3A Public Hearing 2006 0905 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Excerpts/rom the Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Agenda No. 06-11 June 8, 2006 Page 70/10 Mr. Papierniak said Mr. Jones is not saying the wall itself would increase the value of a Garden Terrace Unit. He said Mr. Jones is saying that there is more value in an upscale single-family home development which is a more desirable product than a massive apartment complex. He said Mr. Jones' position does not address the loss of views, but simply addresses property values for his properties. Lou Filipovich, 15376 Laverne Drive, noted that a previous speaker made reference to either San Lorenzo or San Leandro Unified School District. He said that neither school district had any relationship to the proposed project. Mr. Filipovich said the appropriate procedure for receiving public comment ought to first include asking for speakers in favor of a project, then for speakers opposed to the project, and finally for speakers who are neither in favor nor opposed. He noted that the Planning Commission failed to utilize that procedure for its meetings. He also made comments about the recent election for local offices. Mr. Filipovich's comments lasted longer than five minutes and he continued speaking until he had been cautioned three times by the Chair that his time to speak had elapsed. Applicant Langon made comments in response to preceding public speakers. He said it appeared that many of the owners that had moved into Garden Terrace had done so without first researching what the existing zoning would allow. He said that a lot of the things they were opposing in the proposed project are the kind of things that Garden Terrace itself represents. He said Garden Terrace is very massive, has no open area, little landscaping, and is dominated by large expanses of stucco walls. He said his firm had gone to great lengths to create a design that mitigates those undesirable features. He said the south-facing wall of the proposed project is dominated by wood siding painted with different colors. He said the rear of the property also has a recessed porch with popouts around the windows, and, has nine feet between the three residences to let in more light. He noted that he was asking for a reduction in zoning, not for an increase in zoning and had proposed an underutilization rather than an overutilization of the underlying lot. He noted the City of San Leandro had originally suggested that the site is underdeveloped and recommended a minimum of seven units at the site. He said he believed that Langon has come up with a compromise design that opens up space between units, softens the height of the overall project, and uses different kinds of exterior materials. He said he believed the proposal is it nice project that will enhance the area. Commissioner Holcomb noted that there were objections to the view Garden Terrace would experience with reference to the first and second floor ofthe proposed project. She asked whether the applicant would be amenable to planting a tree every six feet at the lot line. She noted that there are tree species that grow upright rather than outward. She suggested 15 gallon trees in a 24-inch box, to be maintained by a homeowner association's maintenance fund. Applicant Langon responded affirmatively, saying that trees at the property line would help both properties. Commissioner Dlugosh asked if the applicant had given any thought to changing the footprint of the houses so that the houses are further separated by two guest parking spots each with the rearmost house moved almost up against the rear fence.