PC 08-13-79
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CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014
Telephone (408) 252-4505
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MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSION
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA
CALL TO ORDER:
7:40 p.m.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
Commission~rs Present:
Chairman Gatto
Commissioner Koenitzer
Commissioner Blaine
Absent:
Commissioner Claudy
Commissioner Adams
Staff Present:
Asst. Planning Director Cowan
Asst. Planner Piasecki
Asst. City Engineer Whitten
Asst. City Attorney Kilian
Asst. City Attorney Aiken
APP~OVAL OF MINUTES:
July 9, 1979, PC-313, Regular Moeting
Planning Commission, amended as
follows:
Page 3, par. 4, strike 1st sentence. Insert: "Commissione
Blaine ~sked Staff if possible vacancies in the Town Canter
Complex were responsible for the apparent excess parking
at said complex, and she asked Staff to check out the
vacancy rate at the complex."
MOTION TO APPROVE AS AMENDED, Com. Koenitzer
Second: Com. Blaine
PASSED
Absent:
3-0
Com. Claudy and Com. Adams
POSTPONEMENTS - NEW AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM #3, Applications lO~Z-79 and 12-TM-79 of MAY INVEST-
MENT, INC. Request of Applicant for one month's contitlUan 2.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
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MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSION
ITEM #1, Application 18-U-78 of MEDEVAC, INCORPORATED: USE
PERMIT request for an amendment of the conditions on a
previously approved use permit, to expand hours of operation
to provide for a twenty-four hour emergency medical service
facility and ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The project was prev-
iously assessed hence no action is required. Said property
is located at the northwest corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard
and Vista Drive in a P (Planned Development with general com-
mercial and office intent) zoning district. First hearing.
Tentative City Council hearing date - September 4, 1979.
Assistant Planning Director Cowan reviewed the conditions
of t}l~ request for the operation of Medevac jointly with
the emergency medical facility owned and presently operated
by Dr. ~Iarc Congress at the northwest corner of Stevens Creek
Boulevard and Vista Drive, and extension of the hours of
operation from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. to include the hours
11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. (24 hours daily).
Dr. Marc Conyress, Use Permit holder explained that calls
would be tied into the 911 Emergency system for a paramedi-
cal unit located on the premises. He assured the Commissioners
that the original Use Permit had been acquired solely for
the purpose of his own services; however, he explained, the
County wished to locate in his facility because of the con-
venience of the showers and the convenience of training the
paramedics on the site.
The Commissioners questioned Dr. Congress as to how many
ambulances would be on the premises, the nature of the calls,
the siren problems associated with ambtllance vehicles, the
orojected future use of the facility and the expansion, if an~ of
services, either by him or by Medevac under the contract with
the County.
Dr. Con~ress stated that he was disappointed that Medevac
had no representative present to explain their proposed
plans, and he said he was unfamiliar with their operatíon.
Hr. Robert Hess, a resident of Vista Gardens, stated his
strong opposition to the expansion of use of the building.
He noted the zoning regulations and ordinances, which he said
he felt prohibited extension of service to provide 24-hour
use. He maintained that the change of Use Permit was the
beginning of further and future changes; and, it was his con-
tention that, based on available information, the aim was to
establish a base hospital and ambulance service tied to the
911 System, which he felt might lead to establishing a drunk
tank and drug addict treatment center. Mr. Hess charged
that Hedevac had acted deceptively in not admitti~ to having
bid on a County Contract in a proposal dated February 9,
1979, to having executed a contract on May 1, and to
having received on July 25, 1979 $399,000 on the contract
that was begun on July 1, 1979. He said he felt it to be
odd that upon receiving the funds on July 25, 1979, they had
requested the change in Use Permit to operate on a 24-hour
basis that same day.
MINUTES AUGUST 13. 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSIO
Mr. Iless continued that his concern was that Medevac had
solicited the contract, that they were asking permission t
operate a service over and beyond the original Use Permit;
and, he asked, rhetorically, how much further would HEW be
behind this amendment with further requests for additional
services. He offered a copy of the contract to the Com-
missioners, which was accepted with the option to make a
copy and return his copy to him. Mr. Hess further said he
opposed the eight ambulances that were covered in the con-
tract.
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Assistant Planning Director Cowan clarified the eight am-
bulances mentioned in the contract as being distributed
betwean Cupertino and Gilroy -- the condition of the con-
tract actually being that only one ambulance would be on
the premises under discussion.
Ms. Lillian Quirk, 20251 Reinsll Place, right behind the
fence from the operation, expressed her oppostion to ex-
tending hours because of the noise factor. She suggested
a 24-hour service should and could be located elsewhere.
Mr. Jerrv Holloway, 20250 Reinell, a resident for about a
month at that address, s~ated it was his understanding
when he moved in that they were talking about an emergency
clinic that did not require hospitalization, and which was
to be open during the day. He felt it was extremely devio s
of the gentlemen involved not to have shared their know-
ledge of the County Contract and the projected use of the
premises. Secondly, he said it was his expectation that
the extended service could only proliferate into a patient
care emergency hospitalization service. De advised that
he saw no difficulty with using good county facilities
already available and felt the 911 System should be tied
into those underused facilities. The disturbance of siren
in the neighborhood was particularly of concern to him.
