Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

Good evening and welcome to the May 4th, 2026 regular meeting of the Brooklyn Commission. Roll call, please.

Chen. Here. Dorado. Here. Grijalva. Present. Ho. Juarez.

Here.

Maharo.

Here.

Gardea.

Present.

Olson.

Here. Please rise and join me in advice. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. First thing I need tonight is the consent agenda. Items, agenda items number one through four. I was listed on the consent agenda are considered routine and it will be enacted approved or adopted by one motion unless a request for removal was received from the conditioner or the citizen. I was removed from the consent calendar shall be considered immediately following the adoption of the consent agenda. We have a motion.

All those in favor.

Thank you. Vice President Gardea has made a motion. Do we have a second? Thank you. Commissioner Rehoboth has seconded. Then we have a roll call. Chen.

Here. Yes. Dorado.

Yes.

Rehoboth. Yes. Juarez.

Yes.

Maharo. No.

I think it was on the commission at that time.

So I'll have to abstain. Yes. Yes.

Thank you. Let's see. No discussion items. So we'll move to the public hearings. Agenda item number five is a public hearing for a conditional use permit to establish a vocational training school. Is there a presentation from staff on this item? Yes, this evening's presentation will be given by Planning Commission of the National.

Good evening, President and Planning Commission. This is a request of approval for a conditional use permit to establish a vocational training school specializing in cardiovascular sonography at South Carolina Boulevard, Unit 202. Thanks a lot. The project site is within the general commercial general plan land use designation and within the commercial mixed-use zone. Surrounding properties are zoned CME-3 North, South and West, and RL-2 East. The lot size is approximately 20,250 square feet. Next slide. Under the zoning code, colleges and trade schools require a CEP in the CME zone. The applicant proposes to establish SC Healthcare College, which is a vocational training school offering an 18-month training program with online and in-person instruction with friends on training. A maximum of 24 students will be enrolled with classes from Monday through Thursday from 5.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. Notifications will be assessed on-site and students will receive a certificate of cardiovascular sonography at the end of the 18-month training program. Next slide. The project site is currently developed with a 10-unit commercial building. The proposed school would occupy unit 202, which consists of about 1,167 square feet. The building is occupied by a mix of commercial uses, including office tenants, such as the and an insurance company, as well as personal service businesses, including a hair salon and a facial services business. The proposed site provides 40 on-site personal spaces and 47 spaces are required for the existing and proposed uses. However, for AB 2097, the project site is located within a half mile of a major transit stop, so minimum parking requirements cannot be enforced and no additional parking is required for this project. Next slide. The floor plan shows a classroom area for instruction as well as a laboratory training area where students will practice using standard diagnostic ultrasound equipment. No interior or exterior tenant improvements are proposed. Next slide. The photos show the exterior of the building. The first two photos are taken from South Bethany Boulevard with Unit 202 located near the center of the second floor. And the final image shows the entrance to Unit 202. Next slide. The interior photos show the laboratory area on the left where students were engaged in hands-on practice and the classroom area on the right, which will be furnished for in-person instruction. Next slide. The proposed school is expected to operate in a manner compatible with surrounding leases and in compliance with the conditions of approval. The recommended action is to adopt resolution number 26-04, approving C-26-01, to establish a vocational training school at 1212 South L.A. Boulevard, Unit 202, in spite of the project is exempt from CEQA. This concludes the presentation, and myself and the applicant are here to answer any questions. Thank you.

Thank you. Does the applicant have a presentation? No, we do not have a presentation, but apparently we will .

OK. Commissioners, do you have any technical questions or requests for clarification from staff based on their presentation? There are none.

One question. Oh, maybe this might be for the applicant. So the hours of operation are only the evening, is that correct? There's no, okay, 10 hours?

No, it would be the evening and the lecture will be online.

And unless the student is tutoring, then it will be scheduled on a one-to-one tutoring. And the lab is in class on campus on Tuesday and Thursday where they practice with each other.

And that would be during the date of the public hours?

5.30 to 9.30 p.m. Yes.

Okay.

Thank you. I will now open the public testimony portion of the public hearing. Is there anyone who is pre-registered to provide public comment? If not, proceed with it. Okay. And are there any written comments that have been submitted to the city? Okay. Is there anyone else wishing to provide public comments? Anyone wishing to address the commission may fill out a blue speaker card, like this one, and step to the podium. If you're on Zoom, you may raise your hand using the raise hand feature on Zoom. And if you've called into the meeting, please dial star nine on your phone's dial pad to raise your hand and star six to unmute yourself. If you could also state your name for the record, it would be appreciated, and you will have five minutes to speak. Is there anyone wishing to provide public comment on this item? We don't have any raised hands. Anyone in the room wish to speak on this? Okay, and I will now close the public testimony portion of the public hearing. Let's see, missionaries, do you have any questions or request for clarification from staff? What was that?

With respect to the 82097 extension, there's no distinction between residential and commercial use with that code, is that correct? Correct. Okay.

Any other questions or comments from commissioners? And I will now close the public hearing and entertain a motion on the proposed resolution.

All in to approve. Second.

We have a motion from Commissioner Gardea, Vice Chair, Vice President Gardea, and a second from Commissioner Dorado. May we have a roll call?

Ten. Yes. Dorado?

Yes.

Grijalva? Yes. Juarez?

Yes.

Maharo?

Yes.

Gardea?

Yes.

Olson? Yes.

Congratulations. Let's see, agenda item number six is a public hearing for conditional use permit to establish a pool in Donut Hall. Is there a presentation from staff who decides?

