3A Public Hearing 2008 0122 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Woodside Apartments Conversion; PLN2006-00059 3 January 22, 2008 improve the livability of the residences obscured by the trees. Secondly, there is a cluster of three redwoods in the planter alongside the driveway entrance to the parking area beneath Building A. The tree report found that the three trees are overcrowding each other in the planter and this condition is unhealthy for the trees. The report recommends that one of the three trees be removed to improve the health and living conditions of the two trees remaining. Staff visited the property and found the tree report's observations accurate and concurred with its recommendation to remove the specified redwoods. • Early in the application process (2006), the Engineering and Transportation Department and Planning Division recommended against gates and fencing at the front of the property. The gates would have the potential to obstruct traffic on Haas Avenue by visitors and residents cueing to enter the property. In addition, the gates would prevent the convenience of access to the visitor parking spaces. • The project would be required to comply with the City's Inclusionary (Affordable Housing) Ordinance where 15 percent of the units, including condominium conversions, must be set aside for low/moderate income households (Zoning Code Article 30). In this case 14 units would be required to satisfy the inclusionary housing requirement. In addition, the ordinance requires the affordable units to be integrated with the market rate units and dispersed throughout the site. Prior to approval of the Final Map, the developer will be required to submit an Inclusionary Housing Plan to the Community Development Director for review and approval. • As required by the Condominium Conversion Ordinance, the applicant has notified all residents by certified mail of their intention to convert the apartment units to condominium units on March 2, 2006. In addition to this requirement, the applicant also conducted meetings with the residents to advise them of their rights pursuant to State and City laws and answer their questions. Current City Council Policy Not applicable Previous City Council Action Not applicable City Council Committee Review and Action On Thursday, November 9, 2006, the City Council Business Development Sub- committee reviewed the proposal. The following is a summary of the Committee's comments and recommendations about the proposal. 1. The frontage improvements would be an important feature to be considered as part of the project since the landscaped setback would be reduced and vehicle parking would be brought closer to Haas Avenue. 2. The mature redwood trees on the property should not be impacted (result in removal) by any of the proposed site work. The large redwood trees appear healthy, attractive and soften the appearance of the four-story structures from the Haas Avenue neighborhood. 3. The project appeared to have limited usable outdoor space as it currently exists.