PLANNING COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023, 9:00 A.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON /TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
DRAFT Planning Commission Minutes – July 20, 2023 1
COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: R. Elizalde, R. Kirby, L. Mooney, J. Parker, J. Rush, R. Singh, J. Wilder, L. Wilson
ABSENT: C. Roberts (V),
S T A F F : M . T i n i o , B . N o r t o n , M . T a y l o r , J . E g ü e z , R . K e n n e d y , V . H e r n a n d e z , A .
Beaumon, P. Nitollama, C. Scully, F. Andrade, I. De Honor, N. Mustafa
Chair Wilder called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Juan Munoz, spoke regarding the lack of lighting and AC in the snack bar at the Arlington Sports Park.
Ms. Tinio stated that staff would put him in touch with the correct person at Parks and Recreation to assist him with this issue.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The Consent Calendar was unanimously approved as presented below affirming the actions appropriate to each item.
MINUTES
The minutes of the June 22, 2023, were approved as presented.
A motion was made by Commissioner Parker and Seconded by Commissioner Mooney by to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion Carried: 8 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent, 0 Abstention AYES: Elizalde, Kirby, Mooney, Park er, Rush, Singh, Wilder, Wilson NOES: None
ABSENT: Roberts
ABSTENTION: None
PLANNING COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023, 9:00 A.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON /TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
DRAFT Planning Commission Minutes – July 20, 2023 2
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PLANNING CASE PR-2022-001434 - GENERAL PL AN AMENDMENT, REZONING, DESIGN
REVIEW, SUMMARY VACATION - SOUTHWEST CORNER OF MADISON STREET AND RAILROAD AVENUE, WARD 4
Proposal by Blaise Rastello of Gilban e Development Company to consider the following entitlements to facilitate the cons truction of 121 multi-family units: 1) General Plan Amendment to amend the General Plan Land Use designation from MDR – Medium Density Residential and C - Commercial to HDR – High Density Residential; 2) Zoning Code Amendment to rezone the property from R-1-7000 - Single Family Residential to R-3-1500 - Multiple Family Residential; 3) Design Review of project plans; and 4) Summary Vacation to vacate Pliny Street, Samuels Street, and Cary Street within the project boun daries. Judy Egüez, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. She noted that after the publication of the staff report, it was discovered that Public Works Co ndition #50 had indicated the incorrect street for tree plantings and should read : “PRIOR TO PERMIT ISSUANCE, add the following notes to the site/plot or landscape plans and email PDF to [email protected] for review and approval: PLANT 24” box size Pistacia atlantica 'Red Push' (Red Push pistache) in PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY along the project frontage on RAILROAD AVE (t ypical spacin g 25’ O.C.) & Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle) along MADISON ST (typical spacing 20’ O.C.). Prior to any planting, Tree Inspector to determine precise locations at time of scheduled site inspection after fine grading and hardscape installation is complete. Planting, staking, irrigation, root barriers to Landscape & Forestry specifications.” She stated that staff received two letters in opposition of the project related to transparency of the process, results of the air quality report and existing crime. She stated that the project was appropriately noticed in t he newspaper and to residents within 600- feet of the subject site. The Mitigated Negative Declaration was posted online and sent to agencies and individuals that inquired about the project. A health risk assessment, air quality and greenhouse gas report was prepared for the project and met the required thresholds. In response to the concern for crime, the site is currently vacant and most of the existing residences rear yards face the railroad, with limited activity. Development of this project could reduce crime as it provides additional “eyes on the street.” She added that this project has been designed with CPTED principles in mind. Ms. Eguez stated that a letter was received regarding an expansion of the railroad and a potential future metrolink station.
Metrolink has obtained funding for the trip le track, however, draft environmental
PLANNING COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023, 9:00 A.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON /TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
DRAFT Planning Commission Minutes – July 20, 2023 3
documents have not been circulated an d no public engagement has occurred.
Staff received a letter from the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce in support of the project. Ryan Caldera, St udio One Eleven, Joel Alba, Gilbane, and John Keegan, addressed the Commission. Mr. Keegan stated they were in agreement with the recommended conditio ns of approval. Mr. Caldera gave a brief presentation regarding their company and the proposed project.
Chair Wilder called for public comment.
Public Comment Online:
Maribel Nunez spoke in support of the proposal and affordable housing.
Frances Vasquez spoke in opposition of the proposal.
Public Comment from the Council Chamber:
Bob Garcia; Cindy Mendoza Collins; Al Nava rro; Mariano Solorio Jr.; Anthony Rivera; Dennis Garcia; Elena Vasquez; Jennifer De Aro; spoke in opposition and expressed their concerns regarding: the location of the proj ect being in the wrong place, traffic, air pollution, traffic flow to and from the proposed project, health concerns for the residents, noise, the existing homes shake when trains go by, the lack of communication with the consultant/developer; children’s safety, addi tion of 121 units will burden traffic further, the proposed 3-story height and lack of privacy for the adjacent properties, emergency vehicle response times, density is too high, construct single family residences instead, too much train traffic, and murals.
Jesse Ramirez addressed the Commission and outlined the various meeting dates held with the Casa Blanca community and community groups.
The public hearing was closed.
Following discussion it was moved by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner Singh to recommend that the City Council: 1) Determine that the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment based on the findings set forth in the case record and adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) pursuant to Sections 15074 and 21081.6 of the California Environmental Qu ality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and 2) Approve Planning Case PR-2022-001434 (General Plan Amendment, Rezone, Design Review, and Summary Vacation) based on the fi ndings outlined in the staff report and
PLANNING COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023, 9:00 A.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON /TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
DRAFT Planning Commission Minutes – July 20, 2023 4
subject to the recommended conditions with the modification to Public Works condition 50 as stated by staff.