So our sixth item in the CD is a request for approval of conditional use permit to establish H-4 in Billiards Hall within an existing commercial planning space. The project site is located at 1645 West Valley Boulevard. The project site is within the general commercial general plan land use designation and within the commercial mixed use zone district. with the parcel totaling about 27,835 square feet. Ceramic properties are zoned CMU to the east, south, and west, and CMU and RH zone properties are located to the north. Next slide. Under the zoning code, indoor entertainment and recreation leases require approval of a minor use permit by the community development director. The MVP process includes public noticing, and in this case, aid written requests for public hearing were received within the noticing period. Based on public comments received, the director referred the request for a public hearing to the Planning Commission and the application is therefore being processed as a conditional use permit. The site has a history of commercial uses. The building was originally developed in the 1960s for retail and your health services and has continued to function as a commercial property over time. In 2012, the building was divided into two attending spaces. In 2017, The Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for both units to operate as the ABC Therapy Center. Today, Unit D continues to operate as at-use, while Unit A has been vacant since 2024. The ABC Therapy Center operates from Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The proposed pool and builder's hall would operate in August. That largely offset the daycare center by being open from Monday through Thursday, from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Friday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Next slide. The applicant proposes to establish cave zone billiard hall, intended to promote Chinese state ball through recreational play. The facility will be equipped with about 20 pool and billiard tables offering a mix of games, including American nine ball, Chinese eight ball, and British snooker. Services and activities will include recreational play, league competitions, and tournaments with up to 32 participants. The business will also offer memberships that provide discounted recreational play and beginner instruction. The business is open for adults 18 and older only and will serve non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks. Giza will employ approximately 10 staff members including an on-site security guard during community hours. Next slide. The project is located within an existing one-storey commercial building, totaling approximately 15,600 square feet. The applicant proposes to occupy Unit A. Unit B will remain occupied by ABC therapy center. Both tenant spaces have been historically used for commercial purposes, including prior occupancy by a furniture store and a dollar store. Next slide. The site currently provides 31 one-site parking spaces, including two APA-accessible spaces. Access to the site is available from West Valley Boulevard and Liberty Alley, which can be reached from Rango Avenue or Benito Avenue. In December 2025, the designer board approved exterior improvements associated with this project, including a new exit door along West Valley Boulevard, rooftop screening for existing mechanical equipment, and a new rear trash enclosure. The new trash enclosure would remove two existing parking spaces, resulting in a total of 29 parking spaces. The zoning code would generally require a parking demand study to determine the required parking for this commercial entertainment and recreation use. However, the site is located within a half mile of a major transit stop, and pursuant to AB 2097, minimum parking requirements cannot be enforced for this project. Next slide. The images on this slide show the current conditions at the project site. The photos on the top show the front of the site along West Valley Boulevard, including the existing building frontage with primary access to the tenant spaces. The photos on the bottom show the rear of the site, which may gain access from the alley. This area currently accommodates the existing trash bin, which is proposed to be replaced with a new trash bin building. The tenant space totals 8,746 square feet, and will include a lounge area, a concession area offering non-alcoholic beverages and white snacks, and a building area with about 20 tables, one storage room, and two offices. Activities within the space will include recreational play, league play, instructional training, and bi-weekly or monthly tournaments, which are limited to approximately 32 participants. All activities will occur indoors and with the doors closed at all times. Next slide. The photos on this slide show the current interior conditions of Unit A. The top left photo shows a view of the building, highlighting the area where the storage spaces are currently situated. That area is to be reconfigured to create used storage and office space. The top right photo is taken facing the front of the building toward West Valley Boulevard. This view shows a portion of the area proposed for recreation and play, as well as a lounge area located near the entrance of the space. The bottom photo shows the common wall between unit A and unit B and is a general location with a proposed concession counter. Next slide. Due to the level of public interest expressed during a minor use permit notice period, the applicant was advised to conduct community outreach. The applicant informed the city that on February 20th, they had delivered eight letters to individuals who had previously submitted written comments in opposition to the project and had provided addresses. Those individuals were invited to attend a community outreach meeting held on March 2nd at the ABC Therapy Center. No members of the public attended that meeting. Following that effort, between March 9th and March 11th, the applicant had delivered 127 letters to properties within the Woodhaven community located south of the site where most of the opposition originated. A second outreach meeting was held on March 15th at the project site. The applicant again reported that no community members attended the meeting. Next one. Based on the applicant's intended operational plan and adherence to all applicable conditions of approval, the pool and billiards hall is expected to operate in a manner that is compatible with surrounding uses. Accordingly, staff recommends approval of CEP-26-03 for the proposed pool and billiards hall at 1645 West Valley Boulevard unit A and finding the project exempt from CEQA. This concludes my presentation. The applicant is present and has also prepared a presentation and I'm also available for any questions. Thank you. Thank you. Does the applicant have a presentation?

Yes.

Good evening. Good evening. the applicant and as the project designer, thank you for the opportunity to present how we've revised the project since the last two community outreach and how the provisions suggest your direction. The billiard is located in an existing vacant unit of a commercial building situated along the Valley Boulevard corridor, which is under a zone of commercial mixed use. An adjacent tenant to that is the ABC Senior Daycare Center projects since their operation hours occurs early in the morning and billiards during the evening. The building is a one-story building with 15,000 square feet. Out of that 8,746 square feet is used for a pool table area which contains 20 tables, Every pool table on average will have about two to four people occupants. Each pool table needs certain storage space to accommodate their elbow room and maneuverability of the equipment. So that's why you can see the size of the space won't contain so little amount of people. Pool table furniture takes up a lot of the space as well. So an estimated number of attendees at the peak hour is approximately 50 occupants. There are beverage stations with kitchen for serving soft drinks and boa teas along with some packages and appetizers, but no alcohol will be served at the premise. Again, no alcohol will be served at the premise. The facade storefront system will remain the same, no changes, except for one adding an infill of emergency-based door at Valley Boulevard and signage package under separate permit. The exit door configuration is driven by egress requirements for city building code maximum 75 feet travel distance. The exit door location is placed at Valley Boulevard because the project is restricted by tenants on sites, not allowing the exit to go but to go to the front of Valley Boulevard. And the exit door location is also provided the direct building access for the fire truck and rescue team to assist the disabled personnel waiting at the area of refuge wheelchair stationary by the steps on Valley Boulevard towards the top of the landing. The additional steps between the exit door and interior finish level is to account for that grade level difference from the sidewalk grade. And there are also accessible handicapped ramp at the entrance that was for ABC use will be the same use to go in for the building owners. So we do account for handicap and the conservation of any rescue team coming in because of that door needs to be enforced by the building code and fire code. The city architect also reviewed and approved of the exit door design, matching the life-like of the mullions, the storefront glazing, and have no other objections. They have approved of that consistency for the city design standard guidelines. And then, of course, the rooftop mechanical units and trash enclosure are installed with another screen from street visibility, but also has that decorative play within the architectural feature of the elements. There will be exterior outdoor emergency up lights or down lighting with shields to provide security ambient lightings at nighttime. There will be minimum two security guards to patrol the situation and noise control during peak hours of certain tournament events to keep the crowd control. The security guards will have ID checkpoints along the way for entrance. So you can't just enter if you're less than 18 years or younger. This project meets parking requirements, and there are plenty of street parking available on Valley Boulevard, as well as transit stops on the bus. And there are ample transit bus available at site per parking count allowance. There will be valet parking during peak hours as well, but parking needs, such as tournament nights, to offset the flow of the traffic. And then overflow parking also available at adjacent parking lots during the business off hours behind the alleyway. So the owners here tonight addressed any operational concerns or questions. But there are two more things I just want to bring to your attention is The city did modify the ordinance to recently change the zoning code to allow and promote such business along Valley Boulevard corridor. So I would like to get your blessing tonight that to encourage us for this kind of entertainment to be welcomed to this corridor. And secondly, the owner's original proposal operation of power was actually to the Q Ball Inc. That is another case study. But the owner actually worked out with the city and with also the neighborhood concerned, 12 a.m. So that two hour is essential to the business that they're willing to consider for the safety of the community at large. So as of today, I would like to welcome Natasha Wang. She's been very, very devoted and concerned, but also very excited to hopefully get through this in the future.

Thank you.

Thank you. Natasha.

Thank you, everyone. Thank you so much, everyone for this opportunity for us. So yeah, I'm here to answer any questions you guys have for us. Yeah, I'm the owner. I'm also the advocate for this disease. Thank you.

Thank you. It's not Well, OK. First, we have to have technical questions or requests for clarification from staff. Any commissioners have any questions for staff?

