HomeMy WebLinkAbout21621 - RESOLUTIONS - 6/21/2006 RESOLUTION NO. 21621
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, UPHOLDING THE ACTION
OF THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD TAKEN
ON MAY 23, 2006, AND ALLOWING THE DEMOLITION OF
CERTAIN STRUCTURES AND PRESENTATION OF
HISTORIC MATERIAL FOR PERMANENT PUBLIC RECORD
AND DISPLAY ON THE SITE, INTEGRAL WITH THE
PROPOSED NEW DEVELOPMENT.
WHEREAS, on March 14, 2006, the Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) held a public
meeting to discuss a proposed mixed use project located at the south side of Alejo Road
between North Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive ('The Rael Project") noting
possible demolition of several structures on the site including the Strebe Building and
Monte Vista Hotel; and
WHEREAS, on April 11, 2006, the HSPB held a public meeting at which time it received
testimony regarding the structures at the site including:
1. A cultural resources survey for the project that was commissioned on behalf
of the City by planning consultant Terra Nova Planning and Research, Inc
' and completed by CRM TECH, Inc.
2. A presentation by Lawrence Rael, developer for the project regarding his
intentions to demolish several structures on the site and to incorporate into
the project elements of the Strebe Building including the canopy shade
structure and second story belvedere.
3. A presentation from Mr. Thomas Tang, of the firm CRM TECH, author of the
cultural resources report regarding his process and findings on the existing
structures on the site.
4. Other public comments; and
WHEREAS, at the meeting of April 11, 2006, the Board moved to receive and file the
cultural resources report and directed staff to arrange a public meeting at the site. (M/S/C
7 yes-0 no-0 absent-0 Abstention); and
WHEREAS, on May 9, 2006, the HSPB again heard public comment on `The Rael Project"
and directed staff to arrange a special meeting of the Board at the site on May 23, 2006,
so it could observe the project site and better understand the nature and condition of the
site and existing buildings; and
WHEREAS; on May 23, 2006, following the posting of the agenda in the prescribed
manner, the Board met at 400 North Palm Canyon Drive and toured the site with staff,
representatives of the developer, the project architect, the cultural resources consultant
and the public; and
Resolution No. 21621
Page 2
WHEREAS, at the site meeting of May 23, 2006, a Board subcommittee comprised of Mr. '
Williams, Ms. Williams and Mr. Nelson conducted an additional site inspection with staff
and the developer in areas not open to the public; and
WHEREAS, the Board reconvened at City Hall immediately following the site visit of May
23, 2006, heard public comment and discussed the project and the subcommittee reported
their findings and observations; and
WHEREAS, the action available to the Board under authority granted to it by Municipal
Code Section 8.05 is to initiate a process of reclassifying the structures to a higher and
more protective classification or take no action and allow the buildings to be demolished;
and
WHEREAS, the Board moved that the project be allowed to proceed with no
reclassification of any affected structures - with the understanding that:
1. Significant elements of the Strebe Building would be incorporated as shown on
the elevation drawings of the new development (the canopy and belvedere), and
2. If the canopy cannot be saved and reused, that it be replicated in its exact form
in the new project, and
3. Complete blueprints, photographs, and all aspects of the historical significance
of the Monte Vista Hotel, The Strebe Building and the 1936 bungalow building '
be displayed for public viewing in a permanent on-site exhibit. (M/S/C 4 yes-2
no-1 absent-0 abstentions); and
WHEREAS, on June 7, 2006, the City Clerk received an appeal on the actions taken on
May 23, 2006; and
WHEREAS, on June 21, 2006, the City Council following notification in the prescribed
manner, conducted a public meeting and carefully reviewed and considered all of the
evidence presented in connection with the hearing on the project including, but not limited
to, the staff report, past Board minutes which pertain to the subject, the cultural resources
report, and all written and oral testimony presented.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Historic Site Preservation Board adequately and thoroughly
reviewed the findings, the cultural resources report, the public testimony, the
presentation by the developer, the site conditions, and other materials and took
reasonable action on the matter.
SECTION 2. The Council has reviewed the issues raised in the appeal and found '
no new evidence presented that would cause the Council to overturn the Board's
action
Resolution No. 21621
Page 3
SECTION 3. The evaluation of the Strebe Building, the Monte Vista Hotel and the
1936 bungalow in the cultural resources report does not identify conditions relative
to these structures that would suggest a higher level of protective status be granted
for these buildings.
SECTION 4. The action of the Board directing the developer to provide permanent,
on-site informational display of material including photographs, plans, written
narrative and other materials to inform the public on the history of the site are
appropriate means of preserving the historic value, events, persons associated with,
architecture and those architects whose work is represented therein, and overall
importance of the site.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that based upon the foregoing, the City Council
does hereby deny the appeal and uphold the action of the Historic Site Preservation Board
taken on May 23, 2006, to allow demolition of certain structures and presentation of
historic material for permanent public record and display on the site, integral with the
proposed new development.
ADOPTED this 215t day of June, 2006.
David H. Ready, City/ nzrg'er .
ATTEST:
'),apes Thompson, City Clerk
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that
Resolution No. 21621 is a full, true and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular
meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on June 21, 2006, by the following
vote:
' AYES: Councilmember McCulloch, Councilmember Mills, Councilmember Pougnet,
Mayor Pro Tern Foat and Mayor Oden
NOES: None
Resolution No. 21621
Page 4
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None ,
,j
11 es Thompson, City Clerk
y of Palm Springs, California
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