HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPCC Minutes 1989-03-07SRCC MINUTES (Special 3/7/89 Page 1
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989,
AT 7:30 PM.
Special Meeting: Present: Lawrence E. Mulryan, Mayor
San Rafael City Council Albert J. Boro, Councilmember
Dorothy L. Breiner, Councilmember
Gary R. Frugoli, Councilmember
Joan Thayer, Councilmember
Absent: None
Also Present: Pamela J. Nicolai, City Manager; Gary T. Ragghianti,
City Attorney; Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk
RE: PUBLIC HEARING - FOR PRIORITY PROJECTS DETERMINATION (Pl) - File 115
Mayor Mulryan opened the meeting, stating that this is the first time
the Council has seen the staff's and Planning Commission's recommendations
on the Priority Projects, and a complete evaluation of their meetings.
He noted that whatever projects are approved, it is merely a selection
of the projects to go forward on a priority basis, and each will have
to go through the usual planning process for final approval.
Planning Director Pendoley stated he would explain the policies and the
process which the staff used to arrive at their recommendations. He also
stated that he would define the planning terms used in the process. Mr.
Pendoley suggested that the Council may wish to use the same method as
the Planning Commission in the hearing, considering first the Lucas Valley/
Smith Ranch Road/101 and the Freitas/101 intersections and after hearing
comments, to then hear comments on the Bellam/101/I-580 interchange.
Mr. Pendoley stated that this Priority Projects Procedure (PPP) is a result
of a number of policies in the General Plan 2000. He noted that the General
Plan indicated a Level of Service (LOS) D mid -point for the three inter-
changes, explaining that LOS is a traffic engineering concept used to
measure capacity and flow of traffic at an intersection, and that traffic
should be able to get through an intersection with one or, at the very
most, two changes of the stop light. He stated these policies from the
General Plan require the development be planned with transportation improve-
ments, and the PPP is the method of doing that.
Mr. Pendoley stated that affordable housing, high tax generating uses,
and needed neighborhood serving uses are identified in the General Plan
as criteria for priority projects. He added that the PPP was supported
by a variety of technical studies and, in particular, traffic models devel-
oped to establish the remaining moves at the intersections.
Mr. Pendoley then described Critical Moves (CM's) with the aid of graphics,
and assisted by John Rumsey, Traffic Engineer. They illustrated how a
CM affects traffic by allowing a turning move which backs up traffic in
one or more directions. Mr. Rumsey pointed out that for the Bellam inter-
section, which is more complex than the two northern intersections, there
are two CM's, which have been referred to as CM -1 and CM -3 for identifi-
cation purposes.
Mr. Pendoley then explained the term "diversion reserve". He stated the
data for the diversion trips was based on data which was developed in
the mid -80's by measuring traffic at Bellam during the time that there
was congestion on (Highway) 101 due to the CalTrans work being performed.
He stated drivers were getting off the highway and using side streets
to get around the heavy traffic. Mr. Pendoley stated that since traffic
conditions have been improved at both Bellam and Freitas it was felt that
the diversion trips are no longer necessary and they are now being considered
for future use in these computations.
Mr. Pendoley noted that staff's recommendation to the Planning Commission
was to approve the Lucas Ridge Estates. However, the Planning Commission
came up with a tie vote so no recommendation was made to the Council by
them except for the findings that the project met the basic criteria as
a Priority Project. Pendoley noted that the Council has directed staff
to begin negotiation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County
of Marin for this project to be in the unincorporated area rather than
within the City limits. Mr. Pendoley noted that the proposed Merrydale
Overcrossing will improve overall traffic conditions in the northern area.
He stated staff feels that the diversionary reseld vPshould be ened up
in this area since the Merrydale Overcrossing wibe done shor�y and
SRCC MINUTES (Special) 3/7/89 Page 1
SRCC MINUTES (Special 3/7/89 Page 2
there is no risk that the LOS will go lower. He stated that the General
Plan permits going below mid -LOS D for a definite period of time and this
would be the case with Merrydale.
Mayor Mulryan inquired about 6 CM's at Lucas Valley regarding Costco,
and 136 at Freitas, and Mr. Rumsey explained that is because of traffic
exiting the freeway at Freitas and crossing Civic Center Drive, which
is a CM, and at Lucas Valley the traffic would simply be making a right-
hand turn.
