HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-23 PC Special Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Eagle Canyon and Skye Development Tours
May 23, 2016
Palm Springs, California 92262
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Klatchko called the meeting to order at 8:10 am.
ROLL CALL:
Present This Meeting: Commissioner Donenfeld, Commissioner Hirschbein,
Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Weremiuk, Chair
Klatchko
Absent This Meeting. Commissioner Lowe, Vice -Chair Calerdine
Staff Present: Flinn Fagg, Terri Hintz, Edward Robertson
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 6:00 pm on Wednesday, May 18, 2016.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
JANE GARRISON, Save Oswit Canyon, said she is representing 1000 residents (who
didn't come to speak) stated that Big Horn sheep were not included in the 1993
environmental study and several were spotted on the site yesterday. She requested a
new environmental report be completed to include all endangered species.
ANDY GIBBS, Save Oswit Canyon, stated that the original EIR does not address the
protected species. He said the Specific Plan has not been updated to reflect the
updated General Plan; and requested a new environmental study.
JASON BROOKS, Save Oswit Canyon, commented that nature is a gateway that pulls
in people with its amazing trails such as this one.
DAVID LAHTI, Save Oswit Canyon, spoke of the endangered and protected migratory
birds on the site and the incredible beauty of the canyon.
LUCIE LUCKINBILL, Save Oswit Canyon, questioned what is left of Palm Springs. She
is not opposed to building homes nestled into the mountains. She also stated that 40
homes or a hotel could be allowed at the site.
Planning Commission Special Meeting Minutes
Site Tours - Eagle Canyon and Skye Development
May 23, 2016
FLORIAN BOYD, spoke in favor of preserving the canyon and the beauty of the trails.
1. SITE TOUR OF THE PROPOSED EAGLE CANYON DEVELOPMENT
LOCATED AT THE WEST SIDE OF SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE AT
BOGERT TRAIL (CASE NO.5.1379 PD 380 l TTM 36870). (The Planning
Commission will meet at the west side of South Palm Canyon Drive and
Bogert Trail at approximately 8:00 am.)
The Commission toured the site and asked questions pertaining to:
• Grading
• Open -space
• Environmental Sensitive Areas
• Location where Big Horn Sheep were seen
• Street widths
• Will the rocks be moved?
• Desert Water Agency's water tanks
• Was biological research conducted?
• Ownership of abutting parcels
• List of developments that have been approved on the north side of Palm Canyon
Drive up to La Mesa neighborhood (west side of Palm Canyon Drive)
• Storm water management and retention basin construction
MAX VAHID, project engineer, provided clarification on the grading plans.
The Commission concluded the tour of the proposed Eagle Canyon property at 9:23 am
and proceeded to the next site visit.
2. SITE TOUR OF THE APPROVED DEVELOPMENT OF FORTY (40) SINGLE-
FAMILY RESIDENCES AT THE SKYE SUBDIVISION LOCATED AT 665
WEST RAMON ROAD (CASE NO. 3.3802 MAJ). (The Planning Commission
will meet at the comer of Ramon Road and Cahuilla Road at approximately 9:30
am.)
The Commission re -convened at the Skye Development construction site at 9:37 am.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
KATHLEEN ADAMS, resides at The Canyons, spoke about the massive pad height
adjacent to a neighbor's wall and encouraged the Commission to see the view from their
backyard.
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Planning Commission Special Meeting Minutes
Site Tours - Eagle Canyon and Skye Development
May 23, 2016
CINDY ANDERSON, resides at The Canyons, saw the view from the neighbor's
backyard and could not believe the mass.
P. HAMMOND, resides at The Canyons, said the height will affect his property and
encouraged the Commission to see it from his backyard.
The Commission viewed the site and asked questions pertaining to:
• The pad height of the lot in question.
• Height of the house.
• Height difference to adjacent properties.
• Location of sewer line.
• Lots adjacent to Fern Canyon.
• Elevation reduction.
• Neighborhood meeting with residents west of the property.
The applicant agreed to work with staff to develop several different options for Lot 5 to
reduce the impact to the abutting neighbor, including grade modifications and changes
to the perimeter wall height.
3. ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 10:20 am to an
Adjourned Study Session at 11:30 AM, Wednesday, May 25, 2016, Council Chamber,
City Hall, followed by their regular meeting at 1:30 PM, Wednesday, May 26, 2016, in
the Council Chamber, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.
Ann Fagg, AIC
Director of Planning Services