Meadowlark, spoke in support of retaining Meadowlark Airport. He stated that Meadowlark is the last general aviation location in Orange County and that the City should look into purchasing and retaining it for potential revenue. He further stated that there is money available from the FAA. PC Minutes - 7/28/87 -3- (8869d) Ralph Guerre, 8572 Merle Cr., spoke in support of keeping the airport. He is opposed to development that increases traffic. Wellman E. Branstrom, 17012 Greentree Lane, stated that he purchased his home in the area because he was told that it was low density. Traffic is his main concern and he is also concerned with staff's alternative actions. He does not object to the airport. Cecil Wright, 5612 Middlecoff Drive, stated that he prefers low density and does not object to the airport. Wayne Kratzer, 5305 Overland Drive, pilot, spoke in favor of retaining the airport. He stated that the City can purchase the airport with FAA assistance and feels that it would be beneficial to the City. He said that the airport provides citizens recreational opportunities. George Sandy, 17931 A Skypark Circle, Irvine, pilot since 1951, spoke in support of retaining the airport. He feels that the City should purchase the airport stated that there is County money and FAA money available for assistance in purchasing. Henry Stegman, 821 W. Fairway, Big Bear City, pilot, stated that property owners should have the right to develop their land the way they choose and urged the applicant to retain the airport. Ralph Ricks, 5362 Old Pirate Lane, feels that there should be a long-term study done on the area. He said that in 1980 the property was zoned for mobile homes and medium density however he prefers low density. Laurel Romm, 18709 Doty Avenue, Torrance, spoke in support of the airport. He said that history would be destroyed by closing the airport. Fred DeNuccio,- 17092 St. Andrews Lane, spoke in support of the airport.' He stated that it provides recreation for the citizens and that he feels the City should purchase and improve the facility. He feels that'the projected additional 23,000 automobiles to the area is less favorable than the airplanes. Dan Clark, 16361 Hollywood Lane, expressed his concern with the traffic that will result from the proposed project. He stated that he lives right at the end of the landing strip and has no problems or complaints about the airport. Arthur Kimball, 3443 Greenbrier Road, Long Beach, member of the Civil Air Patrol, -stated that Meadowlark Airport is an asset for the City and would provide disaster relief as a result of the projected 8.3 earthquake. Walt Wojtaszek, 4908 Skipjack Drive, stated that he has no objection to the airport. PC Minutes - 7/28/87 -4- (8869d) Tom Harmen, President of Huntington Beach Tomorrow, addressed his concerns regarding housing density and traffic generation with the proposed development. He is in favor of keeping Meadowlark Airport. Lilian Merg, 16311 Saratoga Lane, spoke in opposition to a high density development. She is in favor of the airport. Kathy Hawksford, 5162 Stallion Circle, spoke in favor of a low density development and stated that she would hate to see Bolsa Chica Avenue become another Beach Boulevard. She is in favor of the airport. Glenn Yeater, 5212 Caliente Drive, spoke in support of retaining Meadowlark Airport. Paul Durazo, 8102 Artesia Blvd., Buena Park, stated that he was in favor of retaining the airport. Bob Garetson, 4701 Warner, spoke in opposition to a high density project because he feels that it provokes crime, neighbor alienation, and the traffic and noise that is created is a hazard. He said that he feels flying is a freedom that should not be destroyed. John Blisson, Santa Ana, pilot, said that when you give up air space you never get it back and that he supports the preservation of the Meadowlark Airport and feels that the City should develop it. Jack Cumbrom, Long Beach, stated that Meadowlark Airport is known all over the United States and feels that it should not be closed. Jeff Cardinal, Long Beach, stated that the site that Meadowlark Airport is located on is unspoiled land and should be preserved. Marty Annsburg, address not stated, stated that flying is safer than driving in an automobile and that he feels the airport should be saved and developed. There were no other persons present to speak in support or opposition to the request and the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Silva stated that his major concern was the property rights of the owner. He feels that the property would appraise at approximately $20 million. He is not in favor of high density. Commissioner Schumacher addressed her concerns which included problems with infrastructure, traffic, the lack of roads to disburse projected traffic, and sewers. She feels that if the property owner wants to develop his property he should develop a low density project. She stated that once the zoning is changed it cannot be down -zoned so all of the impacts must be considered. She feels that County and FAA funding for acquisition of the airport should be explored. PC