In response to questions by Councilmembers Boro and Frugoli, Mr. Rumsey
stated that staff does not feel that people using Costco would first go
north to Smith Ranch Road and then south on the freeway, but that the
southbound traffic would simply go back to Freitas interchange to get
into the southbound freeway lanes.
Councilmember Boro asked what would LOS be once the Merrydale Overcrossing
is completed and Mr. Rumsey replied it would be high C or low D. Mr.
Pendoley stated that Bellam intersection is functioning quite efficiently
today as a result of previously approved projects and is at LOS C. He
informed the Council that it was because of the court decision on the
Bayview Business park that staff decided to use the diversion reserve
trips. He stated there are some problematic aspects at Bellam. because
the improvements at that intersection are the farthest away in time, and
it is difficult to project what will happen by the time they are completed.
He noted there are a number of projects with historic trips which may
be used. Mr. Pendoley pointed out that as far as Bellam is concerned,
there is a problem with the City not being able to control developments
outside the City limits which might impact that intersection. Mr. Pendoley
noted that staff had not recommended Jim's Food and Liquor for Priority
status, but that they had underestimated the neighborhood benefit.
He stated that regarding the Honda project there was a good deal of discus-
sion, with the applicant stating that their project was not feasible without
the restaurant in addition to the car dealership, and the Planning Commis-
sion recommending it to the Council without the restaurant. He stated
that the Council can make their decision.
Mr. Pendoley stated that staff thinks the Howard Johnson hotel has a great
potential, but that there would be a protracted planning time. He stated
that staff recommended Orchard Supply Hardware based on the revenue poten-
tial and the fact that they could be building in a relatively short time.
He stated there is a policy question as to whether the Howard Johnson
hotel would hold up the CM's.
Mr. Pendoley concluded by saying that staff has been working on this project
for a very long time, and commended planners Curt Johnston, Jeff Schwob
and Jean Freitas for their fine staff work. Mayor Mulryan agreed, stating
that the Council appreciates the work of the planning staff on the PPP.
Mayor Mulryan then declared the Public Hearing opened, and stated that
the Council would hear comments regarding the Lucas Valley/Smith Ranch
and Freitas interchanges.
Connie Johnstone of the Lucas Valley area (Mont Marin Homeowners Associa-
tion) read a letter expressing the association's opposition to the Costco
project at the former Fairchild site. She stated that Costco's estimated
revenue is overstated and their projection of traffic is low. She stated
that the project is inappropriate for the neighborhood, but that their
opposition is primarily the traffic issue. Ms. Johnstone stated that the
Costco traffic study states that the Merrydale Overcrossing would be required
even without the Costco project. and her concern is what will happen if
Costco goes into operation before Merrydale is built, and the necessary
traffic signals installed. Ms. Johnstone questioned the traffic report's
assumption that Costco will not impact the Smith Ranch Road area, and
stated she feels it will be used constantly by Costco patrons. She stated
the Mont Marin Homeowners request that a new traffic study be prepared,
one which will bear up under scrutiny.
Speaking for herself, Ms. Johnstone mentioned the necessity for a traffic
signal at Professional Center Parkway, and new striping at Civic Center
Drive and Freitas interchange. Mr. Rumsey responded that the striping
at Freitas has been completed. He added that the signalization at Profes-
sional Center Parkway has the approval of Costco, and there will be a
left turn lane added from Costco. Ms. Johnstone expressed concern over
what will happen if the Marin County Fair occurs while the Merrydale Over -
crossing is still under construction.
SRCC MINUTES (Special) 3/7/89 Page 2
SRCC MINUTES (Specia. 3/7/89 Page 3
Mayor Mulryan responded that he does not see Costco as being in the Mont
Marin area. He stated it is in an industrial and commercial area, and
that Costco stores look like a supermarket. Mayor Mulryan then asked Mr.
Rumsey about the present status of the Merrydale project, in view of Ms.
Johnstone's concerns, and when will the construction begin and end.
Mr. Rumsey stated it is in the final design stage, and they should have
the final plans in about a month, so the project will be going to bid
in late summer. Construction should take about a year, so it will be about
18 months for it to be in place.
Councilmember Breiner inquired if the rear driveways in that area could
be extended enough to alleviate the situation, and Mr. Rumsey responded
that they have been focusing on Redwood Highway regarding the traffic
situation.
Councilmember Thayer inquired about the cleanup of the Costco area, should
it be approved for priority.
