pages: PlanningBoard/2006-08-14.pdf, 4
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PlanningBoard | 2006-08-14 | 4 | 8. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS: 8-A. PD06-0001 and DR06-0054 - Habitat for Humanity - 626 Buena Vista Ave. (DG). The applicant requests approval of Planned Development and Major Design Review applications allowing the construction of eight new dwelling units consisting of four two-story duets on a lot previously used as a carwash. The project site is zoned R4-PD Neighborhood Residential District-Planned Development Zoning District. (Continued from the meeting of July 24, 2006). President Lynch congratulated Mr. Garrison on his impending promotion to Supervising Planner. Mr. Garrison presented this staff report, and recommended approval of this item. Ms. Doreen Soto, Development Services, presented the rest of the staff report, and displayed a PowerPoint presentation describing the scope and layout of the project. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Virginia Jhang noted that she lived near the proposed site, and thanked the City for holding the neighborhood meetings. She noted that there were not many neighbors in attendance because many of them did not receive notice, and also because they supported affordable housing on this vacant site. She noted that it was difficult to afford home ownership, and that this project was a great help. She expressed concern about density, traffic safety and accountability. She noted that the developers did not propose to have a homeowners association with CC&Rs to maintain the project. She noted that the project met the Measure A criteria, but was still too dense for its location and lot size. In response to an inquiry by President Lynch whether her own development had CC&Rs, Ms. Jhang confirmed that it did, and that it was very helpful to her and her neighbors. She noted that it was an entry-level community, and that there was a playground in the common area for the children. She described some of the surrounding businesses, and believed the area was already too dense. She would like to see more open space and visitor parking on [Paramus]. The public hearing was closed for Board discussion. Member McNamara noted that she was very familiar with this area, and noted that Ms. Jhang's points about traffic congestion were valid, and she hoped they could be addressed and corrected. She supported this project and believed it was a good use of the current lot, while helping Alameda meet the affordable housing requirements. She believed it would be an asset to the neighborhood, and would be a good opportunity for increased home ownership. Member Mariani expressed concern that when all the Catellus units are rented out, the street will be become more congested and that perhaps traffic calming measures would be needed. She supported this project. Planning Board Minutes Page 4 August 14, 2006 | PlanningBoard/2006-08-14.pdf |