City of Sunnyvale
Meeting Minutes - Draft
Heritage Preservation Commission
7:00 PM Teleconference Meeting: City Web
Stream
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Regular Meeting - 7PM
Special Teleconference Notice
Public Participation
Accessibility/Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Hopkins called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
ROLL CALL
Commissioner Bratton attended by start of Item 2.
Commissioner Caroompas was absent (excused).
Chair Dawn Hopkins
Vice Chair Shanna Gaudenti
Commissioner Jenny Bratton
Commissioner Sarosh Patel
Commissioner Pamela Sharma
Present: 5 -
Commissioner Steve CaroompasAbsent: 1 -
PRESENTATION
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION:
Commissioner Sharma moved and Commissioner Patel seconded to approve the Draft Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes of January 5, 2022, as
Attachment 5
March 2, 2022Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes - Draft submitted.
The motion carried as follows:
Yes: Chair Hopkins
Vice Chair Gaudenti
Commissioner Patel
Commissioner Sharma
4 -
No: 0
Absent: Commissioner Bratton
Commissioner Caroompas
2 -
1. 22-0352
Approve the Draft Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes of January 5, 2022
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2. 22-0284 Proposed Project:
Related applications on a 5,769-square foot site:
LANDMARK ALTERATION PERMIT to allow an 878
square-foot, second-story addition and exterior building modifications to an existing commercial building. The project includes expanding Fibbar MaGee’s restaurant into adjacent retail tenant spaces at 152 & 159 S Murphy Ave (The Pub).
SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT to allow general alcohol
service at the new restaurant space.
Location: 156 South Murphy Avenue (APN: 209-06-079)
File #: 2021-7203
Zoning: DSP-2 (Downtown Specific Plan Block 2)
Applicant / Owner: Desmond Nolan & Liam Balfe (applicant) / Liam Balfe Et Al (owner)
Environmental Review: A Class 1 categorical exemption relieves this project from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provisions.
Project Planner: Mary Jeyaprakash, Associate Planner, (408) 730-7449, [email protected]
Associate Planner Mary Jeyaprakash presented the staff report with a slide presentation.
Commissioner Sharma asked staff about the color scheme shown in the renderings, and whether they will be the final colors applied on the building. Ms. Jeyaprakash responded that applicant will further clarify the colors, but the colors on the rendering are very close to the
Attachment 5
March 2, 2022Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes - Draft actual physical color.
Chair Hopkins opened the public hearing.
Project Architect Gail Nolan presented the applicant's proposal with a slide presentation. She noted that the Murphy Station Heritage Landmark District Design Guidelines were referenced in developing the proposal.
Arlene Biala, a Sunnyvale resident, was concerned with the loss of Isabella’s Boutique and Thuy’s Cleaners associated with the project. There are many bars and restaurants on Murphy Avenue, but there is a lack of retail stores. She asked whether the tenants have been offered alternative spaces to move, and when this item would be reviewed at the City Council.
Ms. Nolan noted that the applicant spoke with the existing tenants and acknowledged it is a sensitive matter, but they purchased the building with the intent to expand their business. The expansion would allow for more storage and would create 15 new jobs.
Councilmember Melton noted that the current caller with their hand raised may need to press *6 on their telephone to un mute.
Carlene, a former Sunnyvale resident, worked at Isabella’s Boutique for several years. She noted her support for Isabella’s Boutique, and how it contributes to the community. She noted her opposition to the proposal.
Chair Hopkins closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Sharma noted that the building was built in 1994 and in 28 years has not gone through another renovation and asked if the building would be retrofitted for seismic safety. Mr. Schroeder noted that the entire building would not since this is an addition; however the interior and addition may be subject to seismic upgrades under current building codes.
Chair Hopkins asked if the height of the building is visibly changing along Murphy Avenue and Ms. Jeyaprakash noted that the height is only changing at the addition on the rear, and would not be visible when viewed from Murphy Avenue. Chair Hopkins also asked why the project historical consultant's recommendations for adding a lighter color of wood is not being proposed. Ms. Nolan and staff clarified
Attachment 5
March 2, 2022Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes - Draft how the proposal has changed several times since the consultant’s report and preferred to keep the color consistent with existing wood paneling.
Commissioner Bratton noted that she understood the concerns from the members of the public and acknowledged their contribution to the meeting. Chair Hopkins concurred and also thanked those who provided written comments before the meeting.
Commissioner Patel lost connection and rejoined the meeting. He referenced comments from members of the public regarding the need for diversity in businesses on Murphy Avenue. He asked why the tenants were being asked to leave, and whether there is an alternative plan. Mr. Schroeder noted that the City cannot get involved in commercial leasing matters and the property owner is allowed to expand their business with a permitted use. He acknowledged the concerns from the members of the public. Ms. Jeyaprakash also understood the sentiments from the members of the public.
Ms. Jeyaprakash and Mr. Schroeder also responded to a speaker’s question about a City Council hearing. This project would not go to the City Council unless appealed within 15 days of the decision.
MOTION:
Commissioner Sharma moved and Commissioner Bratton seconded the motion to approve Alternative 1: Approve the Landmark Alteration Permit and Special Development Permit based on the Findings in Attachment 3 and subject to the Conditions of Approval in Attachment 4.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes: Chair Hopkins
Vice Chair Gaudenti
Commissioner Bratton
Commissioner Patel
Commissioner Sharma
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Commissioner Caroompas1 -
STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES
Attachment 5
March 2, 2022Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes - Draft Mr. Schroeder provided a summary
of the City Council’s ranking of heritage preservation-related study issues at the 2022 Study Issues and Budget Proposals Workshop on February 17, 2022.
Councilmember Melton provided additional information on the study issues discussed at the workshop,
and thanked the Commission for their proposals.
Chair Hopkins asked staff if there is a limit to the number of deferrals for study issues and
Mr. Schroeder does not believe there is, but will confirm.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS
-Commissioner Comments
Mr. Schroeder thanked Councilmember Melton for attending this evening's meeting.
Commissioner Sharma thanked Chair Hopkins for holding a good meeting.
Commissioner Bratton was happy that the public was able to comment.
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS
Mr. Schroeder noted that there are no items scheduled for next month and will confirm later in the month if a meeting will be scheduled for April.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Hopkins adjourned the meeting at 8:09 PM.
Attachment 5