Minutes 2006 1204 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

1\11 NtlTES Page':; City of San Leandro C~C:()Llncil aml San LeandroI~cdcvd()pnlellt Agen~LJ()int Mccting-ncccmhc~~, 2006 unsuccessful elTorts to reach an acceptable compromise with the Applicant and architect. Mr. Lew stated his objection to the approval of the height exception by the 8ZA at the expense of the views of the existing homeowners. He expressed concel11s regarding the delays in the posting 01' the project drawings, the number or adults that would reside in the horne, the potential parking and traffic issues, and the possibility or landslides. Mr. Lew pointed out that the 1989 soils report was prepared plior to the I ()<)l excavation of the hill, and he stated that he believed the BZA approved the project based on inaccurate information. He cornmented on homes in other cities which have been damaged due to landslides. Mr. Lew commented that he believed the calliage house was an accessory structure not in compliance with the Zoning Code, and an administrative exception should not be granted for it. Mr. Lew stated that he was told by his realtor that the value of his home would decrease if the project was approved at the proposed height. lie indicated that he is in favor or a home being built on the property but not according to the current design. Gita Boostani, architect for the Applicant, addressed the City Council, describing the modi fications to the project design. She pointed out that the footprint of the house has been limited due to environmental sensitivity. Ms. Boostani commented that the height of the project does not signiLlcantly impact the views of the sUlTounding neighbors, the lot has a large amount of open space, and trees will be planted to screen the home from all sides. She addressed the issues of the number of adults living on the property, the soils report, and the effect of the proposed project on the values or surrounding properties. Ms. 800stani commented that she believed the project would add value to the community. Vice Mayor Grant received clarification Il-orn staff on the parking locations. She asked if the home was being built by the Applicant [or use as his own residence. Ms. Barros indicated that the Applicant plans to live in the home along with his family and his parents. Councilmclllber Nardine inquired if the job site would be monitored to ensure a soils engineer is present. Mr. Schock indicated that there is a rnechanism in place to ensure that either the soils engineer or stafl member is present during the dlilling, prior to the placement of the steel in the shalls, and during the placement of the concrete. Councilmernber Nardine asked if any vegetation would be rernoved. Stephen Glaudemans, architect I'or the Applicant, stated that no vegetation was planned to be removed, but the Applicant would be happy to prune any vegetation currently blocking ncighbors'views. Richard Sequeira, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, commenting that the 8ZA decision was made based on misrepresentations and that infollllation was not provided in a timely manner to the neighbors, not allowing them suflicient time to research and prepare for the meeting. Mr. Sequeira noted the developer's failure to meet with the affected neighbors which was a requirement for the Bay-O- Vista HOA 8oard's support. He conHl1ented that the soils report was per[om1ed in 1989 plior to a massive cut in the hill near his property. Mr. Sequeira commented that he did not see