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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-07- ARC MinutesCity of Palm Springs ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California 92262 Minutes of October 7, 2019 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Jakway called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm. ROLL CALL: Committee Members Present: Committee Members Excused. - Planning Commission Present: Staff Present: *Arrived at 3:28 pm. Doczi*, Lockyer, McCoy, Walsh, Vice Chair Rotman Doczi, Poehlein, Chair Jakway None Planning Director Fagg, Associate Planner Kikuchi REPORT OF THE POSTING OF AGENDA: The Agenda was available for public access at the City Hall bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) and the Planning Department counter by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, October 2, 2019. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: McCoy, seconded by Walsh to accept the agenda, as presented. AYES: LOCKYER, MCCOY, WALSH, ROTMAN ABSENT: DOCZI, POEHLEIN, JAKWAY PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 McCoy, seconded by Lockyer to approve, as amended. AYES: LOCKYER, MCCOY, WALSH, ROTMAN ABSENT: DOCZI, POEHLEIN, JAKWAY UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes City of Palm Springs October 7, 2019 NEW BUSINESS: 2. REQUEST BY GLS LANDSCAPING, INC., ON BEHALF OF THE SUNRISE PALMS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, FOR MINOR ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW APPROVAL TO ALTER AN EXISTING 34,781 SQUARE -FOOT LANDSCAPE AT 3000 NORTH HERMOSA DRIVE, ZONE PD 115 (CASE NO. 3.1003). (NK) Associate Planner Kikuchi provided an overview on the proposed desert conversion as outlined in the staff memorandum. Member McCoy requested clarification on staff's recommendation to provide less definition on the boundary line- (make area less dense to blend in). Member Lockyer verified softening the boundary line of the three turf pads- (yes). Member McCoy questioned if it is natural or artificial turf- (natural). Member Walsh verified the original approval date- (1980's with goal to use less turf and water for landscape areas). Vice Chair Rotman noted that the landscape conversion is in the interior of the development- (significant change to PDD and represents a large area). JOHNNY CONTRERAS, GLS Landscaping, said that the plan for this development was originally designed as a continuous space. He explained the homeowners eliminated the turf in their common space area in front of their homes. They installed new desert educational -type planting material and learned how to provide broader species and color in their landscape. The turf in the center is a recreational area that brings the neighbors together in which they want to add seating and a garden in this area. AAC Comments: Member Doczi agrees with staff's comments about the continuity. He would like to see this area incorporated into a master plan that addresses the existing tennis courts, open -space area and basketball courts. In essence, a park is being designed and this component needs to fit in with adjacent areas. He thinks there is an opportunity to create a special space to be usable and comfortable for the residents. He thinks berming in the plant areas will help define the pathways. Also, some boulders in other areas can be carried into the planting areas, as well. The plant area needs more attention on the layering of plants- the taller and smaller ones. The key element is tying into the overall pedestrian access and master plan. Member Lockyer thinks the turf area seems odd and would be better if it would be moved away from the trees. He suggested blending in the islands from the outside of 2 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes City of Palm Springs October 7, 2019 the current boundary. Member McCoy said it's a big site that is very sparse and suddenly becomes dense. He noted throughout the site there are olive trees and does not see a connection. He agrees with staff that the boundary lines need to be softened. He appreciates the garden area and suggested mixing them up with more interest. Member Walsh noted that this landscape is not seen from the street and has received input from the homeowners. He said that it looks pulled apart and a bit disjointed. He thinks it could be great because it is a big piece of land. Vice Chair Rotman noted concern with the three rectangular turf areas that are hard edge and more formal; the desert landscaping that takes a much more organic, informal approach. He thinks it would help to go with one design. He concurred with Member Doczi's comment about taking into consideration the development as a whole. McCoy, seconded by Lockyer to recommend approval with added conditions: 1. Soften the edge of the turf areas. 2. The edge of the project area is defined with dense plant masses. Adjust the density of the plant masses so that the boundary is less defined and the project area blends more naturally with the immediate landscape. 3. Rearrange the proposed plant materials to create stronger composition and consistency. 4. Install additional shade trees for the area to become a more usable space. 5. Well defined paths to area and connection to other recreations on site. 6. Work with staff on continuity of materials in paths of recreation area. 7. Add site lighting and outdoor furniture. 8. Simplification of landscape materials. AYES: DOCZI, LOCKYER, MCCOY, WALSH, ROTMAN ABSENT: POEHLEIN, JAKWAY COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS: STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: ADJOURNMENT: The Architectural Advisory Committee of the City of Palm Springs adjourned 4:06 pm to the next regular meeting at 3:00 pm on Monday, October 21, 2019, Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. 7F�4:::�-r Flinn Fagg, AICP Director of Planning Services 3