HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_1961_08_14MINUTES OF THE REJULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, held at the City Hall at 7:30 p.m., Monday, August 14, 1961. ROLL CALL: Present -Comm. Noble, Johnson, Viault, Hales and Locken Absent -Comm. Black and Chairman Fredricks Present w Bud M. Trott; Chief Bldg. Ins~ctor, and • John StevensJ City Engineer. ColIDll. Black took his place following approval of minuteso Vice Chairman Hales presided during the absence of Chairman Fredricks. Minutes of the regular meeting of July 10, 1961, were unanimously approved. There followed a discussion amongst the Commissioners as to whether Items 2 and 3 on the agenda, public hearings on high-rise structures and beach conveniences respectively, should be held over until other matters on the agenda, particularly those previously brought before the Conmtission, should be considered. Comm. Noble moved that Items 2 and 3 be transferred to Items 10 and 11 respectively on the agenda. Comm. Locken seconded the motion which failed to carry by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Comm. Noble and Locken Comm. Johnson, Viault, --Black and Hales Chairman Fredricks To accommodate the audience present for the public hearings, Vice Chairman Hales announced that the meeting would adjourn to Clark Stadium, reconvening there at 7:55 p.m. . . . HIGH-ID:SE, HIGH ... DENSITY STRUCTURES Public hearing to consider whether to proceed to amend Zoning Ordinance N. s. 154 by creating a new zone consisting of hig:O..rise, high-density, residential and limited commercial combined use, on the 7½ acre site bounded by Second Street, Valley Drive, Monterey Boulevard and south city limits. Vice Chairman Hales explained the reason for this hearing was to give the people an opportunity to express themselves on such structures, stating that Mamie, Inc., had requested the amendment and that at a workshop meeting on July 17, Mr. Ronald Moran, Secretary, had presented the proposal to the Commission. Mr. Moran was asked to briefly review the proposal for the lbenefit of those not present at the workshop meetingo A total of 890 apartments in three apartment buildings, having approximately one and one-half gar&g,s:'~1)er unit, a 449...room,high-rise motel, an auditorium for 1000 people, a restaurant and stores for the development, witqparking on 3 levels to provide space for·2000cars, recreation facilities consisting of swimming~pools, te~s courts, badminton,shuffleboard, etc.,, comprised the proposal, according to Mr. Moran. The three apartment buildings would cover approximately 30% of the land, having a land coverage of 177 units per acreo Land along Valley Drive would·be dedicated to provide a 100 foot entrance., There would be no·sewage, gas, water or electric problems. Taxes on the estimated $30,000,000 development were broken down by Mr. Moran as follows:
Planning Commission Hi.gh,..Rise Contd County Schools City Library Flood control Hospital District Metropolitan Water Sanitation District 2 $ 154.,470.00 387,405.00 57,750.00 9,907.50 30,292050 18;825.00 13.,500.00 15,127.50 $687,277.50 August 14, 1961 It is bis hope, Mr. Moran said, that the city would benefit tremendously from this proposed development and that the area, which is now virtually nothing but a dump, would be upgraded, benefiting everyone. The project is proposed for a specific location, he said, and the request is made only for this particular site. Speaking in favor of the proposed new zone: James Goff, 210 Pacific Coast Highway~ problems could be different in some other location in town. Proposed site is a-blight. In upgrading it, value of surrounding property would be increased, and valuation of city would be increased 50%. Chester Witt, 437-28th Street -would help tax situation; very little additional load on schools; can see nothing against it. Harris McGalliard, one of the owners of Mamie, Inc • .., Newport Beach has under consideration zoning in isolated areas under ''matter of right••• W. T. Smithers, 3009 Strand ... biggest worry of all people on Herm,osa Avenue has been whether their property would be rezoned and could be condemned for unlimited height buildingso As far as this proposition is concerned, it is the greatest thing that could happen; income to the city would be great. Mike Roy, manager of Beach Bowl, 2420 Pacific Coast Highway .... Only one way to go ... high-rise. Live under a delusion if it is thought height can be limited. would be an intelligent