HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/11/1990t
\moi
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
I
MINUTES OF CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 11, 1990
The Planning Commission of the City of Diamond Bar convened in a
regular session at 7:00 p -m, in the Walnut Valley School District
Board Meeting Room, 880 South Lemon Street, Walnut, California.
PRESENT: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Grothe, Lin, MacBride, Vice
Chairman Harmony, and Chairman
Schey
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS:
ALSO PRESENT: Bill Curley, City Attorney
Ron Kranzer, City Engineer
Dennis Tarango, Acting Planning Director
Robert Searcy, Assistant Planning Director
Dawn Anderson, Planning Technician
Larry Weissman, Associate Planner
MINUTES:
Chairman Schey asked the Commission to consider the Minutes of May
14, 1990.
Secretary Tarango stated that staff wishes to hold the review of
the minutes over to the next meeting in order to allow staff time
to make some additional revisions.
Motion was made by Vice, Chairman Harmony and seconded by
Commissioner Grothe to continue the minutes to the next meeting.
MOTION CARRIED unanimously.
MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC:
There were none.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. City Council Minutes - meetings of May Ist, 15th and 22nd,
1990.
I� 1
„i -, -I„ 711'! ITT1`117"I
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 1990
2. Future meetings: Joint meeting with the City Council June 12,
1990 at 6:30 p.m. at Walnut Valley Unified School District
Board Room, 880 N. Lemon Avenue.
Motion was made by Vice Chairman Harmony and seconded by
Commissioner MacBride'to approve the consent calendar. MOTION
CARRIED unanimously.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Height Ordinance Revision Draft.
The ordinance provides a new definition for the "height of
buildings or structures". A uniform height limit of thirty-
five feet would be specified in Zones R-1, R-2, R-3, C -H, C-
1, and C-2, without reference to the number of stories and
without reference to the Director's Review Procedure. The
variance becomes the uniform means of modifying height
restrictions in all zones.
Chairman Schey stated that he believed that there was an
aspect of the new proposed code which would require review of
staff under certain circumstances. He asked if this was also
being deleted. Secretary Tarango stated that the alternative
would be through a variance procedure.
Vice Chairman Harmony asked staff what would be the criteria
for an appeal of this ordinance and what is the reasoning for
the proposed ordinance? Secretary Tarango stated that
topography, architectural distinction, and 3 story homes where
this type of structure would be in conformance with the
surrounding area are some of the reasons for an appeal.
Chairman Schey asked Mr. Curley if there was a criteria for
granting variances in the State Planning Code. Mr. Curley
stated that there is a list of requirements that have to be
satisfied. He also stated that in any consideration of
variances, the Commission will want to make detailed findings
to support the rationale.
2
��
1113"T - T �— - 77' '1F11771 7-11 .--
IN
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 1990
Mr. Searcy stated that the reason the present ordinance might
not be suitable for the City of Diamond Bar is because Diamond
Bar has a unique terrain over the vast majority of the City.
The way the ordinance was written for the County it is not
adequate to fit the topography that Diamond Bar has and the
unique situations that may arise in residential development
in particular. They will not be changing the height
limitation, only the reference to basement and cellar. This
will allow as many floors as one can build within thirty-five
feet.
Motion was made by Vice Chairman Harmony and seconded by
Commissioner Grothe to direct staff to draft a height
ordinance for the Planning Commission to review and to
establish a public hearing date. MOTION CARRIED unanimously.
2. DBIA Informal Sign Survey.
Secretary Tarango stated that he felt it would be beneficial
for the Commission to see input from DBIA and the Chamber of
Commerce regarding the sign ordinance. This Ordinance will
be one of the items discussed at the Joint meeting of June
12th and it is also scheduled for public hearing on June 25th.
Commissioner MacBride stated that the survey conducted by DBIA
is interesting in that it uses the questionnaire that was
prepared by the Chamber of Commerce for business purposes.
These questions were placed in the Windmill and everyone who
receives a copy of the Windmill was asked to spend $.25 if
they were interested in receiving the questionnaire and return
it with their comments. He was pleased with the number of
citizens who participated in this survey. He stated that he
played a large part in this survey. He felt that his position
now on the Planning Commission may be perceived as prejudice
and he wanted to tell the community that he is sensitive to
their needs. Due to this fact, he offered his resignation as
president of the Diamond Bar Improvement Association to the
Board. He feels that he will be able to participate
objectively in the discussions, research and the eventual
ordinance that will ensue.