Mr. Pendoley responded that the area will have to be cleaned up before
the project can go forward. He stated that Engineering is evaluating the
cleanup plan and have called for modifications to strengthen the plan.
He noted that it remains to be approved by the (Las Gallinas Valley) Sanitary
District and they will be attempting to resolve the issue in the next
two weeks. Mr. Pendoley added that the actual construction work which
is necessary is really not extensive. He said there will be a relatively
minor addition and interior modifications and then the City permits, at
which time staff will deal with traffic on Redwood. He estimated it could
be a year or possibly more, and there could be a minor overlap between
Costco and Merrydale completion. He pointed out that the General Plan
allows for a lower LOS D if it is for a definite period of time.
Catherine Miller spoke for the North San Rafael Coalition of Residents,
stating it appears that the benefits of Costco may be much less than the
problems it will cause. She cited that exiting from the local businesses
on Redwood is already hazardous and parking is already inadequate. She
added that Costco should be required to provide a parking garage to accommo-
date all of its customers, even in peak periods, and to provide some addi-
tional parking for adjacent businesses.
Maurice Monson of 6 Lisa Court stated that he has concerns about the Lucas
Ridge Estates as proposed. He stated that the plan he saw does not show
the topography and that his home is located below a cut which is 15 feet
deep. He stated that in addition to losing his privacy, the traffic impact
would add to an already hazardous traffic situation at Lucas Valley Road
and Las Gallinas Avenue. He also cited problems with drainage as a result
of building on the site.
Edith McKenna, representing the Daphne/Bacciocco group, owners of the
Lucas Ridge Estatesproperty, stated that the reason the project came to
the Council without a recommendation from the Planning Commission was
because one member lives out that way and it became a tie vote because
the member did not vote. She stated that the project fits the criteria
of the General Plan.
Mayor Mulryan stated that the Council will consider Ms. McKenna's letter.
Elaine Carr stated that she opposes the development of Lucas Ridge Estates
because of traffic. She stated that the residents of the subdivision would
have to exit into an already impacted area which is near Miller Creek
School. She also mentioned that Lucas Valley and Las Gallinas are used
as a bypass when the highway is congested.
Bonnie Brown, owner of Etchings in the Northgate Industrial area, spoke
in opposition to Costco, stating that a high impact retail on two-lane
Redwood Highway should not be allowed. She presented a letter stating
that six of the businesses on Redwood Highway are concerned about traffic
levels which would result from Costco. She added that some of the businesses
would actually benefit financially from having a high -traffic retail store
nearby, but they are opposed for traffic reasons.
Ms. Brown then gave a detailed description of her efforts to obtain facts
regarding the toxic chemicals still in the soil as a result of the Fairchild
operation. She showed a report from Kennedy/Jenks who were hired by Las
Gallinas Valley Sanitary District to analyze the site, and stated that
as far as she could determine from her calls to Sacramento and various
federal offices, it does not appear that any action is being taken. She
questioned would Fairchild pay for the cleanup and, if they did not, who
SRCC MINUTES (Special) 3/7/89 Page 3
SRCC MINUTES (Specia; 3/7/89 Page 4
would pay. Ms. Brown stated that to allow any potential occupant to have
a Priority Project status at this time would be inappropriate, and that
nothing should be done until the toxic problem is resolved.
Elizabeth Ferris of Lucas Valley confirmed what Ms. Brown had said, that
no decision should be made on Costco until the Kennedy/Jenks report has
been gone over. She added that the Sanitary District is having a meeting
on March 30 to go over the Kennedy/Jenks report.
Tom Sherwood, Attorney with Bianchi, Paxton, Engel, Keegin & Sherwood,
spoke on behalf of the Regency Center II project, stating that the Council
has two letters he sent, and noted that the project has been under way
well over five years. He stated that the Planning Commission gave the
project conceptual approval, and yet it does not have Priority recommenda-
tion. He stated that the restaurant proposed for the site is a much-needed
neighborhood serving use, given the total lack of restaurant service in
the neighborhood. He stated that the issue is, what percentage of the
project is a neighborhood serving use, otherwise the Smith Ranch Parcel
3 project would not have been given priority. He pointed out that they
have already paid traffic mitigation fees. Mr. Sherwood added that the
impact of the project, along with all the other projects proposed for
the area, will not drop the LOS below what is acceptable in the General
Plan. He stated that this project and Costco would be completed in one
year, and noted there will not immediately be 1000 occupancy, which would
take it even closer to the completion of the interchange improvements.
