Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-12-2006 Special Meeting Wallis Ranch Study Session Planning Commission September 12, 2006 Study Session 1 Planning Commission Study Session Minutes CALL TO ORDER A special meeting of the City of Dublin Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, September 12, 2006, in the Council Chambers located at 100 Civic Plaza. Vice Chair Wehrenberg called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ATTENDEES Present: Vice Chair Wehrenberg; Commissioners Biddle, Fasulkey, and King; Jeri Ram, Community Development Director; Mary Jo Wilson, Planning Manager; Mike Porto, Planning Consultant; and Rhonda Franklin, Recording Secretary. Absent: Chair Schaub 1.1 Study Session – Wallis Ranch Mr. Michael Porto, Planning Consultant, presented the specifics of the project as outlined in the Staff Report. Cm. Fasulkey asked about the depth of the combined backyard areas of opposing homes in Neighborhood 2. Mr. Porto stated that the depth would be 60 - 85 feet from back wall to back wall. Cm. Biddle asked if the site’s natural drainage pattern would carry most of the water to the Water Quality Pond (WQP), and Mr. Porto said yes. Cm. King asked who would manage the Antone Schoolhouse and its surrounding area, and Mr. Porto stated that it would be the Homeowners Association (HOA). Cm. Fasulkey asked about the design of the bridges. Mr. Porto explained that the bridges would be designed to fit in with the project. Cm. Biddle asked about the accessibility of the WQP. Mr. Porto explained that the WQP would be fenced off and secured from public access. Cm. Biddle asked about the land owned by the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD), and Mr. Porto pointed it out on the diagram. Cm. Biddle asked if there would be an opportunity to connect EBRPD trails with the City’s Open Space areas, and Mr. Porto said yes. Vice Chair Wehrenberg asked if there would be bicycle trails, and Mr. Porto stated that most of the proposed trails would be bicycle accessible. Planning Commission September 12, 2006 Study Session 2 Cm. Biddle asked about the areas that are at 30% grade, and Mr. Porto pointed out the areas on the diagram. Vice Chair Wehrenberg asked if the EBRPD-owned land in the area would eventually be accessible to the public as trails. Mr. Porto explained that the land is currently not outfitted with accessible trails and EBRPD would decide whether the land would become accessible as public trails. Cm. King asked if an Open Space area located within the project would be accessible to the public. Mr. Porto explained that since the area would be maintained by HOA, it would most likely be open to the public. Mr. Porto pointed out the areas that would be restricted from public access on the diagram. Cm. Fasulkey asked about the location of the closest retail shops. Mr. Porto stated that the closest retail shops would be located at Waterford Plaza. Mr. Porto briefly explained past Planning Commission and City Council discussions on the issue of including Neighborhood Commercial zoning for the area. Vice Chair Wehrenberg asked about the potential of properties located near the Freidrich property to be zoned as Neighborhood Commercial. Mr. Porto pointed out the areas on the diagram and discussed the sizes, zoning, and topography of the properties. He explained that the intent of the General Plan and Specific Plan Amendments was to eliminate Neighborhood Commercial zoning in the area. Cm. Biddle asked if the new Fallon Road and Tassajara Road intersection would be completed prior to the completion of this project, and Mr. Porto stated that a portion of it would be completed. Vice Chair Wehrenberg asked about the proposed use of the Schoolhouse on the property. Mr. Marty Inderbitzen, representing the Lin family, stated that the Schoolhouse would be moved to a common area, upgraded to an occupancy standard, and made available for use by the homeowners. Vice Chair Wehrenberg asked if there would be driveways leading to the garages in Neighborhood 5. Ms. Connie Goldade, Project Manager, explained that there would not be driveways; however, depending on the location and options chosen, a house could have one uncovered stall on the property and the required guest parking stall on the street in close proximity to the house. Vice Chair Wehrenberg asked about the height of the proposed natural-looking retaining walls. Ms. Goldade stated that the retaining walls would reach a maximum height of 15- 18 feet. Cm. King asked about the maintenance of the retaining walls, and Ms. Goldade stated that the HOA would be responsible for maintaining the retaining walls. Planning Commission September 12, 2006 Study Session 3 Vice Chair Wehrenberg asked how the installation of the bridges would impact the Heritage trees in the area. Ms. Goldade stated that the Developers tried to fit the bridges into the existing landscape in order to cause minimal impacts to the existing trees. She stated that several mitigation measures would be in place that include planting new trees for every tree removed, protecting tree roots, and pruning trees higher than the power lines. Mr. Porto stated that an arborist would be consulted to discuss the issue of the trees. He reiterated that both Staff and the Developers are trying to save as many trees as possible. Mr. Inderbitzen stated that the locations for the bridges were identified before the project was designed. He explained that various engineers and agencies were consulted to identify the optimal locations that would have the least impact on the natural landscape and environment. Cm. King commented that the projects that Mr. Inderbitzen has brought forth from the Lin family properties have been great. Mr. Porto asked for Planning Commission feedback on the project. Vice Chair Wehrenberg requested that City streets be made wide enough to include bike trails. Mr. Porto stated that plans for wide streets and bike trails would be included in the design of the project. Vice Chair Wehrenberg commented that the proposed public art and its location are good choices. Cm. Fasulkey commented that the level of detail put into the project is commendable. Cm. Biddle commented that it is a good project. Hearing no further comments, Vice Chair Wehrenberg adjourned the meeting at 6:58 p.m. The Planning Commission thanked Mr. Porto and the Developers for putting the Study Session together.