Ms. Rushell Parker, 20250 Reinell Place, said she opposed
the Use Permit. As a health care professional, a member
of the faculty of the medical school at Stanford, and a
part-time employee of the County, Ms. Parker cautioned
that the facility could be used as a conduit for double
charging patients and could develop into an intermediary
care situation prior to moving patients into qualified
medical facilities. She said she felt the cemptation
could be great to establish a drunk tank and drug addict
center in that location. Those patients would then be re-
leased onto the streets in a residential area where there
was lack of adequate transportation available during the
middle of the night.
Mr. William Blasser, 20253 Cartwright Way, said he was a
retired Captain of the San Mateo Sheriff's Office, having
served for thirty-one years. He pointed out the proximity
of intersections near the site; and, he stated that in or-
der for vehicles to be protected under insurance, it would
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MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSION
be required for the ambulances to run with sirens and
claxons going. His experience with ambulance drivers was
that they were not professionally discrete enough to use
sirens judiciously until they were old enough to retire or
had moved on up the ladder eLsewhere. Referring to the
story of the camel asking for permission to put just his
head in the Arab's tent to get it out of the wind, and then
moving in altogether, he said hetd like to have the Com-
missioners think about this group having its head in and
knowing where they were going. He said he felt the average
citizen should have recourse to the protection of the City
against such plans.
Ms. Jean Blasser, 20253 Cartwright Way, supported the fine
hospital services in the area; and, she said she failed to
see any virtue in the Hedevac enterprise. She pointed out
that emergency service was available at local hospitals on
a 24-hour basis, and the citizens should be encouraged to
use those established faciLities.
Ms. Barbara Dickson, 20262 Cartwright, reported that a high,
blank wall backed up to them, which was contrary to the
promises that had been made at the original Use Permit
meeting. She felt she had been deceived once, and now she
said she felt that she was being deceived further. She
questioned the circumstance of the party to the appli-
cation for the amended Use Permit for joint use of the
property not being informed about substantive facts per-
taining to the present and future development of the
facility.
Dr. Marc Congress spoke up to say that he had nothing to do
with Medevac in that his operation was entirely separate.
He added that it was not his intention or wish to create
anxiety or hostility within the community.
Mr. Clayton Scott, 20282 Cartwright, requested that the
~ommissioners rent~irp an Environmental Impact study on the
Medevac issue with emphasis on the total noise level of the
~rea.
Mr. Edward Cali, 20430 Stevens Creek Boulevard said the
only comment he wished to make was to call attention to his
having about 110 employees and having had many emergencies
through the Sunnyvale Clinic -- three to four miles away.
The serious injuries, he said, could have been handled more
expeditiously through local facilities. In response to
CHR. GATTO, Mr. Cali confirmed that most accidents happened
during daytime working hours, the exception being a workman
falling about three floors one midnight.
PUBLIC HEARINGS CLOSED 3-0
MOTION: Com. Koenitzer. Second: Com. Blaine
Absent: Com. Claudy & Com. Adams
COM. KOENITZER said that in response to the sentiments of
MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSIO
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citizens, and considering _the example of the camel with th
head in the door, he'd like to have a presentation in dept
from Medevac as to present plans and future plans. He
asked if the Public Safety Commission was acquainted with
Medevac. (Assistant Plannins Director Cowan did not know.)
COM. BLAINE observed that the executed and activated con-
tract with the County seemed to be a well-kept secret, and
she recommended continuing the consideration of the Use
Permit until a Medevac representative appeared before them.
Assistant Planning Director Cowan noted that the concern
was the noise, and then the long-term growth of the fa-
cility. He asserted that the development of the project
could be controlled by the City. He suggested a dis-
cussion with City Manager Quinlan, who was aware of the
project. And, Mr. Cowan informed the Commissioners that
the Xedevac unit was presently housed in the Cupertino
Cornoration Yards. A suggestion he'd advise toward limiti g
siren noise would be a trade-off between the fire depart-
ment and Medevac in sharing emergency calls.
CRR. GATTO pointed out the statement that the matter had
already been assessed; but, he said, the amended Use Permi
went to a different set of uses. He recommended a clear
definition of Medevac intentions, the number of vehicles
involved at any given time, the expected expansion plans
for one, three and five-year intervals, and a complete
Environmental Review Committee re-evaluation. It seemed
to him, he explained, that the concerns of the citizens
were well-founded and needed to be heeded.
PASSED
Absent:
Com. Blaine, to continue Application l8-U-78 -
MEDEVAC, INC. to the meeting of September 10, 197
pending investigation and information to answer
the questions raised during the Public Hearing
and the Commissioner's discussion.
Second: Com. Koenitzer
TO CONTINUE 3-0
Com. Claudy & Com. Adams
MOTION:
ITEM #2, Application 24-Z-77 of CITY OF CUPERTINO (TOWN
CENTER): REZONING approximately 50 gross acres from P
(Planned Development) to P (Planned Development with resi-
dential, commercial and office use intent) zone or whateve
zone may be deemed appropriate by the Planning Commission
and ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The Environmental Review Com-
mittee recommends the granting of a Negative Declaration.
Said property is located on the southeast corner of Steven
Creek Boulevard and De Anza Boulevard. First hearing.
Tentative City Council hearing date - September 4, 1979.
