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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Civil Engineer Sharon Penttila, Recording Secretary INRE: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None INRE: ITEMS TO BE CONTINUED OR WITHDRAWN: None INRE: CONSENT CALENDAR: None INRE: NEW HEARINGS (I) MAJOR SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 244-02 AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION NO. 1703-02 - MALL OF ORANGE A proposal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, 2 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, 3