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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.01 Draft SpMinu 08-21-2001 SPECIAL MEETING - August 21, 2001 A regular meeting of the Dublin City Council was held on Tuesday, August gl, 2001, in the Council Chambers of the Dublin Civic Center. The meeting was called to order at t3:06 p.m., by Mayor Houston. ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmembers Lockhart, McCormick, Oravetz, Zika, and Mayor Houston. None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Houston led the Council, Staff and those present in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Mayor Houston advised that this special meeting was called for the purpose of the Council conducting a study session related to the Donlon Way Area and to provide Staff direction on issues including possible design considerations, appropriate land uses, and possible view corridors into the historical sites from Dublin Boulevard and Donlon Way, including the Dublin Square property. Associate Planner Andy Byde presented the Staff Report, including Background Information, Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission Comments, Analysis, Historical Perspective, Appropriate Land Uses, Uses Allowed and Not Allowed within the C~ 1 Zoning District, View Corridors, Design Considerations, and Specific Plan Process. Several slides of the area were shown. Mr. Byde advised that Staff was seeking direction from the Council in the area off Appropriate Land Uses and Design Considerations. 1. Appropriate Land Uses: Staff requests that the City Council provide direction as to the desired land use within the Donlon Way area, including the Dublin Square property. The Council should decide whether an office type development is appropriate on the Dublin Square property, and if so, provide direction on the following related items: CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 SPECIAL MEETING August 21, 2001 PAGE 360 a. View Corridors: Staff requests that the City Council provide direction as to whether the City Council would desire view corridors through the Dublin Square property and, if so, the extent of the view corridors. b. Design Considerations: Staff requests that the City Council provide direction as to what would be considered an appropriate design theme for the Dublin Square property. 2. Alternatively, if it is the consensus of the City Council that an office use is not appropriate under any conditions, provide Staff with the desired alternative land uses. Also provide direction on: a. View Corridors: Staff requests that the City Council provide direction as to whether the City Council would desire view corridors through the Dublin Square property and, if so, the extent of the view corridors. b. Design Considerations: Staff requests that the City Council provide Staff with direction as to what would be considered an appropriate design theme for the Dublin Square property. 3. Alternatively, in the event that a consensus direction is not possible on key elements of this discussion, provide Staff with direction as to whether the preparation of a Specific Plan for the area is desired. Cm. Oravetz asked how we learned we had Indian remains on this site. Mr. Byde responded the concern was raised because of the location of the cemetery. There are state laws and policies that deal with this, if in fact, this is the case. Following Council discussion, it was reported that Marie Cronin raised the concern. Mayor Houston referenced letters received from Tom McCormick and from Steve Lockhart, President of DHPA. He stated he would like input to revolve around what people want to see in this area. Morgan King stated he felt it is unlikely anyone from the community will come forward and say they want an office building there. They would like to see something that adds a little more to the community. This corner is an asset to the City, which should be emphasized rather than harmed. What will we regret most as the years go by? One of the things lacking in western end of Dublin is pedestrian life. He would like to see this encouraged; something that encourages citizens to go there and walk around there. It should be somehow historically related. It is a question of looking at the community's assets and asking what we have lost over the years from not being alert enough. Some CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 SPECIAL MEETING August 21, 2001 PAGE 361 are concerned about the look of shopping centers in west Dublin. FETCO is a cinderblock building and not very welcoming as an entrance to our community. Scott Huntsman, Brittany Drive, stated the Plumbery has been discussed and many feel it is quite an eyesore. The best solution to the area would be to put in a destination spot. Small retail shops would be an example. He stated his Grandmother visits him occasionally, and every time she comes up, they head out of Dublin. There's no place here where they can walk around. This could be linked to the historic area. Tom McCormick, 7170 Emerald Avenue, discussed the letter submitted. He pointed out that the Dougherty Hotel was left off the reference. Dublin doesn't have a cozy little theme that will draw people in off the highway. A B&B would be good there because of its proximity to the Church. He talked about a B&B up in Colfax that is a main draw into their historic district. Developing the area with an historical design aspect would greatly help revitalize the older part of Dublin. It is a pretty gateway segment. DHPA many years ago worked with developers of the Heritage Office Park and with Gus Nichandros on the Green Store Restaurant. We don't need more office space in an area that is dying to be revived. Paul Moffatt talked about the two hotels and stated these are significant structures. He used to have a store in this area, Drug City, right next to Romleys. This should stay a commercial area. The City could be partners with the landowner to lower costs to build the types of buildings that should be built. The character for a long time has been small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of the United States. He recommended that we maintain this as a commercial area and if a design motif is expensive that the city work with the developer to develop that concept and help them along. With regard to the concept of opening it up to the cemetery, a quiet area, he stated he felt it should be kept secluded and an area of quiet dignity. Karen Nealon stated she lives on Kingston Place, which backs up to the office buildings on Dublin Square. She initially felt, not another office building. She urged