Motion Failed: 4 Ayes, 4 Noes, 1 Absent, 0 Abstention
AYES: Mooney, Rush, Singh, Wilson
NOES: Elizalde, Kirby, Parker, Wilder
ABSENT: Roberts
ABSTENTION: None
Chair Wilder advised the applicant and public regarding the appeal process.
Anthony Beaumon, clarified that the motion failed to pass, the project was not approved.
Commissioner Singh left the meeting.
RECESS
The Planning Commission recessed to at 10: 35 a.m. and reconvened at 10:46 a.m. with Chair Wilder presiding and all Commissioners present except Commissioner Roberts and Singh.
PLANNING COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023, 9:00 A.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON /TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
DRAFT Planning Commission Minutes – July 20, 2023 5
PLANNING CASE PR-2022-001409 – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND DESIGN REVIEW - 1151 Palmyrita Avenue, WARD 1
Proposal by Benjamin Horning of Dedeaux Pr operties, LLC to consider a Conditional Use Permit and a Design Review to construc t two warehouse buildings. Regine Kennedy, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. She stated that three letters were received in support of the project. A letter received in opposition from Golden State Environmental Justice Alliance was retracted. A letter was received from South Coast AQMD asking for further clarification on the operational characte ristics of the project. Benjamin Horning, applicant, provided a brief presentation.
Public Comment in Council Chamber:
Nathaniel Norriega; Omar Cobian, Jason Baiz; Juan Serrato; Jaime Lamb; Priscilla Horta; spoke in support of the proposal.
The public hearing was closed. Following discussion it was moved by Commissioner Rush and seconded by Commissioner Wilson to: 1) Determine that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment and adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP); and 2) Approve Planning Case PR-2022-001409 (Conditional Use Permit and Design Review) based on the findings outlined in the staff report, and subject to the recommended conditions.
Motion Carried: 7 Ayes, 0 Noes, 2 Absent, 0 Abstention
AYES: Elizalde, Kirby, Mooney, Parker, Rush, Wilder, Wilson NOES: None
ABSENT: Roberts, Singh
ABSTENTION: None
Chair Wilder advised of the appeal period.
The Planning Commission decision is final unless appealed to City Council.
PLANNING COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023, 9:00 A.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON /TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
DRAFT Planning Commission Minutes – July 20, 2023 6
PLANNING CASE PR-2022-001300 – SITE PLAN REVIEW - 4855 SIERRA VISTA AVENUE, WARD 7 Proposal by Todd Cadwell of Pierce Flats, LLC to consider a Site Plan Review for a mixed- use development consisting of 194 dwelling units. Brian Norton, Principal Planner, presented the staff report. Andrew Walcker, applicant, stated they were in agreement with the recommended conditions of approval. There were no public comments and the public hearing was closed. Following discussion it was moved by Commissioner Rush and seconded by Commissioner Elizalde to : 1) Determine under Section 15183.3 – Streamlining for Infill Projects, pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21094.5, that the project is consistent with the Final EIR for the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update/Housing Implementation Plan certified in Oc tober 2021 (SCH No. 2021040089) subject to compliance with the approved Mitigation Mo nitoring and Reporting Program; and 2) Approve Planning Case PR-2022-001300 (Site Plan Review) based on the findings outlined in the staff report, and subject to the recommended conditions.
Motion Carried: 7 Ayes, 0 Noes, 2Absent, 0 Abstention
AYES: Elizalde, Kirby, Mooney, Parker, Rush, Wilder, Wilson NOES: None
ABSENT: Roberts, Singh
ABSTENTION: None
Chair Wilder advised of the appeal period.
The Planning Commission decision is final unless appealed to City Council.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
PLANNING COMMISSION ATTENDANCE
Ms. Tinio, City Planner, indicated that sta ff will resend the attendance policy to the commissioners for their review.
The Planning Commission determined the absence of Commissioner Roberts from the June 22, 2023, regular meeting, be recorded as excused.
PLANNING COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023, 9:00 A.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON /TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
DRAFT Planning Commission Minutes – July 20, 2023 7
The Planning Commission determined the absence of Commissioner Parker from the June 22, 2023, regular meeting be recorded as excused.
The Planning Commission determined the absence of Commissioner Singh from the June 22, 2023, regular meeting be recorded as excused.
Motion by Commissioner Mooney and Second ed by Commissioner Wilson to determine the absences of Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Parker and Commissioner Singh be excused.
Motion Carried: 7 Ayes, 0 Noes, 2 Absent, 0 Abstention
AYES: Elizalde, Kirby, Mooney, Parker, Rush, Wilder, Wilson NOES: None
ABSENT: Roberts, Singh
ABSTENTION: None
COMMUNICATIONS
ITEMS FOR FUTURE PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION AS REQUESTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION. Only items that fall with in the powers and duties of the Planning Commission as set forth in the City Charter and/or the Riverside Municipal Code will be agendized for future discussion.
Ms. Tinio updated the Commission on upcoming Planning Commission agenda items.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m. to the meeting of August 3, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
The above actions were taken by the City Planni ng Commission on July 20, 2023. There is now a 10-day appeal period that ends on July 31, 2023. During this time, any interested person may appeal this action to the City Council by subm itting a letter of appeal and paying the appeal fee. In the absence of an appeal or referral, the Commission’s decisions and conditions become final after 5:00 p.m. on July 31, 2023.