Chairman Schey felt that it would be appropriate to hold this
item over to tomorrow's meeting since it is one of the topics
of the meeting.
3
I - .
Sa
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 1990
3. Televising of Planning Commission Meetings.
Secretary Tarango stated that a few months ago the Planning
Commission decided to hold this over to June 11th Commission
meeting to allow City Council time to work out any possible
contracts with Jones Inter -Cable Company. This is brought to
the Commission for further discussion so that they can direct
staff as necessary to notify the Council of what their
preference is.
Vice Chairman Harmony asked Jones Inter -Cable to come before
the Commission and discuss this matter with them.
Janet Spatz, representing Jones Inter -Cable, stated that they
are in the process of working with the Council to provide an
opportunity to tape their Council meetings. She will submit
a proposal to them tomorrow. She has discussed with the
Council members individually how she feels and how they feel.
They do not have the ability to do live transmissions. Their
only means at this time is cable. These tapes will be
immediately erased after they are shown on cable, they do not
library tapes. They are prepared to, with Council's
permission, tape Planning Commission meetings. She asked the
Commission to think about whether they would like every
meeting taped. There will be additional lights and
microphones that will need to be brought in. Mr. Van Nort has
suggested that she come before Council on July 3rd.
Vice Chairman Harmony felt that the City will be making some
important decisions such as building codes, tree ordinances,
etc. and he feels that the City needs to be made aware of
these. He hoped that the Commission express interest to the
Council that they conclude their negotiations with Jones
Inter -Cable as soon as possible and that the Commission be
included in that decision.
Motion was made by Vice Chairman Harmony and seconded by
Commissioner MacBride that the Planning Commission direct the
chairman of the Commission to prepare a memo or letter to the
City Council expressing the Commission's interest and concern
in developing cable programming for not only the City Council
but also the Planning Commission.
4
Z
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 1990
Commissioner Grothe stated that he felt that this was
premature since the Commission does not know what the
Council's feelings on the matter are. If Council wishes to
have their meetings televised, he would like to watch a few
of theirs prior to making a decision.
Chairman Schey felt that the motion would give Council
information on what the Commission's stand is on this subject,
to let them know that there is not any opposition on this
matter.
Commissioner MacBride felt that this would be an educational
tool if wisely used, not to be politicalized.
Chairman Schey called for a vote:
AYES: 4
NAYES: 0
ABSTAINED: Commissioner Grothe
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Zone Chanae/Conditional Use Permit 88-555, A Zone Change from
A-1-15,000 (Light Agricultural - 15,000 square foot minimum
lot size) to C-3- DP -BE (Unlimited Commercial - Development
Program - Billboard Exclusion) and Conditional Use Permit to
allow a 100 room hotel on 2.3 acres. The site is located at
1035 1/2 Banning Way, Diamond Bar, Ca.
This item was held over from the May 14, 1990 Planning
Commission meeting to allow the applicant to provide staff
with additional information.
5
1�1� - - --., ..
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 1990
Mr. Searcy stated that the Commission continued the project
at the February 26th meeting asking the applicant to revise
the site plan reflecting some of the concerns expressed that
evening. The applicant has redesigned the complex to show the
entry building as a 2 -story building instead of a 3 -story
building. The approximate height of the 2 -story structure
will be 19 feet. The back two structures are 3 -stories, which
are about 28 feet in height. The size of the meeting room has
been reduced to one floor and about 19 feet in height. The
reason that the front building was lowered was due to the
Privacy concerns of the residents that live across from the
project. With this 2 -floor revision, the difference in
elevation and the block wall, the applicant feels that this
would provided more privacy for the residents. There will be
one monument sign which will be approximately 6 feet in height
with a face of about 66 square feet. A wall sign is proposed
to be located in the rear which will be approximately 90
square feet. A directional sign is proposed to be no more
than the code will allow. One of the concerns was safety
pertaining to the location of the swimming pool. Based upon
the interior circulation, the pool was relocated behind the
assembly area.
The landscape plan was submitted. The plan indicates a hedge
of trees to be included for aesthetics and privacy. The
applicant seeks to maintain as many of the existing trees on
site as possible. There are some trees on site that they will
be able to be located on the interior section, but most will
have to be removed. The street improvements consisting of
widening the street and installing curbs, gutters and
sidewalks will require some trees to be removed. The
elevations reflect what the site will look like. There is a
tower which is approximately 36.5 feet and the sign that is
proposed to be located on the tower is visible from all sides.
