8A Consent 2007 0604 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DRAFT MINUTES Page 9 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-May 7, 2007 Councilmember Starosciak commented that in the time she has been on the Council, she has not seen a single-family housing development project presented for approval. She commented that the inclusionary zoning requirement is causing the need for increased density, and those who believe in the importance of inclusionary housing must accept increased density and its impacts. Councilmember Starosciak expressed concern about the massing impact of the proposed project and having three-story homes directly adjacent to single-story homes, and she suggested a better "step down" of the buildings. Councilmember Starosciak expressed concern that northbound traffic on MacArthur would back up if left turns were allowed into the project. She asked what the City would get in return for the exceptions being made for the project. Ms. Barros commented that the trade-off for the parking exception would be the additional open space on the site. The setback exception applies only to the most northerly comer unit and on the MacArthur side where the patios encroach on the property line. The additional landscaping would mitigate the loss of setback. Councilmember Souza asked how the parking requirement might be affected ifthe units on Herma Court were reduced from three stories to two. Ms. Barros indicated that it would depend on the reduction in the number of bedrooms. Councilmember Souza applauded the members of the public who attended the meeting to express their opinions on the project. She commented on the parking issues and that higher and denser projects are the wave of the future. Councilmember Souza indicated that she would not be opposed to delaying the decision due to the uncertainty of the land swap. Mr. Horn commented that if the applicant and property owner came to agreement on the land swap, the Council would need to approve the change to the tentative map. Councilmember Stephens commented that he has been continually monitoring the BNA website and reviewing the many emails that he and the Council have received. He complimented Planner Sally Barros for her hard work over a prolonged period of time in trying to represent the best interests of the community, and he expressed appreciation to the community members who attended the meeting for their sincere interest in the direction of the neighborhood and the City. Councilmember Stephens commented on the work of the General Plan Advisory Committee and its recognition of the need for improvements to the MacArthur corridor, and on the City's Housing Element, which contains housing goals imposed by the State. Councilmember Stephens noted the tremendous growth in the state and the changing landscape. He stated that we cannot go back to the way it used to be, and sustainable housing must be built at a higher density. A motion was made by Councilmember Stephens, seconded by Councilmember .. Starosciak, to pass the ordinance to print, adopt the resolution and approve the planned development. Vice Mayor Grant commented that this project represents a lot of housing on a small piece of property with inadequate parking to support it, and she asked the Council to consider lowering the density to the minimum 17 units in order to maintain the required three affordable units.