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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/25/1997-_ — " .W__._,.._,._,.... - I .. . _._ _.,,II . I , - I - I - _. M.. r __ _ . _ _ "I1.1H dnudlP,. L4W 1e Aj ah.r �— MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 25, 1997 CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairman Ruzicka called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management Auditorium, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by C/McManus. ROLL CALL: Present: Vice Chairman Ruzicka, and Commissioners, Fong, McManus and Schad. Chairman Goldenberg arrived at 7:17 p.m. Also Present: Community Development Director James DeStefano, Senior Planner Catherine Johnson, and Assistant Planner Ann Lungu. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS -`None CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. Minutes of February_ 11,,._1997. C/Schad made a motion, seconded by C/McManus, to approve the minutes of January 28, 1997 as presented. Without objection, the motion was so ordered. OLD BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS - None PUBLIC HEARING: 1. Conditional Use Permit 96-10 and Development Review 96-9, a request for the co -location of unmanned, wireless telecommunications transmission facilities by two service providers consisting of antennas to be located on a proposed barn', and equipment cabinets to be located within the barn and also next to the barn behind a fenced enclosure. This proposal also includes, an amendment to Tract map 42584 removing an easement from said Map restricting vehicle ingress and egress to Armitos Place. Project Address: 24401 Darrin Drive (northwest corner Darrin Drive and Armitos Place) Applicants: Cox California PCs, Inc., 18200 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92612, and Pacific Bell Mobile Services, 5959, W. Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90015 FEBRUARY 25, 1997 PAGE 2 PLANNING COMMISSION Property Owners: Eric and Robin Stone, 24401 Darrin Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 CDD/DeStefano presented the staff report. Pursuant to applicant's request to continue the item to March 11, 199, staff recommends that Conditional Use permit No. 96-10 and Development Review No. 96-9 be continued to March 25, 1997'. Chair/Goldenberg arrived and assumed the Chair. James Bartley, 411 Carpio Drive, stated that he feels the previously proposed barn structure is unsightly. He does not understand why antennas have to be placed in a residential area. Horacio Briz, 420 Carpio Drive, asked the height of the antenna, whether the City has conducted studies related to the impact on the neighborhood, and if night lighting is proposed. He stated that the project will impact the neighborhood and the residents do not want the type of building that has beren proposed to be located in the neighborhood. The residents will fight against the project. Mel Davis, 419 Carpio Drive, stated he is against the project which conflicts with the General Plan zoning. He indicated that he purchased his property 20 years ago primarily for the view of the hills and mountains, not a view of any antennas which may or may not have blinking red lights due ,to excessive height. He asked if the City has imposed a height and size limit for antennas, and if not, why not? He said he does not understand why the City would want to place antennas above ground less than one mile from a City beautification project that involves undergrounding utilities. He further stated he is concerned about the City proposing to remove and ingress/egress map restriction to Armitos Place. He suggested the City consider a Golden Springs Road ingress/egress or a westerly access road wh d ch would parallel the GR60 freeway to the Diamond Ranch High School. If the applicants feel this facilityis necessary they should consider placing it on the property order to financially Diamond g ro Ranch High P P Y in benefit the community. He said he understands': the propertyerty contains a deed restriction which requires the property PertY owner to secure written approval from a percentage of neighborhood property owners prior to development of the property. He asked if such an approval had been submitted to the City.; He urged the Commission to deny the project. Pat H., 540 Macenta Lane, asked if the proposed project Will create additional interference with her television transmission. Mary and Doug Yuen, 379 Armitos Place, stated they are opposed to the project. She presented a petition containing FEBRUARY 25, 1997 PAGE 3 PLANNING COMMISSION signatures of five neighbors residing adjacent to the project. She indicated her neighbors are concerned that their views will be obstructed by the barn structure. In addition, the residents are concerned about the long term health impacts from constant low level radiation exposure' and about the reduction of property values. She asked the Commission not to set a precedent by allowing residents to place antennas in their back yards. She indicated that neighboring city officials told her antennas would not be allowed on residential properties in their communities. She asked the Commission to follow a policy of "prudent avoidance" such as the one practiced by San Diego which states that "wireless communications facilities, due to perceived concerns about health impacts, should not be located in areas where people would be exposed to them for prolonged periods of time". She suggested the antennas be placed on City property in order for the City to benefit from the lease payments. She asked the Commission to deny the project. Marie Nguyen, 367 Armitos Place, expressed concerns about her children's health. She is also concerned about property values. She pleaded with the Commission not to allow the antennas to be placed on residential property. She suggested the antennas be placed on City owned property instead. Joe Serrano, 365 Carpio Drive, stated he agrees with previous speakers. James Golondzinier, 24339 Northview Place, stated he has no problem with the owner placing a barn on his property. He voiced his concerns that the 19 foot high antennas may need to be higher in the future as technology advances. He asked if the approval will state the maximum number of antennas and the maximum height, width and diameter that will be allowed. He said that his employer (Los Angeles County Fire Department) is concerned about health and safety issues related to EMF's. If any EMF's will be emitted from the proposed