PC 02-26-01 CITY OF CUPERTINO
~ 10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408)777-3308
APPROVED NIIl~TUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON FEBRUARY 26, 2001
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present: Auerbach, Chen, Corr, Patnoe, Chair Kwok
Staff present: Steve Piasecki, Director of Community Development; Ciddy Wordell,
City Planner; Peter Gilli, Associate Planner, Carmen Lynaugh, Public
Works; Eileen Murray, Assistant City Attorney
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
WRITTEN COMMiJNICATIONS: None
POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL FROM CALENDAR: None
- ORAL COMMUNICATION: None
CONSENT CALENDAR: None
PUBLIC HEARING:
2. Application No.: 06-ASA-O1
Application: Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group
Location: Lot 6, Tract 7953
Architectural and site approval for materials, colors, landscaping, lighting and other details for an
approved hotel at City Center.
Planning Commission decision final unless appealed
Staff presentation: Ms. Ciddy Wordell, City Planner, reviewed the background of the application
which was approved June 19, 2000, which included a condition requiring architectural approval of
the following details: outdoor patio hedge area; outdoor lighting; outdoor heating features;
balconies; awnings; landscape pots; the water feature; paving design and materials; . and
sidewalks/landscaping along Cali Avenue to receive special architectural and site approval from
the Planning Commission prior to issuance of building permits. Also, the lower tower elements
shall have more substantial bands.
Planning Commission Minutes Z February 26, 2001
Ms. Wordell reviewed the proposed plans outlined in the staff report to comply with the
conditions and answered questions relative to the outdoor heating unit; tower lighting; and the
Armadillo Willy's walkway.
Mr. Art May, Kimpton Hotel and Restaurant Group, said that the applicant planned to begin the
project in approximately one month, with anticipated completion date of the summer of 2002.
Relative to the heating unit, he said it was their intent not to have something obtrusive, but with a
built-in appearance. He explained that the tower lighting was comprised of a soft glow light of
low intensity for the crown of the tower.
Mr. David Sussman, Development and Design, Kimpton Group, said that they were willing to
create a box to fit the heating element within it. He reiterated that the tower li~hting was standard
incandescent fixtures, similar to residential landscape lighting, and would be easily lampcd [o
lower the wattage if necessary. He pointed out that they were sensitive to impact on the neighbors
relative to the lighting. Relative to the Armadillo Willy's walkway, he said he Yelt it created a
finished border to the existing building.
Mr. Bob Wheatley, Gensler, discussed the lighting, the restaurant seating area and the Armadillo
Willy's walkway. Relative to the lighting, he said he was willing to look at other options,
although he felt the choice of lighting would fit in with the development.
Ms. Wordell noted that the lighting used in the project was not the standard Cupertino li~ht
fixt~res, and she explained that the typical Cupertino street lighting was the cobra light with the
long arm reaching across the street. She said staff felt the proposed lightin}; was more charming
for the street; and there is a condition upon Public Works request that the applicant will be
responsible for the maii~tenance of the lighting since it is not a standard fixture.
Mr. Wheatley illustrated the color board and explained the proposed colors for the project.
Chair Kwok opened the meeting for public input; there was no one present who wished to speak.
Com. Auerbach said that the outdoor lighting was satisfactorily addressed; outdoor heating
fixtures were suitable; balconies, awnings, landscape pods and water feature were approprilte. He
said he would prefer that the paving design be extended to the sidewalk. He said he was satistied
with the responses relative to the sidewalks and landscaping along Cali Avenue, and tlie more
substantial tower bands are suitable.
Com. Corr said that he concurred with an earlier comment that the hedge between the restaurant
and the park was an important part for the area. He said he supported flip flop of the walkway
width with the sidewalk to allow more room for guests to unload their belon~;ings.
Com. Patnoe concurred, and said that his initial concerns about the lighting had been addressed,
and he felt confident that they would act upon any potential concerns from the community if they
surfaced.
Com. Chan said she was pleased with the hotel design and appreciated the input from her
colleagues. She said she looked forward to the hotel and restaurant opening.
Planning Commission Minutes 3 February 26, 2001
Chair Kwok said he was pleased to see the project proceeding, and hoped that the applicant would
work with staff to get the demolition permit to start activities. Chair Kwok noted that he and Com.
Corr were involved with the project from the beginning and he looked forward to the openingof
the restaurant.
Mr. Steve Piasecki, Community Development Director, suggested that Condition No. 3 be labeled
Cali Avenue Improvements; retain the wording about the maintenance and add a paragraph: "That
the sidewalk on the north side of Cali Avenue shall be 6-1/2 feet wide with a 5 foot planter area on
the north side of the sidewalk:'
Com. Corr questioned when the restaurant and hotel would be named. Mr. Sussman responded
that a name had not yet been chosen, but that the name would be chosen by the end of the year or
the first quarter of 2002; and he welcomed input on names.
MOTION: Com. Corr moved to approve Application No. O6-ASA-Ol including the
modification to Condition 3 relative to the sidewalk on the north side ofCali
Avenue
SECOND: Com. Auerbach
VOTE: Passed 5-0-0
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: None
~ REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION:
Enviromental Review Committee: No meeting held
Housing Committee: No meeting held
Mayor's Breakfast: Chair Kwok reported on the Febroary 13 Mayor's breakfast. He
reported on the Planning Commission projects; and reported that other presentations included the
Public Safety Commission's repoR on a database being esiablished for at-risk elderly persons, the
Arts Commission reported on setting up an art display in the City Hall lobby showing the city
projects; and the Library Commission reported that the selection process was moving forward.
Chair Kwok reported also on the redevelopment of Vallco Center.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Mr. Pi~secki
discussed the March report distributed in the agenda packets. He reported that the City Council
would be meeting on March Sth to discuss the overall direction for the General Plan update. Com.
Auerbach requested an audio tape of the City Council meeting. Com. Patnoe noted that the Grand
Opening of the Senior Center would be held on March 3rd.
DISCUSSION OF NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS: None
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. to the regular Pianning Commission
meeting at 6:45 p.m. on March 12, 2001.
Res ctfully Submitted, ~
Elizabet llis