2002 - September 23
C~,f7JtJ'c../ 3-
MINUTES
APPROVED
Planning Commission
City of Orange
September 23, 2002
Monday - 7 :00 p,m,
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
STAFF
PRESENT:
Commissioners Bonina, Brandman, Romero, Smith
Commissioner Pruett
Jeffry Rice, Planning Manager/Secretary
Gary Sheatz, Assistant City Attorney
Jerry Bailey, Principal Civil Engineer
Sharon Penttila, Recording Secretary
INRE:
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None
INRE:
ITEMS TO BE CONTINUED OR WITHDRAWN: None
INRE:
CONSENT CALENDAR: None
INRE:
NEW HEARINGS
(I)
MAJOR SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 244-02 AND NEGATIVE
DECLARATION NO. 1703-02 - MALL OF ORANGE
A proposal for expansion of an existing 822,350 sq, ft, regional shopping center
(Mall of Orange), The proposal includes the following:
I) Exterior fa9ade renovation to enhance the image of the shopping center.
2) Addition of 35,991 sq, ft. of new tenant space to increase the overall size of
the shopping center to 858,341 sq, ft.
3) Modification of existing parking lot area to improve on-site circulation,
pedestrian access, increase overall number of parking spaces and add new
landscape areas,
The General Plan land use designation is GC (General Commercial), The zoning
of the site is C- TR (Limited Business District - Tustin Street Redevelopment
Project Area), The site is located at 2114-2318 North Tustin Street (Mall of
Orange),
NOTE:
Negative Declaration 1703-02 was prepared to evaluate the
potential environmental impacts of the proposed project. Staff
is recommending that the Planning Commission adopt this
document as an adequate and complete assessment of
environmental issues related to the potential approval of this
project.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt resolution PC 32-02 approving Major Site Plan Review
244.02 and Negative Declaration 1703-02,
Because no one present was in opposition to the project, Chair Smith waived the full reading of
the staff report,
Chuck Lau, Associate Planner, explained the project.
Planning Conumssion Minutes
September 23,2002
APPROVED
Commissioner Romero wanted information about the potential construction of an off-ramp at
Meats and the 55 freeway, Mr, Rice indicated the off-ramp and 55 freeway widening would be
projects completed sometime in the future,
Commissioner Bonina liked how the realignment of the drives and parking at the mall make it
more efficient and he liked the pedestrian drop off area behind the fountain, It was noted the
police highly recommended that the parking lot be illuminated to 2-3 footcandle, however, that
decision is ultimately up to the applicant.
Commissioner Brandman stated her concerns with the traffic flow on Tustin and Meats, wanting
to eliminate standing traffic, She also had concerns about left turn movements from the center
median turn pocket into the Mall of Orange site,
Brad LaRue. 425 California Street. Suite 200. San Francisco. represented the owners, Rawson,
Blum & Leon, He addressed the questions raised by the Commissioners, He eXplained the
landscaping would be enhanced along Canal Street by putting in several levels of shrubs to hide
the sound walls, They are trying to create excitement in the reconstruction areas along the front
of the project which will encourage people to dine and be drawn into the maIL The streetscape
will be planted with very nice palm trees and walkways will be increased to encourage pedestrian
circulation,
The estimated construction time for this project is 10 months, Construction will begin in early
January and be completed by October or November, making it ready for the 2003 holiday season,
The mall will be open during reconstruction and the applicant is working with the fire department
to ensure safety,
Mackev Deasv. AIA. 695 Town Center Drive. Suite 170. Costa Mesa. of Callison Architecture,
Inc" represented the firm working on the Mall of Orange, He indicated that the image boards are
not the exact likeness of this project but shows the character of what they are aiming for.
Chair Smith had concerns about the heavy concentration of handicapped parking spaces by the
Sears building, Mr. Rice stated that the plans right now focus on landscaping concepts and the
final plans will require equal distribution of handicapped parking as stated in the California State
Building Code,
Chair Smith requested a schematic of the current parking lot striping so it can be compared to the
proposed striping, She agrees with the straight access at the front entrance,
Commissioner Bonina asked about the existing parking agreement with Villa Ford, Mr. LaRue
indicated this was only a temporary use agreement.
Chair Smith had concerns about the lighting in the parking lot, especially by Penney's and on the
north side, Mr. LaRue said lighting consultants have been hired to analyze the parking areas and
these concerns would be addressed, Mr. Rice also indicated that the applicant is working with
crime prevention to upgrade the level of security and to maintain a more comprehensive lighting
program on an annual basis, Chair Smith asked the applicant to pay attention to the police
comment recommending the parking lot be illuminated to 2-3 footcandle,
Commissioner Brandman would like the record to show the applicant pay attention to the lighting
and pedestrian access to J,c' Penney's,
The public hearing was opened,
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Planning Commission Minutes
September 23, 2002
APPROVED
4 people spoke in favor of the proiect
Barbara deBoom, 439 E, Chapman
Roy Shahbazian, 3808 E, Palm
Harvey Kirchoff, 1102 E. Amber Avenue
Richard Hudson, 2404 N, MiIlbrae Street
The speakers were in favor of the proposed changes, Mr. Shahbazian was pleased with the
applicants concern for pedestrian access especially at the main entrance, He stated that there are
nine bus lines that stop at the Mall of Orange, He would like to see distinctive, texturized
sidewalks along Tustin Street and cutout pavers,
In summary, Mr. LaRue thanked all the commission members and the public for their input. He
stated the feedback given would be noted, particularly the bus and lighting issues and they would
look at enhancing these areas,
Commissioner Romero noted that no bus turnouts were on these plans. Mr. Rice said this project
was only a facelift and since there is only a 4% increase in the total square footage ofthe mall, no
such requirements were necessary,
The public hearing was closed
The commissioners voiced their enthusiasm for the project and wanted close attention paid to the
aspect of lighting,
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Romero, seconded by Commissioner Brandman to approve Major Site
Plan Review 244-02 and Negative Declaration 1703,02 for the Mall of Orange with conditions
set forth in the staff report,
AYES:
ABSTAIN:
NOES:
ABSENT:
INRE:
Commissioners Bonina, Brandman, Romero, Smith
None
None
Commissioner Pruett
MOTION CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Brandman, seconded by Commissioner Bonina to adjourn to the
Planning Commission regular meeting on Monday, October 7, 2002 at 6:30 p,m,
AYES:
ABSTAIN:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Bonina, Brandman, Romero, Smith
None
None
Commissioner Pruett
MOTION CARRIED
The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p,m,
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