Architectural Review Commission Meeting Update
Regular Meeting

January 8, 2007                            Monday                                 5:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL:      Commrs. Zeljka Howard, Jim Lopes, Anthony Palazzo, Greg Wilhelm, Steven Hopkins, Vice-Chair Allen Root, and Chairperson Michael Boudreau 

All of the Commissioners were present. 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:  

The order of the agenda was not modified. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:   

There was no public comment other than on regular agenda items. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

1.       892 Aerovista Place.   ARC 73-06;  Review of a new auto dealership. BP-SP zone; Brent Smith (Smith Volvo), applicant.  (Phil Dunsmore) 

On a 7-0 vote, the ARC granted final approval to the project, based on findings, and subject to conditions, mitigation measures and code requirements.  In general, the ARC agreed that the changes made to the site plan and building design responded to the direction that they previously provided on October 2, 2006.  The ARC deleted a condition and mitigation measure that were not relevant to the current project, and added conditions regarding pedestrian enhancements, and possible additional street tree planting and a reorientation of one of the main building towers.  Two Transportation Division recommendations calling for a vehicular and pedestrian connection to the adjacent undeveloped property to the west were modified to make them advisory conditions, rather than mandatory code requirements. 

COMMENT & DISCUSSION: 

2.       Staff: 

A. Agenda Forecast – Pam Ricci provided an agenda forecast for the 1-22-07 and 2-5-07 meetings. She noted that the 1-22-07 meeting would be held in the Council Chamber since the CHC would be meeting the same night in the Council Hearing Room where the ARC typically meets.  The ARC noted when the wireless antenna at the Grange Hall on Broad Street is on the agenda that they would like story poles or a tethered balloon installed the week prior to the meeting so that the ultimate height of the antenna can be better visualized. 

B. Pam reminded the Commission that the appeal of their decision to conditionally approve the remodel of the former Structure store at the corner of Morro and Higuera Streets in the Downtown Center project would be heard by the City Council on January 9^th.  She also distributed a booklet showing examples of mixed-use and transit-oriented development transmitted by Deputy Director Kim Murry.  

3.       Commission: 

        A.    Minutes: December 18, 2006 (amend or approve) – The minutes were        approved as submitted. 

       B.    Recent Project Review – Lessons Learned 

Commr. Root mentioned that the former Open Air Flowers building at the corner of Higuera and Osos Street was now used as storage and appeared unsightly.  Pam Ricci mentioned that the issue had been referred to the Code Enforcement Officer.

The Commission expressed concern with the appearance of the Catrans sound wall being constructed on the south side of South street and asked staff for an update of what was approved and whether or not the wall as constructed conformed with that approval. 

The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. to a regular meeting scheduled for Monday, January 22, 2007, at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street.