3A Public Hearing 2008 0122 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Excerpts from Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 11, 2007 Agenda No. 07-01 Page 3 of 4 and had the apartments built in 1987. She reiterated much of what Planner Penaranda had covered in regards to landscaping and parking, adding that explained that laundry facilities, elevators and the units themselves would be refurbished. Each unit would get fresh paint, new carpets and new cushioned vinyl flooring, cabinets, counters and appliances. Existing windows would be replaced with dual-pane windows. Prior to sale of each unit, electrical and plumbing fixtures and heating and air conditioning equipment would be inspected and repaired or replaced as appropriate. In addition, to address noise issues, sheetrock will be installed along both sides of interior hallways in each building. The buildings' exteriors also would be painted, and the deck would be reinforced by replacing part of the structure with pressure-treated wood. She explained that no landscaping plans have been drawn up yet, but that the redwood trees would be pruned because they have grown into the buildings roofs. She indicated that the new owners would pay approximately $300 per month in dues, to cover the cost of maintenance of common areas. Commissioner Wohltmann, concerned about the diminished area for landscaping in the Applicant's proposal asked what other parking alternatives had been considered, such as lifts. Ms. Oesterreich said that she is not familiar with lifts, but was aware of them from attendance at previous Planning Commission meetings. She said she would find further information about them. Commissioner Wohltmann asked about the nature of the problems with adding the required laundry facilities, noting that the proposal did not provide enough. He asked whether the installed equipment had commercial or residential capacity. Ms. Oesterreich responded that the washers and dryers are standard residential appliances. She indicated that venting and drainage considerations within the existing buildings make it impossible to equip the units themselves with washers and dryers. Commissioner Collier explained that new quiet-running standazd-size stackable washers and dryers are now available, which could be installed in each of the existing laundry rooms to try to meet the City requirement for a total of 20 washers and dryers each. She strongly recommended that they provide enough washers and dryers, otherwise the ones that are provided will be running 24/7, creating other adverse effects for residents. Vice Chair Reed reiterated some ofthe other Commissioners' concerns about inadequate laundry facilities. He concurred with staff s recommendations and urged the applicant to work closely with staff to make the project proposal better. If the Commission is to consider the loss of landscaping, the proposed plans should compensate for that loss with something much better. Commissioner Wohltmann expressed concern about the landscape degradation, and inquired as to whether the azea around the Karol Way emergency access gate, located on the eastern edge of the Woodside Apartments' site, might be acquired to supply additional space for pazking purposes. Planner Penaranda noted the recommendation and said he would discuss it with the City's Engineering & Transportation Department.