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PC 09-10-79 CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014 Telephone: (408) 252-4505 PC-317 Page 1 MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1979 REGULAR MEETING PLANNING COMMISSIO COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA CALL TO ORDER: 7:40 p.m. SALUTE TO THE FLAG ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Chairman Gatto Commissioner Blaine Commissioner Claudy Commissioner Koenitzer Commissioner Adams Staff Present: Planning Director Sisk Assistant Planning Director Cowan Associate Planner Piasecki Assistant City Attorney Kilian Assistant City Attorney Aiken Director, Public Works Viskovich APPROVAL OF MINUTES POSTPONED: Com. Blaine; Second, Chr. Gat 0 POSTPONEMENTS L't~!:Llll and ITE,! 112 Continued for ,two weeks. ITEM 1111, under Unfinished Business, continued to provid~dditional time for response of property owners affected. MOTION TO CONTINUE: PASSED by consensus. 5-0 WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS ORAL COMMUNICATIONS PUBLIC HEARINGS OPENED ITE~~, Application 18-U-78, MEDEVAC, INCORPORATED: USE PER MIT request to allow a paramedical team to utilize the Emer- gency Medical Services Center and to allow the hours of op- eration for the Medical Services Center to be extended to en able the paramedical team to operate on a 24-hour basis and ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The Environmental Review Committee recommends the granting of a Negative Declaration. Said property is located at the northwest corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Vista Drive. First Hearing continued. Ten- tative City Council hearing date - September 17, 1979. Assistant Planning Director Cowan of Medevac, both locally and from ters~were present. In review, he that the primary interest was the advised that a representat the corporation headquar- reminded the Commissioners contractual relat ionship ve PC-3l7 Page 2 MINUTES SEPTEMRER 10, 1979 REGULAR MEETING PLANNING COMMISSION between the County and Medevac, an issue raised in the previous meeting and covered in the Staff Report. The Staff, due to the inability to duplicate a similar test area or sample, had not been able to produce noise levels for ambulance sirens, ex- cept that general noise level results could be applied. He noted that probable number of calls for sirens, and other information would be presented -- the Staff estimate being that there would be only three or four calls for sirens during ¡peak traffic hours at the high end. Mr. Milton Silberberg, Santa Clara County Health Department, Manager of Emergency Medical Services, said he managed the County contracts on emergency services: ambulance companies, communications, transportation, emergency hospitalization, and 1st Responders -- Police and Fire Department. A map ex- hibited on the board showed the primary location of all the ambulances in the area (red dots), and the back-up location (blue dots indicating where the units moved over to cover one another), the latter being for standby. Location for the units were picked on a grid pattern to enhance fluidity of the system in operation and permit response within 9.59 minutes of a Code 314 Emergency Call. His experience indi- cated that Cupertino could expect four to six calls within a 24-hour period, of which only two might call for red lights and sirens. Although the ideal locatibn for éuch services was fire stati;ns, Dr. Congress' facility provided them the ability to hold to the 9.59-minute limit for response; and, at the same time, provided facility fo~ on-site training for the para- medic group. He assured the Commissioners and the public that only one ambulance would be stationed .at the location. In response to CHR. GATTO'S requeSt, Mr. Silberberg stated that the ambulances would take patients to authorized medi- cal facility for emergency treatment and that Dr. Congress' premises would not be used for treatment. Usual destinations for emergency patients would be El Camino, Kaiser, or a hos- pital of the patient's choice. He continued to explain that Code 3 (red lights and sirens) was in effect only in . life- threatening situation (heart attack, choking, unconsciousness). Even then, he explained, to avoid risk, the drivers were trained to maneuver through traffic without sirens wh~never it was possible to do so. COM. BLAINE asked for clarification of relationship between Fire Department and Medevac; and, she was told that every jurisdiction had a fire department (including the Cbunty), all of which work together to set a policy for responding thr~ugh the County Dispatcher, who asks pertinent questions of the caller in order to determine severity of the emergency. The closest Fire Department to the emergency is called and responds. Usually on the arrival of the ambulance, the para- medics will take over. COM. BLAINE noted that for Code 3 the red lights and sirens would be going for both organizations. Mr. Robert Hess, President, Vista Gardens Homeowner Associati asserted that the residents of Vista Gardens w~~e cognizant 0 the 'steamroller' effect in the issue. He requested a noise analysis to see exactly what would be th~ consequence of the ambulance plus fire truck red lights and sirens. Specificall he requested that the Environmental Review Committee do a rev·ew before action was taken on Item #3, Use Permit. He suggested that since the use of Dr. Congress' facilities was mainly limited to parking the vehicle, it might be possible to do that effectively in Sear's parking lot. The main thrust of the homeowner association was to reserve the li~it of the zoning as it applied to the neighborhood to assure them of protection from such noise at all hours of the night. PC-317 Page 3 MINUn:!