2014/07/10 Planning Commission MinutesAA&
ROHNERT PARK PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
Thursday, July 10, 2014
The Planning Commission of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in a regular session commencing at 6:00
p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 130 Avram Avenue, with Chairperson Giudice presiding.
Call To Order Chairperson Giudice called the meeting of the regular session to order at
approximately 6:00 p.m. with Chairperson Giudice leading the pledge.
Roll Call —
Present: (5) Commissioners: Commissioner Giudice, Commissioner Blanquie,
Commissioner Borba, Commissioner Haydon and Commissioner Adams were
present.
Interim Director of Development Services, Marilyn Ponton, Planner III, Jeff
Beiswenger, Technical Advisor, Norm Weisbrod and Recording Secretary, Suzie
Azevedo were present.
Declaration of
None.
Abstention
_ _�................
Chairperson Giudice acknowledged the posting of the Agenda of this meeting in
Acknowledgement of
Public Noticing
three (3) public places, per the requirements of the Brown Act.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Commissioner Borba, seconded by Commissioner
Haydon to approve the June 12, 2014 minutes as corrected: Under Items From
the Planning Commission in the May 8 1 minutes; Commissioner Haydon reported
on the Walkability Workshop. The motion passed with a 5-0 vote (AYES:
Giudice, Blanquie, Haydon, Borba, Adams; NOES: 0; ABSENT: 0).
Unscheduled Public
Appearances
Conditional Use
Norm Weisbrod, Technical Advisor, presented the staff report. The original
Permit(Site Plan &
Stadium Lands Master Plan (SLMP) provided for a 2.4 acre site at this location for
Architectural Review
High Density Residential development. The adjoining 3 acres was designated P-1
Public Institutional for a future Public Safety facility. In November, 2013, the three
File No. PROJ2014-003
(3) acre site was designated High Density Residential in the Stadium Area Master
Plan and combined with the existing 2.4 acre site resulted in a 5.4 acre site
Chris Scerri/Bellwether
designated High Density Residential. The applicant subsequently acquired the
Properties
property for the subject development; an 84 unit apartment complex.
The SLMP area is zoned PD Planned Development. Under the Planned
Development zoning, a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan and Architectural
Review are required prior to construction of any phase of the SLMP. The intent of
the Conditional Use Permit is to further clarify the details of the development
phase and ensure that each component complies with the established provisions
of the district.
Mr. Weisbrod rovided an overview of the proposed project which included the
Planning Commission Minutes
July 10, 2014
Study Session — Central
Rohnert Park Priority
Development Area Plan
File No. PLGP2013-0001
City of Rohnert Park
following:
History of Stadium Lands Master Plan
Applicant's Proposal (Density, Building and Unit Details, Parking, Open
Space, Landscaping, Fencing, Lighting, Use of Tobacco, Refuse
Collection
• Environmental Analysis
Mr. Weisbrod recommended that the Planning Commission, by motion, adopt
Resolution No. 2014-25 approving a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan and
Architectural Review to allow the 84 unit apartment complex, subject to the
findings and conditions of approval.
A brief discussion was held between staff and the Commission_
The applicant, Chris Scerd was recognized and spoke briefly. Mr. Scerri,
introduced project architect, Jill Williams. Mr. Scerri and Ms. Williams
Responded to questions from the Commission.
Further discussion was held. Key talking points included:
• Commission consensus that a passive park/open space be provided;
• Eliminate unit to allow for park if necessary;
• Lighting and safety barrier (shrubbery/fencing) to be included;
• Consider walkability/access from development to Costco
Chairperson Giudice opened the public hearing.
Chairperson Giudice closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner
Blanquie to adopt Resolution No. 2014-25 approving an 83 unit apartment
complex with amended conditions as outlined by staff; eliminating Unit 48 to allow
for open space/passive park with details of the park to be worked out between the
applicant and Development Services staff. The motion passed with a 5-0 vote
(AYES: Giudice, Blanquie, Haydon, Borba, Adams; NOES: 0; ABSENT: 0).
Planner Ili, Jeff Beiswenger, presented a brief staff report. Work on the Central
Rohnert Park, Priority Development Area (PDA) plan is underway. A key
component of the PDA plan is development scenarios that will help guide the
character of infill development as it occurs within the PDA area. Development
Services staff along with the help of the consultant team is in the process of
developing the Central Rohnert Park PDA plan, Development scenarios are being
provided to the Planning Commission for review and comment. Mr. Beiswenger
spoke briefly on the following:
1. Walkability Workshop Summary
2. Location of Development Scenarios
3. Development Scenarios
A short video was shown regarding the use of Roundabouts. Mr. Beiswenger
also provided a slide show depicting various street enhancement options (bicycle
2
Planning Commission Minutes
July 10, 2014
lanes, midblock pedestrian crossings, curb extensions).
Items from the Planning
Commission
Mr. Beiswenger introduced John Nicholas representing AECOM, the consultant
team working with the City. Mr. Nicholas provided a power point presentation on
conceptual development scenarios for the Commission's review.
The Commission provided the following comments:
• Concerned about the lack of "downtown";
• Looking for cohesive downtown center;
• Housing undesireable at the old State Farm site.
The following members of the audience were recognized:
• Joe Guerra/Rohnert Crossings spoke regarding the State Farm site; will
be presenting the Preliminary Development Plan at the July 24t meeting;
• Kay Waller, Rohnert Park resident commented on the Smart Station and
lack of parking;
• Lana Russell -Hurd, Greenbelt Alliance;
• Gary Helfrich — Sonoma County Bicycle Association commented favorably
on the bicycle/pedestrian circulation scenarios presented.
Commissioner Borba stated that he would not be at the next meeuIiy.
Commissioners Haydon noted that she and Commissioner Borba attended a tour
of two Walmart Stores.
Commissioner Blanquie noted the upcoming Subdivision Review Committee
Meeting on July 21, 2014 regarding the Chipotle Tentative Parcel Map.
Matters from Planning Marilyn Ponton informed the Commission on the upcoming NORnwesU OyC��llu
Staff Plan Workshop, July 14t" from 3:00-7:00.
Adjaurnrn t There being no further business, Chairperson Giudice aatourneu uie TIIccUIIq 01
8:45 p.m.
ecretary