3A Public Hearing 2008 1201 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Being a Landmark designation per the Historic Preservation Ordinance, the Library -Historical Commission reviewed the proposal and recommended against increasing the height of the Blacksmith's Shop. The Commission however did not have any objections to the Carriage House and the replacement of the dilapidated shed. The proposal appears to be an orderly use of the property that conforms to the intent of the DA -3 Downtown Area base district which is to implement the Downtown San Leandro Transit - Oriented Development Strategy in areas immediately adjacent to the Downtown retail core. The DA -3 District provides for infill development that respects the scale and fabric of the neighborhood while increased building height and higher residential densities are allowed. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission review the proposed PD Modification, accept public comments, and after closing its public hearing, have Commission discussion and provide its recommendation to the City Council. If the Commission finds that the proposal appears to be an orderly use of the property that conforms to the intent of the DA -3 base district and finds the increase as a reasonable request which respects the scale and fabric of the neighborhood, staff recommends that the Planning Commission forward a recommendation for approval to the City Council. Both recommendations from the Library—Historical Commission and the Planning Commission would be provided to the City Council at its public hearing for a decision on this matter. APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING STATEMENT This project entails utilizing the Carriage house and Blacksmith Buildings as rentals. They are located on 1315 Clarke Street known as the Daniel Best House. They will be rented as studio cottages that are single occupancy. The buildings will be brought up to code as there were no permits when they were converted by the previous owners. SURROUNDING AREA The properties to the northwest are zoned RM -1800 Residential Multi -Family District and are developed with the St. Leander Church and school grounds. To the northeast is a PS Public and Semipublic District which contains the Casa Peralta, a historical site. The properties to the east, south, and west are zoned DA -3 Downtown Area District and developed with residential uses including older single-family homes, apartments, and the Rose Gate Assisted Living Facility for the Elderly. BACKGROUND Histo The subject property is at the southwest corner of Clarke Street and West Estudillo Avenue and is developed with the home that Daniel Best (Founder of the Best Tractor Company and eventually acquired by Caterpillar Tractor Company) built and resided in. For that reason the property is designated as a City Landmark, per the Historic Preservation Ordinance. In 1986, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Knab, purchased the property and received a conditional use permit to operate the Best House Bed and Breakfast. In 1996, the Best House Bed and Breakfast closed. Subsequently, Planning Commission Staff Report PLN2007-00062 November 13, 2008 Page 2 of 7