ì SEPTEMRER la, 1979 REGULAR MEETING PLANNING COMMrSSIO COM. BLAINE recalled a statement of the previous meeting that insurance did not apply unless the vehicles were running with red lights and sirens. Mr. Silberberg said it was the first ime he'd heard such a thing and that his information indicated insurance applied whether or not red lights and sirens were being used. Ms. Barbara Dixon, resident of Vista Gardens, brought up the training of the paramedics on the premises of the clinic; specifically, the use of the parking lot for exercises. She also was concerned about an uncompleted wall. Mr. Myron Norman, Vista Gardens, said he'd like to know about training during the day or evening. He referre.d tQ the. Fire Department testing of equipment and aske.d iJ Medevac would have the same tests going off. Mr. John Moore, Medevac, stat~d that those polIcies were usually set by convenience to neighborh.oods and particular concern for tile environment of the neigh.borh.ood 10catLon. In response to CRR. GATTO, Mr. Moore said the tests would ~e each time the si.rens v·ent on -- b.ut at no s:pecific time -- for use on calls only. Each vehicle had a back.-up built in to handle malfunctioning equipment. The noise of a siren was directed to the forward of the vehicle in order to alert motorists or pedestrians ahead of them; and, he said this meant that to the side and rear siren noise was less notice- able. COM. ADAMS asked Assistant Planning Director Cowan if there was not noise level information for the city. Mr. Cowan said that in this instance they were restricted to the difficulty of measuring a single event of noise level -- siren going off in the early hours of the morning. He continued that a Mr. Starkey of the County Noise Control indicated a 100 DBA in close proximity to a siren. He felt it was not a matter of how loud as much as it was a matter of how often; and, he converted that into lack of congestion on the major arteries reducing the use of sirens close in to the Medevac site. PC-317 Page 4 MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10" 1979 REGULAR MEETING PLANNING COMMISSLON Mr. John Moore, Medevac, stated thE.t the noi'se from an am- bulance was not as irritating as the noise of a diesel fire truck engine. CHR. GATTO aSKed where the ambulances would be parked on the premises, and Mr. Moore indicated the þroposedparkin~. He said on the east of the building they could go down Vista to Stevens Creek -- the route selected because of a retaining wall obstructing view, and also because of children going to and from school at the opposite or north exit. COM. KOENITZER noted that considering the value of such a ser- vice as Medevac some part of the city was going to have to have the noise at times; and he asked that particular attention be given to not using the sirens until the Stev~ns Creek or Blaney (main intersections) were approached and during peak hours. CHR. GATTO read from CODE 3 OPERATION (Red lights and Siren operation), APPENDIX I, which was attached to a County of Saa Mateo, Department of Public Health & Welfare letter dated January 27, 1979 (David M. Thoene, from Andy Ramos; subject, Nolse Survey: 3215 Alameda de las Pulgas) outlining six points under which Medevac operates in San Mateo -- the same six points to be in effect for Cupertino Medevac operation. "1) Do not exit the driveway with the siren on. 2) Daylight driving: Do not use the siren until it is needed for traffic. 3) Night driving (10:00 pm to 7:00 am): Use the siren only as needed and for major intersections. 4) Do not exceed posted speed limits around schools and in heavily populated areas. 5) Obey California Highway Patrol regulations: Slow to 15 mph or less at red lights and stop signs. Come to a complete stop where conditions warrant. 6) Use only major access routes to and from the scene. " COM. CLAUDY requested that APPENDIX II of the above-identified letter be included: five points good neighbor policy. " 1) 2) 3) Close all doors quietly. Use minimum volume on the TV and radios. Use minimum volume on the ambulance radio. Do not use the external speaker while on station. 4) Do not rev the engine when starting the ambulance on station. 