You do. Yeah. So my question, I don't know if it's staff or home. So I heard 50 occupants have feet. Yes. I'm not sure what occupant means. Yes, yes, sir. So 50.

So there's only a certain amount of tables, just like a bowling alley or any of that. You can only have so many tables at that time. So security must have to enforce either the waiting lounge area before someone else can use that space. But there's also staffs that are only two or three.

So that is, is that 50 occupants in the area? Yeah. And if there's a lounge, there are other things. So during tournaments, what do you expect that number to be? And where would spectators be in tournament mode?

So during tournaments, there's only probably one or two, maybe three tables. Not all 20 are being used. So I'm so sorry if I have to repeat the same thing. The, the owner have really gone through very in depth each of the business description, but during tournaments there's only specific tables that are being assigned. And so it's not all the tables are used. So the tables may have to be moved aside to allow more spectators to surround the area. Thank you. Thank you. And then sorry, and this, this is kind of telling for that 15 square feet or net area of people standing in the in the back of a couple of each for the building load convolution. Yes, thank you. Vice President, you had a question.

Oh, thanks.

Yeah. One of my question was in regards to the capacity to make during tournament, because I understand sometimes the possible factor could be one, but if there's an event, sometimes it's even 50 during tournament? Sorry, what was the first? 5-0 during tournament?

It can fluctuate. It could be a little bit more depending on the attendees, but there will be a valid parking to control the parking rapidly. And at the same time, security will probably allow how much? Maybe 65. So there's only an invite of whoever can have to be a part of that training and inspect data. Yeah.

Yeah, independent from parking, fire accident. Correct.

That's why we account for that third exit, because we did go through the first sort of preliminary fine check, and we want to make sure we account for fire, building code, debris.

Okay. So I have an architectural background, and I do appreciate the building, the location I went past to Bali. I know there is a new element introduced to the front of the building that has a double door. You know, I will appreciate as well if the detailing of the building that it has, that it seems elevated from the ground, in some ways carried through, you know, that modification. And I would guess it's a 60s building, 50s building. I don't know if, you know, it's considered yet. I know there are things along that historical, but... might not apply, but, you know, I think it has value within the community. So we think the work that is being done, I know the design review has done its job here, but as planning commissioner, I appreciate that, you know, there's always considered that and, you know, appreciate the value of the building for the work that is going to be done there. The next question I have is in regard to signage, at least in the drawing seems to be very prominent. and taking over, you know, there's two businesses there. So I just wanted to find out if the other business have just, Is that enough to allocate signage anymore, or is it going to be just a highlight for the building itself, just this business?

So the facade won't change too much in terms of the colors, the cosmetic of the storefronts, in the planter and around. The signage for ADC will stay, and then it will just be adjacent to it as part of the separate sign program for the primary universe.

Is the tile that the building has is not the same? The same tile? It was the same.

Even that mosaic tile on the blue tower, that's beautiful. That piece was the same. Everything was the same. The only difference is that the entry door had to be added in. Because it was the same place. Exactly. But the city architect did look through it, and he actually thought it was very minimal. Of that, they still changed.

Let me just see.

That's it. Any other questions from commissioners?

I have a question.

Yes, Commissioner O'Hara.

Just to clarify, with respect to security, was that only going to be during tournaments or at all times?

So there will be an usher at the front who will verify all the IDs before they move in. At the commissioners before the work time. but towards the front, there are a little beverage station we parked on it. There will be that usher who was the cashier and also the barista. They will be the one that will supervise what we're doing now. And I each.

Okay. Not as a security, but just making sure that no minors that are in the building. Correct. Okay.

And of course there is no alcohol beverage, so. Right. So that kind of limits the any possible violations or crime.

So the security here in Ferdinand's is just an anticipation. And of course, noise too.

But the noise is probably all inside the team. Whatever they do outside after half hours, it's their problem.

For sure, my heart.

Oh, for sure. It closes at midnight instead of two o'clock.

Yeah, no, no, no. I understand that. So that would be crowd control and noise both in the building and in the parking lot as well. Yes, yes. Yeah, for the parking, yes.

So probably out of the purview of this commission, but in addition to policy, what will be the ways by which you'll ensure there isn't wagering And off off off the books waitress. In. Not uncommon for. This type of activity for there to be waitress ready. At that stage. You have policy about that no doubt that there's no gambling allowed during this.

Is there a third. Then you have a policy on that.

Yes. Thank you. Any other comments or questions from commissioners?

good solution for that. Because it went out and looks like it's just one business for the whole space. The other question that I had, though, is the parking lot that's directly behind. Is that under the same ownership?

It's different. It's just, I think it's part of a different tenants on that property behind the alley.

Yeah, immediately to the north of the alley.

But after a business on the using that space as the other people are covering all this time.

So that's under fully separate ownership, not related to this business.

All right. We've concluded the commissioner technical questions. I will now open the public testimony portion of the public hearing. Um, is there anyone who has pre-registered provides public comment?

You got the season.

Okay. And are there any written comments that have been submitted to the city? Thank you. Um, is there anyone else wishing to provide public comments? Anyone wishing to address the commission may fill out a blue speaker card and step to the podium. If you're on Zoom, you may raise your hand using the raise hand feature on Zoom. And if you called into the meeting, please dial star nine on your phone's dial pad to raise your hand and star six to unmute yourself. You could also state your name for the record. It would be very appreciated. And you will have five minutes to speak. Is there anyone wishing to provide a public comment? Do we have anybody online? We do not. Okay. Okay. And I will now close the public testimony portion of the public hearing. And let's see. We have an opportunity for the applicant to respond, but we've had no questions. So I think there are any questions from commissioners. I'll take them now. Any more comments or further discussions? And if not,

HAB-Juliette Boone, Yes, Commissioner. HAB-Danny Teodoru, One question for staff. HAB-Danny Teodoru, Two things one. HAB-Danny Teodoru, Or I realized that the cast is both practical environments on this business, but when it comes to the system parking lot. HAB-Danny Teodoru, Do we have a standard for like tree wells and how many trees go per parking space on the six just before my best sir typical standard for parking lot like that.

Not exactly like how you described it, but more so providing a certain percentage of landscaping in the parking lot. Usually, we do require the new standards for newly developed projects or new development projects. We were able to ask for a new trash enclosure and rooftop screening. And there were no improvements required when the original was issued for the Senate?

I'm just wondering if, you know, when you have businesses that turn over time, if they are, you know, condition permitting, versus one that's a use that's allowed by right. I think this is a question for our attorney, whether there is an access to including landscaping and lighting.

So there's the issue of nexus, and then there's the issue of proportionality on top of it. So I think nexus is the less problematic question there. The question is proportionality, and that's going to depend on what you require of them, based off the fact that they're moving into an existing structure with minimal exterior changes, almost entirely just interior changes.

So it is half the space, right? So that's why I'm asking if there was prior improvements required of the original CD and if those were revealed.

I just want to hear that we can use conditions for any site. Thank you. Something is your question.

Double of meaning here like provide, you know, an increment to the site, adding shade to the parking and business hours, obviously, but also reduction of noise because sometimes noise tends to reduce and you have to mitigate some noise upon how that's established.

