HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 - MINUTES - 3/29/2000 - STUDY SESSIONSTUDY SESSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
MARCH 29, 2000
CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
A. Call Back to Order-Large Conference Room
B. Flag Salute
C. City Attorney Report on Matters Discussed in Closed Session-See Page 2 of Agenda this
date.
D. Public Comments
Howard Lapham, Palm Springs, reviewed historical background on the Desert Fashion Plaza;
and added that Excell Legacy will be a good partner; that the project will enhance the City;
that a balanced economy is needed in the City; and that the Council should encourage the
project.
Art Lyons, stated that the City is at a crossroads in its economy; that the City needs to support
the renovations for Desert Fashion Plaza; that possible tenants need to know that the City
supports the project; and that the projects needs to start at full speed.
Frank Tysen, stated that no one wants the project to fail but that there are some problems with
the present concept of design; that the project as presented does violate the General Plan; that
the Courts are concerned with strict adherence to General Plan’s; that the project should have
an EIR; that an EA is insufficient; that the design does not work and that changes need to be
made.
Philip Tedesco, 374 Vereda Sur, stated that no group wants to fight the renovation of the
mall; that everyone wants the project underway; that more financial facts are needed on
Excell Legacy; and that the design should be “old Palm Springs”.
Jane Smith, thanked the Police Department and Mayor for the concern expressed on the
actions occurring in Ruth Hardy Park; and added that the project downtown is needed; that no
one wants to stop the project, but that the concern is the architecture; that the spirit downtown
is located at the mall; that a Spanish influence should be used; that a fountain could be placed
as a focus point and that the design should match what Palm Springs is all about.
Don Frank, stated that the old Rudnik Building located at 261-265 North Indian Canyon
should be demolished; that it is an Agency owned building that is in disrepair; that the
building is dilapidated and is in violation of City Ordinances.
E. COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/REPORTS
Councilmembers commented on various civic functions attended.
F. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – None
G. STUDY SESSION
1. REPORT ON MEASURE A PROJECTS IN PALM SPRINGS
Assistant City Manager/City Engineer/Grant Manager reviewed a power point presentation,
copy attached.
2. STATUS REPORT ON STAR CANYON RESORT
Director of Planning & Building reviewed site plans for the proposed project; and added that
the project is a large one; that it will be located behind the Rock Garden Restaurant; that is
covers 11 ½ acres; that there are 374 units;198 will be hotel room, 176 time share; that access
will be off Palm Canyon; that a PDD will be presented to Council regarding the project at a
later date; that the materials proposed are of a rich and are of a quality nature; that the timing
should be that the project is reviewed by the Council in May; and will be a good business
project for the City.
City Attorney stated that the item could be summarized at this meeting; however, that Council
should not make nor form and opinions on the project.
J.B Gold, project developer, stated a new millennium is in store for Palm Springs; that one of
his previous developments is Cypress Pointe; and urged the Council to visit the area to see
what type of project he does develop; that the project is needed in the City; that it will
increase TOT and other revenues to the City; that the street will have a median placed on
SPC; that the utility lines will be underground; that a statement will be made in Palm Springs
with the design of the project; that on 4/10/00 the project will be reviewed by the Review
Team of the City; that the project will create an anchor for the south end of the City; that the
project is north of MacGruder, set back behind The Rock Garden Restaurant; that the lobby of
the hotel will have an outdoor feel; that views will include cascading waterfalls and the
mountains; that the rock formations will play a large part in the development; and will be
used throughout the project.
Mayor stated even though the hotel is large, the massiveness will be built in such a way it will
not be a mass of building looming over SPC.
Mr. Gold, stated some of the rooms will have a view of the Indian Canyons; that the project
doesn’t encroach on anyone’s views; that the revenue raised will have a great impact on the
City; that the Developer has joined with Radisson Hotel Group for the project; that the
exterior of the building is done in rich materials; that a hand trowel led finish will be applied;
that the building is in such a way the rooms step back from the street; that the height of the
building is not continuous; that the lobby, courtyard, parking are all the same level and blends
in with the setting it looks natural; that vines will soften the building; that the building creates
an old world feel.
Director of Planning & Building stated that the style will be challenging; that the materials
proposed are expensive; that a project this size does have an impact with economics for the
developer; that the City has been assured that the quality will not lack, but the project will be
completed in the proposed materials.
Councilmember Hodges questioned if her company Ferguson would be used to purchase
materials to determine if she had a conflict of interest.
City Attorney stated that no conflict was apparent at this time.
Staff to keep Councilmember Hodges informed as to possible conflict of interest.
3. OVERVIEW RE: DESERT WALK PROJECT DESIGN/ARCHITECTURE
Director of Downtown Development, Emmett Albergetty, Andrew Trackman, March Tweed,
were present and gave a visual overview of the project.
Director of Downtown Development stated that the DFP has been dysfunctional for many
years; that the new proposal; will be attract to young and old alike; that the City is in an
upward economic cycle; that the diversity of the project helps guard against a downtown of
the economy; that it is compatible with future retailing needs; that currently there are no
viable anchors downtown; that the facility will allow and draw good anchors; that the other
recent built projects downtown are for the smaller tenants; that the DFP needs sub anchors
that will compliment Saks; that calls are coming into the Development Office concerning
when something will be done at the DFP; that the matter as presented has been before Main
Street and other organizations; that it is approved by those various entities; that Ric Service,
requested a letter be read concerning support of the project as presented, copy attached; that
the City needs a multi-plex cinema with stadium type of seating; that the downtown is being
promoted as arts and theatre and the key is the multi-plex theater; and added time is of the
essence with this project.
Emmett Albergetty, representing the developer, stated the property was bought 2 years ago;
that a team, including locals, was put together to draw the project together; that there is a lot
of renovation that will need to be done, starting with demolition; that Excell Legacy is a large
company that is excited about the project; that the Planning Department did significantly
downsize the project, but that the developer is happy with the outcome; that there were
concerns with the view of the Desert Museum, that concern has been addressed; that the
project is self parking; and that all that is left is to move through the formal process.
Mark Tweed, architect, stated at his company is 70 years old in the architect business; that his
company has participated in a lot of downtown renovation; that a dynamic lifeblood is the
product; that this mall needs to be an open air concept; that currently there is bad visibility for
the mall; that a new start is needed from the foundation up; that the idea was to keep it
simple; that mid-century modern is what was looked for; that there are various architectures,
but the architecture that stands out is the modern; that an atmosphere of fun and
entertainment; and that a crescendo will be created for the downtown.
Director of Planning & Building stated that the City is experiencing smart growth; that the
downtown will operate around this center; that parking is ok; that workshops have been held
regarding the matter with good input; that the relationship to Desert Museum will not change;
that the EA has started; that the matter will come to the Council after Planning Commission
hearings; that it should be early summer before the Council has its hearings on the matter.
Mayor stated the City does not have a single architecture style; that many styles are
incorporated in the City; that a revival is being experienced in modern architecture; that the
City is fortunate to have the current owner; that many buildings designed by Albert Frey have
been restored; that the City welcomes qualified designs; that a building must be what it is;
that in today’s retail climate large space is wanted, not the smaller stores; that the Desert Inn
is gone, just as the El Mirador is gone, and new has taken their places; that the City needs to
address current needs; that hopefully the Bank of America building will also be addressed;
and that the General Plan issue should be addressed by the Director of Planning & Building.
Director of Planning & Building stated there will be no violation of the General Plan; that the
City does not dictate style; and has not dictated style for building; that there are many
examples in the downtown area of different styles and that no one style carries the downtown.
ADJOURN