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HHCC needs to be brought in early to provide alternatives, "we are going to see some difficulty with some of these projects and getting federal funding dollars for them." Planning Commissioner Giannini asked that staff point out infrastructure problems in the area around a proposed development as soon as possible. The 2150 Roosevelt project brought to light, late in the process, a severe sewer problem in that neighborhood. Although the proposed housing development was rejected, a new sewer project was approved. Architectural Advisory Committee Member Spotorno cited examples of neighborhood response to recently proposed developments, and said it wasn't necessarily the size of a project, but its location that brings the greatest response. He said even small projects in residential neighborhoods can turn into large issues for the Planning Commission and Council. He described projects such as infill housing and possible zoning changes, and said he "could see a lot of resistance coming from those kinds of things happening in existing neighborhoods." Architectural Advisory Committee Chairman Gilman said it wasn't reasonable to expect all applicants to begin negotiations early on, as it might be advantageous for them to wait until the eleventh hour. He said the process needs to be very clearly defined; every applicant needs to receive fair and even handed treatment; controversial projects are those that did not receive clear, objective guidelines; zoning requirements need adjusting and made more objective; and Architectural Advisory Committee review needs to be mandatory. HHCC Member Kathleen Mahany said most people don't realize the HHCC's responsibilities for housing policies and programs in the City. She asked for assurances that the HHCC would be involved in the early stages of proposed developments. She reminded everyone that the City asked for $100,000, and was granted $70,000 ITom the HHCC for El Camino Real beautification programs this year. Architectural Advisory Committee Member Howard said the process had improved over the past few years. He said the final outcome of a proposed project should look like what each Committee and Commission had actually reviewed and approved, and added that it would be helpful to know from the beginning what Council wanted for a particular site. Planning Commissioner Pine said that the 2150 Roosevelt project was a classic competition of values, but the process was fine. He said he was encouraged by the Plans implemented in recent years, Davies site and the Franklin Street Area plan. He said the Planning Commission, by its advisory nature and organization, spends more time on a project than the Council, and said, "I'm not sure there is a good mechanism for you to benefit from all the work that we do on a given project. By definition we SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION OCTOBER 20, 1997 STUDY SESSION MEETING MINUTES MINUTE BOOK NO. 55 PAGE 10 Page No. 594