thing for any city to make decisions where the city can control in specific cases. There is no condemnation involved here. Sooner or later, the town will be engulfed; keep control through legislative body; no reason why this cannot be particularly zoned for this one spot if it is an engineering feasibility; private enterprise and an asset to the community. Mike Bi~o, 912 Monterey-believe Mamie, Inc., i~ntitled to consideration as propert owners an~hould get the best return on their property; present ordinance hinders them from best development of their property. Leroy Olsen, 330""30th Street-people would like to see old places removed or remodeled -would like to see a development of this type so that more people could enjoy the beaches and the general atmosphere of living at the beach. 60 Hermosa Ave. Jan Darian of Darian Studios/.,. has studio close to the subject property; has had many cases of molestation of teen-age girls and children along this blighted area. There is nothing to draw from in Hermosa Beach and have seriously
Planning Commission Hi.g~ise Contd 3 August 14, 1961 thihking of leaving Hermosa Beach on that account. Believe in progress and bringing new blood into the town. John Scbmolle, 931 Montgomery Drive ... speaking in dual capacity. As President of the Chamber of Commerce -directors f'eel this development would be of the greatest value to the city and that with something like this, business will return Hermosa Beach to its rightf'ul place. As an individual and a builder, trade·ma.gazines show similar projects all over the state, introducing new words, vertical subdivisions with individual grant deeds to people within this type of apartment dwelling, because of the limited amount of ground area available. Mrs. Etta Simpson ... Welcome and wish to encourage the creative thinking which has suggested this proposal. Do not follow logic that an R-4 will be spread all over the city if this request is granted. The underground garages can offer bomb shelter and an opportunity for civil defense preparation. Opposed to convention halL Should be strict control to encourage high income along with the high...r~se, shops -which would invite spending by high,,.income group which would be•1tlcome to the conmrunity. • . \ James Ambers --0fie of owners of property~ Have held property for six years; felt that harbor development would make wonderful future for Hermosa Beach; had no ulterior motives; here to develop thisJ,roperty; have paid $24,000 in taxes but have faith in Hermosa Beach; want to improve this blighted area. Opposed David Burt, ll52-7th Street -opposed to high-rise, high-density units. Wants to hold Hermosa Beach to residential community and would prefer to have more R-1 zoning and less multiple. Brought up sewage problem, stating that he had been told that White Point Sewage Plant had on occasion cut off industrial users because of the demand • .Other areas in the city wanting this zone might not be near the pumping station, creating new problems for the citye El Segundo and Redondo Beach fire departments stand ready for assistance if needed at the Biltmore Hotel, but they do not have ladders for 26 storie_s. The city will be pressed in the future to provide a ladder-truck to.take care of these high~rise structures. The police department and traffic situation will be tremendously affected by the increased number of people and cars. There would be additional demands on the schools and recreational. facilities of the city. Values of surrounding area might increase at first, but believe living near apartments is not as desirable as residential with less density and that property values would decrease. Professional study on high-rise structures recommended maximum of 15.0 units per acre, and this proposal far exceeds that. Has prepared an in:ila:tive ordinance to be published in tre Hermosa Beach Review on September 17 calling for a maximum height of buildings to be 3 stories or 45' (lesser heights to be established by Planning Conunission if desired); not more than a 75% coverage of land area (lesser if desired by Planning Commission); 650 square feet for each unit (greater land area if desired by Planning Conmri.ssion). The proponents of this ordinance wish to see this city remain single-family. Present zoning ordinance can be changed at any time by Council. --people's ordinance can be changed only by a vote of the people. Both the Conunission and Council are under increased pressure to approve the hiib.-rise structures.
