3A Public Hearing 2012 0521 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 19, 2012 Page 9 of 13 the design takes into account the perspective from the west side of East 14th Street, and they expect the tower to draw pedestrian traffic from across the street. Mr. Sims added that San Leandro's pathways from the west to the Village Marketplace include Joaquin Plaza, West Juana Avenue and Parrott Street, and the tower will attract attention whether one is coming from Safeway or Wing Fiesta or the Englander. Commissioner Hernandez asked if it would be possible to have a crosswalk near the tower, or angled parking on East 14th Street. Mr. Sims said no, that East 14th Street is a state highway and CalTrans would not permit either. hi response to Commissioner Hernandez's question about having an entry to the Village Marketplace from Dolores Avenue, Mr. James indicated that operational factors associated with additional entrances — security issues, the location of checkstands and the need to accommodate stockroom work and other behind - the - scenes functions — would make that unlikely. He also cited security considerations as the reason for not putting a pedestrian pathway between stores in the multi- tenant building. He said it was important for people to be in areas where other people could see them, and not in narrow alleyways. Vice Chair Abero asked about the timeline and tenant commitments. Mr. Irmer confirmed that Chipotle, Peet's and Fresh & Easy are all committed. Assuming entitlements move ahead with the Planning Commission, he said the next steps would be to go before the City Council and and the Oversight Board in late May 2012. Mr. Sims explained the role of the Oversight Board as a byproduct of the dissolution of the San Leandro Redevelopment Agency (like others throughout the State). The San Leandro Oversight Board governs the disposition of former Redevelopment Agency assets, including the parcel at 1550 East 14th Street. When the Village Marketplace matter goes to the City Council, in addition to acting upon the entitlements forwarded by the Planning Commission, Mr. Sims said the Council will consider a separate contract to transfer the property from the Successor Agency to the project developer. The City of San Leandro, as the Successor Agency, will operate under the rules of a State law that took effect on February 1, 2012 as it executes its responsibilities in disposing of former Redevelopment Agency assets, he continued. Once the Oversight Board approves the contract, the California Department of Finance is next in line to review it. The process is a long one, but Mr. Sims said he believes it can wrap up by mid -June 2012. For the sake of discussion, Mr. Irmer said assuming a go -ahead in mid -June, construction documents would be handled during July, August and September. The San Leandro Building Department plan check would be in October. Construction would begin in November, or even possibly in October. Mr. Sims said the timing works nicely with the anticipated completion of the parking garage. hi response to Commissioner Hernandez, Mr. Irmer confirmed that the tenants themselves are responsible for landscape maintenance. Commissioner Fitzsimons had several questions: • Does the project use wood -frame construction'? Mr. Irmer: Yes. • Is the glass along East 14th Street vision glass rather than spandrel? Mr. Irmer: Yes. • Is the $11 million investment cited on behalf of the applicant rather than the City? Mr. Sims: Yes.