In connection with the 222 trips reserved for Lucas Green/Fireman's Fund
in case they would leave, Mr. Sherwood stated their leases run to 1994
and they are not going away. He stated that Smith Ranch Parcel 3 will
have to be down -scaled, and it would be inappropriate to transfer FAR's
(Floor Area Ratios) from the proposed fire station to the office project.
He stated that project should not be allowed to go forward unless Regency
Center II is also.
Linda Kulik of Marinwood stated that she objects to Lucas Ridge Estates,
that it is not in keeping with the design of the neighborhood, and questioned
the density as proposed.
Matthew Guthrie, representing Roger and Michael Smith, spoke regarding
Smith Ranch Parcel 3, stating this is a retail neighborhood serving facility.
He stated there would be a fire station provided without any cash outlay,
and pointed out that one is needed in the area and fulfills the General
Plan policy regarding public safety. He stated the project includes 5,000
square feet of neighborhood serving space and 35,000 square feet of office
space. He stated they could go down to 31,000 square feet. Mr. Guthrie
stated the project could be done in one year, and the project would not
be affected by a water moratorium. He stated he would appreciate favorable
consideration of the Planning Commission recommendation.
Attorney Jay Paxton of Bianchi, Paxton, Engel, Keegin & Sherwood, represent-
ing Costco, complimented the staff on their work which he stated is very
thorough. He urged the Council to accept the recommendation of the Planning
Commission regarding Costco's Priority status. He stated it would be an
excellent tax generator and he believes it fulfills the requirements of
the General Plan. With respect to sales tax estimates, he stated they
were verified by staff, and looked at very carefully. He stated there
are three issues: Traffic along Redwood Highway, Toxics and Aesthetics
with regard to use of the site. Regarding Traffic, Mr. Paxton stated the
Mitigation Measure would be installation of a traffic signal at Professional
Center Parkway to be installed contemporaneously with the project. He
stated that would solve the problem and help to regulate the traffic.
With regard to the Toxic issues, he stated the purpose of this meeting
is not to discuss that complex issue, but stated there are some toxic
chemicals under the site, about 8 to 15 feet below the surface. Also,
the ground water has not been proposed to be emptied into the creek or
the sewer system untreated. Mr. Paxton said there is salt present in the
water, but it is Bay salt. He stated that he is convinced the toxic problems
will be resolved and the ground water will be cleaned up.
With regard to Aesthetics, Mr. Paxton pointed out that the front door
is at the rear end of the lot, as is most of the parking. He noted only
at the peak periods will people be parking at the other end of the store
and be visible from the street. He indicated this site is for industrial
use and the Costco store is far preferable than what else might come in
to that site were it not Costco. Mr. Paxton added they have carefully
selected this site, and that this project fully meets the criteria for
a Priority Project.
Kathy O'Malley from Ellen Drive spoke of the traffic congestion which
SRCC MINUTES (Special) 3/7/89 Page 4
SRCC MINUTES (Special 3/7/89 Page 5
would result from Lucas Ridge Estates. With regard to Costco, she stated
that a San Rafael Costco will not attract people from the East Bay or
San Francisco, and she does not believe the City of San Rafael will get
as much money as it expects.
There being no further public input, Mayor Mulryan declared the Public
Hearing for Lucas Valley/Smith Ranch and Freitas interchanges closed,
and called for Council discussion.
Mayor Mulryan asked the Council to discuss the "North of the Hill" projects,
and pointed out that what is before the Council is whether any of these
projects are accepted for the PPP. If they are, they get in line and go
through the planning process. He pointed out it is a question of traffic
and not toxics or other considerations.
Councilmember Frugoli inquired about transfer of trips to Smith Ranch
Parcel 3, asking could they be done through the General Plan. Mr. Pendoley
stated they could not.
Assistant Planner Jeff Schwob then explained that the Planning recommenda-
tion allows for 18 CM's, noting the Planning Commission recommended that
the FAR be dealt with at the time of processing. He added that the trip
transfer occurred at a time before the trip transfers were not allowed.
He added there had been discussion that the trips would be transferred
from the former Ross Hospital site, but that Parcel 3 was granted the
28 CM's in the General Plan.
Mayor Mulryan clarified that the recommendation for Smith Ranch Parcel
3 is for 28 trips and with FAR's to be decided later, and Mr. Schwob agreed.