Planning Commission High,..Rise Contd 4 August 14., 1961 Charles Sackett, 303-30th Street .... Object on same grounds as Mr. Burt. Do not believe statement by gentleman who felt tow wanted old placed reIJDved or remodeled applied to subject proposal and that gentleman who felt Jlr. Moran should have the right to develop bis property as he saw fit should add 11as long as it does not hurt the rest of uso 11 Tom Stevens, 1918 Strand .... Chairman of Citizens for Private Domain, about 300 members, dedicated to private enterprise, keeping the town a residential community. Mentioned Newburg, N.Y., in connection with sick type of tbinkmng that when certain services are desired and costs get high; cities entertain type of free enterprise that wil'.}{help to pay these costs,wbich incl~de gambling., honky":"tonks, ferris wheels,' high":"density, high,..rise build-ings. Believe the zoning should be changed fromM to perhaps R-3 but strongly opposed the proposed use. Mark.Hardint 1130 Strand -argued that property could have been developed but had bee allowed to remain in this deteriorated, blighted condition. Questioned parking requirements for auditorium. and shopping center. Strongly opposed to proposal. Marie Russeil, 3412 Manhattan Avenue ... inquired if city could enforce development as accepted. Vice Chairman Hales advised that the Coomdssion would decide whether to proceed and if it was decided to create the new zone, all technicalities wou?-d be taken up. Mrs. Dorothy Sterrett, 97 Hermosa Avenue ..... had made no decision but questioned the view for the proposed structures and the surrounding area and wondered if these units were not to be cheap, would the tenants be satisfied and what would be done to the ugliness that surrounds the property. Joel Edwards, 3030 Manhattan Avenue• connnended Commission for inviting the public to· give their views. Chance of reaching a point of saturation if high ... rise, hl,gh,.,density structures are permitted. Would not want to see this situation develop, making property so high, indinduils could not afford to own their land, and raising taxes because of the increased cost of operating the city. Marg8:I'et Clark, 833 Cypress~ object on the grounds that it is spot zoning. Lewis Glassburg, 1816 Hermosa Avenue-opposed any form of high-rise until there is an adequate master plan for-the city. Mr. Hardin,questione:d whether this was to be FHA financing. Vice Chairman Hales ruled that this was not a question pertinent to the zoning change under • discussion. Lee Peterson, 559~24th Street~ believe the property would build up very rapidly if rezoned to residential. Vice Chairman Hales then asked if any latecomers -,.. wished to be heard. Bob Farnsworth of Hermosa Realty Comp.any ... -argued in favor of the development, stating that from a·standpoint of economics, if someone in Hermosa Beach needs
Planning Commission Higb,-.Rise Contd 5 August 14, 1961 assistance who has the courage and conviction and ability to conceive of such a plan and there is capital available for the development, he should not be discouraged. Ren~ Chouinard, 245 Monterey~ lives in the area of the subject property and wants to keep Hermosa as it is. Mary B. Rawlings, 911 Pacific Coast Highway -read statistic.a from the Research Monograph compiled with the idea of giving people who are faced with problems a basis on which to evaluate a trend, expressing her approval of the proposal which would take care of some of the increased population in the Los Angeles area. Should consider this project is of great value since it is adjacent to Redondo Beach. The hearing was closed at 9:40 p.m., question period to be postponed un~il return to City Hall. BEACH CONVENIENCES Public hearing to consider whether beach facilities are needed, and if so, in what location~. Vice Chairman Hales explained that the Council had asked the Conanission to investigate this item and to make whatever recom-mendations were felt proper. Comm. Noble, chairman of the subcommittee on beach convenience~read the report submitted by him at the July lo regular meeting, whlch called attention to the reports from the James Clemence and Dav.id Wilkinson committees showing a strong tendency toward the need for· toilet facilities, to be restricted-to the pier sect~on of HeI'Jlllsa Beach, and the need for drinking fountains, other cities along the beach having provided these feeling that one every 1000 feet is desirable. The public hearing was opened, and since no one in the audience came forward to comment on the matter, by unanimous vote the hearing was closed, whereupon, at 10:10 p.m., the meeting adjourned to reconvene at the Council Chambers. HIGH.:aisE CONTD• After reconvening at the City Hall, Connnissioners questioned some of those who had commented.at some length and agreed to postpone action until they could study and weigh the points brought out. Vice Chairman Hales moved that the meeting be adjourned to August 21 for further consideration of this item. Comm. Noble seconded the motion,wbich carried as follows: AYES: NOES: .ABSENT: CoJIIDl., Noble, Johnson, Hales and Locken Comm. Viault and Black Chairman Fredricks BEA.CH CONVENIENCES CONTD Comm. Black moved to accept tjte recommendation of the subcommittee that the existing facilities at the end of Pier Avenue were adequate restroom requirements, water fountains to be installed probably every 1000', recommending nothing as to showers. Discussion folio-wed, members agreeing the--water fountains were not of sufficient importance to warrant recommending such installations if ther-e wee to be no other restrooms installed., anq Connn.. Black withdrew his motion, which had received no second.
