HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/14/2003 - City Council Special Meeting - Redevelopment AgencySPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
CITY OF COSTA MESA
APRIL 14, 2003
The City Council and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of
Costa Mesa, California, met in special joint session on April
14, 2003, at 7:30 p.m., in the Police Department Auditorium,
99 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, in conjunction with the regularly
scheduled Redevelopment Agency meeting which commenced
at 6:30 p.m. Notice of the special meeting was given as
required by law.
ROLL CALL Council/Agency Members
Present:
Council/Agency Members
Absent:
Officials Present:
Mayor/Agency Member Karen
Robinson
Mayor Pro Tem/Agency
Chairperson Chris Steel
Council Member/Agency Vice
Chairperson Allan Mansoor
Council/Agency Member Libby
Cowan
Council/Agency Member Gary
Monahan
None
City Manager Allan Roeder
Acting City Attorney/Agency
Attorney Tom Wood
Development Services Director/
Agency Executive Director Don
Lamm
Neighborhood Improvement Mgr.
Muriel Ullman
Special Counsel Stahl Brady
Associate Planner Claire Flynn
Associate Engineer Raja
Sethuraman
Executive Secretary Marie
Thompson
Deputy City Clerk Julie Folcik
At 7:30 p.m. Chairperson Steel adjourned the regular
Redevelopment Agency meeting to a special joint meeting with
the City Council and conceded the Chair to Mayor Robinson.
Mayor Robinson recommended, as all the items for discussion
relate to the 1901 Newport Plaza project, all public hearings be
incorporated into one, and noted that separate actions would
be required by the City Council and/or Redevelopment
Agency.
MOTION/Combined Mayor Robinson motioned that Public Hearing Item Number 1
Public Hearing be incorporated into Public Hearing Item Number 2 when staff
deems appropriate. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Steel, and carried 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARING
The Associate Planner presented an overview of the entire
Kennedy/Rutter
project bounded by ;Harbor Boulevard, 19th Street, Bernard
Development,
Street and Newport Boulevard, described as Item Number 2.
Residential Condo-
Included in a slide ,presentation was an aerial view of the
minium Project 1901
project site plan. The proposed development is 161 residential
Newport Boulevard
condominiums, with a 5 -level parking structure, a 2 -level sub -
terrarium parking structure and associated amenities. The two
existing commercial buildings will be retained as part of the
proposed project. The Planning Commission recommended
certification of a final EIR 1050, a General Plan Amendment,
Title 13 zoning code; amendment for site specific FAR for the
commercial component, a site specific density increase for the
residential component, and site specific building height
increase for the 5 -level parking structure. The Planning
Commission has approved the vesting tentative track map.
The action required of both the City Council and
Redevelopment Agency was outlined.
The Associate Planner reported the City's employment rate
has increased and this project is considered a way to achieve
a job/housing balance. She highlighted statistics on home
supplies/demands. There are no long-term adverse impacts
from this project, as supported by the EIR.
The Associate Planner detailed the parking variance requested
by the developer; currently the zoning code requires a total of
455 residential parking spaces be provided. The developer is
proposing 415. Technically, there is a parking credit in the
zoning code that would allow a .25 space credit for every unit if
the open parking spaces were provided in a carport or parking
structure. If garage doors were re removed and not part of this
project, then the parking variance would not be needed.
The traffic analysis results were presented. A total of 1,103
average weekday trips would be generated from the proposed
project. A significant impact was identified on Newport
Boulevard and a mitigating measure requiring a prorate share
for the addition of one north bound and one south bound lane
on Newport Boulevard. There are no changes on the levels of
services on weekends for year 2005 and no new impacts were
identified.