Councilmember Boro clarified that although there had been discussion about
158 trips being given in the General Plan, if the Council approved it
at this meeting it would be for 28 trips.
Councilmember Breiner inquired would there be an EIR required for Oak
Ridge Apartments, and Mr. Schwob said there probably would, but that the
project has not yet been evaluated. Mrs. Breiner then discussed the Costco
project, including the fact that the revenue may be less than projected,
and the fact that there will be major traffic generation.
Councilmember Breiner moved and Councilmember Boro seconded, to approve
the staff recommendations for the Freitas and Lucas Valley/Smith Ranch
intersections. (PPP88-3, Lucas Ridge Estates pending the outcome of negotia-
tions with the County; PPP88-15, Smith Ranch Parcel 3; PPP88-18, Oak Ridge
Apartments; PPP88-19B, Costco, and PPP88-6, Northview).
Under question, Councilmember Thayer stated that Costco is totally inappro-
priate for the frontage road because of the traffic problems, and stated
that she is disturbed by the staff report stating that they would be using
all of the diversions and still come up with 14 CM's below Mid -LOS D.
She stated that when anything happens on Highway 101 people do use the
Lucas Valley interchange to get onto Redwood. Mrs. Thayer added that there
is a problem with toxicity at Costco and it will take some time to resolve.
She pointed out that the road is extremely narrow and when people park
along the road it is impossible. She stated she will vote No
Councilmember Boro stated that, as he sees it, the Costco site is
a building which is a potential eyesore. He added that regarding the toxic
problem, the applicant is willing to work with it and he has no question
that the toxic problem will be resolved. He stated that Costco will bring
people into the City, and he has no doubts that the traffic problem will
be worked out.
Councilmember Frugoli stated he agrees with Mr. Boro, that the building
at present is an eyesore, and with the planned signals, Merrydale, and
other mitigation, Costco will be a good thing. He added that nothing will
happen until the site is cleaned up, and he supports it.
Mayor Mulryan stated he feels comfortable with using the reserve trips
in this area, and that Bellam is a different situation. He noted that
Merrydale is going to go, and will result in LOS C. He stated he does
not agree that Costco is an inappropriate use, that it is in an industrial
area, and will be properly handled. Mayor Mulryan noted that it is providing
a balanced retail service, not just the sales tax.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli & Mayor Mulryan
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Thayer
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
SRCC MINUTES (Special) 3/7/89 Page 5
SRCC MINUTES (Specia- 3/7/89 Page 6
Mayor Mulryan then opened the Public Hearing and called for discussion
regarding the Bellam Interchange.
Attorney Bill Bullard, representing the Ghilotti Family Trust, stated
there has been a drastic change in the Howard Johnson hotel image, that
it is now a suite concept, with banquet and conference room facilities.
He stated the hotel would generate high tax revenues to the City, of about
$372,000 annually. He stated this hotel is a winner, and will provide
job opportunities in the East San Rafael neighborhood - approximately
160 jobs. He stated existing hotels, such as the Howard Johnson in Phoenix,
have shuttle service, and employees are on staggered shifts. Mr. Bullard
stated that regarding the location of the hotel site, it is at the very
end of Francisco Boulevard by I-580, and he questioned the impact on the
Bellam interchange. He stated it would improve the Bayside Park and would
provide an attractive landmark for San Rafael. Mr. Bullard added that
hotel use is a permanent and stable use, and would be a guarantee of a
stream of revenue without changes. He stated that the Ghilotti family
is serious about this, and the hotel people are ready to close the deal.
Mario Ghilotti informed the Council that his family has owned the property
for many years and have participated in the Assessment District. He added
that they have existing water and trip usage.
Paul Jensen of Craiker Associates, representing Sid Hendricks and Dennis
Horne with regard to Spinnaker on the Bay, urged the Council to grant
Priority determination to the project. He stated that the owners are ready
to proceed with the entire project, and that staff is recommending limited
building. Mr. Jensen stated the owners have proposed three phases. He
stated Planning Department is recommending 86 units, but the owners would
prefer 111 units.
Dennis Horne informed the Council that he had come down from 500 units
with 15% affordable. He stated that now they are down -zoned and it is
an opportunity for San Rafael to show that they are serious about affordable
housing and give his group an opportunity to clean up Bellam and Catalina.
