AgdaPkt 2014-08-25 Closed and Joint with SA and Planning Amended

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7.1.F. - Page 13 other than public schools. He spoke in support of the project noting that they are one of many parents with a legitimate desire for alternative educational opportunities in the community and that he is familiar with the Bergs and their efforts with Cambridge Academy. He said this is a husband and wife small business, the Bergs have been careful and sensitive in modifying their plans, this facility was fully reviewed and signed off by the Fire Department, and that there is a long driveway inside the property for drop-offs. He asked that the project be approved. Karen Hooker has been a resident for over 35 years and spoke in favor of the project while noting that she has attended most of the meetings (on this project). She opined that as a senior herself, she already sees a lot of young families coming in and opined that they would love to have alternative schooling here. M/S Seybert/Foust to close public hearing. Motion carries by unanimous roll call vote. One Council Member asked about the history of the site and the prior school that was there. Associate Planner Michelle Littlefield confirmed that there was a previous school at the site in which the City provided a reduction of the amount of students allowed at the school. She said that at that time, the Council made a decision based on traffic concerns. This same Council Member said he was surprised about the current Environmental Impact Report (EIR) concerning the noise impact, but he had questions pertaining to the Site Traffic Plan. He then asked for confirmation on the entrance and parking flows, which Senior Transportation Coordinator Jessica Manzi confirmed. He also wanted to know if the Traffic Study included the behavior when students get dropped off at school. She replied that the focus was on the quantitative aspects of what was happening at the site counting the actual cars in the area. Vice Mayor Foust commented that there was information online that talked about the Baptist Church in terms of allowing schools at the site, and wanted to know what other schools have operated there in the past 50 years. Associate Planner Littlefield answered by providing a brief history of the schools in that Montessori schools operated at that location. Vice Mayor Foust acknowledged that Redwood Baptist bought this church from another church in June 2007, and Ms. Littlefield confirmed. As to the names of the schools, an audience member told Ms. Littlefield, which she repeated, that there was Sequoia Preschool that had up to 35 students and the Montessori Community School operated at the property for 20 years. The Vice Mayor continued that she thinks it is great that the appellant wants to start a nondenominational school and provide choices for parents. She continued however that this issue is not about the school, but about the location and zoning and the impacts on the neighborhood. Vice Mayor Foust stated that this neighborhood is already impacted and this is a Land Use decision made by the Planning Commission. Thus, she will not support the school in this neighborhood even though it is a great alternative but from a Land Use decision the fit isn't there. JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD July 28, 2014 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 12