the City Council to agree that another office building is not appropriate for this site. Put in something the community can use and wants. She listed many possible uses. Create a place where west side neighbors can walk to. Steve Lockhart, Oxford Circle, stated there are so many things we can do here. Let's rebuild the old Dublin Hotel and put little shops inside. We have a golden opportunity and once it is lost, it's gone. Steve McMoyler discussed the old versus new concept; the west side of town is not glossy high tech. We have an opportunity to emphasize the quaint aspects of Dublin. The CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 SPECIAL MEETING August 21, 2001 PAGE 362 historical flavor and Dublin could really benefit from this. This would not necessarily be at commercial expense. We're looking for character here in Dublin. The 'stroll ability' issue is great. He would like to see more historical aspects and as many artifacts/photos as can be preserved. Tim Sbranti, North Lake Drive, stated he concurred and the overriding theme should be a place that brings people together. It could become a destination that brings people from all over together. Pon Satterwaite, Donohue Drive, stated he has lived here since 1967. The Dublin Corral was there for a long time and he would like to see us rebuild something like this and a barber shop and beauty shop and this would be a draw for the area. He stated he likes the historical theme. Judy Lussie, Chair of the H&CA Commission stated she wished to make a correction in the Staff Report. Although the H&CA Commission did not come forth with a formal recommendation, they did come to consensus that they wanted a park like atmosphere. They wanted the City to purchase the property and she stated they did not have the information regarding the Indian remains possibly buried there. They did want a park like atmosphere with some space where we could use as a resource center for studying the history of Dublin. They don't want flat parking lots or a 3-story office building. Mike Mikulich, representing the Applicant stated they met with Steve Lockhart and their architect and he was surprised and disappointed at Steve's comments about their office building tonight. They also attended the August 9th Commission meeting and gave input into the discussion. He stated he came away feeling encouraged. There seems to be one or two overriding points of interest - view corridors and heritage area, or calling it a resource center or museum or whatever that would call to mind the past of Dublin and what was on the site previous to it being demolished. They proposed a view corridor and advised that the architect would show some views. He mentioned the thought that modern architecture can work hand in hand with historic and the past can be incorporated with the future. He stated he doesn't agree that we duplicate Pleasanton's or Danville's main streets. Attracting retail tenants to this location is difficult, if not impossible. A B&B would be difficult to pull off because of location and current infrastructure. They do not have historic structures on their property. He stated he was surprised to hear for the first time tonight about Indian remains and advised that they will follow state law. This property is properly zoned for office, and is not zoned for park or residential uses. He is sympathetic with a lot of the comments expressed tonight. Unless someone can show him how economically this will pencil out, they don't think it's possible. They would like a fair hearing about the office concept. A lot depends on the CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 SPECIAL MEETING August 21, 2001 PAGE 363 economy. Dublin had an opportunity to create a main street in eastern Dublin. They feel they are being put upon to bear the burden of some of the current opinions. Mayor Houston stated east of Tassajara Road we have a town center concept project, so this will be happening. Architect Brendan Koon showed slides indicating what they call a meandering path on Donlon Way from Dublin Boulevard extending down toward the Church, as well as drawings of landscaping that may be possible. They support a view corridor and an office building would not impend this. They could also consider donating land for a museum or somewhere that people could pick up materials, etc. The office building would be pushed west and would open up views. Mr. Koon commented on the Village Parkway guidelines mentioned by Mr. Byde. These guidelines may or may not be appropriate for this site. He spoke of challenges they had in designing a building for this site. There is no precedent existing for typology such as roof forms, etc. Cm. McCormick questioned if this is the same design office building that was brought before them which was rejected. Mr. Mikulich stated they discussed the fact that a couple of Councilmembers did not like to see an office building on the site. Cm. McCormick stated she thought she was clear that she did not like that office building. Cm. Zika stated he was the one that did not want an office building there. At 7:12 p.m., Mayor Houston stated he felt they will need to schedule another meeting on this. There isn't enough time this evening. Vice Mayor Lockhart commented she does not believe that retail has died on the west side of Dublin, but rather what has died is that shopping center. We need to think outside of a 3~story box being dropped in a parking lot. This is not what the community wants and it will not make a difference in Dublin. This represents our history. It could be developed with a theme that the community could enjoy. She stated she was sorry to see they feel it is a burden. She felt we will need a Specific Plan and we should cross all our t's and dot all our i's. Let's go into this doing something completely and doing it well. We don't want to regret this in the future. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 SPECIAL MEETING August 21, 2001 PAGE 364 Cm. Zika stated he agreed with Vice Mayor Lockhart and likes the walkway idea and the view corridor. We have proposed office all the way down Dublin Boulevard and we don't need more office space there. We need small retail. We need small apartments for seniors who no longer need the 4 and 5 bedroom house. We need to do this right or we've lost it. He stated he was willing to spend the time and look at mixed use. Cm. McCormick stated she agreed with Cm. Zika and Vice Mayor Lockhart. As someone who has belonged to DHPA for many years, she advised that this center has been the topic of conversation for many years. It is suffering from benign neglect. This is our opportunity to make something really wonderful of it for the people of Dublin. A Specific Plan study is really the only way to go to do it right. Cm. Oravetz discussed a situation at work where he lost a good employee. He said we need to make lemonade of this. He asked them to come back amd look at a study to see if commercial would fly there. He stated he was willing to wait for the next session to continue discussion of this. Mayor Houston requested that they ask Safeway if this is a viable site for retail. They will learn that it is an inferior site for retail. He liked the idea of a performing arts theater or a park, but these would require the City to own the property and this may or may not be possible. He was concerned about the cemetery, regardless of what we do. When you talk about opening things up, how appropriate is this with the cemetery there. A small hotel with boutiques could possibly be an option. This is no longer the crossroads, but we can still try to protect and enhance the area. Something may indeed not happen. We may end up with a nice Specific Plan that could sit on the shelf. We may be buying what's there for the next 20 years. He stated he thought there would be a little more understanding of each other's problems on the part of the applicant and the DHPA. Nothing has been accomplished in the last month. Mr. Mikulich spoke from the audience and stated he disagreed. He and Steve Lockhart had a meeting of the minds on several of the issues. They've spent a lot of time on this. There's no question that the property is tired. They do not consider this a burden; but rather an opportunity. They've considered alternate uses, but they all have problems. There is good and bad with every possible scenario. They felt office use is good, because this is the way it is zoned. Things have changed a lot in the last 9-10 months. Vice Mayor Lockhart referenced a letter she received from Diana Donlon Caldwell. Tom Donlon was a distant cousin of hers. She and her brother were out of town and unable to attend this meeting. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 SPECIAL MEETING August 21, 2001 PAGE 365 Mayor Houston reiterated they don't have to do anything with this property. This is not an opportunity to just have anything we want. Cm. McCormick stated she wouldn't mind a coat of paint if this is all they offer. Cm. Oravetz stated he is not ready to give up on this. Cm. Zika stated he is not willing to vote to spend $50,000, plus hours and hours of Staff time and bump something else off the priority list at this time. He doesn't want a big office building there. He stated he had hoped something could be worked out. Mayor Houston asked about the boundaries of a historic district. Will it encompass Hexcel or what is the boundary? Cm. Zika stated he felt there are some things we don't know yet. We would have to look at the impacts and we really don't know the limitations parameters it sets if we designate a historic district. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she is very anxious to move forward but realizes we have a lot of things on the table. This is an area where our history began and it needs to be protected and obviously from the landowner. Mayor Houston stated he felt it is important to figure out the boundaries. He asked the Council's desire related to another meeting. Cm. Oravetz stated he felt with a study, we will end up right back where we are now. Mayor Houston suggested they schedule at the next City Council meeting to have another study session beginning at 6 p.m. Cm. Zika stated he likes the view corridor concept, and mixed use with retail on bottom and further that he will not support the office building presented. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she felt the land use should include restaurant and definitely a view corridor. It's not in to the whole site, but you have to have considerations for the cemetery. This should not be difficult to accomplish. She stated she likes the 19th Century look discussed in the Staff Report. This is the history we're trying to protect. Cm. Oravetz stated he liked the hotel idea and the B&B is nice. Cm. McCormick asked what zoning will include all these things~ CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 SPECIAL MEETING August 2t, 2001 PAGE 366 Mr, Byde stated the zoning would have to be some type of special I'D zoning which we currently don't have. Cm. Zika stated the cemetery sometimes gets vandalized; so having some apartments there would be good. Mayor Houston talked about intensity of uses. They are not interested in a 3-story building, but something smaller or less intense. Cm. McCormick felt they are trying to define a pedestrian like use. They want something open in the evening that is a destination point that has pedestrian life to it. Cm. Zika proposed this be put off for a month and let Mr. Milmlich and Mr. Lockhart get together to come up with some solutions. Cm. McCormick and Vice Mayor Loc~a~ both stated they did not feel this is a 2-person responsibility. Everyone who spoke is an equal voice. Cm. Oravetz suggested they could come back next time and tell the City what they've considered. Cm. McCormick stated she felt maybe Staff needs to have the next conversation. With regard to land uses they've talked about, office building, no and view considerations, yes. Mr. Ambrose stated the first issue is if the City Council is interested in current zoning of office use. This might ultimately force them into a Specific Plan. Typically a SI' provides more details and specifics. Vice Mayor Lockhart made a motion, which was seconded by Cm. McCormick, that the Council consider zoning for this property that includes mixed use and some office space. City Attorney Silver stated procedurally, the Planning Commission would have to recommend a change in zoning and then hold public hearings and it would come back to the City Council. This would be direction to Staff to begin the process. On substitute motion of Mayor Houston, seconded by Cm. McCormick, and by majority vote, the Council directed that Staff initiate a Specific Plan such as has been done in the past with the somewhat similar area of Village Parkway, which has some of the same design characteristics and goals. Cm. Oravetz and Cm. Zika voted in opposition to the motion. CITY COUblCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 SPECIAL MEETING August 21, 2001 PAGE 367 ADJOURNMENT 11.1 There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:4S p.m. ArrEST: City Clerk Mayor CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 SPECIAL MEETING August 21, 2001 PAGE 368