HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-28 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
January28, 2009
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 1:38 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present Present Year: FY 2008/2009
This Meeting: to Date: Excused Absences:
Larry Hochanadel, Chair
X
21
0
Leo Cohen, Vice Chair
X
20
1
Toni Ringlein
X
17
4
Jon Caffery
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19
2
Bill Scott
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18
3
Tracy Conrad
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16
5
Doug Donenfeld
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21
0
REPORT OF POSTING OF 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 4:30 p.m. on Friday,
January 23, 2009,
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Commissioners Scott and Caffery requested a review of the minutes for January 14,
2009.
Chair Hochanadel requested Item 3A taken out of order, to be heard prior to Item 2A.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Hochanadel opened public comments; and no speakers coming forward public
comments was closed.
Planning Commission Minutes
of January 28, 2009
1.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1A. Minutes of January 7, 2009 and January 14, 2009.
Commissioner Scott requested a change to the minutes of January 14, 2009, with
respect to the motion for Item 4B. Commissioner Caffery requested a change to
the minutes of January 14, 2009, with respect to the motion for Item 2A. Director Ewing
noted that the minutes of January 14, 2009, would be amended to reflect the changes,
as requested.
M/S/C (Ringlein/Caffery, 7-0) To approve, minutes of January 7, 2009 and January 14,
2009, as amended. (Noting Commissioner Ring/ein's abstention on the minutes of
January 14, 2009.)
3. OTHER BUSINESS:
3A. Resolution of Appreciation - A resolution recognizing James Cioffi for his
service to the City of Palm Springs, as a member of the Architectural
Advisory Committee.
Ms. Dianne Marantz presented a Commendation by the Planning Commission
recognizing James Cioffi for his many years of service to the City of Palm Springs.
2. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
2A. Case 5.1160 PD 341 - Final PD (Convention Center Commons) - An
application by O & M Tahquitz, LLC, (Nexus Development) for approval of
the final development plans of a previously approved mixed -use
development consisting of two hotels up to 306 rooms, retail/restaurant and
office space used located on the northwest corner of Tahquitz Canyon Way
and Hermosa Drive, Zone PD 341, Section 14 (IL), APN: 508-070-028 and -
040. (Project Planner: Edward O. Robertson, Principal Planner)
Edward Robertson, Principal Planner, provided background information as outlined in
the staff report dated January 28, 2009.
Discussion occurred on the timelines for issuance of the grading permit, construction
fencing and dust control measures.
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Planning Commission Minutes
of January 28, 2009
-Rob Eres, Nexus Development, stated that they are working with the hotel to put
together the best possible branded hotel that is compatible with the community. Mr.
Eres (responding to questions from the Commission) addressed the perimeter fencing
and the status of financing for the hotel.
M/S/C (Caffery/Donenfeld, 7-0) That the Planning Commission finds the final
development plans in substantial conformance with the previously approved Preliminary
Planned Development District (PD 341).
PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Commissioner Conrad requested staff provide a report on the airport noise due to
the irregular flight patterns in the south and west areas of the city.
Commissioner Cohen commented that he was in attendance at the Architectural
Advisory Committee meeting this past Monday and the renovation of the Desert
Fashion Plaza was extremely well -received by the AAC.
Commissioner Ringlein commented that she is proud to have the military jets flying
overhead and encouraged the public to embrace it, as well.
Chair Hochanadel commented on an opinion piece written in the Desert Sun and noted
his disagreement to the comments made towards the Commission.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Director Ewing reported that there will be no City Council meeting tonight and reminded
the Commission that next week's study session would consist of the pre -application for
the renovation of the Desert Fashion Plaza.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Planning Commission adjourned at 2:14 p.m. to Wednesday, February 4, 2009, at
1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm
Springs.
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