CC Min 1997-10-20 Stdy - Laserfiche WebLink

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In response to Council questions, Planning Commission Chairman Bursak agreed that the HHCC should participate more in the planning process in Redwood City and the Planning Commission would look forward to more joint meetings with that Commission to study that issue. Vice Mayor Howard thanked the Planning Commission for inviting the Council to tomorrow's Commission meeting to hear the Franklin Street Area Plan presentation. She asked that staff look at available parcels, how they are zoned and how they would look "maxed out." She said if the fully developed project is not what the council envisions for that property, then the zoning should be changed. MEMO 10/21/97 Architectural Advisory Committee Member Spotorno said there was some sentiment for having zoning maps be three-dimensional. Council Member Leipzig said, "I'm not sure where I am right now on this (Architectural Advisory Committee and the process), I want to talk to, there are a couple of developers in the audience I know, and I am anxious to talk to them and get their input. I don't want to add another layer to the process, but I don't want to discount the committee. It's important. But I don't want to discourage development or add another layer to the process in any way." Mayor Hartnett said the recommendations of staff are good ones, and the Council had heard important new matters from the Commission and Committee members. He agreed that the HHCC should be more systematically involved, and there needs to be a vehicle for the Architectural Committee, a more systematic role, clearly defined with its recommendations, if appropriate, carried out by the Planning Commission. He said although it is a good idea to have a clear definition of the process for the developers early on, it's rather difficult to predict the timelines in the planning process, there are so many variables involved. Mayor Hartnett said a deliberative look at the process for complex or major projects early on, such as with Franklin Street and Pacific Shores, would be helpful to understand all the issues and provide a fair and reasonable process for all parties. He said practical versus legal notices is an important issue that needs to be integrated in the process, and the communications issue is a difficult one, but crucial. He added that he believed it was important for the Planning Commission to remain independent, and the Council Members should not signal too early in the process what their views are. He commended the Commission on its hard work and difficult decisions, and referring to the 2150 Roosevelt proposal, said, "You did a tremendous job." He agreed that subcommittees are useful, but said the Council and the Planning Commission need to make their own independent decisions. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION OCTOBER20,1997 STUDY SESSION MEETING MINUTES MINUTE BOOK NO. 55 PAGE 14 Page No. 598