PROPERTIES, INC
January 17, 2024
ICM-JAE INVESTMENTS, LTD. c/o
Original Sent By Email to [email protected]
To be distributed to the Planning Commission
Mr. Frank Perez, Chairman and Commissioners
City of Placentia Planning Commission
401 E. Chapman Avenue
Placentia, CA 92870
RE: City of Placentia GPA No. 2023-01, Zone Change No. ZCA 2023-01, and Supplemental Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration No. 2023-01 Dear Chairman Perez and Commissioners,
My company owns the industrial property at 210 E. Crowther Street, Placentia (AP 339- 451-13). This parcel is not included in the proposed TOD Expansion Area but is adjacent to it. There is a long-term lease encumbering the property. The lessee is Express Packaging Company, a business that manufactures corrugated boxes. This company employs approximately 57 people in good paying jobs. A number of the employees live in Placentia.
I will not be able to attend the Planning Commission Special Meeting on January 23, 2024 and will express my comments in this letter.
Express Packaging Company operates two shifts from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM five days a week. In the manufacturing process, large machines make noise and create vibrations.
Numerous trucks and forklifts load and unload cargo in the yard at all hours. At night the yard is well lit. The operation is well suited to operate within the existing General Plan and Zoning designations.
The proposed TOD Expansion Area, if approved, will create incompatible land uses as housing will be allowed directly adjacent to manufacturing uses. Conflicts will inevitably take place between new residents and people trying to make a living as they have done for many years.
Specifically, please note that I take issue with the following statements contained in the Supplemental Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration No. EA 2023-01 • 5.11 "Land Use and Planning" — It is stated that there are no significant impacts.
This is not true. The project will physically change an established industrial community and could cause significant operational impacts on businesses in close proximity to residential units. Newly arriving residents will voice their complaints about noise, light, and truck traffic near their housing units.
OWNERS ■ MANAGERS ■ DEVELOPERS
2 Upper Newport Plaza Drive, Newport Beach, Ca 92660-2629 • {949) 752-2100 • www.icmyers.com
• 5.13 "Noise" -- It is stated, "These businesses are assumed to operate under standard business hours". More research should take place. As stated above, Express Packaging Company operates 5 days a week between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM.
Businesses do what is necessary to compete and survive, including make noise.
Other businesses in the area are open more than 5 days a week, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• 5.14.3 "Impact Analysis" — It is stated, "it is assumed that property owners will agree to property purchases and will find alternative locations for their businesses".
Does the City of Placentia really want to kick businesses out of the city ? Should local residents drive to the inland empire or other distant locations to work in manufacturing jobs that pay a decent wage ? How many Placentia business owners own the properties their businesses operate in ? I don't know the statistics in Placentia but elsewhere, most business owners lease buildings, they do not own them. Is the creation of more very high density housing (densities up to 95 units to the acre) at the expense of quality local jobs really a good idea ? 1 don't think so. I hope you agree.
Please do not make a recommendation to the City Council to expand the TOD Packing House District zoning and land use designation as is being proposed for the reasons stated in this letter.
Please call me at (949) 752-2100, extension 14, if you have questions regarding this matter.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
ctit-
JOE ERICKSON
President
AD -320.80 (475)