The Associate Planner compared the proposed project (45
units) to The Lakes,, an apartment complex that has 41 units
per acre. She introduced Eddie Font, of Font Design, hired by
Bonterra Consulting to provide a shade/shadow impact report
on the homes located on Bernard Street. He read a passage
from a reference manual describing the process used to obtain
data. The findings are considered highly accurate. In
response to Mayor Robinson's questions, Mr. Font agreed the
Bernard Street homes would not have sunlight on front yard
areas during.the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, at
certain times of the :day. The shade interval times studied
were 9:00 A.M., X12.00 noon and 3:00 P.M. giving
approximately 20 minutes of shade from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00
P.M. Outside of those hours, three hours forty-five minutes of
shade would be caste on the properties. During the summer
months, there is only minimal impact. Although a worse case
scenario, Mayor Robinson expressed concern that substantial
shade would be a burden on the Bernard Street residents.
--
Dana Privitt, Bonterra Consulting, addressed some of the
confusion on the shade/shadow impact report. Shade is caste
beyond the curb line to the existing residences for a longer
time during December 21. With very limited difference, most
jurisdictions were found not to have any thresholds of
significance related to shade/shadow. The sources of
research were listed. According to licensed
landscape/gardening firms, the optimal amount of sunlight
should be six hours; the landscape materials in place on the
Bernard residences will not be adversely affected. Joe Font,
Font Design, reiterated the timeframe when shadows are caste
five feet in front and eventually on the Bernard houses. Mayor
Robinson said the materials supplied seemed inconsistent with
the statements made. Discussion continued to clarify data.
Council/Agency Member Monahan asked what time shadows
would touch the homes if the proposed buildings were not in
place. Ms. Privitt responded, except for trees, no shadows are
caste until sunset because everything is set back.
Amendment to 1999- The Management Analyst presented a precis of the
2004 Implementation Plan, the Amendment thereto, and the
Inclusionary Housing Plan for 1901 Newport Plaza residency
project.
Implementation Plan The first Implementation Plan for the Downtown Project Area
for Downtown was adopted in December 1994; in December 1999, the
Redevelopment Plan Second Implementation Plan was adopted. The "Plan" is a
to include Inclusionary five-year blueprint for project planning within the Downtown
Housing Provisions Redevelopment Project Area. In January 2003, a mid-cycle
review was conducted and resulted in adoption of Addendum
#1 to incorporate new housing programs based on the US
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Consolidated Plan
and 2000 General Plan Housing Element. The proposed 1901
Newport Plaza Residences development will be located within
the Downtown Redevelopment Project Area on property that
was added in 1977 and 1980, and will trigger inclusionary
housing obligations. Therefore, the 1999-2004
Implementation Plan must be amended to include the
inclusionary housing provisions. At least 15% of all new
residential units developed within a redevelopment project
area must be available to low- and moderate- income
households. Of these units, 40% must be available to very
Inclusionary Housing low-income households. The Management Analyst outlined
Provision the specific obligations imposed by the inclusionary housing
Requirements requirements. Every two units developed outside the
Downtown Redevelopment Project Area, will be counted as
one inclusionary housing production unit (the production
outside the Project Area doubles the requirement). The 14
units required to be provided by the developer do not have to
be made a part of the new project but can be located
elsewhere in the Downtown Redevelopment Project Area. If
located outside that area, then it is mandated the affordable
housing obligation be doubled from 14 to 28 units.
As an alternative to meeting the state required mandate, the
Redevelopment Agency may accept payment of an in -lieu fee
in the amount of $245,000 from the developer, and accept the
responsibility of facilitating the construction or substantial
rehabilitation of 14 units within the Project Area, to be done
within a ten year period.
1
A fee for an affordable unit was established at $100,000 per
unit by financial consultant Keyser Marston Associates in its
analysis of all projects undertaken by the City since 1973.
Therefore, the Redevelopment Agency's cost to provide the
14 units would be $1.4 million. The tax increment generated
by the project is estimated to be $1,155,000. The $245,000
figure equates to the' difference.
