BusDev Highlights 2006 0413 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• 2. Discussion Regarding Significant Pending Development Applications. • Use Permit for Reduced Parking (555-579 Floresta Boulevard) Elmer Peneranda explained that the Board of Zoning Adjustments approved a Use Permit for Reduced Parking for the Floresta Shopping Center in December 2004. The approval allowed for the construction of a 9,000 square foot retail building in front of the existing Bally's Fitness Center. The 2004 application did not contemplate leasing the new space to restaurant uses and was approved for general retail space which has a lower parking requirement. Hanson Hom explained that staff had evaluated the parking demand and the supply of existing parking (accounting for the spaces removed for the new retail building). He noted that staff has determined that there remains more than adequate parking for the center and that restaurant uses should be permitted in the new retail building. In responding to a question from Mayor Young, Elmer Peneranda noted that the new building can accommodate between three and five storefronts. Mayor Young noted that she was not comfortable with introducing additional fast food use to the center and that any proposed food uses should be "sit-down" type restaurants. Hanson Hom agreed and noted that the recommendation would apply only to sit down style restaurants. • Administrative Review for Mi Tierra Super Mercado (14340 East 14t~ Street) Hanson Hom introduced the application for Administrative Review to convert the former Byron's building into a small grocery store. He noted that the project was located within the International Cultural District of the East 14th Street/South Area Strategy, (SA-1 Zoning District). The proposed development includes a full upgrade of the building, landscaping and parking area. Kelly Hamer described the proposed plan in greater detail for the Committee including the new facade that will be developed along East 14th Street. She also noted that staff is imposing some special conditions including additional facade enhancements, litter control, limited delivery hours, and the screening of the parking lights from surrounding residential uses. Mayor Young thought there should be some limitations on truck idling and that overnight parking of all vehicles should be prohibited. She also noted that window signs should be restricted to a minimum and that hand written signs should be prohibited from being seen from the public right-of--way. She stated that window signage city-wide is becoming a large problem and that staff should revisit our standards. Councilmember Stephens expressed his concern about the use of exposed neon and that all illuminated signage should be carefully reviewed. Vice-Mayor Badger added that the window areas should be kept open so police officers patrolling the area can see inside the store. The City Manager noted that staff would also be restricting the outdoor display of produce. The Committee generally agreed that the proposed architecture was consistent with the international theme embodied in the East 14th Street Strategy and that the grocery use could be a positive addition to the neighborhood as long as it is well maintained and managed.