Minutes - 7/28/87 -5- (8869d) Commissioner Higgins also felt that the acquisition of the airport should be further explored. He also felt that a specific plan should be prepared which would include up to 400 units with approximately 10 to 15 acres of commercial and a specific plan which would include 400 to 750 units with approximately 10 to 15 acres of commercial and senior citizen housing on -site and off -site. Chairman Pierce said that he would like to see the acquisition of the airport explored and feels the property owner should pursue a specific plan. Commissioner Summerell feels that the acquisition of the airport should be explored and would like to see a low density residential development in the area. Commissioner Livengood requested that a feasibility study be completed on acquiring the airport (the cost to purchase; cost to bring the airport up to standards; emergency use of the airport; impact of Bolsa Chica bluffs on the airport; flight path). He stated that if the airport is closed he would favor a low density development with approximately 10 acres of commercial. A STRAW VOTE MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECOND BY PIERCE, TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR CITY ACQUISITION AND OPERATION OF THE AIRPORT, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Silva, Schumacher, Higgins, Pierce, Summerell, Livengood NOES: None ABSENT: Leipzig STRAW VOTE MOTION PASSED A STRAW VOTE MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECOND BY HIGGINS, TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE A SPECIFIC PLAN WHICH WOULD INCLUDE A MAXIMUM OF 400 UNITS (7 UNITS/ACRE) AND APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 ACRES COMMERCIAL, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Schumacher, Pierce, Summerell, Livengood NOES: Silva, Higgins ABSENT: Leipzig A STRAW VOTE MOTION WAS MADE BY HIGGINS, SECOND BY PIERCE, TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE A SPECIFIC PLAN WHICH WOULD INCLUDE 400 TO 750 UNITS, APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 ACRES COMMERCIAL, AND SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSING EITHER ON -SITE OR OFF -SITE, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Silva, Higgins, Pierce, Schumacher, Livengood NOES: Summerell ABSENT: Leipzig STRAW VOTE MOTION PASSED PC Minutes - 7/28/87 -6- (8869d) 1 A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECOND BY PIERCE, TO CONTINUE LAND USE ELEMENT AMENDMENT 87-2C AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 87-2, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Silva, Schumacher, Higgins, Pierce, Summerell, Livengood NOES: None ABSENT: Leipzig ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECOND BY PIERCE, TO DIRECT STAFF TO: 1. Prepare Feasibility Study for City acquisition and operation of airport. 2. Prepare Specific Plan which would include a maximum of 400 units (7 units per acre) and approximately 10 to 15 acres Commercial. 3. Prepare Specific Plan which would include 400 to 750 units, approximately 10 to 15 acres Commercial, and senior citizen housing either on -site or off -site. BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Silva, Schumacher, Higgins, Pierce, Summerell, Livengood NOES: None ABSENT: Leipzig ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECOND BY SILVA, TO SCHEDULE DATE FOR CONTINUANCE TO THE SEPTEMBER 22, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Silva, Schumacher, Higgins, Pierce, Summerell, Livengood NOES: None ABSENT: Leipzig ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED PC Minutes - 7/28/87 -7- (8869d) None M. WESTLAND COMPANY PERIMETER BLOCK WALL - Comments were made by Les Evans, City Engineer, regarding the perimeter block wall on the Westland property. He stated that the Westland property had been graded as a retention basin and that any water accumulation would flood the industrial site first. He stated that the study will determine whether there will be even distribution of water if the channel overtops and if not that the wall will need to be modified. He also stated that Phase I improvements on the channel had been approved and funded and that they would be completed by the fall. Staff informed the Commission that additional entitlements would be required on the site and that evaulations would be completed first before any more permits were issued. F. PENDING ITEMS None G. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS None • •'�! 54 None I. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY PIERCE, SECOND BY LIVENGOOD, AT 10:20 PM, TO ADJOURN TO THE STUDY SESSION ON THE INVENTORY AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE AREA NORTH OF THE PIER SCHEDULED FOR 6:00 PM IN ROOM B-8, AUGUST 4, 1987, AND THEN TO THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AT 7:00 PM, AUGUST 4, 1987, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Silva, Schumacher, Livengood NOES: None ABSENT: Leipzig APPROVED: 1L bWtS Mike A ams, Secretary Higgins, Pierce, Summerell, nV M: Pierce, Chairman 1 PC Minutes - 7/28/87 -8- (8869d)