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MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSION
Assistant Planning Director Cowan informed the Commissioners
that the purpose of the discussion of the Town Center for
the meeting was to receive input from the Commissioners,
from the public, and from the owners of the properties, as
to the conceptual plans exhibited as Alternate Plans A, B,
and C, which were mounted on the wall. He briefly high-
lighted the elements of the plans and explained that the
details of the proposed plans could be read on Page 4 of the
Staff Report of August 10, 1979. He pointed out that the
Staff was suggesting that after discussion the hearing be
continued for two weeks in order to provide opportunity for
public review of the recommendations.
COM. BLAINE asked if traffic projections had been made to
determine flow and access of the total property, one section
to another, or coming through the extension with access
and parking at the park.
Assistant Planning Director Cowan explained that the
situation might call for gross zoning in order to develop
the total area as was done with the Regional Shopping Center.
In this instance he said there was some basis for infor-
mation -- at least all the factors. Three quarters trips
for each unit was a starting point and would change relative
to the number of units proposed to be constructed in the
areas. Bedroom sizes, income levels, price cielings and
mix would relate to traffic generation.
COM. BLAINE suggested that perhaps underground types of
streets or overpasses might be a solution to busy streets
intersecting. Noting 200,000 sq. ft. of commercial and
450 units oE residential, she asked if anything had been
done to evaluate what kind of traffic was going to be
moving through the area. Mr. Cowan promised to dig up in-
formation on that aspect of the traffic problem.
COM. BLAINE questioned the number or percentage of moderate
to low income housing. She asked if the percentage had
been changed to the 10% because of the below market rate
housing program initiated. And, she asked, what of the 20%
percentage.
Assistant Planning Director Cowan reminded her of the 1977
review provided for 20% requirement; then, the General Plan
adopted the 10%. He explained that the 10% applied to
home ownership, and then there was the 10% applied for rental.
He interpreted the plan under review would permit the less
restrictive General Plan percentages to prevail.
COM. BLAINE recalled that 20% had been decided specifically
and exclusively for Town Center because of the nature of
the development, and she wished to have it returned to con-
sideration. Attachment A (Community Objectives, page 1) #6,
in the back -- Resolution 1803, Planning Commission; #4,
Attachment A talks about 20% moderate income housing. She
reminded the Commissioners that it was adopted by the City
Council on February 21, 1978.
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¡MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSION
Assistant Planning Director Cowan read the pertinent passage
from the General Plan and explained that the General PI h d
b "I an a
een 81 ~nt on the question of percentage. He continued that it
was the lntent that an applicant would meet needs through a Section
,VIII pr~gram ~- federal subsidy. Ten percent was equitable for
ownershlp"pr~Jects, but the 20% would be restrictive for applicants;
and he sald lt was felt that a 10% composite was realistic and reason-
able.
Com. ~laine suggested a change in the policy calling for 20% or resi-
dent all are~s to be done in moderate income rental housing. In this
case she sald that the 400 units should be 20% l"n moder t· h
'. 0 . a e lllcorne QUS-
~ng ownershlp or rental not being specified, but the specification that
lt be s?atter~d ap~l~ing. She said she felt the policy adopted was valid,
but thelr seml-offlclal policy that also applied, that was also valid.
,
I
¡COM. KOENITZER indicated he did not feel altogether com-
I' fortabl~ about the manner in which the layout would function
for public' use.
CRR. GATTO inquired as to the acquisition methods for the
land requircd for the park; and, he was told that it was
to be acquired through dedication by developers and the
General Fund -- the Capital Improvements Program. Since
the total of the funds would not be available at one time,
it would be necessary to work out arrangements for total
funding of acquisitions. Suggested contribution by com-
~ercial devclopers mi~ht be considered. CRR. GATTO turned
to the expectation that virtually no commute traffic would
be using the route through the Town Center as a dodge around
major intersections and thoro fares in the area.
[
Assistant City Engineer Whitten advised that the policy
was to discourage commute traffic through the use of the
loop plan around Town Center. Left turn restriction and
alteration of timing of signal lights during peak traffic
times would further discourage commute traffic.
CHR. GATTO said he was aware of that, but what he wished to
know was whether or not there was any new data that indi-
cated commute traffic would not benefit from dodging into
the area at peak traffic hours. In other words, he asked
if there was data to indicate commute traffic volume would
require the installation or such a circuitous movement of
traffic through Town Center.
Assistant City Engineer Whitten mentioned work done for the
Eity Council that indicated there would be no problem on
the northsidc; however, he added, the large question would
be what was going to happen to Route 85.
. GATTO asked for some numbers to substantiate the con-
clusion. He was assured that given the traffic patterns
imagined, going through Town Center would not be a good move.
MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSION
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It was agreed that more hard data was needed.
CHR. GATTO advised the audience that the meeting was the
first of several public hearings to provide information and
data for the development of the Town Center. And he asked
that speakers keep in mind that they were discussing only
a general framework for a basis for definitive plans for
the Town Center.