And I know there'd been some public, you know, expression that noise might be an issue.

Yeah, it was more to reduce the heat sink event lighting, unfettered trees, just some general landscaping. So that's why I asked, but it was a requirement for tree walls or anything else like that, because that's what I'd be interested in. Secondly, if there was a standard for parking lot landscape or lighting as well, then that would help security . So that's what I'm looking for.

Right. Well, then I will now close the public hearing and entertain any motion on the proposed resolution.

I'd like to move that we adopt the resolution. Oh, there's a phone call at the court.

We ask for a public hearing.

No hands raised so long. No hands.

No.

Before we entertain the motion, I'm wondering if we could maybe refer the public hearing and ask the applicant if he's moved to do exterior improvements.

Sure. I would include lighting in that. Your comment on lighting I think is a bit more for public security as well as aesthetics.

So we could- Yes.

President, sorry, if we could reopen the public hearing and let the applicant back to the podium.

Yes. Absolutely.

Yes. We are willing to add more exterior lights to improve the security purpose. At the rear of the building, correct?

Yes.

In the parking area. Yeah. And especially the strong thing in the rear, of course, yes. We don't have this light.

And is there lighting along the side as well?

Yes. Yeah, we will also have the exterior of the security cameras all put it on, yes.

But in terms of the first concern you have with the landscape, there is actually a park for landscape planters at the Grand Parade. If you pull up the existing photo, you can see on the presentation, there's already existing planters. comes out, that whole section has at least two feet wide . So that can be enhanced with other beautiful colors of plants or shrubs or whatever to attract that street scape. The reason we're trying to limit the improvement on the site is because, number one, this is 10 improvements. Everything specifically inside space. Number two, we're trying to restore the existing whatever possible of the aesthetics without doing too much additional improvement that is unnecessary to Valley and the trash enclosure took up actually two spaces in order to account for that beautified wrought iron decorative screening. So these little concepts, even though they can sort of trigger other aspects of the site, we can create some sort of a small sort of scene of that space happening.

And to clarify, the existing planter is on the east side of the building?

It's right where that tree is in that area. There are some grass of dirt there. That can be planted with new shrubs and some drip irrigation to minimize, but also to beautify that entrance. You don't need to see it all the way to the back parking on the alley, but at least in a frontage section.

Okay. That's fine. So some clarification on the lighting. You talked about downlighting and uplighting and downlighting. But is there any wider lighting that is now kind of through this conversation? Is that going to be added?

Yes, we are going to add the wide lighting for the exterior, yeah, to be more like for the security purpose. And then also for the, yeah, just to make sure that the exterior camera, the security system works well. Thank you.

Thank you.

Oh, there's a question.

Yes.

So talking about the parking and lighting, you had mentioned that during your tournaments, you have a valet service to kind of help park. There's only 31 spaces you possibly may have, 65 people, I believe you said, at tournaments. Is there a designated spot for spillover for parking?

So the intent of the valet is to have controlled tandem parking. So within that side of the building, toward the bottom left, picture, they might have turned them up to three, four, five cars with many other staff. So they all have the keys, the valley guys have the keys, so they can control who goes where. And which is nice is we have back valley and a front valley corridor. So as long as there's one avenue, they can go both ways.

Okay, so the plan would be to have all the parking there?

In one cluttered area, yeah. Okay. Right.

But it's controlled. No, no, I know. I understand. I thought maybe there might be another spot. No, it's not my site. Thank you. You're welcome.

Any other questions?

Just a follow-up question. The parking lot immediately north of the island does not belong, or you don't have advice to that?

No, we don't, but it's not out of charge of discretion if someone else decides to park there. It just rolls over and sometimes the parking streets or somewhere else is the discretion of very person. But the valet what the owner is not their own as it says she's not charging the people parking I saw the people that mission is covered for that parking accommodation.

Any other questions from commissioners or we go back to the book.

Public hearing. Okay.

You made a motion. Would you like to. Yes, I'd like to, to make that motion of the adopt that resolution or 26 or three with the commitments from for lighting and landscape. HAB-Masyn Moyer- All right, we motion from Commissioner Toronto, do we have a second. HAB-Masyn Moyer- Second. HAB-Masyn Moyer- We have a second condition or 10. HAB-Masyn Moyer- Please. HAB-Masyn Moyer- Chen.

HAB-Masyn Moyer- Yes. HAB-Masyn Moyer- Toronto. HAB-Masyn Moyer- Yes. HAB-Masyn Moyer- Yes.

HAB-Masyn Moyer- Yes. HAB-Masyn Moyer- Yes.

HAB-Masyn Moyer- Yes.

Oh, right. Oh, we will have a five minute recess. Our funding manager from my early two grand accounts. I was free.

Yes. So five minutes for man. You have to expose us to the sort of typical reasons you have.

Actually, my dad taught me how to play pool.

So I just need to learn. I played once when I was younger. It was a lot of fun. I'm actually surprised that we've done that one.

Yeah, that's the one that's too.

Yeah, but it's, it's a fun activity. Yeah. Yeah. I think

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I agree with you, though. The bulkhead down below. Yeah.

You feel like that building is elevated to a building. Yeah. On various big bays.

Yeah.

So we could build a bulkhead.

Yes. Make sure they're picking those horizontal lines across and half. Right. That's nice. Well, if they spurn the volume, it kind of fills away, but it was

you know just by doing that indy said they're like yeah i don't know

Yeah, I was the same person. I saw the presentation. I had all these questions and be the president.

I think that answered all the questions that I had.

Yeah.

But it's safe.

Yeah.

All right, I'll call the meeting back to order. And we will, let's see, we're now at agenda item number seven. This is a public hearing for a conditional use permit. Oh, sorry. Number seven is, let's see, a lot merger. Public hearing for a lot merger. Does the applicant have a presentation? This is for 234 South Marguerite Avenue and 237 South Curtis Avenue.

Yes, as it will send the presentation on development or maybe even for us to measure lock in 24 show on the weekend and by the state.

Good evening, President Olson and my name is Jessica Vargas. I'm here to present the next item on tonight's agenda, which is an application for a residential development and law merger. to allow for the construction of a new two-story development with 20 residential rental units located at 234 South Margarita Avenue and 237 South Curtis Avenue within the residential identity zone. Next slide, please. The site consists of two parcels that will be merged together to form a single parcel of approximately half and a third size that will have frontage on both Margarita and Curtis Avenues. A merged lot would retain the existing zoning and general plan designations for high density residential uses. And the surrounding neighborhood contains a mix of low, medium, and high density residential development. There's also commercial development one block to the north along Main Street and a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional development two blocks to the east along Atlanta Boulevard. Next slide. The project proposal includes 20 rental apartment units across three new two-story buildings. Six of the 20 units will be reserved for lower income households, which entitles the project to concessions and waivers under density bonus law. The six existing residential units on site will be demolished to make way for the new project.

Next slide, please.

