3B Public Hearing 2009 0720 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes July 7, 2009 Agenda No. 09-13 Page 8 of 11 Motion to Close Public Hearing Reed/Ponder; 7 Aye, D No Chair Dlugosh invited Commissioners' comments and questions. Commissioner Ponder noted that he is pushing more on this project than he might under other circumstances because it is so important to him. He considers this the biggest project we have for transit -oriented development, and says that people will decide "this is what San Leandro looks like; this is what San Leandro has to offer" when they see it. This is therefore our opportunity to say that San Leandro is a great place and really interesting. With the Cornerstone portion in particular, he suggested that San Leandro will miss a great opportunity if it does not include a little more retail. On the way to and from BART, they could do some of their shopping. Commissioner Ponder said that he is impressed with how far the project has progressed since the last presentation to the Planning Commission, and considers many of its features fantastic — the paseo, repeating arches, porches and stoops among them. Citing some of the reference architecture that influenced the project, he said some of the windows — particularly those facing San Leandro Boulevard — need more attention because they continue to lack design interest. He also asked why vinyl windows have been selected for the project. (A bit later in the meeting, Vice Chair Finberg observed that the windows may be more recessed than they appear in the drawings.) Mr. Cox explained that vinyl windows offer a lot of opportunity in terms of color, shape, size and window patterning, in addition to being the single most energy-efficient window for residences and probably the best -made on the market now. They require minimal maintenance and will last "forever." He said that one of the things that is important about buildings of this scale and size is to provide for what he termed "quiet places." While the goal is to activate the street, it is equally desirable to have other areas that are softer with larger wall plains to obtain an appealing rhythm to the building. He also pointed out that the design interest in the windows to which Commissioner Ponder referred is difficult to portray in renderings. Commissioner Collier agreed that this project has come "a long, long, long way" and has few concerns. She noticed that most floor plans provide for two entries, but some have a single entry. In those, a person would pass the bath and walk through the bedroom en route to the kitchen or living area. She suggested moving the living area/kitchen area in the center and putting the bedroom on the window wall as one potential solution. Another possibility would be to erect a partial wall about 3.5 to 4 feet high to shield the view of the bed, leaving a 40- or 42 -inch passage into the bedroom. Commissioner Collier also asked about the configuration at the end of the tub in the bathrooms on the floor plan, wondering what that space indicated. Mr. Cox said that while the floor plan designs represent what they anticipate, they are not yet finished. In the meantime, however, he said that the space at the end of the tubs performs one of two functions — either linen storage or plumbing equipment. He assured that the final designs will squeeze out every possible square inch of usable space. Commissioner Abero, too, observed that the project has come a long way. She likes the wrought iron that's been added, and appreciates the green development and environmental consciousness she sees. She questioned an item in the staff report indicating the possibility that "BART will purchase the land under the Replacement Parking Garage and The Alameda from Westlake." She wondered why BART would purchase the latter land.