Mr. G. D. Gibson, 119 Bryant Street, Palo Alto, representing
the Coal Company owners of seven acres adjoining the
Northern California Savings and Loan and crossing Torre
Avenue, and directly across from City Hall. He reminded
the Commissioners that as representatives of the Cali in-
terests and his own interests, he had disr.ussed plans for
the area with members of the Staff; however, he said that
since he had received the plans for this major conceptural
change at 3:30 p.m. tl1at afternoon, he was unable to deal
with it intelligently until he had time to really read it
over. He said that in 1977, the Cali interests, the Coal
Company, and the May Investment Company had hired an econ-
omic and market analysis for information to be given to th
Planning Commission and City Council for revision of the
1963-64 plan for the Town Center. The same major concerns
had surfaced as had just been discussed by the Commissione s.
In his opinion he said he felt the one-way pattern for the
Town Center would create hazards and confusion and would b
detrimental in that it would create separation of uses in
the Town Center, and could create an island for the type 0
people using a park in that location. His experience in-
dicated major turning points in the middle of a develop-
ment -- any type of traffic congestion or shopping pattern'
would exacerbate any type of problems arising. Referring
to Alternate Plans A and B, he said that having had their
analysts go over it at the time it was presented to the
City in 1977, they had concluded that it was the better
traffic flow for the property. He said he'd like a clari-
fication of the change from anchor property, and also a
clarification of what public offices meant, and clarifi-
cation of specific design suggestions for height and
lower height buildings. As for the park, Mr. Gibson re-
lated the park problems of Palo Alto, where he was a resi-
dent, and predicted that the parks are usually a source of
grief for nearby residents and law enforcement; and, he
added that problems occurred more easily and quickly in
non-activity parks. Mr. Gibson concluded by suggesting
that more study should be given to tying or integrating
commercial and residential areas.
Mr. Jason :Chartier , May Investment Company, 20160
Homestead -R;)ad-, Cupe~rtino, stated that he was the owner of
fourteen plus acres which were designated as residential.
Indicating the exhibits, he said that the yellow area rep-
resented his interests, basícally. In processing an
application through HUD to build Section VIII units, in
1978, he said he had dropped the plan because of the con-
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MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSION
centration of low income housing, and he felt the mixture
proposed was better. However, he advised that 20% on the
rentals would work, but that 10% would be a stiff requirp-
ment. The 20% would not be really economically feasible in
considering giving up 10% on low cost, which translated
into giving up 10% plus potential income. Increased density
also had to be considered; subterranean parking slabs, and
government (HUD) rules and regulations added up to expenses,
and 20% subsidy on rentals and 20% on housing would make it
impossible. Building minimal, high-density housing would
not make it for what the Town Center expectations seemed
to be. He said their aim was to build something more than
a basic rental so that their project would be compatible
with the surrounding Town Center. The suggestion was made
that they should get together and talk about a difference
bet"een the 20% and 10%. Mr. Chartier predicted that if he
got into a bind he'd have to drop this project. The esca-
lation of costs was further inequity, which was based on
inrlation and the proposed necessity for park dedication
based on numbers of units and/or people.
COM BLAINE hazarded the guess that she thought this was
something new for HUD, and she agreed that it computed to
40 out of 200 units at 20%.
John Ottoboni,lOl Park Center Plaza, San Jose, representing
the Cali Interests, wished to be brief and concurred with
all the remarks of the previous speaker. He indicated the
rour areas or concern initially 1) trarric patterns, which
seem to be much different than two years ago; 2) the park
raising questions or "do you want the park and where do you
want it;" 3) reasibility or developing it in the way being
discussed in the Starr Report; 4) clarirication or what the
Starr is trying to say about open spaces, high and low
building locations. He cautioned that in order ror any
discussions to be had with interested developers they'd have
to have answers to those kinds or questions.
Assistant Planning Director Cowan brierly explained that the
concept of Point 4 mentioned (by Mr. John Ottoboni ) would
provide a visual corridor out to the center or town -- the
crossroads. The second visual corridor would encompass a
view of the park or plaza. And the third visual corridor
was directed toward the mountains as a rocal point. He re-
minded the Commissioners or the statement in the beginning
or the plan that talked to reasibility and allowed that
these were objectives to strive ror in the planning for
Town Center. He said the thrust of Staff planning was to
provide basic guidelines in many areas for the use or project
architectural teams.
CHR. GATTO observed that guidelines tend to become specific.
Mr. Jason Chartipr . May Investment Company, spoke again and
requested resolution of the number or mixture of low income
housing units; and, he advised that although another meeting
MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSION
PC-315
Page 10
was scheduled for two week hence, he'd like to have a reply
as soon as possible. It was something that had to be settl_d
because HUD only gave so much time to him, and he sug-
gested a decision on the one proposal only.
Mr. Gibson, returned to recommend open space be separated
from housing units. Talking with developers was difficult
because some case could be made for their negotiating for
a park when they reviewed the City plans for the area. In
general he approved of the total plan and was pleased with
with overall concept, but felt handicapped by some rather
restrictive and specific guidelines indicated in the Staff
Report.
COM. GATTO suggested the Commission address basic policy
in order to get Staff working on the plans. He asked if
possibilities could be developed to eliminate the one way
road patterns. Another decision had to corne as to dis-
tribution and numbers for it. Thirdly, he wished the park
question and its function to be defined.
PUBLIC HEARINGS CLOSED: Motion: Chr. Gatto.
Second: Com. Blaine PASSED 3-0
Absent: Corn. Claudy & Corn. Adams
COM. BLAINE hoped they were talking about 200 units of
housing, 20% of rental housing for moderate income familie
and having families rather than one-bedroom units.