This site has been a subject of a previous plan development permit approval back in 2020 for a two-story 11-unit condo project. The conditions of approval were appealed by the previous applicant, but the City Council upheld the Planning Commission's decision and conditions. That applicant then decided not to construct the project, and those entitlements have since expired. The current applicant submitted a new application for this 20-unit rental apartment project in February of 2024. And the project has been reviewed and approved by the Design Review Board in February of this year. Next slide, please. So the merger of the two existing lots will create one L-shaped through lot. Two new buildings connected by a second floor deck will be constructed along Margarita Avenue. And then a third new building will be constructed along Curtis Avenue, along with a driveway that will provide vehicle access to the site. The parking, trash enclosure, and a shared open space area will be located in the middle of the lot for use by all tenants. Next slide, please. So the two buildings located along Margarita Avenue, known as Buildings A and B, will each have eight one-bedroom units with four ground floor units and four second floor units. So that's 16 of the total 20 units. Two of the ground floor units on Building A and all of the ground floor units on Building B will have designated private yards. Five of the six proposed designated affordable units will be located in these three buildings. And then the third building, Building C, will be constructed along Curtis Avenue and will have four attached two-story units. Two of these units will have second floor balconies, and one will be designated as an affordable unit. That affordable unit is three bedrooms. The other three units are two bedrooms. The project will include four vehicle parking spaces, four bicycle racks for short-term bicycle parking, and four bicycle lockers for long-term bicycle parking. And the project is located within a transit priority area. So the city is again precluded from enforcing a minimum number of required vehicle parking spaces under 82. Next slide please. So based on the total lot size, the project is allowed a base density of 23 units under the RH zone district standards by voluntarily providing at least three very low income units. The project is entitled to a density bonus of 50%. So that brings the total number of allowable units to 35. And then in addition to the three very low income units proposed, three additional affordable units are required to replace the units being diminished. Now the applicant is not electing to use the density bonus, but they are still eligible to use the waivers that would allow the project to deviate from development standards. And so if you can specify, the applicant is requesting three waivers due to site limitations. The first, a 4% reduction in the total amount of required open space. The next is a reduction in the minimum required depth of the ground floor private yards. and then a reduction in the required driveway width. Next slide, please. So in these elevations, you can see the proposed project design, which is a modern interpretation of the Craftsman architectural style, and it includes such elements like low-fitch gable roofs with white overhangs, exposed rafters, decorative brackets, and horizontal siding as the primary wall-cladding material. The top view shown here is the view of buildings A and B as they will look from Margarita Avenue. And you can see that it includes a shared main entrance featuring a decorative wood trellis. And then at the bottom, the image on the bottom is a rear view of both buildings as they will look, basically you're standing in an arcane or open space area. And these are the buildings that will be constructed along Margarita Avenue. Next slide. And then again, these are also the buildings that will be constructed along Margarita. The two buildings are pretty much mirror images of each other. So basically only one of the buildings is shown here. On the top, you can see the side elevation as it would be viewed from the adjacent properties. And then on the bottom, you can see the interior elevation as it would look from either the shared courtyard on the first floor or the deck. on the inside of the, between the two buildings. And then this is also where the main entrances to the units are. Next slide, please. And then these are elevations showing the proposed third building along Curtis Avenue. So on the top left, you can see the design of the building, how it looked from Curtis. And then the bottom image is the view of the building from the driveway. So you can see it has a similar design to the buildings on Margarita to maintain a cohesive staff throughout the development. Next please. So the project will also feature extensive landscaping throughout to soften the view of the buildings. And this proposal includes over 50 trees of various species, docked corn, shrubs, and ground cover, and artificial turf. And amenities include a barbecue area with a wooden pergola, courtyard with built-in seating, and then all the hardscaped areas, including the parking, driveway, and walkway areas, will all use permeable fingers. Next slide. And this slide just summarizes the requirements of the state housing laws and review procedures applicable to this project. So as I mentioned before, the project was initially submitted with three proposed very low income units, which leads to 15% of the total number of units in order to qualify the project for concessions and waivers. And this also would have satisfied the 50% affordable unit requirement that's required under the city's inclusionary housing ordinance. And since this project also involves the demolition of all six existing residential units, three of which are currently occupied, the Housing Crisis Act requires replacement units be provided for Any existing units that are deemed protected and that are being demolished. So based on the income and vacancy information submitted by the applicant, the city determined that all six of the existing units would be considered protected under the HCA and therefore must be replaced. So by providing a total of four very low income units, one extremely low income unit and one low income unit, the project satisfies all the applicable affordable housing requirements. And then regarding the CEQA review, the project qualifies for the new statutory exemption from CEQA review under 8130, because it meets the legislation's eligibility criteria, including being on a site of 20 acres or less, has previously been developed for use, meets density requirements, and does not require the demolition of any structures currently listed on a national, state, or local SOAR register. And then, although this does exempt them from sequel review, tribal consultation is still required under AB 130. And then the permit streamlining act imposes a 30 day approval timeline for the project upon conclusion of the tribal consultation. The city and the applicant did enter into a tolling agreement, which allowed for a one time 90 day extension on that original approval 30 day approval deadline. So now the city must approve or deny the project. No later than May 26. The proposed project is consistent with the general plan. It's permitted within the RH zone and complies with all the applicable state housing laws and development standards. Therefore, staff recommend the Planning Commission adopt resolution number 26-06, approving plan development permit 24-02 and law merger 24-01. The applicant is also present and available to answer any questions. And this concludes the presentation. Thank you. Thank you very much. Does the applicant have a presentation?

No. No presentation. Okay, welcome. Commissioners, do you have any technical questions or requests for clarification from staff based on their presentation?

I think this. Maybe I missed something in the presentation, but they seem to be separated buildings pursuant to their respective lots. Why isn't the merger necessary?

Because the shared amenities will be shared by all the buildings, and those are located in the middle. Those would be across property lines. I think there's also some building fire code. requirements in terms of access and things like that, that would require the law merchant.

I have a question about the parking spaces. So there are four vehicle parking spaces and some bicycle storage lockers and parking spaces.

Are those four assigned to any of these units or are they first come, first served?

I'll defer to that question, but my understanding is they're not.

We didn't share, we didn't even mention it. My name is Jack B, and I'm the designer for this project, and here with me is his name, Sanxi. Good evening. Yes, so we're here to ask if there are any questions that you may have. So one of the questions was about the sign parking. Correct. So the parkings would be... assigned to the units who will need to have, who will need accessible partings first, and after they're there, first come first serve.

Okay. So it's only on the property, correct? Correct. Thank you.

Any other questions from commissioners? I have a question. The application referred to the modern craftsman aesthetic of the design and as a designer and you speak to what those elements are of the current project, the modern craftsman.

Yeah, I think that mostly the South, the architectural houses. They're currently on site with the cable frame also would be see the purple in front of my freedom. of two exciting elements for the facade. And we first took an organized approach to this architectural style by mixing it with two other kinds of finishes for the facade. And we also, for the buildings being retrained, We have their lab instead of the bigger frame. So that's all the nice architecture style.