5) Visitors should be off station by 10:00 pm. " The COMMISSIONERS, by agreement, wished noted in the record, from the Resolution by Staff that, "The hours of operation of the medical facility shall be limited to the hours of 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. The paramedical team's hours of operation are unlimited." (24 hour) MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1979 REGULAR MEETING PLANNING COMMISSION PC-317 Page 5 MOTION by Com. Claudy to grant a negative declaration; Second Com. Adams. VOTE PASSED 5-0 MOTION by Com. Claudy to APPROVE 18-U-78, standard Conditions #1 through #l4 as amended, and as per Staff Report and Appendix I and Appendix II as inserted in the record above. Further amendment of Appendix II have the added Condition, under Condition #6, that the sirens on the ambulances shall not be' tested on station. Findings & subconclusions of Staff prevail. Second: Com. Adams VOTE: PASSED 5-0 SPECIAL FINDINGS: Com. Claudy -PLANNING COMMISSION TO CITY COUNCIL. "The Planning Commission finds that the adherence to Medevac Code 3 Operation Appendices I & II, appended to Staff Report and inserted in September 10 Minutes of Planning Commission Hearing; and Medevac Letter of September 4, 1979, couple with the understanding that the average number of responses per 24-hour period will be approximately six, will result in operational characteristics which will not have an unacceptable impact on adjoining neighborhoods." CHR. GATTO advised the pub~ic that the matter would be heard by the City Council on September 17 and suggested that those who wished to make their feelings known should attend the meeting. COM. KOENITZER requested that Staff be closely aware of any input from people in the area as to intense noise or un- acceptable activity. ITEM #4, Application 24-Z-77 of CITY OF CUPERTINO (TOWN CENTER REZONING approximately 50 gross acres from P (Planned Devel- opment with residential, commercial and officè use intent) zon or whatever zone may be deemed appropriate by the Planning Commission and ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The Environmental Review Committee recommends the granting of a Negative Declaration. Said property is located on the southeast corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and De Anza Boulevard. First Hearing continue Tentative City Council hearing date - October 1, 1979. Planning Director Sisk noted that this second discussion of the Town Center Area, adjacent to City Hall to the North, was a continuation of a number of years of planning for a set of standards for development of the property; and, advised that the purpose of the meetings was to zone the area consistently with the General Plan (adopted in July 1979). The present meeting issues for consideration were the question of street patterns and traffic levels. He pointed out that in addition PC-317 Page 6 MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1979 REGULAR MEETING PLANNING COMMISSION Plans A, B, & C (posted on the board) of the last meeting, four more alternate plans were presented for discussion at the present meeting. Alternate D, he pointed out, oriented the open area close to City Hall - The Plaza. Alternate E was essentially similar to D -- the same road pattern, but shifting the public open area to the northwesterly side of Torre Avenue. Alternate F provided for the road winding to the northerly side of the proposed Plaza area -- providing for the developer to have some meeting place for public use. Alternate G , a new alternative, seemed to be a more viable solution to public ownership of the property. The limited funds available from the 400-unit residential area indicated locating the Plaza on the easterly side of Torre Avenue would serve all problems of finance of the public ownership of the approximately 1.5 acre site. The intent would be to link up with the publicly owned facility on the easterly side of the road in order to control the closing for community type activities. Copy of a letter from The Koll Company, which put forth a conceptual plan for the development of the area, was distributed to the Commissioners, and Mr. Sisk advised that Mr. G. D. Gibson would exhibit a plan and explain it later in the meeting. CHR. GATTO reminded the Staff that the Commissioners had asked for information relative to the roadway system. Director of Public Works Viskovich said it was difficult to analyze traffic volumes and patterns when not knowing what type of use would be located in the area. Estimates of trips generated were based on generalizations of trips generated by commercial use. He reminded the Commissioners that the General Plan had talked about middle of .the block numbers, and that now the consideration was for the intersections. Neighborhood meetings had been held pertinent to closing off by-passes, and the difference in the pattern along with the loop pattern now under consideration would indicate the inter- section would go from a D level to an F level during the peak hours. He said that once the source of trip generation within the development was available, it would then be possible to assign fairly specific numbers to