The tower sign is approximately 90 square feet on each side.
There were concerns from the Commission pertaining to traffic.
There is a re -striping plan which will be explained by the
Applicant's Traffic Engineer. This will allow for left hand
turns the main access, keep one of the conditions will be that
it is addressed off Colima Road. Property across the Street
is zoned Unlimited Commercial, office building, to the south
R-1; Neighborhood Commercial; north A-1, nursery operating as
retail enterprises and an easement controlled by Cal -trans.
6
31
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 1990
Ron Kranzer, City Engineer, has reviewed the traffic impact
analysis as submitted by the applicant's engineer. He agrees
with the number of trips that will be generated by this
proposed project. He does have a little bit of a disagreement
with the origin and destination of the trips generated. The
major issue is that as the project is proposed, it does site
on Colima Road and he feels that, even though the applicant
has submitted a plan that shows the channelization that would
be necessary on Colima Road, it precludes left turns in and
out, making Banning Way the major entrance and exit. The plan
is a striping plan instead of a raised median plan. Mr.
Kranzer feels that the only way to appropriately address the
traffic concerns at that intersection would be to include a
raised median. Part of the City Engineer's recommendation,
if this project is approved, is to require the applicant to
install a raised median. This poses the question that if the
main entrance on Colima does not have ingress and egress onto
Colima Road as far as the east bound lanes are concerned, it
would probably behoove someone to look at this project and
reorient it to have its entrance off of Banning Way.
_ Another concern that the City Engineer has is that there will
be some impacts on the section of Lemon and Colima which are
already experiencing some problems. One of his
recommendations is that this particular project, if app-r-oved,
contribute to the improvement of that traffic signal
improvement program. There is also some widening that would
have to be done in front of the office complex easterly of
Banning Way to accommodate the lane transitions and full
improvements on Colima Road and on Banning Way. There is a
possibility that there may be some impacts at the intersection
of Colima and Brea Canyon Road.
- - 7.7 ri1°TT7TT7171
_._.,.�r,._. _. -_r_. v_..i rr-n.is_•-_. ___ru st Y4rdwYYN dI{1ltl1YFWUt'MNWWIINWdiYdrW.-0L ._,
(' ' 0
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 1990
Chairman Schey asked Mr. Kranzer if the participation level
that he is recommending in his memo was based on percentage
of the estimated improvement or was it an estimate. Mr.
Kranzer indicated that it was partly an estimate. The
improvements at Colima Road and Lemon would be the addition
of left turn phasing for Lemon Avenue. Mr. Kranzer stated
that Secretary Tarango asked him about the possibility of an
interchange on Lemon Avenue with the 60 Freeway.
Approximately 10 years ago it was planned as a full diamond
type of interchange and the right-of-way was some what
reserved and set back. It was then deemed by Cal -trans to be
used only for an on-ramp west bound and an off -ramp east bound
because of the proximity with Brea Canyon off -ramp.
Approximately 1 1/2 years ago the City of Industry undertook
a study and Mr. Kranzer's firm was somewhat involved. At that
time it was proposed by City of Industry to go back to the
full diamond type of interchange. It was reviewed, studied
thoroughly and decided absolutely not.
Secretary Tarango added that he has a copy of the Feasibility
Study. In talking with the owner, there was some questions
regarding the sensitivity and confidentiality of the market
study. As he understands now this study is public record.
Mr. Searcy summarized what the market study indicated. The
study indicated that the occupancy will be at a level of 85
percent after one year of operation. The average daily rate
will be $33. The applicant has indicated that they have a
contention with the 3rd conclusion of the study which stated
that approximately 64 percent of the occupancy will be
commercial trucker demand and 36 percent will be
tourist/transient demand. The property is affiliated with the
Quality International Reservation Inns and they feel that
their target market will be drawn from the City of Industry
and also transient/passerby from the 60 Freeway. He stated
that he thought that the applicant would also like to suggest
that in addition to the conditions that staff has developed
that they submitted some conditions that they will not be
opposed to that are placed upon hotel projects by Cities such
as West Hollywood.
0
01
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11. 1990
Public Hearing was Opened.
