pages: PlanningBoard/2017-01-23.pdf, 3
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PlanningBoard | 2017-01-23 | 3 | Scott Dawson, neighbor, said the project is too big and will compromise tree health. He said the arborist report he submitted shows that they should not build behind tree number 1. Vincent Wu, applicant's structural engineer, said that they can design the structure to limit the forces put on the root structure of the trees. Dee Keltner, neighbor, said they are stewards of the trees and the oak trees' health needs to be considered. She said the City should not rubberstamp these plans because it affects everybody. She said our tree regulations should be updated immediately. Rob Doud, neighbor, said he supports his neighbors' project. He said he appreciates the efforts they made to reach out to the neighborhood. Rena Rickles, applicant's attorney, said the applicants have done everything asked of them by staff to address concerns. She said the applicants hired her to respond to the CEQA challenge made on the project. She said there is no merit to a CEQA challenge. President Köster closed the public hearing. Board Member Burton said he visited the site. He said the health of the trees was his primary concern. He said it appeared they could do pier and grade beam construction without disturbing the major roots. He said it was not a very tall structure and should not disturb major lateral branches of the tree. He said he would support an additional condition mandating that no major lateral branches be disturbed. He said that with proper care, he can support the project. Board Member Sullivan said the applicants have gone the extra mile to comply with the City's requirements. She said the owners have certain property rights and she supports the project. Board Member Knox White said everyone shares the goal of preserving the trees. He said he asked staff to have the City's arborist to evaluate the reports and that he reported back that the plan is satisfactory. He said he would be supporting the project. Board Member Curtis said that this process caused a lot of expense and time spent for the applicant and that staff had already reached this conclusion at the previous meeting. He said we placed an undue burden on the property owners. He said he will vote yes on the project. Board Member Zuppan said she met with the applicant and the neighbors. She said that she is convinced that the project can be done as approved and conditioned without harming the trees. She said she supports the proposal as structured with the additional Approved Minutes Page 3 of 15 Planning Board Meeting January 23, 2017 | PlanningBoard/2017-01-23.pdf |