total trips generated from east, north, south, or west. Relief of congestion of the inter- section would have to be addressed later as a separate question. Based on available information, an educated guess of the number of cars daily would total about 600. (36% traffic from De Anza, the north; 18% from Stevens Creek, the west; 32% from the south; l2% from the east.) Additional openings might be added later to relieve congestion. Narrowing of the street and pedestrian crossing would slow traffic and also reduce it. COM. GATTO, recalling that the General Plan considered 350,000 sq. ft. for the area, asked how that number was plugged into the traffic counts at Stevens Creek and De Anza. Director of Public Works Viskovich noted they were talking about com- mercial use and advised that the Staff had been unable to consider it separate from Town Center, Vallco, and Mariani MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1979 REGULAR MEETING PLANNING COMMISSION PC-317 Page 7 as a combination in traffic impact on the intersection; how- ever, from memory, he'd guess that after Vall co was stabilize they were talking about 25 trips/acre being generated from the Town Center. With 85 trips in, he'd guess, based on previous discussions and understandings, that the intersection would always operate at low level. COM. KOENITZER called attention to the visual corridor being obstructed by growing vegetation, and suggested ~ focusing object or design that would lead into the development -- his point being that it made little sense to atremptto maintain a real visual corridor. COM. GATTO asked if the Commissioners would like to hear from property owners and their representatives. Mr. G. D. Gibson, The Koll Company, 119 Bryant Street, Palo j Alto, CA, said he felt those pre, sent were generally approving the plan under discussion and plans dating from 1977. Repre- senting a holding of seven plus acres and interest with the May Company and Cali property, he said that the setting of th Planline for Torre Avenue (or Main Street as he preferred to . call it) was a primary objective to be attained for the bene- i fit of all concerned. General agreement seemed to have been \' reached on the curvilinear or circuitous route to an activity center within Town Center. And, he now hoped that the City J could get on with decisions that permit present plans and fut re plans for the area. A plan from Jay Mitchell of Hoover and I Associates was placed on the board -- a schematic drawing. Mr. Gibson briefly outlined the elements of the schematic, ! adding that he found the evolution of the plans for the area I challenging, was in sympathy with the City as to objectives. I Yet, he said, he felt it was imperative that a good planline I be adopted that would permit land use devices to separate the I residential from the commercial and public lands but not be i excessively restrictive on developers. I I Mr. ~as~n Chartier, May Investment, owner of residential area I of Town Center, agreed with Mr. Gibson; but, in his case, he J wished to state that not knowing what was going to happen to the commercial side, along with the property that the City ha an interest in acquiring, was a major handicap to development for the present. The original plans having opened up vast information as to what was possible, and subsequent plans enhancing on the theme, it still seemed to him that ~he 1977 plans were the best for consideration of the Cali property. Mr. Tom O'Donnel, attorney representing Mr. Edward Cali and family interests, said that it had been a pleasure to attend meetings and make presentations at hearings in the City of Cupertino despit~ the feeling that he was playing "Pin the Park on the Donkey." For many years of representing the Cali's PC-317 Page 8 MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1979 REGULAR MEETING PLANNING COMMISSION nd appreciating the mutual ties of the City and the Cali Family, he still wished to maintain that the best result of planning was moving on. And he said he wished to state up front that no- body wished to have the park pinned on them. The language of the Staff Report was confusing to him in that a high-use park was wanted, but it had to be a high-use passive park -- not a play area, but a tie-in for community uses like Los Gatos. In Los Gatos, he said he felt, as a resident, that he did not belong because the park and town had been taken over by tourists. Putting the park in the middle would isolate it, assure higher traffic, and might focus on present law (possibly to be changed by the Supreme Court) that shopping centers are basically public domain property. Policing such an area created problems since the police felt such property to be a private policing ¡responsibility. Again he mentioned the language of the Staff Report, quoting sections, and concluded that words don't mean much. In all deference, with high regard for the Staff, he felt they were playing developer; and, he said contrary to that stance of the Staff, he felt the developers themselves should have