3A Public Hearing 2009 0302 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2009 Agenda No. 09-02 Page 7of l4 Commissioner Reed said that a lot of excitement is being generated as this project takes shape, and the project is one that is long overdue. Walking around and visualizing what is coming to enhance the community and the gateway to downtown San Leandro, he is somewhat bothered by the gymnasium on West Estudillo Avenue between San Leandro Boulevard and Carpentier Street. He wondered whether any consideration has been given to upgrade that building and/or improve the landscaping to ensure that it complements the environment that will be springing up around it. Ms. Tan said that her team will broach that topic with St. Leander's. Commissioner Collier said she likes the landscaping, but believes the podium-level balconies and private patios may be too small in relation to the size of the units they go with. For instance, this space is the same for aone-bedroom unit as it is for athree-bedroom unit, and only one or possibly two people could sit there. Ms. Tan said her team will look at making the outdoor, space at the podium level bigger, but balconies hanging on upper floors can be very expensive to enlarge. The patios measure 6x8 feet now. Secretary Livermore pointed out that some Fire Department considerations relate to the size of the balconies. Originally, the balconies specified were larger but were modified so they could be scaled for rescue purposes. Commissioner Collier said that larger private spaces at ground-level and podium-level might be added incentive for people to rent those units. Commissioner Finberg said she is concerned that the raised planter area will not be a suitable play area, and that the play area in the courtyard probably will attract only the younger children. Ms. Tan acknowledged that there won't be room for playing soccer or basketball, but the raised planter will be landscaped in a hands-on manner. In fact, she stated that the planters provide great seating for conversations, climbing and running around. It is absolutely usable space and not merely decorative. Commissioner Brannan asked about dedicated open space and in lieu fees. Principal Engineer Keith Cooke explained that the City evaluates the use of the space and provides appropriate credits based on the use. The paseo has a public access easement and is open to the public, so it gets 100% credit. Spaces inside the podium receive lower credits because they are non-public spaces. The play area is for active use and thus gets a 50% credit. Landscaped areas are not active, so they get only a 25% credit. Ms. Tan said some park in lieu fees will be paid, because there will not be enough open space land to earn enough credits to offset those fees. Commissioner Brannan wondered if the daycare facility would be for residents only. Ms. Tan said that since it will be co-located with The Alameda, she hopes that residents will take advantage of onsite daycare, but it will definitely be open to the greater public and is in fact considered a community amenity. The CEQA and traffic work all has been done with a daycare center in mind, and some conversations have been held already with a potential provider. Chair Dlugosh requested clarification about timing on landscaping of areas adjacent to Phase I, particularly how much of Martinez Street will be landscaped at the outset. Ms. Tan said the intention is to landscape Martinez Street in front of The Alameda and north to West Estudillo at the same time. However, landscaping associated with the parking garage would wait until the garage gets put in so it won't have to be landscaped a second time.