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88 Page 37 MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION September 6, 2005 7 :30 p.m. Council Chambers * City Hall 1017 Middlefield Rd Redwood City, CA Ph: 650-780~7233 Accessible to Disabled E-X-C-E-R-P-T 6. PROPOSED MEZESVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT BOUNDARIES Mr. Jany stated that this item is a unanimous recommendation from the Historic Resource Advisory Committee and involves the Mezesville/Centennial neighborhood area. The Historic Resource Advisory Committee is seeking more information about the Mezesville area as defined by the boundaries shown on the staff report map). For several months the Historic Committee has been reviewing proposals affecting several blocks in that area and as a result of these investigations the HRAC felt that more information is needed including knowing its composition, how many buildings, what type, how old are they, and to determine the significance of these buildings to the Community as a grouping. The inventory that we have today contains about 100 structures. That is a long way from documenting all the structures that are historic in Redwood City and therefore the City has not had a chance to. address and review the remaining parts of Redwood City. Such analyses are generally prompted by applications and questions that staff receives from the public and the property owners. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) asks us to look at properties that are older than 50 Years old. The State law requires an investigation to historically rate each property. The City's Historical Ordinance describes Redwood City's Historic District process. (n this area this zoning is high density (R-5}and the lot size is the controlling factor. The blocks are mixed use residential combining district, the General Plan designation is moderate to high rise residential. There are several alternatives. Modify the boundaries proposed by the Historic Resource Advisory Committee. Determine that the subject area does not have enough historic potential and determine that the area is not deserving of further study. Mr. Passanisi stated that another option is to postpone any action tonight and consíder this as part of the General Plan update. Mr. Jany entered into the record a letter from one of the neighbors, Peggy Bruggman, addressed to the Planning Commission Chair as well as staff supporting the district effort. Another issue involved whether the Buildings ofa partícular style and period should be considered a cumulative impact under CEQA. Staff felt that this question deals with neighborhood preservation and neighborhood character. Commissioner Claire asked if the intent of staff is to rezone these areas within the district, or keep the current zoning. Mr. Jany replied that the zoning itself does not get affected in historic dístrict designation, referring to the Stambaugh-'Helfer district Chair Page 1 of 11