3A Public Hearing 2012 0521 - Laserfiche WebLink

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individual retail spaces are segmented by using differing building materials, rooflines and glazing. Overall it is a visually interesting building. Landscaping, Fencing and Signs The site plan includes a plaza area that is adjacent to the AC Transit bus stop on E. 14 street. The plaza consists of stone (granite) seating areas, a small grove of trees and a water element that creates a spray when activated. The area will create a protected area for people to wait for bus service and will encourage shoppers to take public transportation to downtown San Leandro. Additionally, the area at the corner of Juana Avenue and E. 14 th Street, the site of the proposed Peet's Coffee shop, will include a landscaped outdoor seating area. This area will contain screening along the parking lot area along with a buffer to the traffic on Juana Avenue while also allowing access to Juana Avenue. All signs will be subject to a city building permit and shall be consistent with the Downtown Sign Design Guidelines. Lot Line Adjustment line is shown on the site plan indicating a conceptual boundary of the two remaining parcels. However, no lot consolidation or lot line adjustment is proposed with this application. STAFF ANALYSIS Rezoning and Planned District The Zoning Map designates the subject site as DA -1(S) and the Applicant has requested a rezone of the parcel to Planned District (PD). A Planned District is a special zoning designation that allows tailored development standards for parcels that have unique attributes and need special attention. In this case this parcel is the largest available parcel in downtown San Leandro and represents an opportunity to develop something that will encourage more people to shop and eat downtown. The uniqueness of this parcel is also related to the Downtown Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Strategy approved in 2007. The TOD Strategy is focused on making the downtown a pedestrian oriented place serviced by special bus and BART service. The city is presently working on enhancing the downtown BART station area and making bicycle and pedestrian connections between BART and downtown that are safe and pleasant. This proposed development would be a part of this strategy in as much as it would offer destination uses while also acting as a catalyst for new uses in the area and more people coming to the downtown. In this respect the development and use standards of the proposed district would be consistent with the Downtown Mixed Use General Plan while also creating some flexibility to allow "transit" uses as that term evolves over the coming years. The Planning Commission may recommend approval of a rezoning from DA -1(S) to Planned District (PD), upon finding that the rezoning and plans are consistent with the adopted Land Use Planning Commission Staff Report April 19, 2012 PLN2011 -00039 - Village Marketplace Page 3 of 6