Ralph Crocker informed the Council that he has doubts about what benefits,
if any, would come from having a hotel in the East San Rafael area. He
spoke of the wetlands and the visual impact of a five -story building in
that location. Mr. Crocker noted that there will be an Embassy Suites
farther north, and there is a Marriott in Larkspur. He also stated that
people come to Marin for the beauty, space, woodsiness and openness, and
those are the attractions for people wanting to live here.
Bill Salter representing Marin Honda stated he supports staff's recommenda-
tion for approval of the dealership and the 12,000 square foot restaurant.
He stated he does not agree with the Planning Commission that the restaurant
be deleted. Mr. Slater said that from a financial point of view it must
be considered a total package. He said they must commence the municipal
process immediately and start construction as soon as possible. Mr. Salter
stated that from his banker's point of view they must place some value
on the back portion of the property and receive some trip consideration
for the restaurant. He stated he has worked with staff on this project
for the past year, and requested that the Council vote in favor of the
staff report which recommends the dealership as well as the commercial
restaurant.
Martin Bramante, owner of Shoreline Industrial Park, stated he wished
to clear up a few items. First, the State has given him clearance on the
Phase I project. He stated he has a letter from the Board stating that
Phase I is clean, and Sacramento has no objections. Second, he said Steve
Snyder would like to come and he needs one more to go ahead. Mr. Bramante
asked does the Council want him there, or should he proceed with something
else. He stated he has a right to build on the first four lots in front.
Mayor Mulryan asked was the delay because of the contamination, and Mr.
Pendoley responded it had to do with the 300 trip allocation. Mr. Bramante
stated they are asking for 371 trips because depending on who else comes
in they could not guarantee the 300 trips, and may need more.
Grant Bishop, one of the owners of Marin Honda, stated he feels that most
of the other projects being discussed are only projected tax revenues
which may or may not be achieved, and pointed out that they made $29,000,000
last year, which would mean $290,000 in income revenue to the City. He
added that as of today they are already 10 percent ahead of last year
in revenue. Mr. Bishop then stated that the people they employ average
$37,000 per person annually, which affords a good standard of living and
SRCC MINUTES (Special) 3/7/89 Page 6
SRCC MINUTES (Specia_ 3/7/89 Page 7
would strengthen the economy of San Rafael and the local merchants. He
added that this does not include the back portion of the property, which
is not financially feasible unless they can do something with it. Mr.
Bishop stated they are not real estate investors or developers, and unless
they can use that land immediately they must look at other alternatives
for their business. He stated they have already spent considerable money
on this property but they might abandon the project if they are forced
to not have the restaurant. He stated he very much appreciates the help
received from the staff.
Mike LaTourette, representing Orchard Supply Hardware, stated their site
is about 2k miles below the Bellam interchange. He stated that 40 percent
of their sales are on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He added that they
can offer employment opportunities to San Rafael, with over 120 fulltime
and parttime employees. He said they can guarantee a sales tax revenue
of $90,000 within the first two years and $150,000 within five years.
He stated the project is ready to go under a fully signed agreement, that
they have been approved through design review and are ready to go for
a building permit. Councilmember Breiner asked if the business is similar
to San Rafael Lumber, which is close by, and Mr. LaTourette responded
that they are a home improvement business, with electrical, plumbing and
similar items, which compliment the lumber companies.
Dwane Hunn of North Bay Transportation Management Association spoke of
additional conditions for the Howard Johnson hotel, including child care,
and other items to develop to its full potential. He left with staff
a list of conditions for consideration.
Architect Timothy Boe spoke regarding Jim's Food & Liquor. He stated they
obtained 2,000 signatures from nearby residents in the matter of only
a few days. He noted there are few facilities in this area, and Jim's
Food & Liquor is a needed neighborhood service. He stated that Ecumenical
Association for Housing and the Canal Community Alliance are in favor
of the project, and urged the Council approve the project with additional
trips needed.
Robert Nolan spoke in favor of his development at 1555 Francisco Boulevard,
which he described as only 10,000 square feet. He stated he did have prior
approval and went through the planning process some time ago, and was
planning to build when illness prevented completion of the project. He
stated that his is the only lot left in the subdivision and the building
would give continuity to the buildings around East Francisco. Mr. Nolan
said he will occupy only part of the building and he does not know if
the small business they will rent to will be high tax generating. He stated
his project only uses 2 CM's. He also noted that if LOS D is reached there
are a lot of alternate routes in that area, and many streets parallel
to the intersections. Mr. Nolan stated his plans are complete and ready
to be submitted to the Building Department. He stated he would like approval.