maximum freedom. Adopting the plan presented to him too late for him to critique it, might lead to adopting a plan with wording that did not hold tight, being broad and inconsistent language as continuity with the shopping center (visual), or as passive plaza, (whatever that was). He interpreted the planning as going forward on developing fringes, without a study of the other area, and then pursuing development of the remaining area and being unable to mitigate the problems of the fringes. , If Modine, Cupertino resident, wished to go on record as tating that he wished to retain the Cali Mill property as a focal point for the Town Center. OM. GATTO intenupted to assure the speaker that all parties ·n interest in the Town Center were well aware of the on-going lans and general discussions for setting guidelines for the evelopment of the property being discussed. r. Edward Cali, 20403 Stevens Creek Boulevard, said he sounded ike the bad man of the community, but he knew he'd been there efore. The Cali Mill would have its termination as a matter of ime and economics. He advised that if the City started the utting of things into concrete and pursuing parks, he knew evelopers were not interested in putting parks in Cupertino. rom two and a half acres easterly of Torre, they had tonight orne down to an acre and a half over there. With ten different rawings within six months and many many more over ten years, ·t was confusing to the landowner, and he guessed that the de- elopers sitting there in the audience were not really impressed ith the corridor, (from which he has been unable to see any- hing over sixty years), and parks which w~re presenting ifficulties for financing. As for the parks, he said the City ould give them to Don Koll, or Jason Chartier, or anybody, ut he did not want the parks. MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1979 REGULAR MEETING PLANNING COMMISS ON PC-317 Page 9 In response to COM. GATTO'S questions, Mr. Cali stated that he preferred the curved street design. As for the parks, he responded that at first the parks were to be pur- chased by the City of Cupertino; but, now, tonight, he finds that a donation is expected from the Cali property. He listed the widening of Highway 9, installation of sewers donation of the building the Commission was presently occupying -- all the way. down the line they had not shirked their duty. But, another five acres out of twenty-six, he said, was too much; and, he said, "I say, ho." COM. GATTO, along with the members of the' Commission VOTED that a decision was not going to be reached for the evening; therefore, on a show of hands, the Item #4 was continued until October 22, 1979. RECESS 9:50 p.m. RECONVENED 10:05 p.m. ITEM #5, Applications 16-Z-79 and 2l-U-79 of REGNART CREEK ESTATES (WTW - WARREN WHALEY): PREZONING approximately two gross acres from Santa Clara County A (Agricultural) to City of Cupertino P (Planned Development with single-family residential intent) zone or whatever zone may be deemed appropriate by the Planning Commission; USE PERMIT to con- struct nine new single-family homes while retaining one existing home for a total of 10 homes on the subject proper y; and ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The Environmental Review Com- mittee r~commends the granting of a Negative Declaration. Said property is located on the north side of Orogrande Place approximately 230 ft. westerly of Stelling Road. First hearing. Tentative City Council hearing date - Oct o·b e r 1, 1979. Assistant Planning Director Cowan reviewed the Staff Report pointing out on the drawings on the board the alternate routes of the "Hypothetical Road System" and the location of the property in relation to the creek. He said a key issue would be the Water District decisioll on the extent of their liability on the steep-banked sides of the creek, which was largely in its natural state. Rather than back homes onto the creek bank, as the drawing showed, it was felt that a public drive, with walk and bikeway should bor- der the creek with the homes being set back facing the drive and oriented toward the creek. CHR. GATTO inEerrupted for discussion of Agenda Items to be held over to Wednesday Evening, September 12, 1979; #7 through #10 upon Motion by Com. Claudy, Second, Com. Blaine. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 5-0 Assistant Planning Director Cowan continued Item #5. A meeting between the City, the developer and the Water Dis- trict should determine what easement and setback agreements would apply to the creekside. PC-317 Page 10 MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1979 REGULAR MEETING PLANNING COMMISSION CHR. GATTO asked for a conserrsus on R~gnart Creek as part of a development or Regnart Creek bordered with a drive, walkway to border fronting of private property. The Commissioners agreed that they preferred the latter plan. COM. KOENITZER suggested something should separate the creek access from the roadway; however, he also pointed out that fencing in other areas was unsuccessful. Cutting the bank to a. slope might be a solution (contingent upon the Water District willingrress to go along); yet, that would take away from the land available for development. COM. ADAMS advanced the idea of steep walls channeling the creek making it impossible for use by the public -- walking along it being sufficient. He said keeping the trees was Im- portant. I COM. KOENITZER noted that as for the Planned Development he ha~ concern for the total square footage on the houses being wrong. He noted only one A, four B and four C adding up to 21,200 sq. ft. as opposed to the report's 21,600 sq. ft. How- ever, his estimation was that the houses were too big and he'd like 500 sq. ft. less per unit. The variation of three town- house clusters might he more appropriate and should be con- sidered. Residents from areas adjacent to the development were pleased with the plan, expecting it would increase property values and enhance the neighborhood. It was pointed out that a con- dominium design had been turned down by San Jose, and it was felt that condominiums would not please them. CHR. GATTO recommended discussions with the Water District to determine the site size available. He asked Statf to pr()- vide information B:::> tû the potentia.1 right-of-w·ay to the s·ite, and pursue the single-family cluster mode with the density as indicated on the exhibited plans. Mr. Warren Whaley aske¿ that the matter be contiuuecl over to October 22 in or¿er to avo:rd the I~xtension cJD :he Coun~il 1I.cpt ing.. Assistant Planning Director Cowan advised Mr. Whaley he could come to the Planning Commission with a street plan or network, a land use type, concepts for the homes facing the creek, and go forward with the zoning if he felt comtortable not knowing how the Water District would decide issues. PUBLIC HEARINGS CLOSED BY CON~ENSUS 5-0 MOTION: Com. Blaine, recommending approval of Negative De.claration. Second: Com. Adams PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 5-0 VOTE.: MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1979 REGULAR MEETING PLANNING COMMISS ON PC-317 Page 11 VOTE: Com. Blaine, for approval of 16-Z-79; PD (Planned Development, single-family, residential intent) Zone; with walkway froDting"creek, internal road pattern, physical separation of creek and property p1an1ine for continuation of Festival Drive to corner of Orogrande and Stelling. Second: Com. C1audy PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 5-0 MOTION: VOTE: Com. C1audy, to reopen Public Hearings on the Use Permit, 21-U-79 and continue the,app1ication to the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of October 8, 1979. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 5-0 MOTION: 20-U-79 ITEM #6, Applications 17-Z-79 /-, 20-TM-79 of PARK PLAZA DEVELOPMENT (MAYCO CONSTRUCTION): REZONING approximately five gross acres from CG (General Commercial) to P (Planned Development with residential intent) zone or whatever zone may be deemed appropriate by the Planning Commission; USE PERMIT to construct 12 three-story buildings with under- ground parking to accommodate 144 residential condominium units; TENTATiVE MAP to create one parc.e1 consisting of 144 air space condominiums and ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The Envir onmental Review Committee recommends the granting of a Negative Declaration. Said property is located on the southwest corner of Portal Avenue and Stevens Creek Boule- vard. First hearing. Tentative City Council hearing date October 1, 1979. Associate Planner Plasecki exhibited a drawing of the General Plan showing major boulevards and located the site of the planned development. He explained that the drawing illustrated the high density of core area development in Cupertino; Va11co Park, Crossroads development, industrial and commercial mixes of uses along De Anza -- all leadin~ to the conclusion that housing should be near business to achieve a balance. Therefore, core areas were being per- mitted high density (20-35 dwelling units/ acre) in thís. in- stance, and in accord with the General Plan. Of the opti:on available to them, and after conferenc& with residents in the area, the developers have agreed to 'lower the height of the buildings and consider the possibility' of studio units to offset square footage of the total development height reduction. The plan exhibi.ted i11ustrate.d that concept. COM. ADAMS recommended that the 25 ft. Portal Avenue green- belt be a 35 ft. space with considerable landscaping as originally planned. COM. CLAUDY said he felt that RV's and boats should have as much screening as possible. lie hoped the h,omeowner assoc- iation might have a good policy in th,at re.spect. PC-317 MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1979 REGULAR MEETING PLANNING COMMISSION Page 12 COM. BLAINE said that 1) she'd like to see as much parking as possible for the development and 2) she'd like to have the Sheriff's Department and Public Safety inspect the develop- ment, 3) security gates for protection, 4) screening