Planned Development #39 (Affinity Project)
City Council
ATTACHMENT E
JULY 13 AND AUGUST 24, 2022 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Planning Commission Minutes 7/13/2022 - Page 1 of 4
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING – 6:30 P.M.
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Virtual Meeting
For a complete and detailed recap of the meeting, please log on to:
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/audio-video-recordings/
1. ROLL CALL – Chair Lyon called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Present: Commissioners Cole (Arrived approximately at 6:38 p.m.), Delgado, Giessinger, Hernandez, Olivas, Rawlings, Vice Chair Hansen, Chair Lyon Excused Absent: Commissioner Coher
Staff: Jennifer Paige, Theresa Fuentes, Luis Rocha, Jason Van Patten
2. PUBLIC COMMENT NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. June 22, 2022 – Commissioner Rawlings moved approval of the June 22, 2022 meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Delgado. Minutes approved 7-0.
AYES: Commissioners Delgado, Giessinger, Hernandez, Olivas, Rawlings, Vice Chair Hansen, Chair Lyon
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Coher
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Cole
4. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Acting Director Paige provided a brief report and informed the Commission that the South Fair Oaks Specific Plan that was adopted by the City Council on July 11, 2022 and that the Housing Element and Religious Facilities with Affordable Housing will be presented on the upcoming July 18, 2022 City Council meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING
Chair Lyon recused himself from the item and the remainder of the hearing. Vice Chair Hansen served as Chair for the remainder of the meeting.
Planning Commission Minutes 7/13/2022 - Page 2 of 4
5. PLANNED DEVELOPMENT #39 (AFFINITY PROJECT) – 465-577 S. ARROYO
PARKWAY
The applicant, The Arroyo Parkway, LLC, has submitted applications for a Planned Development (PD) District and Variance for Historic Resources on a 3.3 acre site to facilitate the Affinity Project, which proposes demolition of six (of the nine) existing commercial buildings, and construction of two seven-story buildings consisting of medical office uses, assisted living and independent living uses, and ground floor commercial uses. Included is the ability to exchange medical office uses for up to 197 residential dwelling units. Up to five new levels of subterranean parking would accommodate the uses. The three existing buildings retained by the Project include the Whole Foods Market and an associated subterranean parking structure at 465 South Arroyo Parkway, and two historic structures at 501 and 523 South Arroyo Parkway.
It is recommended that the Planning Commission:
1) Recommend that the City Council certify the Final Environmental Impact Report and adopt the accompanying Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; 2) Recommend that the City Council adopt the Findings in Attachment A to approve a Zone Map Amendment to reclassify the project site from CD-6 to PD-39 (Affinity Planned Development) with the Conditions of Approval in Attachment B; 3) Recommend that the City Council adopt the Findings in Attachment A to approve the PD Plan for PD-39 with the Conditions of Approval in Attachment B; and 4) Recommend that the City Council adopt the Findings in Attachment A to approve the Variance for Historic Resources with the Conditions of Approval in Attachment B.
Case Manager: Jason Van Patten
Public Comments
Josh Taylor
Natalie Bazarevitsch
Josh Christensen
Nicki Shepherd
Nina Chomsky
Richard Patterson
Walt McTeer
Kevin Duffy
Lisa Cavelier
Adrian Gudino
Maria Coronado
Aria Soeprono
Ryan Nance
Hector Lemus
Melissa Moony
Jackie Benavidez
Planning Commission Minutes 7/13/2022 - Page 3 of 4
Pete Ewing
Evan Davis
Andrew Oksner
Charlie
Chuck Hinton
Derek Moore
Nicolas Reyes
Carlos Carbajal Sr.
Corey Crockerham
Brandon Solorzano
Carlos Carbajal Jr.
Cesar Molina
Matthew Mazur
Herbert Hardy
Chuck Powell
Daniel Stein
Joel Perez
Jorge Torres
Joe Fuchs
Reign Francis
Karen Zamora
Damon Feldmeth
Scott Feldman
Elizabeth S.
Jason Green
Akila Gibbs
Edgar Corral
Andrew Salimian (Pasadena Heritage)
Glenn Camhi
Marissa Marchioni
Jesus Gamez
Ivan Burgara
Crispin Carrasco
Jonathan Saenz
Angelo M.
Jared Langford
Sadie Lopez
Edward Corser
Megan Foker
Lon Bender
Sally Howell
Planning Commission Minutes 7/13/2022 - Page 4 of 4
Erika Foy
Henry Apodaca
Eduardo Diaz
Motion
Commissioner Cole moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Hernandez. Motion approved 7-0.