Council Member/Agency Vice Chairperson Mansoor asked if
there was a specific, location/way to use the in lieu fee. The
Neighborhood Improvement Manager responded at this time it
is unknown. Existing resources do not allow for building that
number of units over, the ten-year period. Staff would need to
develop a strategy to perhaps borrow money from existing tax
increments or through State CHFA funds. A Request for
Proposal would be! issued to find out if developers are
interested in purchasing properties or if existing property
owners are interested in buying down covenants. If the
obligation were not met, the City would be out of compliance
with the State Health ;and Safety Code.
Council/Agency Member Cowan asked why staff was
recommending acceptance of the in -lieu fee under such
circumstances. Special Counsel Brady responded the project
is estimated to produce revenues of $1.5 million. The shortfall
over the ten-year period is where the $245,000 figure came
from. There are layers of on-going reporting requirements.
Council/Agency Member Monahan reiterated the 20% set
aside money derived from this project came out to $1.4 million;
the $245,000 was the, difference.
Kathe Head, Keyser Marston Associates, stated the genesis of
the recommendation is, if this project did not exist, $1,155,000
would not exist. It created the obligation but also the
revenues. It is unknown if the State will take some of the
revenue in future fiscal years in light of the current budget
constraints.
Council/Agency Member Monahan posed questions
concerning fees involved in this project (traffic impact, parks,
etc.), going into the General Fund. The Planning and
Redevelopment Manager said they do not need to be spent in
the Redevelopment iProject Area but open space and park
facilities that serve 'the needs of the project. The Traffic
Engineer addressed the question regarding pro rated share on
Newport Boulevard - a separate fee from the traffic impact
fee. The estimated share is 5%. The primary access to the
site would be from Bernard Street and a commercial driveway
off 19th Street.: The i traffic flow patterns were described and
the positioning of a; traffic signal in five years. If it were
decided the signal was not warranted, the deposit would be
returned to the developer. The City could, at its digression,
have the signal installed without the warrants being met. Other
comparisons were made by staff between the proposed
Newport Plaza project and The Lakes complex.
Mayor/Agency Member Robinson asked for the justification to
allow a parking variance for the new project (415 proposed/455
required). The Associate Planner responded if the new project
meets the intent of the parking credit, then the variance would
be justified. If a condition is placed on the Conditions,
Covenants and Regulations (CC&Rs) requiring garages be
used for parking only and not storage, then they would meet
the "intent". If garage doors were removed, the variance would
not be required. The Acting City Attorney verified the City
could require this condition within the CC&Rs and that the City
could enforce compliance.
Applicant David Eadie, Rutter Development Corporation,
stated what he had heard this evening was essentially an
attempt to balance objectives. He truly believed this was the
right project for the right location. He itemized the various
elements of the project and proposed reasons why they are
appropriate. All set backs, building heights, etc. are met as
applicable to planned residential zoning. . Technically, the
parking structure is five stories and concealed on all sides. All
long-term environmental impacts have been evaluated and
found there are no long-term adverse affects. Jobs, housing
balance, homeownership, etc. and reinvestment in the
community will increase because of the project. This is the
first time in the City a developer has been required to provide
affordable housing. Over the tax increment period, the City will
get $10 — $11 million. It is not practical to build the
inclusionary housing on site; however, the solution presented
by staff is fair and reasonable.
Council/Agency Member Monahan said he understood the tax
increment must be spent in a redevelopment area. Executive
Director Lamm confirmed all the property tax increment is
spent within the current Downtown Redevelopment Project
Area; 80% is not restricted but 20% is restricted to affordable
housing. If the current redevelopment area is increased in
size, he believed: all tax increment money could be spent within
the bounds of the increased project area. Agency Attorney
Wood concurred with that belief.
In response to Council Member/Agency Vice Chairperson
Mansoor's question concerning designating the inclusionary
housing for seniors, the Executive Director suggested the
Redevelopment Agency might want to defer such a decision
until it had an actual project. Rehabilitation of for -sale housing
through Habitat for Humanity could be considered — the 14
units do not have to be additional units, they could be a
conversion. There are ten years in which to use the money.