Planning Cormnission Beach Conveniences Contd 6 August 14, 1961 Conun. Viault then moved that a letter be written to the City Council advising that the facilities on hand in Hermosa Beach have been determined to be adequate, further comm.ending the Council on the development of the facilities at Pier Avenue. Conun. Black seconded the motion, which carried as follows: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: J Comm. Johnson, Viault, Black, Hales and Locken Comm. Noble Chairman Fredricks JOHN L. MINECH Public hearing to consider application for zone variance of John L. Minech to permit s11n garage in lieu of 8'6" for one of the units in the 5"'"1.lnit • structure now under construction at 218 Manhattan Avenue, Lot 3, Block 44, First Addition to Hermosa Beach. Mr. Minech was present speaking in behalf of his petition. Mr. Mike Bigo also spoke favorably. Motion to grant the variance by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Black, carried as follows: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Comm. Noble, Viault, Black, Hales and Locken Comm. Johnson Chairman Fredricks Comm. Viault moved adoption of Resolution P. C. 154-,,331 granting this variance for the reason that it will not materially.hinder the area in which the building is being constructedo Comm. Black seconded the motion, vm.ich· carried as follows: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commu Noble, Viault, Black, Hales and Locken ColIDD.. Johnson Chairman Fredricks NELSON & STICKNEY Public hearing to consider application for temporary zone variance of Arthur Nelson and Howard Stickney to allow auto repairing in a C..2 zone until such time as the city acquires the property, located'in the proposed offstreet parking district, at 67..J.3th Street, Lots 24, 25, 26, Block 14, Hermosa Beach Tract. • Both petitioners were present, Mr. Stickney speaking for the petition. Mr. Mike Bigo also spoke in favor of the request. The City Engineer was questioned as to the present status of the offstree*arking district. It was his opinion that the property would be acquired within six months. Com. Viaul t moved that a temporary zone variance be approved for one year to allow auto repairing in the subject building. Comm. Johnson·seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Planning Commission 7 August 14, 1961 Nelson & Sticlmey Contd Comm. Noble moved adoption of Resolution P. c. 154w332 granting a temporary zone variance until such time as the city acquires the property or for a period of one-year, or whichever event occurs first,, with the right of rehearing by"the owners, for the reason that it is the feeling of the Commission that the owners of said property should have no further penalization or lack of income from this vacant building in question due to the desires of the city to take,over such property in the future for the proposed p.µ-king district. Comm. Viault seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. LAURENCE E. PETERSON Public hearing to consider application for zone variance of Laurence E. Peterson to permit over 30% addition to·e:xisting structure, which has a nonconforming 31 sideyard in lieu of 5', and an 81 front setback in-lieu of 10', the new garage to have a 4' sideyard in lieu of required 5•, in line with existing portico which has a 4' sideyard, at 1021-Sth Place, Lot 62, Tract 8386. • Petitioner was present speaking in behalf of his petition. co·mm. Viault moved that the variance be granted. Comm. Noble seconded the.motion, which carried as follows: -AIES: NOES: Comm. Noble, Jolmson, Viault, Black and Locken Comm. Hales "' ABSENT: Chairman Fredricks Connn. Noble moved adoption of Resolution P.c. 154-333 granting the variance for the reason that the structure is in apparent conformity with the neigh-borhood as far as the serback is concerned; the