10/03/1983 Grand Terrace Planninc; Commission
Minutes of Regular .leeting
October 3, 1983
The regular meeting of the Grand Terrace Planning Commission was called to
order at the Terrace View Elementary School, 22731 Grand Terrace Road,
Grand Terrace, California, on October 3, 1983, at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman
Sanford L. Collins.
PRESENT : Sanford L. Collins, Chairman
William DeBenedet, Commissioner
Norm Caouette, Commissioner
Winifred Bartel, Commissioner
Gerald Cole, Commissioner
Jerry Hawkinson, Commissioner
Ray Munson, Commissioner
Joseph Kicak, Planning Director
ABSENT : John McDowell, Vice Chairman
Vern Andress, Commissioner
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE : Led by Winifred Bartel
MINUTES : Motion by Commissioner DeBenedet, seconded
by Commissioner Hawkinson, passed by 7-0
PC(L1 83-61 vote to approve the minutes of September 12,
1983 as submitted.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM NO. 2 SA 83-6, 12076 Westwood Lane
Staff presented the proposal submitted by Mr. Marshall Rainer of COR Company,
applicant's representative to construct a footbridge between Lot 5 and Lot 6 of
Tract 6311 . Both of the lots are owned by the applicant.
The purpose of the footbridge is to provide easier access from Lot 6 which is to
be used primarily for parking for the guests of the property owner, Dr. Carlson.
Commissioner Caouette suggested that consideration be given to merging Lots 5 and
6 into one parcel, serving a single residence.
Public hearing was opened at 7:05 p.m. Speaking for the proposed project was
Mr. Marshall Rainer of COR Company, representing the applicant. Mr. Rainer
presented photographs of the existing conditions and explained the proposal as
it would relate to these conditions. He stated that Dr. Carlsen's intent is to
utilize the vacant lot for parking only and has no plans to build on the vacant
lot in the future.
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It was stated by Mr. Rainer that there will be lighting on the bridge as well
parking lot.
Mr. Frank Rappolo addressed the Commission on this matter. He stated he
was speaking in favor of the proposal. Stated that the lots should be combined.
He did state that both parcels affected should have been shaded on the map. He
felt that the proposed improvement will enhance the value of the property.
The public hearing was closed at 7: 15 p.m.
Commissioner Caouette expressed his reasons for the added condition that the
two parcels be combined into a single parcel. Other Commissioners concurred
that with the proposed structure, specifically the bridge, no additional single
family residence should be permitted on these two lots.
The staff recommended to the Commission that if the two parcels are combined
into a single parcel, the clearance requirement in the staff report, specifically
Condition No. 4, be deleted and plan approved as submitted, subject to all
other conditions.
Commissioner Andress came in at 7: 18 p.m.
PCM 83-62 Motion by Commissioner Caouette, seconded by
Commissioner De Benedet. The Planning Commis-
sion approved by a vote of 5 - 2 the site and
architectural development plan SA 83-6, including
the findings as written in the staff report and
subject to conditions as set forth in the staff
report with the following modifications:
1 . That the two parcels be merged into a single
parcel.
2. Deleting staff-recommended Condition No. 4,
pertaining to 15 foot minimum clearance.
ITEM NO. 3 Draft, Grand Terrace Redevelopment Implementation
Strategy
Mr. Robb Steele, representing MSI , presented a brief summary of the contents
of the report. He summarized the goals as adopted by CRA and discussed
the implementation strategy as proposed in the report to achieve these goals.
A great deal of discussion took place between the MSI representative and the
individual Planning Commissioners. Topics discussed in general were the
following:
For Area "A" a possibility was suggested for a mixed use of commercial as well
as residential.
Area "B", which is presently zoned commercial, was suggested to retain its
present designation.
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Planning Commission
October 3, 1983
It was suggested that if the City and CRA wishes to maintain the integrity
of Area "B" for future commercial uses, the area can be temporarily designa-
ted as open space. This would prevent any undesirable encroachment into
that area. It was also the opinion of the representative that 200 acres in
Area "B" which composes both industrial and commercial designations could
be absorbed in 5 to 7 years. However, did not feel that much can be accom-
plished in the next 5 years. A question was raised regarding the potential
use of Area "A", generally the frontage of Barton Road between Canal Street
and Michigan Street for mixed uses, since studies indicate that approximately
27 percent vacancy exists in the office-commercial development which now is
available. The representative stated that the City of Grand Terrace is dis-
advantaged because of areas that have recently developed, specifically in
San Bernardino Commercenter as well as Colton Cooley Ranch that offer
similar office accommodations and, in fact, these areas in other cities are
presently expanding.
It was suggested by MSI representative that consideration should be given
to low-cost, high-density housing. It was stated that such housing may be
more beneficial to the City, since this type of development requires less
police, fire, school and other public services. Certain members of the
Commission disagreed with that opinion and pointed to other projects within
the City that indicate otherwise. MSI agreed that with higher income clientele
housing, you also reduce demand for these same services.
With respect to developing of public facilities, it was the opinion of the MSI
representative that the public facilities should be developed in balance
between the existing and any proposed new development.
It was stated that consideration should be given to relocating the Grand Terrace
Elementary School to other portion of the City and utilizing that freeway oriented
parcel for potential commercial uses.
The vacancies of 27 percent in office prompted a remark that City should have
considered utilizing the existing vacant office space for City offices rather
than considering a new Civic Center. It was suggested that it may be too
late for that type of discussion.
For Area "C" it was recommended by MSI representative that high-density
residential be considered. It was suggested that high-density residential
within the City be beneficial to the present as well as future commercial
development. It was recognized that that area is in the flood plain and
much of the area is covered with Southern California Edison Company easements.
With that discussion, it was suggested that potential industrial uses of that
land be considered. The survey which has been conducted by MSI of the
various property owners in the three areas was questioned and discussed. In
general, it was felt by at least one commissioner that the survey results need
to be further clarified.
Adjournment
Chairman Collins adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
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Planning Commission
October 3, 1983
Respectfully submitted by:
Joseph Kicak, Planning Director
Approved:
e
SanforA L. Collins Chairman
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Grand Terrace
Planning Commission
October 3, 1983