HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission 2019-10-15 Minutes
In the Council Chambers of the City of San Rafael, October 15, 2019
Regular Meeting
San Rafael Planning Commission Minutes
For a complete video of this meeting, go to http://www.cityofsanrafael.org/meetings
CALL TO ORDER
Present: Barrett Schaefer
Shingai Samudzi
Mark Lubamersky
Sarah Loughran
Berenice Davidson
Aldo Mercado
Jeff Schoppert
Absent: None
Also Present: Raffi Boloyan, Planning Manager
Alicia Giudice, Senior Planner
Paul Jensen, CDD Director
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
RECORDING OF MEMBERS PRESENT AND ABSENT
APPROVAL OR REVISION OF ORDER OF AGENDA ITEMS
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF MEETING PROCEDURES
URGENT COMMUNICATION
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Minutes, September 24, 2019
Barrett Schaefer moved and Aldo Mercado seconded to approve Minutes as presented. The vote is as
follows:
AYES: Barrett Schaefer, Shingai Samudzi, Mark Lubamersky, Sarah Loughran, Berenice
Davidson, Aldo Mercado
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Jeff Schoppert
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARING
2. 9000 Northgate Dr (Costco at Northgate Mall) – Pre-Application/Conceptual Design Review
for a proposal to demolish the existing multi-story Sears building at the southern portion
of Northgate Mall and build a new 146,985 sq. ft. Costco Warehouse Center, including a
141,773 sq ft warehouse, 5,185 sq. ft. attached tire center, along with a detached fueling
station. The proposal also calls for 2-3 levels of rooftop parking on top of the proposed
Costco warehouse; APN: 175-060-40; General Commercial (GC) Zoning District; Merlone
Geier, owner; Michael Okuma, Costco, applicant; File No(s).: PA19-008/CDR19-004.;
Downtown Neighborhood. Project Planner: Raffi Boloyan
Staff Report
This was a Conceptual Item, so there was no vote. The Commission made the following comments:
• Confirmed the main Costco retail use and tire center are consistent with the current Master Use
Permit, but not as designed (lack of integration with mall, circulation issues, height/bulk/mass);
• Expressed lack of support for proposed addition of a fueling station at this site;
• Concerned with lack of a plan for rest of the Mall, and how this project could impact that,
especially as it relates to addition of housing. Need for a master plan;
• Need for data to support the benefits to the community and support claims that Costco will bring
shoppers to mall;
• Concern with the increased height (Exception findings) which result in bulk and mass coming so
close to Northgate Dr.;
• Need for better integration of the Costco with rest of Mall ;
• Concern with on-site circulation access as noted by staff;
• Need project to better respect the design and character of surrounding area;
• Project is solely designed for car access and needs to pay attention to pedestrians ;
• Ensure that traffic study is comprehensive and extends to greater are than just around mall.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
COMMISSION COMMUNICATION
ADJOURNMENT
___________________________________
ANNE DERRICK, Administrative Assistant III
APPROVED THIS _____DAY OF_______, 2019
_____________________________________
Sarah Loughran, Chair