The Planning and Redevelopment Manager reported recent
legislation limits the percentage of housing set-aside funds for
senior housing to no more than the percentage equal to the
elderly population in the community (as example: 10% of
population is elderly — no more than 10% of these funds can
be used).
RECESS Mayor Robinson declared a recess at 9:10 p.m., and
reconvened the meeting at 9:25 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS Curtis Herberts, 234 East 17th Street, Costa Mesa, indicated
on a map the property he owns, and stated when Harbor
Boulevard was widened his property lost 20 feet of parking,
there is a 20 -foot alley, and then a fence, understanding that
new building proposed is 20 feet past the fence. His building
will be in total shade from November through February, and
there will not be any sun until 11:00 a.m. He thinks the project
is just too big with not enough parking. The proposal is a good
one and it will provide a lot of needed condominiums, but it has
a way to go.
Dave Ruffle, owner of commercial parcel between 19th and
Bernard Streets, expressed concern about the project as
proposed: it overwhelms the area, and condominiums on
Harbor spoil the continuity. People park on his property to go
to Triangle Square, which adds pressure on the lot. He, too,
suggested the City acquire a 20 foot strip from the proposed
project and perhaps; sell it to him at a reasonable price for
additional parking.
Mayor Pro Tem/Agency Chairperson Steel felt the City could
do something about people parking on Mr. Ruffle's property
instead of Triangle ,Square, etc. Council/Agency Member
Monahan responded !the City cannot do anything about it; it is
the responsibility of the private property owners who should
post signs stating, "tenant parking only".
Mr. Mayberry, 414 Bernard Street, Costa Mesa, wanted to go
on record that all those neighbors in the area who are affected
by the proposed project are not in favor of the project as
presented. He likes the project design, but it is too big, too
dense. Fire access,'traffic and parking will be problems, and
his own front yard would be in shade.
Sandy Johnson, 344 Cabrillo, Costa Mesa, stated the
developer has asked` something from the City for every issue
that has come up tonight. She criticized the shade study. The
project is too big, too, dense, without enough parking. Parking
and affordable housing is lacking throughout the City and
needed now. She questioned why the City is taking on the
burden of supervising' development parking, where will children
play, or go to school. She indicated possible traffic flow
problems on the site plan.
Terry Shaw, 420 Bernard Street, Costa Mesa, voiced
opposition to the project; it is too large, too dense. The
General Plan should; be adhered to. A major amendment is
involved for the benefit of a developer and not the average
citizen. The developer made no effort to contact residents.
The impact of the- shadow affect will not be known until the
units are built. Financial compensation should be received by
the Bernard Street residents. The Planning Commission
requested the eastern exit be opened — he was requesting it
be closed by 10-11:0.0 p.m. so future nightclub patrons do not
race down the street' at 1 o'clock in the morning. He regrets
his decision to move back to the City.
Robin Leffler, 3025 Samoa Place, Costa Mesa, referred to the
shade/shadow report — the revised edition of the EIR Volume
2, page 52, shows the properties will be in shade about six
hours a day. It is a very important issue. She asked where 14
units will go if not part of this project. Properties cannot be
purchased for less than $240,000. A Single Room Occupancy
project could be done and put in by the park. A General Plan
amendment is needed for this project.
Sara Barnett, 1934 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, one of the
owners of a business in the area, said the developer has no
idea what a difficult parking situation exists now. There is not
enough parking for. customers, although everyone works
together and even double parks. Her income comes from
customers; if they cannot come to her business, she will not
have revenue. She voiced concern about the impact of this
project. If doors are not put on the condominium garages,
people cannot stash and will use the garage to park their cars.
Rett Coluccio, 369 Flower Street, Costa Mesa, spoke in
support of the project saying it will give an opportunity for
housing for young professionals. There is a lack of affordable
homes in the area. The location is a great area for a project of
this size.
Heidi Holland, 2469 Fairway Drive, Costa Mesa, is a teacher in
the Newport Mesa School District. She and her fiance have
recently been looking for a home to buy but are struggling to
find affordable housing. She believed this project would be a
perfect opportunity. Enclosed garages are a benefit because
they keep cars safe and bicycles from having to be kept
outside.