~r. Torn Spencer. Bank of America, responded to Com. Blaine
by saying Mr. Chartier's project was family oriented but did *
not necessarily preclude elderly; and excluding children
would be anti-government policy. Therefore, children
would be included in the project.
COM. BLAINE commended the 50% rental. And she added that
she'd not like to see the whole project go rental. As for
20% on homeowner occupied, she suggested 10% under HUD and
10% under the City BMR program, or picking up 10% on the
rental units. But, above all, staying with the 20% across
the board.
COM. KOENITZER supported 20% as ideal for him, but he
could understand the financial problems of the developers
and the necessity of having to drop to 10%. He recommende
further discussion of financial backing for tllC rental
program.
COM. GATTO agreed with Com. Koenitzer in that the ownershi
units should be consistent with the rest of the city -- 10;
and allowing 20% for rental units.
COM. GATTO asked for discussion of the park. COM. BLAINE
opted for a plaza rather than a park and asked for a place
to provide activities and games in the neighborhood.
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MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSION
COM. KOENITZER noted the isolation of the park or plaza being
surrounded by streets and uncertainty of traffic volume and
flow. He noted that City Hall was not on the main street,
and he was having difficulty locating a plaza off a major
street and not even located near City lIall for identification
as a civic center. He recommended moving the light blue area
across from City Hall and he failed to see a problem with
it next to residential. He questioned the adequacy of the
functioning of the area as a park or a plaza.
CHR. GATTO agreed with moving the blue area over and referred
to the Rodriquez-Torre intersection as a major one and he
suggested putting the opening at that location, thus unifying
all four sections of the quadrant. He was concerned by the
traffic pattern in Alternate A and recommended possible use
of grade separations; although, he said that more than two
lanes might make crossing difficult. The 50 acres -- not a
hugh amount of land -- might be blown out of proportion. He
re-emphasized the importance of traffic studies. He felt
a "walkway-like" setting from City Hall to the intersection of
Stevens Creek would help unify the various sections and uses
of the area, would create a pleasantness for pedestrians, and
be safe as well, even as it maintained idenity for Town Center.
Com. Blaines suggestion that a road surrounding the area for
traffic and maintenance did not appeal to him.
Assistant Planning Director Cowan advanced the idea that a
private road integrated into the development might be feasible.
cna GATTO explained that he felt the plan should be kept
flexible enough that it would lend itself to multi-uses as
required. The plaza in the center of a private area would iso-
late it from public use, and also would create parking
problems within and outside the private area. The more the
areas are organized the more the success of uses would be,
he predicted; and, he added that although they were calling
it park space, he felt it would be more reasonably con-
sidered visual relief for local residents.
A~eaker from the audience suggested a meandering road. CHR.
GATTO agreed with COM. KOENITZER regarding splitting the
area and favored relocating the blue area.
¡CRR. GATTO asked for comments on limiting the yellow area
exclusively to residential.
COM. KOENITZER reminded the Commissioners that from 1963,
but most certainly since 1977, the eastern part might be
residential, but the western part might be residential or
commercial; and he stated he'd feel comfortable with the
eastern part in residential.
COM. BLAINE brought up the "toe of the yellow boot" and
COM. GATTO suggested forgetting the "toe" in order to decide
whether or not they'd want to see less than fourteen acres
to the area. It was agreed that more was good and less was
not to be considered.
MINUTES AUGUST l3, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSI01
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Page 12
COM. BLAINE suggested developers should keep in mind inte-
grating new development with old developments. She agreed
with CRR. GATTO that making Rodriquez a mall or walkway
would locate the park at the foot of that area, across fro
City Hall, and would also serve to integrate areas.
Mr. Jason 'Chartier asked for guidance as to how the split
on rental and ownership ratio should go. COM. BLAINE ad-
vised him to consult with Sue Hastings of the Staff. He
then asked whether or not, in a trade-off, the Commission
would discuss more or less of one type of unit than the
other -- rental vs. ownership units, HUD or HEW, etc.
CHR. GATTO requested specific plans from owner-developers,
based upon what had been discussed during the meeting bein
used as guidelines and parameters. At that point he said
it would be possible to review plans and firm-up trade-
of£s.
Mr. G. D. Gib90n, or the Coal Company, prefaced his remark
with labeling himself ". possible owner of a park," and
went on to refer to the Alternate Plan of 1977, page 2,
par. 2 & 3, which represented a plan he had funded, and
which also represented an escrow he had closed on the basi
of the plan. He quoted from the plan, specifically pointi g
out the methods for funding of public lands or parks by
dedication or by taxes on commercial developments. He
asked what would be the process if he submitted plans for
putting offices on the blue area.
CllR. GATTO stated the usual process was a conceptual plan
and a Planning Department review; however, he advised that
at the present there is no conceptual plan. A Use Permit
and conceptual plan would require consideration of the
project. If the City, based on a decision as to whether 0
not the area was to b~ public or private, decided it was t
be public, then the onus would be on the City to devise
means for effectuating that result; funding and inclusion
of the landowner in the decision.
