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 4 of 4 Chair Perras, noting the inconvenience to residents of having to go back and forth to the laundry rooms multiple times to use the washers and dryers, asked whether the Applicant had considered the possibility of converting one of the existing apartment units to use as a laundry room, Ms. Oesterreich indicated that conversion of a residential unit into a laundry room is a possibility, although not the Applicant's preference. Chair Perras invited members of the audience to comment on the issue. Kai Bender, 261 Begier Avenue, pointed out that the complex has been a "sore" point in the neighborhood since its construction. He stated that the maintenance of the property has been inconsistent. Sometimes the maintenance is very good and appears very well- kept. Then, other times there is an overflow of debris on the property. He expressed concern about who will be responsible for maintenance if the complex converts to private ownership. He also stated that a homeowners' association fee of $300 per month seemed high, considering that the property lacks such amenities as a pool, recreation center, or workout room. Francois Gallo, 979 Woodland Avenue, also indicated that the development was "contentious" when it came in 1985. He expressed displeasure about the idea of any changes in the aesthetic components that were required of the original approved plan, namely the landscaping that gives the area a leafy, shady ambiance. He said that it would be unfair to the community to detract from the appearance rather than enhance it if it is converted to condominium use. Mr. Gallo also noted that the level of maintenance has declined over the past year, and wondered whether the homeowners' association dues would be sufficient to cover maintenance in the future. Commissioner Wohltmann asked about the current Woodside Apartments maintenance budget. Ms. Oesterreich said that although she did not have immediate access to maintenance expense information, she expected that the homeowner association dues would be ample to cover it. Commissioner Kleebauer noted her concern about "minimizing" the landscaping at the site as part of the conversion application. Planner Penaranda said that the City would ensure that an arborist is brought in to evaluate the redwood trees and to ensure that no site development plans would interfere with their health and wellbeing. He indicated that staff has taken note of the input from this work session, from Planning Commissioners and public speakers alike, and will continue to work with the Applicant on preparing a submittal for the Planning Commission's consideration in the future. END OF WORK SESSION