Sandra Genis, 1586 Myrtlewood, Costa Mesa, believed the
inclusionary housing plan should also include a reference to
the 40% of the 50% that needs to be very low-income in
addition to just the 15% affordability. On this particular project,
the $100,000 per unit of subsidy is extremely conservative.
The table on page 277 of the staff report shows the lower cost
projects were in 1995 before the last big spurt in real estate.
To average the last two projects, the figure would be $117,000
per unit. Based on what the developer has said for this
project, it would be $260,000 for each of the six very low-
income units and then there are the eight other units. This
would result in a subsidy of over $2.5 million. Page 279 of the
staff report does not allocate the cost of the land. Concerning
the shade -shadow issue — the EIR is supposed to reflect local
values. The standard used is a draft from the City of Los
Angeles. All standards involve the property line, not the
structural line. Through a solar.light, Ms Gen is.demonstrated
the need for solar access, and referenced a section of the
General Plan to substantiate her statements. Fill-in housing is
needed but not at the cost of the existing neighborhood.
Lorne Lahardny, 341 Westbrook Place, Costa Mesa, recently
moved his business to the City and was alarmed that of 330
employees, only 5 live in Costa Mesa. There is affordable
housing in the City but no one wants to live there. The
proposed project is in a great location and will revitalize the
area. His employees have to drive out of the City to where they
live in order to achieve the "American dream", when it could
easily be provided in Costa Mesa.
Scott Rimland, 375 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, spoke in
support of the project. The shade issue affects only a few
houses compared to the overall benefit to the area. The
project brings an urban aspect to the community.
Condominiums are a good fit. There are issues that need to
be dealt with, but the City needs to move forward with a nice
development.
Andrew McNally, 1665 Irvine Avenue, Costa Mesa, lives and
works in the City. He presently rents, but his dream is to own a
home and raise a family in the City. When he read about the
project in the Daily Pilot, he decided to attend this evening's
meeting to voice his support. It is situated in the right area, the
open spaces are large and he dreams of having a 2 -car
garage. He hopes the project is approved.
Neal Davison, 225 Costa Mesa Street, Costa Mesa, reported
he had an epiphany while listening this evening: approve this
project and have all the people who work in the night club live
there, so all traffic problems are solved. He is a member of
the rare fruit growers and it is not how much sunlight hits the
house, it. is how 'long the sunlight hits the lawn, etc. He
indicated areas where traffic stalls, and expressed concern
about the additional traffic the nightclub will bring to the area.
He urged "keep the quality of Costa Mesa and think of
something else".
Barbara Beck, 443 Flower Street, Costa Mesa, said she leaned
towards cutting the project in half to two stories. Young people
have spoken in favor because they want a place they can
afford, but invariably children come along and there is nowhere
else to move to. She wondered how children would be able to
play or go to school. The project is not compatible with the
neighborhood.
Martin Millard, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, No. 264, Costa Mesa,
feels the area is in Downtown, and needs to be treated so. He
said he respects concerns about vegetation in yards, etc., but
he sees it as an: urban center that will attract young
professionals who will use local restaurants, and perhaps
attract up -scale restaurants, antique stores, etc. It will become
a "hub" based on their demographics. Because the center is
under parked, there will always be parking problems. If it was
possible to have a "vision" for Costa Mesa, all past errors could
be corrected, but that cannot be done. The City needs to do
the right things now for the future.
Tom Sutro, 2956 Pemba Drive, Costa Mesa, a member of the
Newport Ad Hock Committee, reported he had provided
information on inclusionary zoning and reasons why he
believes the development should be built. The developer
should be allowed to, pay the in -lieu fee rather than to include
the very low-, low- and moderate -income units on the property.
It is perfect for the young professional. He manages an office
in downtown Huntington Beach that is mixed-use and it works.
