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 7 of 8 Commissioner Abero wondered whether redwoods planted today would be planted as closely together as they were in 1986. Planner Penaranda said they would be planted further apart and further away from the building. He noted that conifers typically are conical, and those on the property are front- heavy, with the backs trimmed straight up and down. Commissioner Collier said that she has a redwood tree with the trunk about three feet from the corner of her house now; when she built an addition 15 years it was five feet away, and a lot of people don't realize how much these trees expand in girth, particularly low to the ground. Commissioner Ponder said that his reading of the tree report suggests that it would be appropriate to remove only one of the trees for the viability of the others. Commissioner Collier noted that what appeared to be mold on the building is more likely redwood stain, which looks like mildew but with a red tinge. She said that bleach cleans it up very nicely. Commissioner Nardine asked what average rents are now. Ms. McMi~ap, who said she lives in the largest apartment in the complex - a two- bedroom, two-bath unit -pays $1,285 per month. Commissioner Nardine asked what time frame renters are given from the time that they are notified that their unit is being converted. Ms. Oesterreich said 180 days by state law. That's the official notice to vacate. But from the time the units are put up for sale, they have a 90-day period for first right of refusal, on either their unit or another one that is available. The 180 days comes first. Then, after they have been notified that the unit will be converted, the 90-day clock starts. Commissioner Nardine asked how long a tenant who decides to purchase at day 90 would have to close escrow. Ms. Oesterreich said that typically a renter has 60 days from the date the purchase contract is written to qualify for a loan. Commissioner Nardine asked how many days are allowed to vacate if financing does not come through. Ms. Oesterreich said normally another 60 days. Assistant City Attorney Stephanie Stuart noted that condominium conversion timeframes are set by law. Commissioner Nardine asked if there is a timeframe within which a second arborist's opinion might be obtained, because there still seems to be questions about the impact of removal on remaining trees. She wonders if there might be other realistic options that could save the trees but still improve livability conditions. She would like to have a second report to compare and contrast. She also wants to know the number of Section 8 low-income residents in the complex. It seems that a large number of zesidents will be displaced because they won't be able to afford the condominiums. Ms. Oesterreich said there are no low-income residents. Commissioner Nardine wants to know the numbers, and wants to see a verifiable report.