HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-27 - AGENDA REPORTS - APPEAL OF MC 08-033 (2)PUBLIC HEARING
DATE:
Agenda Item: I
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval
Item to be presented by
October 27, 2009
Ben Jarvis
SUBJECT: APPEAL OF MASTER CASE NO. 08-033, A REQUEST FOR A
99,000 SQUARE -FOOT COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT ON
10.28 ACRES IN THE COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY) ZONE --CONTINUED ITEM FROM
THE AUGUST 25, 2009 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council continue the public hearing to December 8, 2009 and direct City staff to explore a
comprehensive planning effort for the southeast quadrant of the Newhall Gateway, in
coordination with SFXS Partners and the University of Southern California, to better address the
potential environmental impacts and to create a financially viable and well coordinated
development for this unique area.
BACKGROUND
Application Submittal
On February 27, 2008, SFXS Partners (the applicant) submitted an application to construct the
Sierra Crossing commercial center located on a vacant piece of property at 23300 Newhall
Avenue (formerly known as San Fernando Road). The 10.28 acre subject property is located at
the southeast corner of Newhall Avenue and Sierra Highway in the community of Newhall, and
is zoned Community Commercial (Planned Development Overlay). The project site consists of
Assessor Parcel Numbers 2827-005-014, 015, 027, 028, and 034. The City had initial concerns
regarding site design, oak tree impacts, and the opportunity for a point park-and-ride facility at
this location. The City was also concerned about access to commercial property between the
project site and the Antelope Valley Freeway as well as how the proposed commercial center
would fit in with other planned projects in the "Newhall Gateway" area. The City and the
applicant worked together to resolve outstanding issues and revised plans were submitted. The
Continued To: L) IY a0-6 �
project was deemed complete on May 11, 2009, and a public hearing was scheduled.
Planning Commission Action
This project was heard and approved by the Planning Commission on June 2, 2009. No letters of
opposition were received from the general public, although the Santa Monica Mountains
Conservancy did submit written objection to the project based on the proposal to fill-in 300
linear feet of Newhall Creek. After hearing the staff presentation, the applicant's presentation,
and discussing the issue, a majority of the Planning Commissioners felt that the proposed
development was appropriate for the project site and the commercial project was approved with a
4-1 vote.
Appeal/Continuance
On June 8, 2009, the project was appealed by Councilmember McLean. Primary issues cited in
the appeal letter included the overall site design, aesthetics, and environmental issues. A public
hearing was opened at the August 25, 2009, City Council meeting and the item was continued to
October 27, 2009. The reason for the continuance was to provide time for the applicant and the
adjacent property owner, the University of Southern California, to discuss the feasibility of
developing a joint project. Given the proximity of both properties to the Antelope Valley
Freeway, similar environmental issues, and other proposed commercial/office projects in the
area, it made sense to explore the option of developing the properties together in a coordinated
effort. The discussion between the property owners was not successful and the project remains
unchanged from the project that was approved by the Planning Commission in June 2009.
The applicant has requested that the project be continued to December 8, 2009 to allow City staff
an opportunity to explore a comprehensive planning effort for the southeast quadrant of the
Newhall Gateway. This effort will require close coordination with SFXS Partners and the
University of Southern California. The goal of this planning effort is to create a well coordinated
development plan for this unique area which addresses the environmental features on the site and
results in a financially viable and sustainable development project. This planning effort will
require Redevelopment Agency funds to cover the costs of the planning and environmental work.
A reimbursement mechanism would be established to enable the Agency to recover these funds
at the time development occurs. As part of this effort, staff will develop a scope of work along
with a project timeline prior to the December 8, 2009 City Council meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT
None by this action. However, it is the City's intent to request the Redevelopment Agency
appropriate funds at a later date to prepare a comprehensive plan and environmental analysis for
the subject area. This planning effort will, however, include a reimbursement mechanism for the
Agency to recover these funds at the time property development occurs.
on
NOTICE OF CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, at its regular meeting
held August 25, 2009, continued a public hearing on
ITEM 11
PUBLIC HEARING
APPEAL OF MASTER CASE 08-033, A REQUEST FOR A 99,000 SQUARE -FOOT
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY) ZONE AT 23300 NEWHALL AVENUE
to October 27, 2009. The continued public hearing will be held at or after 6:00 p.m. in the Council
Chamber at 23920 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita, California.
Dated this 26"' day of August, 2009.
SHARON L. DAWSON, CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS. AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
SHARON L. DAWSON, being first duly sworn, deposes and says that she is the duly
appointed and qualified City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita and that on August 26, 2009, she caused
the above notice to be posted at the door of the Council Chamber located at 23920 Valencia Blvd.,
Santa Clarita, California.
SHARON L. DAWSON, CITY CLERK
Santa Clarita, California
S \city\public hearings\Continued PH MC 08-033 doc