owner should not be penalized and not allowed to remodel his home; this would not be a detriment to the surrounding neighborhood. Comm. Black seconded the motion, which carried as follows: ms: NOES: ABSENT: Comm.. Noble, J obnson, Viaul t, Black and Locken 0 Comm. Hales Chairman Fredricks LUCILLE D. GUYER Public hearing to consider application for zone variance of Lucille D. Guyer ~o permit the construction of a Z-Car garage on an R-3 lot having a nonconforming use, and waiving Section 1300 ofZoning-Ordinance N. s. 154, at 329 Hermosa Avenue, Lot 13 and the northeast 9' of Lot 12, Block 4, Hermosa Beach Tract. Comm. Viault moved that the variance be granted. The motion was seconded by Conun. Noble and carried unanimously. adopt·Resolution P.C.154-334 and to Motion by Conun. Viault, _seconded by Comm. Black, to/grant the variance for the reason that it would not be detrimental to the neighborhood to permit this garage construction and should not hinder any future development of the property in its proper method, carried unanimously
Planning Commission 8 August 14, 1961 CHARLES O. EWINS ..,. Parking Letter from Building Inspector requesting parking determination for proposed one,,,,story structure 30' wide by 47,4n long, to be used for repair of automobiles, on the northwest-corner of Bonnie Brae and Pier Avenue, 1017 Pier Avenue, Lot 1, Block z, G. G. Allen Tract, in a Cw3 zone, for Charles o. Ewins. Petitioner was present to speak in favor of his plan submitted to provide parking for four cars. On motion by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Black, it was unanimously agreed that a letter be written to the Building Department directing that four auto stalls should be provided for the contem,,, plated structure, the curb breaks on Pier Avenue and Bonnie Brae as shown on the plot plan submitted to conform to the recommendations of the City Engineer regarding distance from the street intersection. BEACH BOWL -Neon Sign Letter from Building Inspector requesting review of proposed 13tx16' double-faced sign, encroaching over public property Jf 9¼0 at-a height of 14', at tHe Beach Bowl, 2420 Pacifi(? Coast Highway. Mro Mike Roy, manager of the development,and R. M. Hogan of Electrical Products were present to discuss the proposed sign. . Motion by Co!IDll.o Viault, seconded by Conun. Locken to approve the sign as submitted with the restriction that there will be no beacon lights or rotating lamps that would be detrimental to automobile signals or traffic~ carried as follows: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Conuno Noble, Viault, Black, Hales and Locken Comm. Johnson Chairman Fredricks w. ·c. BLUEJACKET• Extension of Variance Re~uest ofW. Ce Bluejacket for extension of variance granted by Resolution P.'e. 154w295, September 13, 1960, on property at 1001 Hermosa Avenue. Motion·by Comm. Viault, seconded by Connn. Black,to extend the variance for six months, carried unanimouslyQ Comm. Viault moved adoption ofResolution P. C. 154-335 extending the variance for six months for the reason that it has not materially changed from the existing variance as granted and would rtot be any more detrimental to the area than it presently is. Comm. Black 'seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. GOULD AVENUE ... State Highway Improvement City Engineer Stevens stated that he had been unable to work on this since the July l01meeting and that he would soon be in contact with the design engineer from the state and would get some indication of their plans.. It was unanimously agreed~ to set this item on the agenda for the next regular meeting provided the City Engineer is ready to make bis report., ADJOURNMENT -Motion by Comm: Noble that mee • be,.....·djo ed to August 21~ to take up Item 2 (high,..rise,. bigh--densi ' Viault, carried unanimously. r . y