Gary Shihoma, representing the applicant, stated that they have
taken into consideration every suggestion and concern that was
raised by the neighbors and homeowners at the last meeting. The
applicants have decided to secure the entire building.They will
have a 24 hour security guard on the premises. In addition, the
only entrance into the motel will bethroughthe front where guests
and visitors will monitored. He added that guests will, be given
a key so that they can enter from other entrances throughout the
complex. The rooms can only be reached by entering the motel
complex, they cannot be reached by simply y walking up to the door.
He indicated that they felt, that by 'havi'ng a security guard there,
he will not only be watching the motel, he will also be watching
the neighborhood. All of the lighting on the project will be
shielded and directed away from Colima and away from the homes.
There will be no tall pole signs. There will only be the signs
which were previously discussed. Mr. Shihoma stated that
_ regardless of what the market study indicated, the applicant has
not designed or planned to market this hotel as a truck stop hotel.
He stated that the market study was an independent study. The
company who did the study stated that based upon the location of
Diamond Bar, it would seem to reason that an obvious target
audience for a motel in that area would be truckers. The applicant
is trying to target the tourist and family audience. Due to this,
the owner has 'decided not to charge any children under 18 who are
accompanying their parents to the motel. The applicant indicated
that he made an effort to meet with the homeowners. He contact
Mrs. Martindale several times, but do to conflicting schedules,
they could not meet. He stated that if the owner has a hotel for
truckers. he must provide parking. The owner of this motel will
provide compact and standard parking only, not parking which will
provide for truckers. They are also willing to recommend that the
striping around the property be painted red so that trucks cannot
Park along the streets in front of the complex. They are willing
to abide by Y g the Cit Engineer's s recommendations. He stated that
he was given the information from his traffic engineer that there
has only been one accident on that corner.
f .,. I I �� !1 f i711171
n'p..:TIIn711 Illl717111ar .r , ,—
w.,.._., w.- ..1,„a„.m.,,.,1--.. — _I <--. _ . ,— --. _ ._ i,,,t.d,WW, MW6ek0W9%L9,eWwadLA1,,_ -
INNS
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 1990
Huey Liu, Project Traffic Engineer,. stated that the motel project
will generate less than 2 cars during the peak traffic hour. The
motel traffic doesn't coincide with the regular commuter traffic.
He made a comparison between the traffic generated by the proposed
motel and the traffic generated if the site was to be developed for
retail offices. The motel traffic generates about 1,000 cars in
a 24 hour period, about 70 of those cars during the peak traffic
hour. General offices would generate about 110 cars during the
peak traffic hour. Medical offices would generate substantially
higher number of cars, approximately 180 cars during the peak
traffic hour. Retail shops would generate the most amount of
traffic during the peak traffic hour. Mr. Liu obtained a copy of
the traffic accident reports for 1989 at the intersection of Colima
and Lemon. He obtained this data from the Los Angeles County
Sheriffs Department. From that data, he has interpreted that only
one accident has occurred during that year.
Vice Chairman Harmony stated that the project engineer indicated
in his report that the project will generate 2 trips per peak hour.
Mr. Liu stated that during the a.m. peak hour about 70 trips per
hour are generated and the p.m. peak hour about 63 trips per hour
are generated. The 2 trips per peak hour are calculated per
minute. Vice Chairman Harmony also stated that Mr. Liu's study
indicated that 60 percent of the traffic leaving the site will go
west on Colima and turn on Fairway to enter onto the Freeway. Vice
Chairman Harmony stated that he is assuming that 50 percent of the
traffic will exit off of Brea Canyon down the street heading east
and 40 percent coming up Brea Canyon. He asked Mr. Liu how he
arrived at these numbers instead of most of the traffic turning
left out of the complex and going back to the nearest access. Mr.
Liu indicated that this report was done about 1 year ago and at
that time he believes that some of these percentages he obtained
from the Los Angeles County Road Department.
10
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 1996
Ruth Ormsby, Director of Development for Quality International Inn
California, stated that she wanted to show the Commission some
comparisons. The stabilized year occupancy in the report for the
proposed motel was 85 percent. The consultant who conducted this
study rarely predict that enthusiastically. Typically they will
not stabilize a motel at occupancies above 72 percent to 75
percent. This shows that they thought that a hotel of this size
would be supported by the demand in this area. To compare nation-
wide, the average in the hotel industry is only 64 percent to 65
percent occupancy. The owners of motels can control who the users
are of their motel, rates are one of these methods. Although the
market indicated rates that were in the mid 30's, the gentleman who
did the study indicated that he failed to take into account some
of the marketing plans and programs that the owner was going to
implement. The owner anticipates rates in the low to mid $40.'s,
which is above the two competitive motels in the area. The Sleep
Inns that are currently open cater to the commercial, family and
seniors market.