He suggested pedestrian flyovers in the downtown that could
tie this property with Triangle Square, Border Books, etc., and
really help the traffic flow there. About 85 of the approximate
1,200 trips per day are during the morning peak hours, and
approximately 104 trips in the afternoon peak hours. Possibly
a signal at Bernard and Harbor would be necessary.
Affordable housing should not be solely the responsibility of
the developer, but should involve everyone in the community.
Lori McDonald, 284 Walnut Street, Costa Mesa, spoke against
the project. She was opposed to living near more HUD cheap
housing - does not like how it looks and what it attracts. She
asked that the money be spent on the road going to City Hall
and to buy new seating in City Hall Council Chambers for
residents instead. She agreed with a previous speaker that
the project is ruining a prized commercial area. It would be
nice to have a planned community. The location would be an
irritating area to live in for seniors.
177
Virginia Herberts, 2290 Channel Road, Balboa, part owner of a
small commercial property with adequate legal parking;
however, other people use it to park. She does not believe in
eminent domain, but a 20 -foot strip should be allocated for
additional parking for both her customers and the project
guests. The project is beautiful and will enhance the area;
however, it is too tall.
There being no further speakers Mayor Robinson closed the
public hearing at 10:15 P.M.
Mr. Eadie, Rutter Development, felt staff should speak to a lot
of issues discussed this evening, which challenges the
analysis and findings of the Planning Commission. There is
only one variance involved. He indicated parking on the site
plan in order to respond to concerns expressed about lack of
parking. Site-specific density has been found viable and
meeting objectives of the specific and General Plan. He
offered to reiterate each point, as discussed in the staff report,
to respond to concerns expressed this evening.
Council/Agency Member Cowan expressed concern about
inclusionary housing. She asked Mr. Eadie if he was willing to
accommodate Alternate Number 1, to do 14 units on site. She
did not agree with the City getting a $245,000 in -lieu fee. Mr.
Eadie responded when a homeowners association is involved,
there are added costs which make it impossible to do on site.
However, the project area could be reviewed for the company
to do substantial rehabilitation or acquire land for an affordable
housing site. Such options exist and he would not be opposed
to exploring such opportunities. Council/Agency Member
Cowan thanked Mr. Eadie for his acceptance of going beyond
the site, but wondered what was in the homeowners
association scenario to make it difficult to do the units on site.
Mr. Eadie responded there is a 45 -year affordability
requirement. On top of the price of the home, fees are added
for homeowners association dues, plus taxes, etc. The total
costs have to be affordable according to certain parameters.
He confirmed it does not affect the developer's obligations by
taking the units off site.
Mayor/Agency Member Robinson questioned if something
could be included in the CC&Rs that exempted low-income
housing from dues for the requirement of 45 years. Executive
Director Lamm presumed this could be done; however, the
dues would be raised for the other homeowners. Acting City
Attorney/Agency Attorney Wood confirmed this understanding
and could be a part of the CC&Rs; however, he was unsure of
the practicalities. The developer would be taken out of the
process once all the units were sold.
Mayor/Agency Member Robinson asked Mr. Eadie about the
amount of open space within the project. He responded the
Planning Commission evaluated and approved without
imposing certain standards because the project was seen
without a lot of children living there. He outlined traffic egress
and ingress and confirmed nightclub traffic could never
physically use the residential property to exit.
MOTION/Deny
Certification of EIR
Council Member/Agency Vice -Chairperson Mansoor asked
what was done to: mitigate noise. Mr. Eadie replied all
standards were met to an acceptable level within the industry
standard, including a double pane window with argon gas in
between which provides insulation and noise mitigation.
Mayor/Agency Member Robinson asked for clarification of the
variance which, in her opinion, changes the General Plan
extensively. Mr. Eadie responded the basic question asked by
the City Council in December, 2001, when it initially reviewed
the project, was "is this a site specific area?" The response
was positive. Discussions with staff led him to believe this was
indeed the location for this type of use even though a general
plan amendment is 'necessary. All units are for -sale. Mr.