I see. Thank you. It's worth noting, as is in our packet tonight, that the property on Margarita is a 1923 bungalow porch. that was identified by a historic resource survey that was conducted a few years ago from the city of Alhambra as potentially eligible for a historic designation. It has not been so designated, but it is potentially eligible. Personally, I would strongly advise that instead of demolishing these five buildings, That you consult with the owner, consult with some of the organizations that exist. I believe there's at least a couple of them that are moving some historic properties to Altadena, which was seriously impacted by the equal fires. So that they can be reused and their architecture can be celebrated. That's my personal opinion. Let's see. I will now open the public testimony portion of the public hearing, and I know there's at least one person who has filled out a green card. Is there anyone else who's pre-registered to provide public comment? Okay, then I will. Thank you. And I will invite Bill a little bit to speak.

Good evening, Commissioner from City of Staten. I'm here tonight in my personal capacity. I want to start with something simple but important. Alhambra is an amazing city. I grew up here. It's a place filled with people who quietly do good every single day. Neighbors helping neighbors, families opening their doors, communities stepping up when it matters most. And we saw that in January of last year. When people were displaced, many came here to Alhambra. And many of them are still here as an interim home. And they were received so warmly. And now as the city, we have an amazing ability to give back. Before I go further, I do want to be clear about something, though. I am a strong proponent of affordable housing, affordable housing that is meaningful and impactful, not affordable housing for a label or a name. Working in and around Skid Row, I see every day an urgent need for housing. And I understand in ways that many do not, what happens when the But I also don't believe that we have to make a choice between affordable housing and preservation. We can do both. And we're willing to be thoughtful and think outside the box. What's before you tonight is not just a development decision. It is a choice about what we as Alkamerons value and how creative we are willing to be when preservation, human need, and public policy intersect. These homes, the 1928 Margarita Bungalow Court and the 1908 Craftsman, they're not just structures. carry identity. They are National District eligible, and as some of you know, that is no easy feat. It means something. And most importantly, they are on this 2023 historic survey as a part of our historic inventory for the city of Alpembro. So instead of sending these homes to the landfill, we have a real opportunity to relocate them to Altadena, into a community that, as the President just This is not just a preservation issue. This is not just a planning issue. This is purpose. I want to add that I have been directly involved in the early efforts to relocate homes slated for demolition into fire-impacted communities. I've helped shape some of those early initial steps and policies, and I've seen firsthand the speed and alacrity at which these houses can be moved, sometimes as little as six months from moving the house to moving in. This is not theoretical. happening. I know of six houses that have been moved or will be moved soon in Galapagos. All houses that were slated to be demolished in the city of Los Angeles. I was on the front lines during the fire. I helped evacuate people from the political neighborhoods. I drove parishioners and strangers alike to shelters and caravans when the fire moved in. In the weeks that followed, I walked with these same people trying to piece their lives back together. And journeys that now, almost 18 months later, continue and will continue for the foreseeable future. Housing is not an abstract concept. It is immediate, it is urgent, and it's very human. So I'm asking the Planning Commission pause for this is treated as routine. It is anything but routine. This does not have to be a rubber stamp. At a minimum, I would respectfully ask this matter be referred to the Preservation Commission because these houses, these properties are on the historic inventory. Or at the very least, that this actually be stayed to allow for review and coordination with the owners and designers with preservation experts, community stakeholders, and those working in the fire recovery efforts. I offer myself to make this possible. There's a real opportunity here, but it requires just a little more time and a whole lot more attention. We can do something better. We can preserve these homes. We can preserve waste. And most importantly, we can contribute in a tangible way to the rebuilding of a neighboring community that has already suffered so much. This is the kind of decision that people remember, and not because it was easy, but because it reflects who we are and what happens at our best. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Leader. Let's see. Is there anyone else wishing to provide public comment? Anyone wishing to address the commission, may you allow the blue speaker card and step to the podium. And if you're on Zoom, you can raise your hand using the raise hand feature. If you've called into the meeting, please start on your phone style and raise your hand and star six. You can also state your name for the record. If you appreciate it, you will have five minutes. Is there anyone wishing online, wishing to provide a public comment?

We do have one, Cody.

You are unmuted.

Go ahead. Good evening, commissioners. I saw this on the agenda and I was just really upset to see it because Alhambra just got a historic preservation ordinance passed. And I remember the battle we went through with this same property several years back on trying to save it. And so it's just really upsetting to see this getting tore down. And on social media, there's already people indicating that they're interested in Altadena and getting the bungalow court. So I'm just here saying, hopefully these houses get saved and not just thrown in the dump. Thank you.

Thank you, Cody. We have anyone else wishing to speak? We have no other raised hands. No other raised hands. All right.

Oh, excuse me. We do have one now. One more. Sophia Salgado.

Sophia Salgado may go ahead.

She's unmuted.

Sophia, if you'd like to speak, now's the time.

I think she's muted on her end.

You'll need to unmute yourself. Sophia, we can't hear you. You're not hearing anything. I'm sorry, we missed that opportunity. All right, let's see. Commissioners, any more comments? All questions?

I have a question for staff. I understand our hands are completely tied here with respect to parking, but what is the current state of the overnight parking permit program in the city? Is there any restrictions or can any resident, say in the Stidham and County residents, the two residents per day that apply for an overnight parking permit, Emily, to be corrected as of right?

That is my understanding. If they can provide for the residents of that program is administered by our fellows. So any president and they are in our finance department.

Okay, thanks.

Any other questions from missioners? Yes, mission.

Staff or council have clarified it. There has been some valid concerns regarding historical preservation that conveys to what extent our We authorize to. condition approval on the applicants. made efforts to to work with organizations to to preserve these. preserve these structures, I mean there's a great reputation very using it and helping out with the construction that has again. Verified that that. So.

The project meets the criteria for the secret exemption that was confirmed earlier, so as he tells in the staff report, we can't condition the projects based on anything other than objectives that have been placed. And for the secret exemption, since it's not listed on a local state or national register, It needs the pressure for this issue in the student process.

So there's no policy in place for, um, I mean, I know the sun. Designated or registered, but as far as. I guess, um.

I would just defer back to the Housing Accountability Act. There's a section on that on page nine, which basically we do remind the Commission of this regularly. We had a city committee whatever it is during the presentation a couple weeks ago, but for the Housing Accountability Act, we can't condition projects unless it's based on something to that effect. We can't condition them to say that you have to work with a will to preservation group to try and move these units elsewhere, because that's not based on a specific written objective statement. And I'll let Ursula turn to you.

So the Housing and Dispensability Act, not only does it prohibit you from disapproving a project, unless you can point to an objective public health and safety standard that has a quote-unquote specific adverse impact, it also prohibits you from conditioning the project in a way that reduces the intensity of the project. And the way that is defined is pretty much any condition of approval that would get in the way of the housing project being able to be built at the density they're saying. So it's not just about a literal and direct reduction in density. Anything that drives up the costs that then makes it more difficult for them to actually build the project. You need to be able to point to some kind of objective public health and safety standard to be able to support imposing a condition like that. You don't have that here. And also, staff can correct me if I'm wrong, but this project application was submitted and deemed complete prior to the adoption of the Historic Preservation Ordinance. So they're already locked in into the ordinances that were in effect at the time their application was done complete. So that's...

