pages: PlanningBoard/2011-01-10.pdf, 6
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
PlanningBoard | 2011-01-10 | 6 | President Ezzy Ashcraft reiterated the approvals before the Planning Board. The Board is being asked to approve a variance for the lack of Private open Space and approve the Major Design Review for the construction of a 19 unit affordable housing project. Board member Lynch thanked staff, HCEB and Satellite Housing for presenting an outstanding project. He also stated that of all the projects of this nature that he has been involved with in other jurisdictions, none of them have maximized the parking, instead they have had little to no parking at all. Board member Kohlstrand stated that she supports the project and the requested variance. She asked if the architect had looked at ways to put the parking in the rear of the site. She also suggested that the large electrical vault shown in the front of the property be placed behind the trellis screening, possibly by pulling the trellis forward. She expressed concern about the stairwell and the elements that have the vertical siding opposed to the horizontal siding because she feels they are unarticulated in terms of the design. She commended the project for the Bay Friendly Landscaping and questioned why the bike rack ratio was so low at 1 bicycle space per 10 parking spaces. Mr. Lounds of HCEB responded that there are 12 bike parking spots and the intent was to out-number the parking spaces. Mr. Williams responded that they did consider placing the parking in the rear of the site but it meant keeping the double driveways and required twice the amount of paving on the site. He stated that Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) requires that the transformer be within 5 feet of the sidewalk but they would do all that they can to screen it with landscaping. Board member Zuppan was concerned that the building only has one elevator and cited the length of time generally needed to repair them, if broken. She asked if they had a back-up plan should the elevator be broken for any length of time. Mr. Williams responded that HUD 811 housing only allows a certain number of units per project and the cost of another elevator is very expensive. On other properties the elevators are maintained frequently and are watched carefully and have very few down days. Also, under HUD requirements, if the elevator is down for a lengthy amount of time you need to build a new one. Mr. Lounds stated that the plan is to have the wheelchair bound tenants living on the ground floor. President Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is very excited about the project. She would like the architect and applicant to work with staff to incorporate Mr. Buckley and Board member Kohlstrand's suggestions into the project. Board member Kohlstrand made the motion to approve a variance for private open space and approve the Major Design Review for the construction of a 19- unit affordable housing project with the following amendments: APPROVED MEETING MINUTES 6 OF 7 PLANNING BOARD 1/10/2011 | PlanningBoard/2011-01-10.pdf |