HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06-21 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
June 21, 2007
Council Chambers, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 2:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present
Present
Year: FY 2006/2007
This Meeting:
to Date:
Excused Absences:
Chair Marantz X
25
1
Vice Chair Hochanadel X
25
1
Cohen X
22
4
Ringlein X
22
4
Hutcheson X
24
2
Caffery X
20
3
Scott X
20
3
POSTING OF THE AGENDA:
The agenda was available for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board (west
side of Council Chamber) and the Planning Services counter by 5:00 p.m. on Friday,
June 15, 2007.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
Chair Marantz opened Public Comments.
-Frank Tysen, Palm Springs, spoke in support of Item 2; he complimented the developer
for addressing the adjacent developer's concerns by lowering the height and increasing
the setbacks.
-Ed Torres, president, Palm Springs Economic Development Corporation, spoke in
favor of Item 2 and urged approval.
-Bonnie Lunfeldt, on behalf of Deauville Homeowners Association, spoke in reference to
Item 2, stating concerns with the height, setbacks, noise, litter and increased traffic.
-Roxann Ploss, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of Item 2; however, expressed concern
with the setbacks and increased traffic.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of June 21, 2007
-Michael Braun, representing Wessman Development, spoke in support of Item 2; and
encouraged development in the city.
-Darron Dahle, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of Item 2, not concerned with the height
and urged approval of the project.
-Mary Keil, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of Item 2; emphasizing the hotel will provide
the high -end rooms needed for the convention center.
-Claire Jordan Grant, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of Item 2; encouraged revitalization
of the community.
There being no further comments, the Public Comments was closed.
2. PUBLIC HEARING: Case 5.1132 PD 333 13.3002 MAJ / TTM 35236 - An
application by Loft Partners Palm Springs, LLC., to construct a 200
room hotel, 143 condominiums and a parking structure on 10.47 acres
located at the northwest comer of Amado Road and Avenida Caballeros,
Zone R4 & RGA-8, Section 14 (IL). (Project Planner: Edward Robertson,
Principal Planner) (Continued from the June 13, 2007 Planning Commission
meeting.)
Nicole Criste, Contract Planner with Terra Nova, provided an overview on the three
major revisions made to the site plan. Mrs. Criste reported an error on the original staff
indicating the total number of units was miscalculated which should be 408 units not
345 units. The break -down consists of 180 condominium units and 228 hotel rooms.
Commissioner Scott noted he has a conflict with the transferring of density of hotel
rooms to condominium units thereby affecting the Transient Occupancy Taxes.
The Commission and staff discussed potential sites for additional parking.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing.
-Lauri Kibby, applicant, provided photographs of the story poles/balloons placed on the
site in various areas depicting height and views from adjacent properties. Ms. Kibby
provided further details on the site line studies, total room count, open space and
parking.
-Gary Carlson, Palm Springs, voiced concern with density and height affecting the view
from this property.
-Dennis Freeman, representing Palomino, provided additional details pertaining to the
heights that will impact the surrounding development and requested deletion of the 4th
floor.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of June 21. 2007
-Robert Stone, representing Warm Sands Neighborhood Association, stated they are in
favor of the project, not opposed to the density or height, however are not impressed
with the architectural design.
-John Wiesner, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of the project; noted his appreciation for
the height reduction.
-Phil Allen, Palm Springs, provided details regarding the impact of the view from his
residence,
-Candace Casey, California Development Enterprises, spoke in support of the project
and urged approval.
-Paul Smith, Palm Springs, stated he is not opposed to the development, however is
concerned with density, height and setbacks.
-Shiela Cobrin, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of the project and emphasized the benefits
to the city.
-Wesley Cole, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of the project emphasizing the benefits of
the environmentally friendly hotel and complimented the developer for her efforts with
the community outreach.
-Lauri Kibby, applicant rebuttal, provided further details and was available for questions.
There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
Chair Marantz spoke in favor of the project and noted her appreciation for the revisions
made to the project.
Commissioner Scott noted a concern with the residential units on Calle Alvarado not
meeting the required setbacks. Greg Burnett, Gensler, provided details relating to
the height of the parapet and the setbacks.
Commissioner Ringlein noted her appreciation for the green building and the height
reductions.
Commissioner Cohen spoke in support of the project.
Commissioner Caffery spoke in favor of the project and noted he was pleased to hear
the high -end hotel brand is coming to the city.
Commissioner Hutcheson stated the building is amazingly environmentally sensitive,
the open space is extraordinary and the hotel brand is great for Palm Springs.
Steve Pollack with The Hardy Group in Atlanta, Georgia, provided further details.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of June 21, 2007
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Ringlein, 6-1/Scott) To adopt the Draft Mitigated Negative
Declaration, and recommend approval of Case 5.1132 PD 333 and Tentative Tract Map
35236 to the City Council, as amended:
*A portion, approximately 28 condominiums units be available for condominium/hotel
use.
*Explore the possibility of creating additional visual corridors by relocating a portion of
the 4th floor square footage elsewhere on the plan.
3. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments, the meeting adjourned at 3:59 p.m.
we
and O. RoVertson
Acting Director of Planning Services
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