AYES: Commissioners Cole, Delgado, Giessinger, Hernandez, Olivas, Rawlings, Vice Chair Hansen
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Coher, Chair Lyon (Excused from hearing) ABSTAIN: None
Motion
Commissioner Rawlings moved to continue the hearing to August 24, 2022 Planning Commission meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Delgado. Motion approved 6-0.
AYES: Commissioners Delgado, Giessinger, Hernandez, Olivas, Rawlings, Vice Chair Hansen
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Coher, Cole (Departed from hearing), Chair Lyon (Excused from hearing)
ABSTAIN: None
6. COMMENTS AND REPORTS FROM STAFF
None
7. COMMENTS AND REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
A. Design Commission – Commissioner Delgado updated the Planning Commission on two projects discussed at the July 12, 2022 Design Commission meeting.
B. Board of Zoning Appeals – None
8. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Delgado stated that there was a subcommittee formed for the 280 Ramona Street housing project, across from City Hall. The subcommittee will be meeting for the first time on July 14, 2022.
Commissioner Olivas acknowledged the staff for the work on PD-39 and being efficient on the presentation. The applicant’s presentation was also complimented.
9. ADJOURNMENT – Vice Chair Hansen adjourned the meeting at approximately 10:34 p.m.
_____________________________ ___________________________________ Luis Rocha, Planning Manager Hayman Tam, Recording Secretary
Planning Commission Minutes 8/24/2022 - Page 1 of 5
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING – 6:30 P.M.
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Virtual Meeting
For a complete and detailed recap of the meeting, please log on to:
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/audio-video-recordings/
1. ROLL CALL – Vice Chair Hansen called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Present: Commissioners Coher, Cole, Delgado, Giessinger, Olivas (Arrived approximately at 7:00 p.m.), Rawlings, Vice Chair Hansen Excused Absent: Commissioners Hernandez, Chair Lyon
Staff: Jennifer Paige, Theresa Fuentes, Luis Rocha, Jason Van Patten
2. PUBLIC COMMENT NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. July 27, 2022 – Continued to September 14, 2022.
4. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
None
PUBLIC HEARING
5. PLANNED DEVELOPMENT #39 (AFFINITY PROJECT) – 465-577 S. ARROYO
PARKWAY
Continued from the July 13, 2022 Planning Commission meeting. The applicant, The Arroyo Parkway, LLC, has submitted applications for a Planned Development (PD) District and Variance for Historic Resources on a 3.3 acre site to facilitate the Affinity Project, which proposes demolition of six (of the nine) existing commercial buildings, and construction of two seven-story buildings consisting of medical office uses, assisted living and independent living uses, and ground floor commercial uses. Included is the ability to exchange medical office uses for up to 197 residential dwelling units. Up to five new levels of subterranean parking would accommodate the uses. The three existing buildings retained by the Project include the Whole Foods Market and an associated subterranean parking structure at 465 South Arroyo Parkway, and two historic structures at 501 and 523 South Arroyo Parkway.
It is recommended that the Planning Commission:
Planning Commission Minutes 8/24/2022 - Page 2 of 5
1) Recommend that the City Council certify the Final Environmental Impact Report and adopt the accompanying Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; 2) Recommend that the City Council adopt the Findings in Attachment A to approve a Zone Map Amendment to reclassify the project site from CD-6 to PD-39 (Affinity Planned Development) with the Conditions of Approval in Attachment B; 3) Recommend that the City Council adopt the Findings in Attachment A to approve the PD Plan for PD-39 with the Conditions of Approval in Attachment B; and 4) Recommend that the City Council adopt the Findings in Attachment A to approve the Variance for Historic Resources with the Conditions of Approval in Attachment B.
Case Manager: Jason Van Patten
Motion
Commissioner Cole moved to reopen the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Delgado. Motion approved 6-0.
AYES: Commissioners Coher, Cole, Delgado, Giessinger, Rawlings, Vice Chair Hansen
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Hernandez, Olivas, Chair Lyon
ABSTAIN: None
Public Comments
Melissa Moony
Nina Chomsky
Natalie Bazarevitsch
Erika Foy
Pete Ewing
Bob Gutzman
Lon Bender
Charlie Stratton
John Latta
Bernard Halloran
Motion
Commissioner Cole moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Rawlings and Coher. Motion approved 7-0.
AYES: Commissioners Coher, Cole, Delgado, Giessinger, Olivas, Rawlings, Vice Chair Hansen
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Hernandez, Chair Lyon
ABSTAIN: None
Planning Commission Minutes 8/24/2022 - Page 3 of 5
Motion
Commissioner Cole moved to reopen the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Rawlings. Motion approved 6-0.