Mr. Edward Cali, represent Cali Interests, said he took
the liberty of showing the latest plan to two or three
developers, who had been amazed at the one-way street
pattern and the extensive changes from the 1977 plan. They
had verified his worst fears about the expense of the plan
but had been unable to guess as to the feasibility of the
plan. He asked if it was possible to delay planning on
the 26 acres under Cali Interests' control and work with
the city as to what the city wished at that time.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED:
Absent:
Com. Claudy &
Com. Koenitzer
Second: Com. Blaine
PASSED
Com. Adams
3-0
PC-315
..!'age 13
MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSION
Assistant Planning Director Cowan clarified the following
directions from the Commissioners. They wanted expected
traffic generation, excluding the information not available
as to Route 85 plans, in about two week's time; housing
percentages at 10% for ownership and 20% for rental; park
interest would be in exploring acquisition of space for the
park; and a conceptual plan for the yellow section of
Alternate A going ahead in any variation of development.
De asked if that meant still going ahead with the other side
of the road with the object of getting guidelines -- the
road and park being the main guidelines spoken to.
Absent:
Com. Koenitzer, to Continue 24-Z-77 to August 27,
1979, Item #1 on the Agenda.
Second: Corn. Blaine
PASSED 3-0
Com. Claudy & Corn. Adams
NOTION:
RECESS: 10:25 p.m.
RECONVENED:
10:35 p.m,
ITEM #4, Application 13-2-79, l7-TM-79 and l6-U-79 of J.M.T.
DEVELOPMENT CO.: REZONING approximately 1.5 gross acres
from R-l (Single-family residential) to P (Planned Develop-
ment with residential cluster intent) zone or whatever zone
may be deemed appropriate by the Planning Commission;
TENTATIVE MAP to subdivide approximately two acres into 15
parcels consisting of 13 residential parcels, one common
area parcel and one parcel equaling approximately .5 of an acr
acre to accomodate future development; USE PERMIT to con-
struct 13 single-family cluster homes and ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEW: The said property is located on the north side of
Wildflower Way approximately 200 ft. easterly of Poppy Way.
First hearing. Tentative City Council hearing date -
September 4, 1979.
Assistant Planner Piasecki digested the content of the Staff
Report and illustrated on the board some of the character-
istics of the development. He added that another concern
would be the access from Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road and whether
a left-turn in or right-turn out situation would happen.
He said the answer was not available from the State. For
interpretation on the policy on the property, he referred
the Commissioners to Planning Commission Meeting PC-314,
Item #6 on the Agenda. The Tentative Map was exhibited and
pertinent characteristiĆwere reviewed. The layout of the
subdivision was shown, and it was recommended that design
changes should be made, and the Architectural Committee
do a detail study on the design changes. Traffic impacts
had been done in anticipation of neighborhood reservations,
and using a ratio 9.5 trips for a single-family home, the
development would generate 82 additional trips/day on
Poppy Way and Wildflower, the segment going up to Rainbow
or 50% of all the trips generated by all of the project.
The Commission members discussed setbacks, building heights,
redesign on units to change impacts.
PC-315
Page 14
MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSION
PC-315
Page 14
Mr. Bonn Mills, with Dick Finigan, 3238 McKinley Drive,
Santa Clara, representing the Applicant, said that they wer
willing to go along with the continuation; however, he aske
that instead of a month they'd like to limit it to two
weeks. It was his opinion that all the concerns could be
resolved within that period of time. He noted the grade
difference on the site along the back side and said he ex-
pscted to be able to havs 20 ft. driveways, saving two
trees, (Losing two pines), and flip the units around.
Mr. Thurlow Scott, 1320 Flower Court, a neighbor, questione
traffic impacts, and described the nature of impediments
to traffic flow in the area. The density of the housing
bothered him, and he opposed the rezoning.
Mr. Tim Kierodino (phonetic), 7411 Wildflower Way, felt the
traffic flow would be hazardous to the many children in the
area. He noted the locations of Jack in the Box and a
Woolworth's Garden Center, both of which created traffic;
and he concluded by saying that the density of the new
development would add to the volume of traffic and it would
be through the residential area because of the traffic flow
patterns in the area. Narrowing streets and three or four
bad turns should be considered carefully as accident areas.
Blocking off the commercial from the residential was one
of his suggestions for solving some part of the traffic
problem. A Petition copy, original of which had been sub-
mitted to San Jose, was transmitted to the Commissioners.
Mr. John Woodridge, 1322 Flower Court, referring to the
map, pointed out that he lived behind units that were to be
located right on top of the fence, the building height
towering above his property. He said the children used
Poppy Way for going to school and did not need further
traffic problems. The incompatibility of the proposed
landscaping bothered him. He was opposed to the density
and the traffic.
Mr. Toro Yamokomi (phonetic), one of the owners in the
property, advised that units were sold to single people and
older people working at the nursery or closeby. He promise
to attempt to redesign the development to make it more com-
patible with the neighborhood.
COM. BLAINE and COM. KOENITZER agreed on turning properties
to front on Wildflower, limiting driveways by combining use,
lowering buildings to reduce impacts, and providing ade-
quate turn-arounds for fire equipment.
COM. BLAINE suggested that the Commission discuss the neigh
borhood gateway, which was to be financed by a bond and
street improvement agreement for precise location and in-
stallation at a later date. The off-site improvements
would also be required.
PC-315
-Page 15
MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSION
Assistant Planner Piasecki explained that the Gateway would
be in the public right-of-way, the developer financing the
arrangement for a traffic kick-out, raised planter bed, etc.