Chairman Schey asked Ms. Ormsby, in doing the market analysis, how
did the elimination of truckers affect the occupancy. Ms. Ormsby
stated that when the trucker market is eliminated the owner will
have to supplement with other markets. Chairman Schey asked if
they were proposing to fence or wall the perimeter in some manner
in order to insure the security of the motel The applicant'
indicated that there will be a wall along the entire project.. The
wall will be 4 feet along Colima and 6 feet along Lemon.
Commissioner MacBride stated that he will not be participating in
the review of the project, but he is interested in why there is
such an emphasis on the orientation of the project. The applicant
stated that when this project was first submitted to the County a
year ago, they recommended that the frontage be onto Colima.
Chairman Schey stated that what the City Engineer's presentation
was eluding to, was that maybe it would be best to orient the main
access off of Banning which is intersecting with Colima anyway.
Secretary Tar ango, stated that the Sheriff and 'Fire Departments also
recommended that the access be off of Colima.
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 1990
Mr. Kranzer stated that one of the concerns he had with orienting
the project towards Colima Road, even with a raised median, was a
perception by the people going easterly on Colima to go to that
facility, try to make a U-turn to get to the main entrance even
though there would be signs stating no U-turns'. He is not
suggesting that the main entrance be on Banning Way, but some
orientation of the facility so as to make it enticing to go into
the Banning Way entrance and then get to the main entrance to the
facility.
Vice Chairman Harmony had a question regarding the letter from
Walnut Valley Water District pertaining to the water capacity for
the site. He asked the City Engineer where the mains would be
that they would have to extend to. Mr. Kranzer suspected that
there are mains on Lemon Avenue. The reservoirs are above Lemon
in the hills. The fire flow is the largest problem. Their
sustained fire flow requirement far exceeds the domestic use that
they would have. This would be a condition that they would have
_- to comply with if approval was granted for this project.
Vice Chairman Harmony stated that he also hada concern about the
�,- neighbors privacy. He wanted to know what the view was from the
windows of the rooms on the second and third floors of the motel.
The applicant presented the Commission with a sketch of what the
line of site was for the project. The applicant stated that people
staying on the 2nd and 3rd floors will be able to see straight
across but will not be able to see over a fence, into someone's
backyard. Vice Chairman Harmony also asked how the buildings will
appear along the roof line, whether there will air conditioning
units located on top of the buildings? Ms. Ormsby stated that
typically in Sleep Inns air conditioning units are not located on
top of the buildings. These are centralized air conditioning
systems located inside the rooms themselves. Mr. Harmony also
asked for pictures of what the inside of the rooms.will look like
to help them get an idea of the type of clientele this motel will
attract, Ms. Ormsby passed a brochure around to each of the
Commissioners.
12
w • � WIi�4i✓"r
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 1990
Vice Chairman Harmony asked what conclusion had been made regarding
the nursery. Secretary Tarango stated that he recalled that there
were some questions on the use of the property. By code the
nursery is designated as a retail site. The City is under process
of reverting the piece of property to a wholesale nursery.
Widening of the street will be one of the mitigating conditions.
The Cal -trans issue has been discussed thoroughly. Chairman Schey
stated that his main concern was whether additional access could
be obtained on the east end of the vacant property east of the
office building. He was concerned with the viability of a project
on a site that is isolated 'between two developed sites and a
freeway. Secretary Tara,ngo stated that this would be limited to
what they could provide for that piece of property.
Vice Chairman Harmony asked if the City of Industry will be
establishing the trucking company down by Circuit -City. He is
interested in possible access. Mr. Kranze'r stated that Industry
has a new Cisco Wholesale Foods which is a large operation. This
was a consideration when the they were discussing the truck routes
in Diamond Bar. As much as they would have liked to preclude
Colima Road as being a truck route, they were precluded from doing
this due to the fact that it is the most direct route to the on and
off -ramps of the 60 Freeway. This is expected to be a heavy truck
route. The City of Diamond Bar has adopted a commercial parking
restriction on all city streets for 36 minutes. Colima Road will
be posted shortly where the trucks will be prohibited from parking.
There will be a tremendous trucking industry in that area.