Okay, so I understand that. And I'll be honest, I don't know exactly how this organization is for its booking homes. And if there was no cost to Gavin for that, then it would be okay. A lot of them.

You're speaking in real hypotheticals for information we don't know. And we have an obligation to move forward with the project. And as was put out during the presentation, because of the deadlines in AB 130, The deadline to approve this project is later this month, May 26, correct? And if the Planning Commission doesn't take action by that date, it will be deemed approved. So I don't know if you really are going to be able to fully vet the costs associated and whether it's even feasible to find locations in a jurisdiction that Alhambra has no control over in a couple of weeks. Thank you.

Any other comments? um so we're talking about uh an approval that's necessary based on a specific timeline but that doesn't mean that building permits have to be issued within that specific time correct that's correct it's just this discretionary action needs to take place so whether depending on the applicant's timeline i'm not sure that they're ready to So I think that it might be worth asking if they're willing to offer the buildings for relocation at least until they are demolished. I don't think that's extremely burdensome and perhaps the applicant could respond to that question. And so if they're willing to do it, we would gladly add that as a condition to help with some of the greater community needs.

If you want to ask them that question, I would suggest you reopen the public hearing. All right, then we'll reopen the public hearing. You can hear it from the audience.

So I think the first question was, what is your final line for

Right now, we're looking at maybe two to three months after the approval of the timeline as a whole, except for a pension review.

Yes, thank you.

Any other questions from commissioners? I'm sorry, I thought there was a second question there. Whether the occupant would be willing to offer at no cost but offer the ability for some organization to move the building, the existing building, at no cost to you. If somebody were able to do that, and offered to do it, would that be prior to, or I'll just, prior to demolition, would that be something you'd be willing to offer to an organization?

Yeah, I have to say, like, we were already coming with a new, and now we really want to upgrade, and we are, like, Like if there's no like other costs or if not going to delay our timeline, then I would say definitely we are willing to cooperate with that. Just like demolishing the existing building is just like the process. It's not our angle. Our angle is providing a better housing project. We're not maximizing the density of the housing because we value design and we value the quality of the housing first. So that's our standpoint.

Thank you. Any other questions from commissioners?

I guess I have a question.

Yeah, that's a great question. You know, I don't know that we really have, it's, it's voluntary and it's voluntarily offer. It's not really truly a condition where we have an enforcement mechanism because even if you offer something, you don't necessarily have to agree to the end transaction, whatever it may be. So it's more of a, voluntary sort of commitment rather than a condition of approval with enforcement.

Mr. Brown, did you have a question?

More than a question, I think it's good that things like this happen because of the discussion of what could be. And we have several things. We have affordable housing, you know, the character of community. And, you know, there's as well community members trying to build a reuse. You know, when we have instances like this, you know, they're coming to development within the city, can you start pinpointing, you know, maybe people that might be interested in relocating within the same city unit, you know, instead of going, yes, definitely there's a lot of need in Altatina, but could as well as say if there's a need in the community here too. I mean, there's paths and I think we can just have a great discussion about this.

Any other comments or questions from commissioners?

A question for the applicant. Would you be willing to postpone the demolition or the building

Let me answer your question. I think six months may be too long if that's going to be a condition. I mean, granted, you know, doing early process takes longer than two to three months, right? Sometimes it can take longer than six months. But, you know, we would like to reduce that that timeframe if possible. And this project was submitted and we went through a process for a secret review. And so at this point, possible and also I would like to just add that we're open-minded and we're young architects and so we're looking to really provide more homes if possible and design more homes if possible and I think tonight this gentleman right here, he provided really good information. We didn't know that he would just, you know, move a home to another place. I think that would be very efficient. However, I think, you know, like just looking at the feasibility of that, like moving a home that's 19, I mean, you know, like 4.1 looking at you know either penalizing the house or moving in shotgun how do you even fit into it and also one of the reasons why we designed this site was to you know really elevate the current condition where you only got five single family homes and one bedroom each. So they're not really fulfilling the needs of the modern society. So let's say if we were to relocate one of these house, I think it would be very difficult in all the data So if the 2,000 square foot house is sustained the building to at least 2,200, I think you can add 10% to that. So I think there are a lot of questions. It could take us more time to find out if it's feasible to relocate those homes. That process can take a lot more time. So at this point, we're looking to move forward with the project and hopefully complete this and try to solve that solution.

I can tell you from my perspective and experience, it is not that difficult to move a host of this size, and they can be moved multiple ones on the same lot, on the same large lot, or adding on to. But, Commissioner Gurley, did you have another question or comment?

No, it sounds like I understand them wanting to expedite the everything else.

Yeah, and also, if there's any organization that's willing to help out in this process, because we're kind of new, and we'd love to hear from other experts and specialists who are a little more familiar with some of the rules. So if they can reach out to us, we have our information.

I think that's it. That's subtle and it's funny. One other question, last question for Mia. Your landscape architect is probably not here tonight, is he? He's not here. OK. Would you just not use artificial turf design? Yes. Yeah, would you just use some other type of ground cover other than artificial turf? That's just bad for a lot of different bases.

Yeah, we can certainly take that back to let's get our

So I do have a point of clarification for you. It would be that you would be offered. You would not have to do the work of finding somebody to move it or do anything like that. We even talk about this not being a condition. But this is your offer, your good faith offer. You just say, you know, it's going to be available. And then there's organizations that can inquire as to how they do that. But this would not be your responsibility. research or anything like that, it would be yours to just offer that opportunity for an organization to pursue.

Yeah, yeah, I think that's certainly acceptable. Yeah, and then I would just like, this is not like our one and done. Like, for us, we also have other projects in Hong Kong. So like maybe for the next project, we could reach out to them like earlier, so we can have more time to adjust this globally.

I'll say, yes, you're making it worse.

We have this. One is still unmuted. They're muted now.

Also, if I may, I just, I do want to clarify for the occupied units, we do have to make sure that we're abiding by the Housing Crisis Act requirement that they're given ample notice before they need to vacate. And that actually is six months notice. So for those three occupied units, there is a six-month period minimum for those units. But then also, if someone wanted that unit before they're ready to move out, that would be something that we couldn't do. They would have to wait until the occupant actually did wait in the process.

And where are the occupants, the three occupants live? Are they on the move? No. Okay. Thank you. Yeah, it's going to be. So, I believe it's time to now finally close the public meeting.

And I have a motion.

We did receive one written comment from James Lloyd of the college, and that was placed on the device for all of the mission. Yes. Thank you. Do we have a motion?

I have a question before we make a motion. And it was maybe counsel can help with this. I understand we can't put the applicants as a requirement or condition, but can be made part of the record that the applicant has made representational good faiths to look into that possibility.

This hearing is the record and it's recorded and available on the city's website. It will leave once the meeting is done. So yes, it will, every statement made can be a part of that.

Can we add it to the warehouses, to the recycling sites? Sorry, I'm just scrolling to the resolution.

I'm comfortable with that, if you would like to read it into the record.

I would like to amend that, but I'll just say available to work with.

So the whereas clause would be whereas the applicant has represented that the existing units on site will be made available to interested entities for relocation.

