Architectural Review Commission Meeting Update
Regular Meeting

April 7, 2008                            Monday                                 5:00 p.m.

OATH OF OFFICE:  Swearing in new Commissioner Jim Duffy 

Deputy City Clerk Julie O’Connor administered the oath of office to new Commissioner Jim Duffy. 

ROLL CALL:      Commrs. Jim Duffy, Steven Hopkins, Zeljka Howard, Jason Kambitsis, Anthony Palazzo, Greg Wilhelm, and Vice-Chair Allen Root 

Commr. Palazzo was absent. 

ELECTION:        Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson 

Allen Root was elected as Chairperson and Greg Wilhelm was elected as the Vice Chair. 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:   

The agenda was accepted as submitted. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:   

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

1.        1885 Monterey Street.  ARC 71-07; Architectural review of a hotel remodel project with a new 2,280 s.f. building proposed; C-T-S zone; Yatin Naran, applicant.   (Brian Leveille) (Continued to April 21, 2008) 

The ARC continued this item to a date certain, April 21, 2008, without discussion

2.        1445 Santa Rosa Street.  ARC/ER 166-07; Review of a modification to the Mitchell Park Master Plan to construct a parking lot for the Senior Center;  PF-H zone; City of San Luis Obispo-Public Works,  applicant.  (James David) 

On a 6:0 vote, the ARC determined that the proposed project is not appropriate as an amendment to the Mitchell Park Master Plan, recommending to the City Council that alternative solutions to an on-site parking lot be explored to meet the transportation demands of seniors, based on the following findings: 

1.            The project is not consistent with the Community Design Guidelines because it introduces an element (parking lot) that detracts from the visual character and use of Mitchell Park and the surrounding residential neighborhoods. 

2.            The project is not consistent with the Community Design Guidelines because it removes urban green space from a City park that contributes to the community’s quality of life for its residents. 

3.            The proposed parking lot and access to and from it raises potential safety concerns for users of adjacent park areas. 

4.            The development of a specialty garden on the site consistent with the approved Mitchell Park Master Plan is a demonstrated community need that is appropriate in the park setting. 

The ARC met in the Council Chamber and had a large audience.  The majority of the 21 people who spoke at the hearing were against the proposed amendment to the Master Plan to accommodate an on-site parking lot.  Others in the audience who were against the amendment did not speak but had posters that they waved regarding keeping the park as open space.  A common theme with the testimony was that the parking lot was a “band-aid” and would only serve as a short-term solution to a larger need for a better facility for seniors that could accommodate all their needs and functions.  A positive outcome of the meeting was a commitment for the two sides to work together on a long-term solution to meeting the needs of seniors in the community.  A variety of suggestions were made regarding alternatives to installation of a parking lot on the site such as off-site parking and additional meters set aside during particular hours for senior center use. 

COMMENT & DISCUSSION: 

1.           Staff:

a.      Agenda Forecast - Pam Ricci provided an agenda forecast for the upcoming 4-21-08 meeting. 

2.           Commission:

a.      Minutes:  March 17, 2008 – The minutes were approved as submitted. 

b.      Recent Project Review – Lessons Learned 

ADJOURNMENT  The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Architectural Review Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the Community Development, 919 Palm Street, during normal business hours.