Eadie confirmed for Council/Agency Member Monahan the
project has changed ;considerably since the initial presentation
including reduction of density and the units are to be owner -
occupied.
In answer to Mayor• Pro Tem/Agency Chairperson Steel's
question, Mr. Eadie stated the owner of a certain wall will be
approached to mitigate the stark view through landscaping,
etc. He could not agree that the project parking could be used
by the general public.. Because the church will be impacted by
the project, Mr. Eadie said he had personal contact with the
pastor, and there is; a gentleman's agreement to allow the
church to utilize the commercial parking facilities.
Mayor/Agency Member Robinson motioned to deny
certification of the final EIR on the grounds it does not
adequately or properly address the significant impact of the
shading issue. In theiland use section of the General Plan, the
policy says the City ;can permit the construction of buildings
over thirty feet, 'only when it can be shown that the
construction of structures will not adversely impact surrounding
development and deprive existing land uses of adequate light,
air privacy and solar access. She felt she was unable to get an
answer that reflected diagrams presented, and that the EIR
has not adequately addressed the shading impact. Since it
failed to do so, she did not see how this Council could approve
the final EIR as written. Further study should be done and
included in the report. She read from the staff report
"...research methodology included internet search, telephone
calls to similar urban jurisdictions, and a review of other
environmental documents." She observed no further details
of what that was, was provided. The General Plan requires
the threshold of shade be reviewed. Staff needs to consider
what Costa Mesa's General Plan requires in determining what
is appropriate.
Council Member/Agency Vice -Chairperson Mansoor seconded
the motion for discussion. He felt the project had a lot of good
things — it will help Triangle Square, the beginning of
improvement on 19th;'Street, and it will sell; however, he also
had a lot of concerns. Staff recommended reduction of the
profile of the corner of the development was a good direction
to go. The option of two stories is also good and has not been
thoroughly looked at. Alternative 2 is a step in the right
direction with the .reduction of the units directly on Bernard
Street in terms of shade and shadow. If the density is
reduced, traffic will be reduced along with parking problems
1
1
and shade affects, by default. He was concerned about the in -
lieu fee; Mr. Eadie should provide the units instead of the City
holding "a hot potato". He had an opportunity to speak with Mr.
Herberts and Mr. Russle who had commented earlier, and also
with Mr. Eadie. Attempts have been made to include the
storefront properties on Harbor Boulevard in the past; maybe
there is a glimmer of hope. He would like the development
extended to the corner of Bernard Street as a commercial
venue, with increased parking. If something is being asked for,
something has to be given in return. The only way to include
those things asked for is to include a complete redoing of the
property. He would like attention paid to some of these issues.
Council/Agency Member Monahan said he would not support
the motion. He understood the motion to be a certification of
the EIR and he thought the discussion of the project is a
different motion. He was comfortable with the EIR and would
support its certification.
Council/Agency Member Cowan said she, too, was satisfied
with the EIR and would not support the motion. Mayor Pro
Tem/Agency Chairperson Steel announced he would not
support the motion either. There are lots of things he likes
about this project, particularly home ownership, plus the overall
quality and underground parking. He would, however, like to
see the building lowered by a floor to eliminate the shade
issue. He had no problem with affordable housing being built
but wished it could be limited to seniors. Perhaps the Federal
Government will give more local control on that issue.
SUBSTITUTE Council Member Cowan put forward a substitute motion to
MOTION/Adopted adopt Council Resolution No.03-19 certifying Final EIR No.
Resolution 03-19 1050. The motion was seconded by Council Member
Certifying Final EIR Monahan, and carried 3-2, Mayor Robinson and Council
No. 1050 Member Mansoor voting no.
MOTION/Adopted Re- A motion by Agency Member Monahan to adopt
development Agency Redevelopment Agency Resolution No. 230-03 accepting the
Resolution No. 230- resolution adopting the amendment to the 1999-2004
03 Accepting Amend- Implementation Plan was seconded by Agency Member
ment to 1999-2004 Cowan, and carried 5-0.
