Minutes 2006 0306 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

MINUTES Page 4 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-March 6, 2006 of the BZA decision filed by Mr. Jesus, staffs response to the appeal, and the recommendation for Council consideration. Angelo D. Eiras and Frank de Jesus, the appellants, addressed the City Council, stating that the appeal was based on the concerns about the project's traffic impacts. Mr. Eiras commented that the appellants did not feel the traffic impacts had been adequately addressed, and a left-turn pocket lane should be installed to mitigate the additional traffic turning in to the site. He stated that he and Mr. Jesus have no issue with the daycare facility itself; however, they feel it is not an appropriate location for such a facility. Mr. Eiras noted the proximity of the proposed facility to railroad tracks, heavy industrial uses, truck traffic, and establishments which serve liquor. The appellants provided a photograph of a "No Left Turn between 3-6 p.m." sign at the intersection of Menlo and Marina. Mr. Eiras stated that he believed City staffs response that traffic would not back up onto the railroad tracks is unfounded. Mr. Eiras commented on the speed of traffic traveling on Marina Boulevard in excess of the posted 35 m.p.h. speed limit, and he stated that the additional traffic generated by the project will result in increased accidents if a left-turn lane is not installed. He commented that the staffs response indicated that there were no significant traffic accidents at that location, but no traffic collision data has been made available. The Hearing was then opened to the Public. Heidi Finberg, CEO San Leandro Chamber of Commerce, addressed the City Council in support of the Future Tots project. Ms. Finberg commented that the applicant is a member of the San Leandro Chamber, and the Chamber supports quality child care. She urged the Council's approval of the project. Lou Filipovich, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, asking how many times this issue has been before the City's Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustments. Mr. Filipovich commented that the appeal is disingenuous and there is no real basis for it. Bo Johansen, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, commenting that the proposed location is not appropriate for a daycare center due to the lack of parking at the site, its proximity to railroad tracks and liquor stores, and the volume of traffic on Marina Boulevard. Mr. Johansen expressed concern regarding the visibility of the children to patrons of the bar and the facility's proximity to registered sex offenders in the area. Victoria Torrez, the applicant, addressed the City Council, stating that she is the director of Our Future Tots Learning Center. Ms. Torrez commented regarding the traffic concerns, noting the arrivals of the children occur at various times between 7:00-9:00 a.m. and departures occur between 2:00-6:00 p.m. She stated that it is not likely that the restaurant parking would be used by patrons of the daycare facility, as it would be extremely inconvenient for them to do so. Ms. Torrez noted that security is