8A Consent 2007 0604 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DRAFT MINUTES Page 5 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-May 7, 2007 policy considerations; past City standards for issues such as parking, traffic, setbacks, and fences. He noted that sometimes trade-offs are made by relaxing a standard to achieve a better outcome for another aspect of the project. Mr. Horn noted the importance of examining the intent and purpose of the zoning standards rather than just following the letter of the law. He pointed out that while a planned development allows for greater staff discretion .and flexibility, there is a higher standard of review, with recommendation required by the Planning Commission and final approval by the City Council. Planning Manager Debbie Pollart gave a PowerPoint presentation describing the proposed project. Staff responded to questions from the Council regarding the land swap version of the proposal, the short wall along MacArthur Boulevard and the hours of construction. Applicant Reid Settlemeir and Architect David Ruffin gave a PowerPoint presentation providing additional details on the proposed project, including the outreach to neighborhood associations, architectural details and landscape features. The Hearing was then opened to the public. Due to the number of speakers for this item, Mayor Santos adjusted the time limit to three minutes per speaker. Phil St Laurent, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, commenting that the project does not fit in with the surrounding area and should be commercial rather than residential. Mr. St. Laurent commented on the narrow streets, the amount and speed of traffic on MacArthur Boulevard, and the lack of parking for the project. Bridgit Lawley, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, expressing concern that the proposed three-story homes in a neighborhood with lower profile homes would be grossly out of proportion and aesthetically unappealing. Karen Clarkson, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, commenting that surrounding property owners were not given adequate notice of the project, and the Broadmoor Neighborhood Association has not seen nor approved the current version of the project. Ms. Clarkson commented that the project does not meet General Plan guidelines or zoning regulations, does not provide sufficient parking and would result in increased traffic, requires five variances and has not received sufficient community input or BZA review. Leslie Salmon-Zhu, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, commenting that zoning requirements should not be relaxed to allow a development which does not conform to existing standards. Ms. Salmon-Zhu addressed the subjects of setbacks, fencing and landscaping, for which the developer is requesting exceptions.