Implementation Plan
MOTION/Adopted On a motion by Council/Agency Member Cowan, seconded by
Redevelopment Council/Agency Member Monahan and carried 3-2
Agency Resolution (Mayor/Agency Member Robinson and Council
No. 231-03 Member/Agency Vice Chairperson Mansoor voting no), the
Recommending Redevelopment Agency Resolution No.231-03 recommending
Adoption of GP -02-04 adoption of GP -02-04 to the City Council was adopted; and the
City Council Resolution No. 03-20 adopting GP -02-04 was
adopted.
Mayor/Agency Member Robinson said she did not support the
motions because the project is too dense, and is asking for five
stories instead of four. The impact on the surrounding area far
outweighs any benefit. She said she had told Mr. Eadie it was
a very nice project but she asked he come back with a
reduction so the community could have this wonderful project.
She believed the company would make a fortune off the
project even if it was a third in size and, therefore, the
developer could give something back to the City.
MOTION/Gave
Ordinance 03-3
amending Title 13
First Reading
Council/Agency Member Monahan said he supported the
motion because it" is downtown, and a mixed use.
Homeownership is being demanded. It is time to step up and
make changes to the, Westside, and this project is a huge step
to get there.
On a motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council
Member Monahan, 'and carried 3-2 (Mayor Robinson and
Council Member Mansoor voting no), it was agreed to give first
reading to Ordinance No. 03-3 amending Title 13.
Mayor Robinson said for the record she would not be
supporting the Motion for all the reasons stated before.
MOTION/Adopted On a motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council
Resolution No. 03- Member Monahan, and carried 3-2 (Mayor Robinson and
21 approving Final Council Member Mansoor voting no), Council Resolution No.
Master Plan PA -02-11 03-21 was adopted approving Final Master Plan PA -02-11 for
development of 161 residential condominium units.
Council Member Cowan said she liked this plan as much as
Council Member Monahan. It will provide the kind of housing
the community has been asking for. It is the right project in the
right location at the right time. She appreciated the fact it will
be designed for those in the community who are teachers,
health care workers ' and other hard working members who
have been priced out of housing in the City. It is a good
statement as an entry into the Westside area and she
imagined it would `°spur" more redevelopment as it goes along.
Mayor Robinson said, she could not support this item, and felt
for those who live in; the area. She knows they will complain
about the inability to get to their own homes after this project is
built. Business owners are already complaining about parking
problems. It will get exacerbated. She apologized for the
impacts this project will have on renters and business owners.
MOTION/Adopted On a motion by Agency Member Cowan, seconded by Agency
Redevelopment Member Monahan,. and carried 5-0, Redevelopment
Agency Resolution Resolution No.229-03 approving the Inclusionary Housing Plan
No. 229-03 approving for 1901 Newport Boulevard, identified as Alternate B was
the Inclusionary adopted -14 units offsite if in the Redevelopment Project Area;
Housing Plan 28 units if not in the Redevelopment Project Area, to be
provided by the developer, and meeting the Inclusionary
Housing requirement for the very low- and low- to moderate -
income households.
Agency Vice Chairperson Mansoor stated, although he did not
support other aspects of the project,, he would support this
motion. Agency Member Robinson said she supported the
motion because it should not be the burden of the City to
provide that requirement.
ORAL Curtis Herberts, 234: East 17th Street, Costa Mesa, thanked
COMMUNICATION Mayor Robinson for; her confidence and "good sense". He
had heard the price of one of the condominiums was $310. As
a realtor, he did not know of any unit that cheap.
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David Ruffle wished Mayor Robinson good luck in her judicial
duties, and thanked her and Council Member Mansoor for their
opposition to this project.
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business for discussion, the Mayor
adjourned the special joint meeting at 10:55 P.M.
ti
Mayor of the City Costa Mesa
—
ATTEST:
Deputy y Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa
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