Yes.

Okay.

And I believe we have a motion from Commissioner Gardea. Yeah.

I'll go ahead and make the motion then. with that whereas and with the condition that the landscape plan not include artificial turf otherwise approved as as recommended by staff I just want to again commend staff for the very thoroughly report so I appreciate that and the applicant for flexibility we have a second for that motion I second that motion as stated

All right, we have a motion from Vice President Gardea and the Senate from Commissioner Dorado. May we have the roll call, please?

Chen. Yes. Dorado.

Yes.

Grijalva. Yes. Juarez. Yes. Maharo.

Yes.

Gardena.

Yes.

Olson.

Yes. Motion passes. Thank you. Next, we have oral communications for non-agendized items. This is the time of the meeting where the public may comment on anything that's not listed on the agenda. Anyone wishing to address the commission may fill out a speaker card and step to the podium. And if you're on Zoom, you may raise your hand using the raise hand feature on Zoom. And if you've called in at the meeting, please dial star nine into the phone style pad to raise your hand and star six to unmute yourself. If you could state your name for the record, it would be appreciated. You have five minutes. Is there anyone wishing to provide public comments? We have one person?

We have two people online. First one is Wendy Howe. Wendy Howe? It's K-A-O. Wendy? And Wendy, you are muted.

Hi. Hi. Hi, thank you so much for this meeting. I'm sorry, this is my first time joining you guys on this meeting and I am a little late with two young kids, I apologize. I am concerned about agenda number six regarding the building on Valley Boulevard. I do apologize again, I did completely miss it. So my question is, is there like another meeting where... We as the residents around the area can speak to that.

There is no meeting scheduled at this point. The project has been approved. Can we consult with staff about an appeal process?

Yes.

I'm happy to answer that. I just like to guess that we allow her to take the public comments and then we'll be happy to respond to any questions that were shared during all the communications.

Okay, great. So Wendy, we'll get back to you on that.

Okay, and yes, we would love to hear about the appeals process as many of our community members have wanted to be here tonight, but we all did miss the meeting. Thank you.

Okay, so hang on. Um, stay tuned and after we finish this, um, we will get, we will answer that question. So yes, another person is online wanting to speak. Just says constituent. All right. Constituent, you may go ahead.

It looks like they're muted on their end. Oh, here they go. Okay.

Go ahead, please. You are able to speak. I think you're unmuted on both sides. Go ahead, please. We can't hear you.

We have one more, Ben.

All right. I'm sorry, Mr. or Ms. Constituent. We couldn't hear you. So we're going to go ahead with our next speaker, Ben. Are you unmuted?

Yeah, just unmuted.

Wait, can you hear me now? That's Constituent.

Yes, Constituent. You may go ahead.

Can you guys hear me okay? Yes, we can. Okay, sorry about that. I would have rather phoned you guys, but I couldn't find any of the info and I couldn't open the PDF after many attempts. Anyways, thank you for letting me participate. I appreciate how the meeting's going. I, like the caller before me, was late to get on, and so just for... agenda number seven. I don't want those buildings to be demolished, but hopefully moved. And I just want to say in general that I'm an LA native. My mom was born in Alhambra. I have been renting since the mid eighties and there is a crazy housing crisis or whatever you want to call it throughout Southern California. So just like we were talking now about possibly moving these buildings, I need you guys to really realize how very, very, very hard it is to find somewhere else to move, even in six months. It's expensive. It's hostile right now for tenants. I personally have no rent protections and I've had housing insecurity for almost 10 years. So I just want you to hear from constituents like me that we really do care. We're trying to drop everything. We're trying to protect all the buildings that they not be demolished and that our history not disappear with these crazy new dense buildings, which are coffin apartments where you're still getting 2,400 a month and only giving us 500 square feet. So I'm just letting you know that this brings up a lot of other issues and it's it also triggers me and just, I just wanted to share my heart so that you guys could really realize that with each application, with each address, there's a lot that we constituents have to go through in order for all of this to comply with you and to go forward. So at least preserve the buildings and do every tenant as right as you can. This isn't about money, profit or future tenants. We need dignity, and we deserve more respect, and we're certainly paying way too much money for rent. Thank you guys for letting me share.

Thank you so much for those comments. And now our next person. Ben. Ben, Ben, are you there?

Hi, good evening, everyone, and thank you again for seeing and giving us the opportunity to speak. I, like Wendy, was not able to join this meeting in a timely manner due to some travel for work. I was there on the April meeting, but unfortunately was not able to carry out, but did want to express the concerns regarding the Q Billiards Conditioner Use Permit that is being considered, but definitely want to voice concerns regarding it with some of the neighboring schools and what a billiards entertainment venue can bring to West Valley based on the Alhambra Economic Development Plan of wanting to focus entertainment on East Valley versus West Valley. A lot of things do come up from that. So I definitely want to bring that issue up. But also, if it was voted to be approved, we'd love to explore that appeals process so that we can voice our concerns.

Thank you, Ben. We have anyone else online wishing to speak?

Wendy has her hand raised again. I'm not sure if you want to give her more time.

Okay, then we will hear from staff on the appeals process related to number six.

Yes, so to clarify, there are no further meetings. My understanding of the action taken tonight by the Planning Commission was to approve agenda item six for the Eagle Inn's Hall at 1645 West Island Boulevard. There is a 10... business day appeal period, and that appeal period will end at close of business on May 20th, 2026. So the residents, if they so desire, can file the appeal. They would need to submit the appeal application and pay the appeal fees once they file that, or if they file that prior to the close of the appeal period on May 20th, then it will be elevated to the City Council. And if they require further instruction on how to move forward with that process, they can contact the project planner, find Fushimi Natsugawa, her contact information was on the notices that were made out to them, or they can reach out to our general phone, 626-570-1372. Thank you very much. Mr. Berger.

Yeah, quick follow-up. Is there a follow-up procedure for our decision by the City Council?

There. There is, I don't know it's it's it's a nice place. To review.

Right, then I think Saturn is closed and we will now continue to general comments from the planning Commission. and conference or meeting reports. So any commissioners have any comments or announcements to make? Okay, hearing none, we will now continue to comments from staff.

Is there a report from the Director of Community Development? I just wanted to update you on the next couple of meetings. So we had a community meeting presentation on our Directed Design Standards Update slash Design Guidelines project that we've been working on for the past year or so. We had that community meeting here in the chambers on Thursday, April 23rd, and are now moving forward with bringing it to planning commission at the Monday, May 18th meeting. um so you'll be taking formal action on the zoning text amendment related to the updates we are proposing to our design standards and then we'll be presenting to you the new design guidelines that have been developed um with our consultant team um however the the formal action on those will be taken by the city council since it's not Spotify in case somebody could. Beyond that, we are looking at another meeting for June 1st. So we're just trying to make you all aware of that in the comments. Other than that, we don't have any further updates for you.

Thank you very much. We have a busy scheduled meetings for a change. We have now completed all the items on this evening's agenda. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Alhambra Planning Commission will be held on Monday, May 18th at 7 p.m. We are adjourned.

May the force be with you.

Yes, may the force be with you.