off of underground parking areas for safety and against intrusion. Associate Planner Piasecki reported that the developer had checked with the City of Mountain View as to the impacts of such devices in that city (Old Mill being an example compar- able in size and design) and had incorporated. some of the ideas in the Park Plaza Development. COM. KOENITZER expressed concern for the 2.5 spaces/unit being reduced. Working couples were apt to have tw~ cars plus RV's and boats, etc., In addition, he expressed sur- ,prise that the F~re Department required 10 ft. 6 in: clearance in the parking garage and he recommended checking into it. Mr. Jason Chartier, 21060 Homestead Road, Cupertino, explained that the RV!;and boats were controlled by local association, and parking facilities were available for rent. Security and opening areas of parking would be wrought iron with land- scaping. Elevations had been calculated on neighboring areas, and stepping down of the buildings on the rear to maintain privacy for single family homes would be designed into the development. He concluded that the ideas of the Commissioßers were consistent with his intent and he anticipated no diffi- culties. He stated that all units would be "for sale" unIts, 1,200 to 1,300 sq. ft. with city equity. Mr. John Carlson, 10203 Portal Avenue, Cupertino, objected to the high density on the small 4.7 acres and the low 2.4 parking space ratio. ~~~Andy Prophe~, resident, expressed concern for traffic, the number of BMR units. COM. BLAINE advised him there were fourteen or 10%. As for traffic, the density of the proposed development coupled with the increased traffic congestion generated by Vallco and other recent developments would have an adverse impact on the area. He was glad for the access to Stevens Creek. Director of Public Works reported that peak hour studies had indicated the traffic would be impacting at 108 trips orig- inating from the North (B worst case} would be on De Anza, Klaney, Portal and Wolfe Road. Katherine Bierman, 19781 Bixby Drive, located her residence on the exhibit and said she anticipated direct line vision from the development into her bedroom and bathroom. She asked that care be taken to shield the residents from such visual intrusion. ~r. J. W. Joy, 19811 Price Avenue, asking for the first exhibit agaiñ, said that the acreage consisted of a pocket MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1979 REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING PC-3l7 Page 13 unlike any other developments in the area --"hpacting the area because of the school situation (the local school having just been closed). Density, to him, seemed to be in consistent with the area, and traffic into the area during the normal day would be increased by people using Price to avoid Blaney and Stevens Creek. Portal also being used as an alternate route by commute traffic seemed to indicate th generation of trips from the development was unnecessary. In response to Mr. Joy's concern for rental units, Mr. Jason Chartier explained that the design and cost of the units in the development would indicate to him that they would be in a price range for being lived in by the owners. He said the BMR units, although subsidized, would be avail- able to only those who were employed profitably but were unable to afford housing locally. COM. KOENITZER explained that the zoning and the density were set after public hearing well over a year previously. He recalled that in going over the density, it was agreed the 16 trip ends/ acre would be waived in favor of increase housing in the area. COM. BLAINE suggested that the develop~r give particular attention to Mrs. Beirman's privacy at the corner of Bixby and Portal. COM. GATTO reminded everybody that in order to achieve high er density or housing opportunities for citizens, within Cupertino, it was necessary to face the design problems and the traffic problems in the core areas; building proximity and mass were unavoidable. Parking below building alleviat d some of the density and characteristics of the transition design. He cautioned the developer to be careful of the privacy impacts on the adjacent residential community. COM. KOENITZER asked for more information on the total height of the buildings -- above the parking slabs. Resident, 10139 Mello Drive, requested that the three story buildings at the rear of the development be reduced to two story. CHR. GATTO told him that the Staff had been in- structed to pay clos~' attention to the views out those rea windows. Associate Planner Piasecki asked that the residents be cer- tain to return to the October 8 meeting to follow up on th plans. VOTE Com. Adams, to continue 8, 1979 Regular Meeting Second: Com. Blaine PASSED UNANIMOUSLY Item #6, to the October of the Planning Commission. MOTION: 5-0 CHR. GATTO announced, based on a previous motion, that the Minutes of the September 10, 1979 Regular Meeting of the Planning ,Commission wuuld be continued on September 12, 197 7:30 p.m., Council Chamber, City Hall, Cupertino, CA