Architectural Review Commission Meeting Update
Regular Meeting

April 18, 2005                             Monday                                        5:00 p.m.
 

ROLL CALL: Commrs. Allen Root, Jim Lopes, David Smith, Greg Wilhelm,  Charles Stevenson, Vice-Chair Michael Boudreau, and Chairperson Zeljka Howard

All commissioners were present.

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: 

Agenda was accepted as proposed.

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

There was no public comment.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

1.      849 Mill Street. ARC and ER 194-04; Review of five new apartment units, and environmental review; R-4 zone; William Watson, M.D., applicant. (Phil Dunsmore)

Following an extensive discussion regarding neighborhood context, the commission voted to continue the item to a date uncertain, requesting changes to the design to reduce the apparent mass of the building from Chorro Street.  Commissioner Lopes expressed concern about the new apartment project impacting the historic Freitas adobe at the property next door. He expressed additional concerns regarding the scale of the building compared to other single residential dwellings in the vicinity. Other commissioners felt the design was appropriate given the zoning and proximity to the downtown. The vote to continue the item passed on a 6-1 vote with Commissioner Boudreau supporting the design as submitted. The vote to continue the item included direction to reduce the height of the building by stepping back the upper floor.  The motion also recommended reducing the size of the living space of some of the units in order to accomplish the reduction in mass.

2.   2146 Parker Street. ARC 189-03; Review of new mixed-use office and residential project; C-S-MU zone; Dill Investments, LLC, applicant. (Phil Dunsmore)

Commissioners voted 5-2 to continue the item to a date uncertain with direction to the applicant to incorporate common outdoor open space for the residential units and consider changes to the building to allow for improved solar access to Beebee Street. Commissioners also asked the applicant to consider providing enhanced pedestrian access from the street to the residential units, provide a break in the apartment building to enhance the design and allow for floodwaters to flow through the site, consider covered parking, and address potential noise impacts from the adjacent bus depot.  Commissioners also asked the applicant to provide additional plans to incorporate exterior improvements to existing buildings to help the buildings complement proposed new buildings on the site. Other commissioners felt that the mixed use project was appropriate as designed with only minor site and building changes to be referred back to staff. Commissioners Boudreau and Root voted against the motion to continue the item and felt that a final approval should have been granted to the project.

COMMENT & DISCUSSION:

3.        Staff:

A.   Agenda Forecast 

4.        Commission:

        A.       Minutes: March 7, 2005 and March 14, 2005.

        B.       Recent Project Review – Lessons Learned

Commissioners discussed how the colors for Splash Café were intended to complement (not contrast) colors at the adjacent property for Petite Sole. Commissioners also reminded staff to be aware of the location of backflow preventers and to incorporate appropriate project conditions when necessary.  The ARC asked staff if a memo could be sent to the Fire Department to communicate the concerns regarding appropriate screening and locations for backflow preventers.

The meeting ADJOURNED to a regular meeting scheduled for Monday, May 2, 2005, at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street.