7he Architectural Committee should review it. In response
to CHR. GATTO, Mr. Piasecki said the gateway concept was
part of the recently adopted General Plan.
COM. BLAINE inquired as to whether the median was in on
Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road.
Assistant City Engineer Whitten said a State program from
the City of Saratoga to Sevens Creek Boulevard showed a
double left turn at that point. He added that information
was unavailable from the State because of their vacation
schedules. At some point he expected medians all the way
down the area.
CRR. GATTO hoped that the density would be modified with
redesign of the Sit~ Plan. Two concerns to him would be
landscaping similar to the existing design on Wildflower,
and fewer curb cuts -- no more than two to represent two
80 ft. frontages. In addition, he recommended the units
abutting the westerly side be setback further or other con-
figuration in locating buildings relieve impacts on other
existing housing.
Absent:
Com. Blaine, for Continuance until August 27, 1979.
Second: Com. Koenitzer
PASSED 3-0
Com. C1audy & Com. Adams
MOTION:
ITEM #5, Application l5-U-79 of EDWARD YAMAOKA: USE PERMIT
to operate a 3,000 sq. ft. cocktail lounge within the ex-
isting Portal Plaza Shopping Center and ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The Environmental Review Committee recommends the granting
of a Negative Declaration. Said property is located on the
northeast corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Portal
Avenue in a CG (General Commercial) zoning district. First
hearing.
Assistant Planning Director Cowan exhibited a map showing
the location of the proposed cocktail lounge and said the
Staff recommended approval with specific conditions that
live entertainment and recorded music would not go beyond
the property line to residents property on Wheaton Drive.
The Sheriff's Office had no concern for problems being created
for the community.
Mr. George Yamaoka, 781 Wolfe Road, Sunnyvale, representing
his brother, the Applicant, Edward Yamaoka, said he'd be
willing to answer questions.
COM. BLAINE noted that
lot would be repaired.
and that it was in the
a requirement was that the parking
Mr. Yamaoka said that was no problem,
process of being taken care of.
MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSIO
PC-3l5
Page 16
Assistant City Engineer Whitten explained that the shoppin
center was rather old and was like many older developments
in that repair was needed with time. He advised there was
no problem with the repair.
Mr. Donald Wri~ht, 19698 Wheaten Drive, directly behind th
proposed lounge. Having taken a survey of his own, he had
noted that between Wolfe & Stevens Creek and Bandley &
Stevens Creek at Highway #9, he'd found eight establish-
ments and another coming in. The places in the Vall co
Fashion Plaza added up to eleven. Extending the survey to
Route #280, along Stevens Creek, there was a total of
seventeen places. He opposed another place. Increased
deliveries bothered him along with increased traffic. Tras
from the liquor store was thrown into his yard sometimes;
and, further he said that debris from a bicycle shop also
ended up in his yard. The fence in back was at a height
that permitted direct view into his house. He asked if it
was possible to build a higher fence.
Assistant Planning Director Cowan, in response to Mr.
Wright, outlined various problems that could be considered
prohibitive from a noise incursion point of view, and said
that although the police had no problems, Mr. Wright would
have to tell them what seemed to him to be intolerable.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED:
MOTION:
Second:
Com. Koenitzer
Com. Blaine
PASSED
Absent:
3-0
Com. Claudy & Corn. Adams
COM. BLAINE expressed the opinion that it was a legitimate
use for the area and if a nuisance situation arose, it
could be handled appropriately. She suggested an agreemen
of shop owners for keeping debris out of residential yards.
CON. KOENITZER noted that the proposed lounge was next doo
to an existing restaurant and was replacing a liquor store.
Even though he did not care for the use, he did not feel
that he could object.
Mr. George Yamaoka, representing the applicant, explained
that the driveway in the back was blocked by 3 inch pipes
with chains, which chains could be cÎipped for pass-throug
Mr. Donald Wright, resident, asked permission to build up
his fence -- actually concrete block. CON. GATTO advised
that he could put the fence or wall up to 8 ft. with per-
mission from the parties concerned, and he advised Mr~
Wright to check with Staff for details.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED:
Absent:
Com. Claudy
Motion:
Second:
PASSED
and Com. Adams
Corn.
Com.
Koenítzer
Blaine
3-0
PC-315
P ag e 17
MINUTES AUGUST 13, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSION
MOTION:
VOTE:
Absent:
MOTION:
VOTE:
Absent:
Com~ Koenitzer to approve the Negative Declaration
of the Environmenta Review Committee
Second: Com. Blaine
PASSED 3-0
Com. Claudy & Com. Adams
Com. Koenitzer, to approve l5-U-79 with the
standard #1 through #14 conditions,
#15 through #18 as per Staff Memo of August 7th
(Assistant Planning Director Cowan asked for
changed of Condition #16 to read ..."...other
live entertainment...")
Second: Com. Blaine
PASSED 3-0
Com. Claudy & Com. Adams
* MINUTE ORDER TO CODE ENFORCEMENT by consensus of Commission.
inspect fence or concrete block wall at the
rear of the residences located on Wheatèn
Drive, advise the resident at 19698 Wheaton
Drive of his options, and report the results
to Staff for the Planning Commission.