site, the project should not be placed in a residential area. C/Schad asked Mr. Golondzinier if there is a possibility of frequency impediment with respect to the adjacent fire station's communications equipment. Mr. Golondzinier stated he does not know the specifics and is not before the Planning Commission as a representative of the Los Angeles Fire Department. He suggested C/Schad contact his employer's communication department. Bruj Sharma, 24356 Darrin Drive, spoke against the project. He stated he believes the party who selected the project site has no regard for the residents. Studies regarding EMF radiation safety concerns are inconclusive. He asked if the applicant can guarantee that residents will not be adversely FEBRUARY 25, 1997 PAGE 4 PLANNING COMMISSION impacted. He concurs with other neighborhood residents who feel property will be devalued in the area and that the antennas could be raised to a significantly greater height in "the future. He said he believes it is inhumane for the Property owner"to consider placing antennas'in,a residential neighborhood for personal financial gain. Edward Le Van, 24365 Darrin Drive, stated he would like to have cellular, service 'in the area. He believes people are objecting to the project out of fear.' He said he feels the project should go forward. Helen Britt, 24313 Vista Buena Drive, stated that as a nurse practitioner, she believes it is unconscionable that the City is considering this project. Research indicates that this type of radiation effects children and causes cancer. The incidents of cancer in children is much greater than that of adults. This item should not be continued because it is totally wrong. Chair/ Goldenberg explained that a project is approved with certain conditions. - An applicant must apply to the City if he/she, wishes to makechanges to the project after the fact. C/Schad'stated some of the citizen's concerns are valid. The type of antennas proposed are very high frequency line -of -site installations that do not pose a significant emission risk. He suggested that in addition to southerly and westerly exposure, this location could accommodate northerly transmission. He said that in his opinion, this form of communication would not be detrimental to individual health and safety. He 'asked to know the frequency and power transmission. He suggested the existing light towers ,be considered as facilities for housing communication antennas. If the antenna structures were placed closer together, the power conditions could be reduced''by about 75 percent. C/Fong encouraged the applicant to locate an alternate project site. vC/Ruzicka moved, C/Schad seconded, to continue Public Hearing Conditional Use Permit 96-10 and Development Review 96-9 to March 25, 1997. Without objections, the motion was, so ordered. 2. Development Review No. 97-1, a request (Pursuant to Code Section 22.72.010 and 22.72.020(4) to convert an existing Unocal service station to an unattended retail gas station with the existing service bays r,-aining operational. The fueling function of the facility will be operated completely without attendant participation similar to commercial "cardlock" type facilities. The site will be monitored by a "host site" which is available to assist customers audibly via 11 FEBRUARY 25, 1997 PAGE 5 PLANNING COMMISSION an intercom and visually via a security camera which will monitor all functions 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Project Address: 2875 Diamond Bar Boulevard (Northwest corner Diamond Bar Boulevard and Cold Springs Lane) Applicant: Tait & Associates, Inc., 1100 Town and Country Road 11200, Orange, CA 92868 Property Owner: Diamond Bar Plaza, 954 Schumacher Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048 SP/Johnson presented the staff report. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve Development Review -No. 97-1, Findings of Fact and conditions as listed within the attached resolution. Chair/Goldenberg opened the Public Hearing. Joe Ingram, 2875 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard, stated he is the project's Dealer. He favors the proposed project because it will eliminate the need for ,him to provide an evening attendant. He said he feels the on-site security cameras will iprovide a measure of safety for the night time customers. John Murphy, 76 Products Company, 7 Capobella, Irvine, CA 92614, asked that the Planning Commission approve the project as proposed. He stated he has read staff's report and concurs with the conditions of approval. He asked for clarification of the one year review condition and the condition requiring the submission of a 30 day lighting plan. CDD/DeStefano responded that the status of the project will be reviewed by the Planning Commission through the public meeting process. He confirmed that the lighting plan is to be submitted within 30 days prior to the plan check process. Mr. Murphy thanked SP/Johnson for her professionalism and spirit of cooperation. He said it has been a pleasure for him to work with a business -friendly City. Mr. Murphy responded to VC/Ruzicka that the project lighting will be upgraded to current standards which will present no impact to the adjacent residential areas. The primary feature of the upgraded station will be the ability for the unattended machines to receive cash as well as, credit cards. Mr. Murphy confirmed to C/Schad that the machines will accept only exact change. Mr. Ingram confirmed to C/Fong that the station will provide free water and air. Chair/Goldenberg closed the public hearing. FEBRUARY 25, 1997 PAGE 6 PLANNING COMMISSIION VC/Ruzicka moved, C/Schad seconded, to approve Development Review No. 97-1, Findings of Fact and conditions as listed within the resolution. Without objections, the motion was so ordered. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS - None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 1. Development Code Town Hall Meeting Update: The Commission concurred to schedule the Town Hall Meeting for March 22, 1997 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the South Coast Air Quality Management Auditorium, 21865 East Copley Drive. The Commission supported staff's list of potential discussion topics for the meeting. ADJOURNMENT: At 8:40 p.m., there being no further business to come before the Planning Commission, Chair/ Goldenberg adjourned the meeting to March 11, 1997. i-� bttest: Michael Goldenberg Chairman aes ctfully ubm" ted, i DeStefano Community Development Director