Commissioner Lin asked the applicant if the inclusion of a security
guard was a standard requirement for this type of industry? Ms.
Ormsby stated that this is entirely up to the owner. This is not
typically done as a standard in the industry. Commissioner Lin
stated that security was a concern of the neighborsandasked how
they were going to enforce this issue to guarantee that the
security guard is provided. Ms. Ormsby stated that if this is a
concern of the City then this should be passed on to the developer
to be made a requirement or a condition of the development.
Those in Favor of the Project.
There were none.
13
I
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF TUNE 11, 1940
Those in Opposition of the Project.
N
Joanne Rogan, 1144 S. Crofter, is opposed to the construction of
a hotel in that area., She feels that the area is primarily
residential and a project such as a hotel does not conform with
that area. She felt that the site is too close to two schools.
She feels that there are enough hotels in this area. There will
be 935 room after the Comfort Inn opens and the Shilo Inn adds 135
room next spring. She has been told by two individuals at hotels
that the Ramada Inn in Diamond Bar is not doing well and is not
happy with its occupancy. An alternative to its marketing would
be to invite truckers. She is concerned with the traffic. More
accidents occur at the intersection of Lemon and Brea Canyon then
appears to be reported by the Sheriff. She wanted to know if there
had been a recent traffic Study down for the intersection of Lemon
and Colima and did that study include the presence of a hotel. Due
to the fact that there will' not be restaurant located at this site,
the occupants will be entering and exiting the site to travel to
restaurants. She does note' feel that the traffic study conducted
by the applicant's traffic engineer reflects the true traffic
pattern. She also feels that Colima is being visually polluted.
Sunny Martindale, 1333 Rapid View Drive, stated that she is
concerned with the clientele of the motel and the possible danger
this might present to the neighbors' children due to the fact that
the children will have to cross in front of the motel on their way
to school. She spoke to the management of the several hotels and
although occupancy figure$ are confidential, she was told that
rooms are always available. An Assistant Manager at the Executive
Suites led her to believe that their occupancy level is less than
50 percent. There was an article in the Progress Bulletin that
pointed out that this area is grossly over -built with hotels and,
at the present rate of occupancy, it would take several years for
demand to catch-up with supply. She feels that with the lower room
rates for this motel, it will serve truckers, transients and the
like as stated by the applicant's market study and will attract
additional 18 wheeler traffic on Colima. She would like to know
the impact of low rate motels on the immediate area in which they
are located, especially those in or near residential areas.
Nancy Stoops, 20505 East 'Clear Springs Court, stated that her
foremost concern is for th'e safety of the children in that area.
She stated that there is an accident happening or almost happening
every weekend. Her cul-de-sac is currently used as a turn -around
point for cars. They currently have enough traffic in this area
without adding to it by approving this development.
14
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 1990.
Susan Green, 1230 S. Mahogany Court, stated that she submitted a
petition to the Commission. She walked around the neighborhood for
one hour with a'petition and not one resident turned her down. Her
daughter no longer walks to school due to the fact that her
daughter's girlfriend was almost hit by a, car while walking to
school. The one accident recorded is not an accurate count of
traffic accidents. She is also a corporate business person and she
does not stay in hotels where the rates are S30 to $40 a night.
Corporate business people normally stay $60 to $70 a night hotels.
Mrs. Cleavland, 1477 Fairlance Dr., stated that she was involved
in a car accident in this area in September, her sister was also
in an accident on 'Walnut and Colima in 1988. She opposes any
additional development, especially a hotel, in her neighborhood.
Art Fritz, 20635 Larkstone, stated that he travels through this
intersection almost daily. He suggested that a SWITRS study be
obtained from the Sheriff's Department. He was concerned that even
if the Commission did require the applicant to employ a security
\ guard, if at the time the permit is pulled the applicant no longer
has the funds to do so. He referred to one of the questions on the
Burden of Proof which asked why this project is necessary. He
indicated that the applicant stated that this project meets the
needs of the area. He does not feel that the applicant has
justified this statement by the materials that they have presented
this evening. He asked the Commission that if they approve this
project, that the zoning be rezoned to Cl.
Jose Balero, 1510 Gold Canyon, stated that he is opposed with the
project. He is concerned with the growing trucking business that
will be in the area of the Cisco Warehouse Foods. He is concerned
with the visual affect of the proposed 6 foot wall along the site.
