Laserfiche WebLink
Excerpts from the Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 18, 2014 <br />Page 3 of 4 <br />Commissioner Hernandez inquired about the Recommended Findings of Fact, point 5 and asked <br />how the planned project contains superior urban design and what elements that may include, such <br />as: design concept, elevations, more density, low energy or green building materials. Commissioner <br />Hernandez also stated that suburban design can be confusing if the City is suburban but is trending <br />to be more urban. Planner Penaranda responded that the elements and design of the contemporary <br />craftsmanship is compatible and blends in with the context of the neighborhood and can be seen as a <br />superior urban design. Ms. Faubion responded that the development is being planned on a regular <br />site with regular development. Sometimes a design of the project is not necessarily in the details of <br />the elevations or architecture, but how well the development fits on the site, especially for infill <br />projects. <br />Commissioner Collier asked about the current driveway/curb cut in front of the property and if <br />there was any prior constructed buildings. Planner Penaranda replied that he did not know of any <br />previous construction and stated that Mr. Cannizzaro can confirm. <br />John Cannizzaro, the applicant, reiterated that he held two neighborhood meetings for the project, <br />which helped garner support from the neighbors and the community. The first meeting proposed six - <br />single family homes on the lot and while the neighbors liked the design, they preferred less density <br />of four -single family homes with larger square footage and increased parking options. Changes were <br />made for the second meeting, which had less resident attendance, and he communicated that the <br />residents had few issues with the second project proposal. Mr. Cannizzaro stated that he also did not <br />know of any buildings previous built on the site. <br />Commissioner Hernandez asked if the project will be developed or sold. Mr. Cannizzaro stated <br />that he is the developer and does not own the property. The property is listed and the owners are <br />looking for offers for developments. <br />Commissioner Leung commented that he favors this development and that it exemplifies a <br />substantive opportunity in San Leandro for future prospective developers. <br />Commissioner Fitzsimons asked if the development will be for -sale units, maintain ownership and <br />rented, or see what the market is like and sell. Mr. Cannizzaro replied that it is market dependent, <br />but the plan is to sell them. <br />Motion to close public hearing <br />Leichner/Fitzsimons: 5 Aye, 0 No <br />Commissioner Fitzsimons commented that it is rare to see a project that is zoning compliant, which <br />makes the Planning Commission's analysis easier. He remarked that he liked the design of the <br />project and that it is in character with the neighborhood. Commissioner Fitzsimons asked if the <br />Planning Commission can require the homeowners association (HOA) to require reserves for the <br />replacement of the items that it is responsible for, referring to page 10 of the Conditions of <br />Approval, Section 13c. The HOA fees will most likely be small with minimal dues, and <br />Commissioner Fitzsimons is concerned that when buildings deteriorate, owners will not assess the <br />property and help maintain the building. Commissioner Fitzsimons questioned whether the Planning <br />