3A Public Hearing 2006 0905 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The proposal will provide infill residential development which would have a density compatible with the existing immediate residential neighborhood. The design is within the allowable envelope of the existing base zoning district. The architectural design is well articulated and detailed. The project would improve an underused property and enhance the Hays Street streetscape. The project provides an opportunity for ownership of six individual units. Moreover, with the necessary conditions relating to landscaping, property maintenance, and the creation ofCC&R's (Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions), the attractive appearance of the property would be maintained. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS This project Jo construct six residential units is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guideline Article 19, Categorical Exemption, Sections 15303 (b) and 15332. Furthermore, the rezoning is exempt from CEQA, per CEQA Guideline, Section 15061 (b) (3), where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the rezoning in question may have a significant effect on the enviromnent. PUBLIC OUTREACH The following public outreach was performed: a legal advertisement for the public hearing was placed in the Daily Review newspaper; public hearing notification letters were mailed to the property owners within 300 feet of the subject property, the Garden Terrace Condominium Association, and the Peralta Citizens Homeowners Association; and public notification placards were posted on the utility poles adjacent to and near the subject property. Similar notification was done for the Planning Commission Work Session of January 26,2006 On May 11, 2006 the City Council Business Development Subcommittee reviewed the proposed project. In its review the Subcommittee made no specific recommendations regarding the project. In addition, the applicant and architect conducted a community meeting on the evening of Wednesday, November 30, 2005, at the Boy Scouts Building. The applicant mailed notices to property owners within 300 feet of the subject property and invited them to comment on the proposal. The applicant and architect displayed and presented the proposed project. Six to eight residents and nearby property owners attended and asked questions about how the six units would be situated on the property, what would they look like and how large would the units be. No one expressed opposition to the proposed project. Opposition to the Proiect After the Planning Commission work session, Garden Terrace Condominium owners began corresponding with staff and stated their opposition to the proposed project. The residents and property owners especially on the north-facing side of the multi-story condominium building object to the three-story design of the project which blocks their views of the Oakland/San Leandro hills. They also feel that this would reduce the value of their properties. Their views would change into undesirable views of the residents' backyards with possibly miscellaneous outdoor storage, pets and barbeques. A petition with 18 signatures was submitted to the City on May 16, 2006; it included 16 signatures from Garden Terrace Condominium owners and two residents at 298 Parrott Street (northeast corner at Hays Street). Planning Conunission Staff Report PLN2005~00141 June 8, 2006 Pa2e 80f9