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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-04 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES February 4, 2009 Council Chamber, City Hall 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 1:40 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present Present This Meeting: to Date: Year: FY 2008/2009 Excused Absences: Larry Hochanadel, Chair X 22 0 Leo Cohen, Vice Chair X 21 1 Toni Ringlein X 18 4 Jon Caffery* X 20 2 Bill Scott 18 4 Tracy Conrad 16 6 Doug Donenfeld X 22 0 *Commissioner Caffery arrived at 1:42 p.m. 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 30, 2009. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted, as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chair Hochanadel opened Public Comments: -Melin Ross, Palm Springs, expressed concern with the negative energy emanating from the two stone arrowheads formed by the art museum. -Vic Gainer, Chairman of the Palm Springs HOA Presidents Council, spoke in reference to Item 1A, commented that the success of the 3`d Street Prominade in Santa Monica Planning Commission Minutes of February 4, 2009 has been in part due to the anchor tenants and to the two hours of free parking; spoke in favor of the renovation plans. -Rose Lee, Palm Springs, spoke in reference to Item 1A, thanked the Planning Commission for their positive attitude; and asked, as a property owner, what she can do to help make this project happen. -Joy Meredith, Palm Springs, president of Main Street Palm Springs, spoke in reference to Item 1A, commented that the renovation plans for the Desert Fashion Plaza have evolved into a great project that is functional and realistic. Ms. Meredith stated that the Main Street Board voted unanimously to support this design. -Bob Bogard, director of marketing for the Palm Springs Art Museum, spoke in reference to Item 1A, wanted assurance from the developer that the renovation plans will visually connect the museum to the street and integrate their location into the overall planning of the area. -Paula Auburn, Palm Springs, spoke in reference to Item 1A, requested further study and enhancement of the pedestrian flow and reassurance that the two story theater will not block the museum. -John Tymon, Palm Springs, spoke in reference to Item 1A, suggested using Arenas as the new street, Belardo as the cross -street bridge and connecting the project with the Hyatt hotel. -Bob Helbling, Palm Springs, spoke in reference to Item 1A, spoke in favor of the proposed renovation plans for the Desert Fashion Plaza and urged the Commission to move forward given the financial environment. -Chuck Cantrel, Palm Springs, spoke in reference to Item 1A, questioned the funding and viability of the project. There being no further appearances, public comments was closed. PUBLIC HEARING: 1A. Case PA - 09-001 - A pre -application by Palm Springs Promenade, LLC, for a major renovation to the existing Desert Fashion Plaza located at 123 North Palm Canyon Drive, within the Central Business District of the City. (Project Planners: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner and David Newell, Associate Planner) The hearing will be conducted for informational purposes only and no action will be taken at this meeting. Ken Lyon, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated February 4, 2009. Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing: =John Wessman, applicant, provided details of the renovation plans using the site plan. Mr. Wessman (addressing public testimony) stated that the theatre will not be built over Planning Commission Minutes of February 4, 2009 the road and will not block the art museum. Mr. Wessman stated that the architecture is contemporary and provided details on the existing stores, the former Bank of America building, parking, elevations, landscaping, street width and parking. -Frank Tysen, Palm Springs, expressed appreciation for the Desert Fashion Plaza renovation plans and encouraged different architecture styles with not so many glass boxes. There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner Donenfeld questioned if financing for the theater would include city funding. Mr. Wessman responded that although no meetings have taken place he hopes that this will be one way in which the city can participate in. Mr. Wessman (responding to questions from the Commission) addressed the financial burden of widening the east -west private street for open -space and retention of the existing infrastructure. Mr. Wessman stated that the anticipated timeline for the stores to open is late 2012 or early 2013. Mr. Wessman clarified that three different types of contemporary architecture will be incorporated into the project. Commissioner Ringlein requested consideration for two- way traffic flow and pop -out barricades to increase the outdoor pedestrian experience. Further discussion occurred on the access to the lower level parking, the stairwells, alternate street configurations and underground ventilation. Mr. Wessman clarified that he is not opposed to the city moving forward with the specific plan but would like to see the renovation plans incorporated into it; noting that the renovation plans will not be financially feasible because they will develop into a non -conforming use. Director Ewing reported that there is no action required from the Commission. The Architectural Advisory Committee and Planning Commission comments will be compiled and put together for the applicant and the pre -application process will be completed. Chair Hochanadei thanked Ken Lyon and David Newell for the staff report. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS: No comments were reported. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Director Ewing provided an update on the planning related items for tonight's City Council meeting. Planning Commission Minutes of February 4, 2009 ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 3:08 p.m. to Wednesday, February 11, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California. CJ