ITEM #6, Applications l4-Z-79 and 14-U-79 of THORNWOOD A
ASSOCIATES: REZONING request for the amendment of the con-
ditions on the previously approved Planned Development
zoning district to expand the permitted range of commercial
activities; USE PERMIT to operate a retail bath and kitchen
shop consistin~ of approximately 2,500 sq. ft. and ENVIRON-
MENTAL REVIEW: The Environmental Review Committee recommends
the granting of a Negative Declaration. Said property is
located in the Homestead Lanes Cneter on the southeast
corner of Homestead Road and Stelling Road in a P (Planned
Development with Recreational Entertainment and limited
commercial intent) zoning district. First hearing.
Tentative City Council hearing date - September 4, 1979.
Assistant Planner Piasecki reviewed the circumstances for
amendment of Condition #16, noting that the difficulty with
renting facilities because of restrictions had triggered
the request before the Commissioners.
COM. KOENITZER and COM. BLAINE agreed that the use cer-
tainly fit well within a number of agreeable uses. And COM.
BLAINE was informed, in response to her inquiry, that there
would be another building put on the site.
Mr. Ron Smithson, partner in Thornwood Associates, volunteered
to answer any questions. He advised the business would be
basically a kitchen-bath boutique, which would have small
quantities of component parts for specific uses as opposed
to hardware stock.
COM. BLAINE asked Mr. Smithson about the 25% and whether
25% would be asked for additional buildings.
MINUTES AUGUST l3, 1979 REGULAR MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSIO
PC-315
Page 18
Assistant Planner Piasecki explained that the request of
25% commercial had to be in partnership with the owners of
the intended new building.
CHR. GATTO stating that although he knew why the re-
strictions had been placed on the project, he felt they
were, in his opinion, unduly severe. The demand for the
space for recreational facilities was not so great, he fel
that the restrictions should continue to create demand.
Mr. Ron Smithson, returned to the podium to advise that
pronerty upkeep was a problem and was presently of City
concern. Relaxing restrictions under Condition #16 would
tend to aid in renting the property and curtail unattracti e
uses of the property in the area.
COM. BLAINE recommended expanded uses for the building at
the time the request from the new building owner came be-
fore the Commission for approval.
MOTION:
VOTE:
Absent:
MOTION:
VOTE:
Absent:
MOTION:
VOTE:
Absent:
Com. Blaine, approve Negative Declaration on
Environmental Review
Second: Com. Koenitzer
PASSED 3-0
Com. Claudy & Com. Adams
Com. Blaine, approval l4-Z-79, amending
Condition #16 A. & B. as per Staff Report,
with Findings and Sub conclusions as recommended
by Staff.
Second: Com. Koenitzer
PASSED 3-0
Com. Claudy & Com. Adams
Com. Blaine, approval l4-U-79, no Conditions.
Second: Com. Koenitzer
PASSED 3-0
Com. Claudy & Com. Adams
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ITEM #7, Applications l4-TM-79 and ll-U-79 of MARTIN-HAYES,
INC.: TENTATIVE MAP to subdivide one parcel consisting of
approximately one acre into five parcels and one lot to be
held in common ownership and USE PERMIT to construct five
single-family cluster homes. Said property is located at
the northeast corner of Foothill Boulevard and McClellan
Road. (REFERRED BY CITY COUNCIL FOR REPORT ON REVISED PLAN)
Assistant Planner Piasecki advised that the Council had
agreed with the externally oriented plan and the relocated
driveways. Conditions relating to privacy impacts had bee
added, and Condition #20, which was given to the Com-
missioners, was added to the request.
C-315
age 19
, .
.
1979 REGULAR-MEETING-PLANNING COMMISSION
.j MINUTES AUGUS T 13,
Mr. Russ Hayes, of Martin-Hayes, Inc., advised the Com-
m~ss~oners, in response to the question, that there was
a 25 ft. driveway between the questioned property and the
Barr pr"perty.
CHR. GATTO, COM. KOENITZER and COM. BLAINE, in a general
discussion, agreed tha~ the plan was a great improvement
over the previous plan. They agreed that the driveway on
Foothill should be moved to McClellan, and Mr. Rayes
agreed that it was possible to make the switch.
Com. Blaine, recommendation to Report to City
Council the Planning Commission approval of
14-TM-79 with Standard Conditions #1 through H14;
HIS as modified, and #16 as per Finding and Sub-
conclusions of the Staff.
Second: Com. Koenitzer
PASSED 3-0
Com. C1audy & Com. Adams
MOTION:
VOTE:
Absent:
Com. Blaine, approv&l of ll-U-79 with the
Standard Conditioris '1 thrdugh '14, #15 through
U18 as per Findings and Subconclusìons of Staff;
Ul9, change line 3 to read ...features and land-
scaping....
U20, as per suggested additional condition of
August 13, 1979 by Staff.
Each 6f the above as per Findings and Subcon-
elusions of Staff.
Second: Com. Koenitzer
PASSED 3-0
Com. Claudy & Com. Adams
HOTION:
VOTE:
.:~. Absent:
CRR. GATTO advised Mr. Rayes that the Application would go
back to the City Council on August 20, ,1979.
NEW BUSINESS
REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT OF THE PLANNING DIRECTOR
ADJOURNMENT
<TI(2 .
~/'::J!LLo
City Clerk
.
APPROVED:
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