3A Public Hearing 2008 0303 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Excerpts from the Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 13, 2007 Agenda No. 07-23 Page S of 8 Commissioner Nardine pointed out that for 96 units, the fees come to almost $400,000 a year. Ms. Oesterreich reiterated that the fees indicated are an estimate, prepared by professionals who were hired to do so. Commissioner Abero asked about an item under Construction Provisions in the Planning Department's Recommended Conditions of Approval (Revised). The document states, "A Soils Investigation Report with conclusions -and recommendations was conducted by Terrasearch, Inc., dated December 3, 1985." Assuming that was for the initial construction of the apartment complex, she asked whether another soils report would be done. Ms. Oesterreich said that no additional soils report is needed, and the structural integrity of units is covered in the Physical Elements Report. Chair Reed opened the session to public comments. Malcolm Jones, a tenant at 235 Haas Avenue, had afollow-up question about Ms. Oesterreich's earlier comments about noise control. In addition to additional sheetrock in hallway walls and dual-pane windows, what is planned in regard to floors and interior walls? Ms. Oesterreich said the noise report recommended cushioned vinyl in the kitchen and carpet pads. Nothing showed up in the noise report to suggest doing anything about the interior walls. Mr. Jones noted that, in regard to the HOA, security around the building is a concern. He said that he had a car stolen from the parking garage. He noted all the trees, and heard discussion about putting up a wall and rearranging all the parking, but asked how the tenants' or condominium buyers' vehicles would be protected. He pointed out that people who don't live there now frequently park on the property at night. Ms. Oesterreich said that one of the original designs included a gate across both entrances, but they were told that the City would not accept that. She noted that the underground parking is gated, with residents having access through openers. She does not know how anyone got in to steal his car. She added that when they were redesigning landscape features to compensate for removal of trees, the City requested the low wall and trellises to enhance the appearance. Francois Gallo, 979 Woodland, said he was speaking on behalf of the Creekside Neighborhood Association, and had a letter to read from the Association president. The letter said- that certain measures need to be taken as conditions of approval to ensure appropriate land use and to maintain the quality of life in the neighborhood. Among these measures: 1) The visual impact for Haas Avenue is needed when viewing the complex from the street, including mature trees such as those already there. 2) A green tree zone buffer between the apartment parking lot and Haas Avenue. 3) There should be enough laundry facilities on each floor to minimize traffic and pollution problems; traffic through the neighborhood was as high as 1,900 cars a day 15 years ago, when the last traffic study was conducted. 4) No financial support or subsidy from the City or County for condo buyers is needed; there is enough subsidized housing nearby. 5) Redwoods need not be sacrificed; they should be professionally pruned and balanced.