He was also concerned with the invitation this motel might give to
additional truckers.
Jeff Sesler, 20737 Belfield, stated that he has an expertise in
lighting. In looking at the rendering of the site he does not see
any lighting position and he was wondering what the site line would
be Like in terms of glare, light pollution, the 'maintained foot
candle levels and what the minimum and maximum levels would be, as
well as, the type of lighting the applicant was planning to use.
Mr. Sesler felt that the difference between a motel project and a
retail or office project would be familiarity with the roads.
Travelers staying at the motel will probably not be familiar with
the roads in that area.
f
15
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF TUNE ll, 1990
Mike Akinson, 1313 S. Lemon, stated that he was concerned with
traffic. With the new school open, traffic in the morning became
very dangerous. He also stated that he works in law enforcement.
The current daily expense for government employees is about $120.
This breaks down to $86 a day for hotel room and $34 for meals.
His experience has been that motels invite additional crime into
the neighborhood due to the exclusion they provide.
Anne Flesher, 20647 Larkstone, voiced her concern also the traffic.
The market study stated that 64 percent of the hotel's occupancy
will be truckers and there is certainly the market to support the
$33 a night rate with the development that is taking place in the
City of Industry.
Public Hear was Closed.
Mr. Shihoma stated that the resident's concern that the rate of $33
a night will attract truckers is not the intention of the
applicant. He will be building an upper -end motel with high
quality materials. He will charge whatever the market bears, if
he can charge higher rates, he will..
Chairman Schey stated that he is not particularly concerned with
the traffic. The traffic problem already exists and will be
impacted by any development that is approved for this site. He is
not convinced that a hotel/motel is the best use for this site.
Vice Chairman Harmony agreed with Chairman Schey's feelings that
the project will not be conducive to the surrounding residences.
Motion was made by Chairman Schey and seconded by Vice Chairman
Harmony to deny Conditional Use Permit and Zone Change 88-555 due
to the inappropriateness of the Zone Change and Conditional Use
Permit for this site.
Secretary Tarango stated that the Commission needed to take three
actions on this Project, the Zone Change, Conditional Use Permit
and the Negative Declaration.
Motion was amended by Chairman Schey to include denial of the
Negative Declaration.
Secretary Tarango suggested to the Commission that they include in
the motion findings to why the project was denied.
16
N
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 1990
la
Motion was amended by Chairman Schey to include denial of the Zone
Change based upon the potential incompatibility with the proposed
General Plan and the Conditional Use Permit based upon the
inappropriateness of the project with the City Code.
Mr. Curley suggested that staff review the minutes of the meeting
and with the Commission's consensus prepare a resolution to be
brought back to the next meeting for the Commissions review and
approval.
Vice Chairman Harmony was concerned with what this will do to the
public review process. There is a motion on the floor and it will
be delayed by a formal resolution to justify the Commission's
action. He objected to postponing the decision.
Mr. Curley stated that the decision made tonight will be the formal
decision and the resolution that will be brought back at the next
Planning Commission meeting will only be the action in writing
including the findings.
Vice Chairman Harmony seconded the motion as amended. Chairman
Schey called for a vote:
AYES: Chairman Schey and Vice Chairman Harmony
NAYES: Commissioner Grothe
ABSTAINED: Commissioners MacBride and Lin
Vice Chairman Harmony stated that when he reviewed the Economic
Feasibility Study every page was marked confidential. He does not
want to review any documents, pertaining to development projects,
which are not available to the public for review.
Commissioner MacBride asked if Vice Chairman's standpoint on
confidential documents was within his legal realms? Mr. Curley
stated that generally any documents submitted as part of the review
will become available to the public. Once the applicants have
submitted documents as part of their application package they have
taken away any confidentiality that the document might have had.
1'7"
17111171 T 777
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 1990
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to cone before the Commission.
Motion was made by Commissioner MacBride and seconded by Vice
Chairman Harmony and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at
10:00 p.m. to the joint meeting of the Planning Commission and City
Council scheduled on June 12, 1990 to be held at the Walnut Valley
Unified School District Board Room, 880 N. Lemon Avenue, Walnut,
California at 6:30 p.m.
ATTEST:
DennisATar ng (,4
Secretary, Planning Commission
71� 171 T! - 111-11'
18
- , , IT ---- -- , T - -
David Schey
Chairman
17 "
7 1 � II I1 1 1 111 "T"'I'71 '- - - - '
771"I1'