Minutes 2004 0412 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1\11 N lJTI<:S Page 7 (_'~l}:' urSan Leandro City Counci]!~l~j~~~I~_Leandro Redevelopment Agency JOil~t_~pecial Meeting -April 12, 2004 This being the time and place for the Public Hearing on the above matter, City Manager Jem1anis introduced City Planner Debbie Poll art, who gave a short presentation describing the proposal by the applicant and the reasons lor the BZA's denial of the project. Richard Larson, the Appellant's representative and project architect, addressed the City Council on behalf of the Appellant, offering to answer questions. Counci1rllember Santos asked why staff had recommended approval of the project to the BZA and is now recommending denial of the project to the Council. Ms. Pollart stated that staff is recoTlllllending that Council concur with the BZA's denial of the project. She noted that the BZA did not feel the Conditions of Approval were adequate to protect the residential uses from the potential impacts associated with the commercial use. The Hearing was then opened to the public. There being no further comments from the public, and without objection, the Public Heming was closed. Couneilmember Santos expressed concern that issues such as the noise, lighting and parking impacts were not discussed in depth by the BZA prior to its denial of the project. Ms. Pol181i detailed several issues considered by the BZA in determining that these impacts could not he sufficiently 11litigated. Couneilrllember Santos noted that it did not appear from the minutes of the BZA hearing that there was any discussion regarding additional conditions placed on the business which would allow it to operate. He stated that staff could have recommended additional conditions which could have mitigated the impacts sufficiently to allow the business to operate. Councilmember Nardine pointed out that in the minutes of the BZA meeting, the parking and noise issues were extensively discussed. Councilmcmher Santos commented that he did not concllr with Councilmember Nardine's statement. He restated his concern that the ReCOlllmended Conditions of Approval were not adcquately considered prior to the BZA's denial of the project. Councilmember Grant stated that, in all due respect to Councilmemher Santos, her position is a polar opposite ham his. She stated she felt there was a good deal of debate on the issues at the BZA hearing. Councilmember Grant noted that the Recommended Conditions for Approval and Recommended Findings [or Denial provided thorough arguments 1(,)1" both sides. She expressed agreement with the BZA's decision, Mr. Jermanis commented that the initial recommendation hy staff was to find a way to accommodate the project based on Council's direction regarding the zoning for the area. He notcd this issue highlights the fundamental difference between administration and policy. Staff Jl)und a way in which the project could be approved, and the BZA found inconsistencies between the proposed project and the long-term interests and vision lor tll 1 East 14 Street.