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<br />DRAFT MINUTES Page 3 <br />City of San Leandro City COlUlcil and San Leandro Redevelopmcnt Agency Joint Meeting-December 4, 2006 <br /> <br />lUlsuccessful efforts to reach an acceptable compromise with the Applicant and <br />architect. Mr. Lew stated his objection to the approval of the height exception by the <br />BZA at the expense of the views of the existing homeowners. He expressed concerns <br />regarding the delays in the posting of the project drawings, the number of adults that <br />would reside in the horne, the potential parking and traffic issues, and the possibility of <br />landslides. Mr. Lew pointed out that the 1989 soils report was prepared prior to the <br />1991 excavation ofthe hill, and he stated that he believed the BZA approved the project <br />based on inaccurate information. He commented on homes in other cities which have <br />been damaged due to landslides. Mr. Lew commented that he believed the carriage <br />house was an accessory structure not in compliance with the Zoning Code, and an <br />administrative exception should not be granted for it. Mr. Lew stated that he was told <br />by his realtor that the value of his home would decrease if the project was approved at <br />the proposed height. He indicated that he is in favor of a home being built on the <br />property but not according to the current design. <br /> <br />Gita Boostani, architect for the Applicant, addressed the City Council, describing the <br />modifications to the project design. She pointed out that the footprint of the house has <br />been limited due to environmental sensitivity. Ms. Boostani commented that the height <br />of the project does not significantly impact the views of the surrounding neighbors, the <br />lot has a large amount of open space, and trees will be planted to screen the home from <br />all sides. She addressed the issues of the number of adults living on the property, the <br />soils report, and the effect of the proposed project on the values of surrounding <br />properties. Ms. Boostani commented that she believed the project would add value to <br />the COll1ll11Ulity. <br /> <br />Vice Mayor Grant received clarification from staff on the parking locations. She asked <br />if the home was being built by the Applicant for use as his own residence. Ms. Barros <br />indicated that the Applicant plans to live in the home along with his family and his <br />parents. <br /> <br />Councilmember Nardine inquired if the job site would be monitored to ensure a soils <br />engineer is present. Mr. Schock indicated that there is a mechanism in place to ensure <br />that either the soils engineer or staff member is present during the drilling, prior to the <br />placement of the steel in the shafts, and during the placement of the concrete. <br />Councilmember Nardine asked if any vegetation would be removed. Stephen <br />Glaudemans, architect for the Applicant, stated that no vegetation was planned to be <br />removed, but the Applicant would be happy to prune any vegetation currently blocking <br />neighbors' views. <br /> <br />Richard Sequeira, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, conunenting <br />that the BZA decision was made based on misrepresentations and that infomlation was <br />not provided in a timely manner to the neighbors, not allowing them sufficient time to <br />research and prepare for the meeting. Mr. Sequeira noted the developer's failure to <br />meet with the affected neighbors which was a requirement for the Bay-O-Vista HOA <br />Board's support. He commented that the soils report was performed in 1989 prior to a <br />massive cut in the hill near his property. Mr. Sequeira conmlented that he did not see <br /> <br />3 <br />