Architectural Review Commission Meeting Update
Regular Meeting

May 1, 2006                            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 

Commissioner Lopes was not present. 

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.   800 Palm Street.   ARC and ER 187-05; Conceptual review of a mixed use project in conjunction with the Ah Louis Store, and environmental review; C-D-H zone; Dr. William Watson, applicant (Phil Dunsmore)  

On a vote of 5-0 the Commission voted to continue the item to a date uncertain, consistent with staff’s direction to incorporate project modifications and refinements. Commissioner Howard stepped down due to a potential conflict of interest. Public comments discussed potential overlook, scale, mass and the proposed historic theme of the building. Commission comments focused on the historic Chinatown theme and how it should be represented. Commissioners felt that the mass and height of the building was acceptable as long as it complied with the zoning code. Direction was offered to comply with the CHC’s request to refine the design and commissioners felt that a photo-simulation would help them understand the design. 

2.   1135 Roundhouse Avenue. ARC 15-06; Architectural review for new dispatch center on the site of Fire Station No. 1; PF-H  zone; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. (Jaime Hill)  

On a vote of 6 to 0, the Commission voted to approve the project based on findings and with conditions as recommended by staff.  Commission members were generally very supportive of the site planning and design. 

COMMENT & DISCUSSION: 

3.        Staff: 

A.   Agenda Forecast - Pam Ricci provided a forecast of items expected on the next two meeting agendas.   

4.        Commission: 

A.       Minutes of April 17, 2006  

The minutes were approved as amended. 

       B.    Recent Project Review – Lessons Learned 

Commissioner Howard talked about the National APA Conference that she recently attended in San Antonio, Texas. She discussed the Design Guidelines of Cary, N.C. which she felt were an excellent resource due to their pictorial layout and precise language, particularly how the term “articulation” was used. She also mentioned a new study available at ite.org about designing context sensitive urban corridors.                                           

ADJOURN:  The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. to a regular meeting scheduled for Monday, May 15, 2006, at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street.