There being no further input, the Public Hearing on the Bellam interchange
was closed and Mayor Mulryan asked for Council discussion.
Councilmember Breiner inquired, if the 25 extra units were granted for
Spinnaker on the Bay, what would that do to the CM's.
Councilmember Frugoli responded that the City would gain amenities such
as the recreation area, and the CM's would be 6 more. He noted that Jim's
Food & Liquor and Spinnaker are the only projects which really impact
Bellam and that the other projects impact other areas, noting Jim's Food
& Liquor is minor. Mr. Frugoli stated he feels the Council should go with
the 111 units for Spinnaker on the Bay at this time because of the BMR,
(Below Market Rate) units.
Councilmember Boro stated he supports staff's recommendation on Golden
State, and also supports the 25 additional units on Spinnaker on the Bay,
and Jim's Food & Liquor. Mr. Boro stated he would support Honda as staff
recommends, with the restaurant. Mr. Boro then stated he would like to
discuss the Howard Johnson hotel, since the other hotel has been two years
in discussion. He stated this is the first time the Council has discussed
this hotel and he does not feel they know enough about it. He is not sure
whether the City can support two hotels. He noted also that the one at
the Marin Center has a large conference facility. Mr. Boro added that
if the trips are available he would support staff's recommendation on
Orchard Supply Hardware.
SRCC MINUTES (Special) 3/7/89 Page 7
SRCC MINUTES (Specia* 3/7/89 Page 8
Councilmember Thayer stated she supports the extra 25 units (for Spinnaker
on the Bay) because of the affordable housing, and it is a nice looking
project. She stated she also supports Golden State Lumber and Jim's Food
& Liquor because they are neighborhood serving uses. As for Honda, Mrs.
Thayer said she would go for the whole package, and also will support
Orchard Supply Hardware. Mrs. Thayer said she has some reservations about
the Howard Johnson hotel as being competitive with Embassy Suites which
is on its way.
Mayor Mulryan stated that they can work on the hotel at a later time.
He stated he would support Golden State, and Honda with the restaurant.
Councilmember Frugoli stated that regarding comments made about competition
with another hotel, he feels the feasibility is the hotel's decision because
they will certainly have a marketing study. He stated he feels the hotel
would be good for that community and there are so many features greater
than the negatives he would like to keep it in the PPP, if not for this
year then next year.
Councilmember Frugoli then moved to approve all the projects as recommended
by staff, including the hotel. The motion died for lack of a second.
Councilmember Boro stated he does not personally feel that the Council
can at this time approve the hotel. He stated that as they go forward
he would like to know more about it and the community will have to be
included. He stated he cannot support it tonight.
Councilmember Thayer stated she would like more information with regard
to the hotel.
Councilmember Boro then spoke about the Nolan project. He stated he is
in a quandary because Mr. Nolan has had approval in the past, and based
on the criteria he feels the project is justified. Mr. Boro noted that
it was due to illness on Mr. Nolan's part that the project did not go
forward, and it was a personal hardship, with Mr. Nolan getting caught
in the timing process. Mr. Boro asked for the Council to give the project
consideration.
Councilmember Breiner moved and Councilmember Thayer seconded, to accept
the Bellam interchange projects as noted on page 8 of the original staff
report, plus 111 units for Spinnaker on the Bay rather than 86 units,
and including instructions to staff to come back to the Council if there
are any new trips freed up which might be available for the Nolan project.
(PPP88-la, Golden State Retail Center, (including Toys R Us); PPP88-lb,
Relocation of Golden State Lumber; PPP88-2, Spinnaker on the Bay; PPP88-5,
San Rafael Honda/Independent Restaurant; PPP88-9, Orchard Supply Hardware;
and PPP88-16, Jim's Food and Liquor).
Councilmember Frugoli added that on the Bramante property, if Steve Snyder
goes down there they should be given credit for his historic trips.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Boro, Breiner, Frugoli, Thayer & Mayor Mulryan
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
There being no further business, the special meeting was adjourned.
�
JEANNE �LEONCINI, pity Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF 1989
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
SRCC MINUTES (special) 3/7/89 Page 8