3A Public Hearing 2008 1201 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Excerpts of the Draft Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 13, 2008 Agenda No. 08-21 Page 6 of 7 Mr. Bolinger said that if they clean out the laundry area, it still wouldn't make room enough for a bedroom. Commissioner Collier said she thought the kitchen could be moved into that area. Mr. Bolinger said he can't redesign the project on the fly. Chair Dlugosh said this is beyond the realm of the discussion. David Bohne, San Leandro Library Services Director, said that he does not know when the Carriage House and Blacksmith's Shop were constructed originally or whether they are modern construction. They were, however, in place when a 1972 Historic Report was done and later when the Library -Historical Commission drafted the updated Historic Preservation Ordinance. Perhaps the bathroom and/or laundry were added later, but the Blacksmith's Shop has always been there, as far as he knows. Denise Kaplan, 364 Dowling Boulevard, serves on the Library -Historical Commission but affirmed that she comes before the Planning Commission as a property owner and resident of San Leandro who values the historical integrity of the entire community. The property at1315 Clarke Street has been designated historical for many years, and its status is noted on deed. The circumstances were not thrust upon Dr. Friend; everything was included in the disclosure when she purchased the property. The historical designation carries with it certain restrictions but also certain privileges and advantages. Objections to the proposed changes have been characterized as unrealistic and unfair restrictions, when in fact those restrictions have been there quite a while. She also said that the Library -Historical Commission does not take its charge lightly; its denial was not a spur-of-the-moment decision made without a lot of careful thought and weighing of the facts. Mr. Bolinger said Dr. Friend understands the designation attached to her property, but it does not deny her the right to improve it. Quoting the Staff Report, if done properly there is no problem. She did not take on this project to circumvent the issues but rather addressed them head on. If we were to talk about the discussion that took place at the Library -Historical Commission meeting, it would take another couple of hours which he feels is unnecessary to revisit tonight. Chair Dlugosh agreed; we've heard enough on that aspect. Motion to Close Public Hearing Ponder/ Collier; 5 Ayes, 0 Noe, I Recused, 1 Absent —Approved Chair Dlugosh identified two issues, one of which may not be a consideration for the Planning Commission and the other the one to be attended to. He asked Assistant City Attorney Pio Rido for guidance to focus the Commissioners' discussion on the issue in light of the Planning Commission's responsibilities. Assistant City Attorney Rich Pio Rido said the Commissioners need to understand two things. One, the Planning Commission's recommendation will go to the City Council, which ultimately has the final say in approval/disapproval. Two, the Library -Historical Commission's recommendation also will go to the City Council for consideration as part of their deliberations. That being said, the Planning Commission's charge — according to State Law and Planning Code — is to make a recommendation as staff presents on the matter, basically the planned development to convert the detached buildings on the property into dwelling units and replace the storage shed with a new storage room. This includes an increase of approximately 1'/2 feet in height of the exterior walls to accommodate the emergency egress and to increase head clearance for the loft. The Planning Commission's decision applies specifically to this matter because it is within the Planning Code and State Law — to deal with the planned development application. Chair Dlugosh added that the Library -Historical Commission's decision does not have any bearing on the Planning Commission's decision, and that comments should be framed with that in mind. Commissioner Finberg, having done some calculations, said the existing Blacksmith's Shop contains 411 square feet of habitable space, and the proposal adds 8 square feet. Now there is 146 square feet of loft