AYES: Commissioners Coher, Cole, Delgado, Giessinger, Rawlings, Vice Chair Hansen
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Hernandez, Olivas, Chair Lyon
ABSTAIN: None
Motion
Commissioner Rawlings moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Cole. Motion approved 7-0.
AYES: Commissioners Coher, Cole, Delgado, Giessinger, Olivas, Rawlings, Vice Chair Hansen
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Hernandez, Chair Lyon
ABSTAIN: None
Motion
Commissioner Rawlings moved to amend the Historic Resource Variance to allow a maximum height of 75 feet for Building A as opposed to 80 feet. Seconded by Commissioner Delgado. Motion approved 5-2.
AYES: Commissioners Delgado, Giessinger, Olivas, Rawlings, Vice Chair Hansen
NOES: Commissioners Coher, Cole
ABSENT: Commissioner Hernandez, Chair Lyon
ABSTAIN: None
Motion
Commissioner Cole moved to require a future residential use satisfy a 25 percent inclusionary housing requirement. Seconded by Commissioner Olivas. Motion approved 5-2.
AYES: Commissioners Cole, Delgado, Giessinger, Olivas, Rawlings NOES: Commissioners Coher, Hansen
ABSENT: Commissioner Hernandez, Chair Lyon
ABSTAIN: None
Motion
Commissioners Cole and Rawlings moved to approve the staff recommendation with the following additions or modifications (including the motions allowing a maximum height of 75 feet for Building A and that a future residential use satisfy a 25 percent inclusionary housing requirement):
Planning Commission Minutes 8/24/2022 - Page 4 of 5
1) Require a Historic American Building Survey for the two historic buildings prior to removal;
2) Amend recommended Conditional of Approval #12, requiring the applicant Landmark the two historic buildings but also require a historic structures report; 3) Require Building B provide a MERV 13 air filtration system and that the building owner maintain those filters;
4) Ensure maximum protection for street trees in relation to the excavation of the parking structure;
5) Require the parking structure to have the infrastructure in place so that all parking spaces can be retrofitted for electric charging. The required quantities of electric charging spaces are still required;
6) Require buildings to be all electric with the exception of any needed natural gas for medical uses, assisted living, and/or medical research; 7) Require buildings to be LEED Gold or higher;
8) Seek as close as practical to net neutrality in terms of water use on site or if not possible off site;
9) Allow residential use as an alternative to the medical office use as a conditional use, except that the use is by right, and that the Conditional Use Permit address the differences;
Seconded by Commissioner Delgado. Motion approved 7-0.
AYES: Commissioners Coher, Cole, Delgado, Giessinger, Olivas, Rawlings, Vice Chair Hansen
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Hernandez, Chair Lyon
ABSTAIN: None
6. COMMENTS AND REPORTS FROM STAFF
Acting Director Paige provided a brief update that the new City Manager, Miguel Marquez, will be starting on August 29, 2022 and current Interim City Manager Cynthia Kurtz’s last day will be Friday.
7. COMMENTS AND REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
A. Design Commission – Commissioner Delgado updated the Planning Commission that the August 9, 2022 Design Commission meeting was cancelled, however the subcommittee met for the third time with the applicant for 280 Ramona Street on August 11, 2022 and recommended that the revised plans be returned to the Design Commission for review.
Planning Commission Minutes 8/24/2022 - Page 5 of 5
Commissioner Delgado also updated the Planning Commission on two projects discussed at the August 23, 2022 Design Commission meeting.
B. Board of Zoning Appeals – Commissioner Giessinger updated the Planning Commission on the August 18, 2022 appeal of a staff determination of an incomplete application for Concept Design review for a project at 141 South Lake Avenue, and noted the determination that the application is incomplete was upheld.
8. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Cole discussed the format of staff reports and recommendations to the City Council. Commissioner Cole also discussed the urgency for the Planning Commission to be able to make a recommendation to the Council to modify or end the Planned Development process. Commissioner Rawlings asked staff to let the Planning Commission know when the PD-39 case goes to City Council. Commissioner Delgado provided comments about representatives attending Council meetings to answer questions about recommendations of the Commission. Commissioner Coher clarified that Commissioners may choose to attend the Council meeting and speak as they so choose. Commissioner Olivas suggested that the staff prioritize the discussion of this matter for a Planning Commission agenda, and thanked staff for their continued hard work on matters before the Commission.
9. ADJOURNMENT – Vice Chair Hansen adjourned the meeting at approximately 10:19 p.m.
_____________________________ ___________________________________ Luis Rocha, Planning Manager Hayman Tam, Recording Secretary