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HomeMy WebLinkAbout040802 OTLRB MinutesCALL TO ORDER MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE OLD TOWN TEMECULA LOCAL REVIEW BOARD APRIL 8, 2002 The Old Town Temecula Local Review Board convened in a regular meeting at 9:01 A.M., on Monday, April 8, 2002, in the Main Conference Room of Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. ROLLCALL Present: Absent. Also Present: PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments. CONSENT CALENDAR Agenda RECOMMENDATION: '1. Board Members: Allen, Blair, Montgomery, Ross, and Chairman Harker. None. Development Processing Coordinator Noland, Redevelopment Management Analyst Hillberg, Project Planner Rush, Minute Clerk Hansen, and Minute Clerk Savage. 1.1 Approve the Agenda of April 8, 2002. 2. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 Approve the Minutes of March 11,2002. MOTION: Board Member Blair moved to approve Consent Item Nos. 1-2. The motion was seconded by Board Member Montgomery and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. R:lOIdTownlLRBIMinutesl04-08-02 1 BOARD BUSINESS 3. Planning Application No. 02-0163 - Certificate of Historical Appropriateness to demolish a single-family dwellinq and two detached accessory buildinqs at 28731 Puiol Street RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 Staff is recommending approval for this project. Development Processing Coordinator Noland reviewed the staff report as per agenda material, highlighting the following: · That the owner has not expressed an interest in rehabilitating the Property; · That due to the lack of maintenance, the Property has become a public nuisance and a possible safety concern; That, to his understanding, the Planning Department has indicated that in order for the Property's dwelling to be habitable, a new foundation, plumbing and wiring would be required to bring it to Code compliance; · That relocation of the Property's dwelling was considered but determined unfeasible; · That the Property's original owner, Mr. Angel Ramirez, was a farm hand at the Vail Ranch; · That the Property's dwelling and accessory buildings are not currently occupied; That the City has been dealing with the Property's owners for nearly two years and the owners have given permission for the City to demolish the Property's dwelling and accessory building.<;. Redevelopment Management Analyst Hillberg, for Chairman Harker, advised that the City had made three purchase offers to the Property's owners; that the Property was appraised at $55,000, that demolition would be $2,500, so the City made its last offer at $52,500. The Property owners, however, are asking $75,000. Mr. Hillberg added that should the dwelling and buildings be demolished, the Property would be suitable for a Habitat for Humanity project. At this time, Chairman Harker invited public comments. Apprising the Board of her personal research regarding historical preservation and planning, Ms. Charlotte Fox, 32800 Hupa Drive, Temecula, California 92592, (a member of the Temecula Valley Historical Society and the Vail Ranch Restoration Association, and candidate for the Riverside County Historical Commiss'ion) advised that the actual inventory of historical properties in the City began in 1968; that the State designates certain properties as being historically significant but that it does not register them; and that the Property was designated as historically significant in 1968 and again in the 1970's, by the Temecula Women's Club. Although concurring with the Property's need for rehabilitation, Ms. Fox relayed her viewpoint on historic preservation, noting that she supports the following: R:lOIdTownlLRSlMinutesl04-08-02 2 · Individuals having the opportunity to live in historic places; · Incentives for research, restoration, and rehabilitation; Extension of the Temecula area's historic inventory; · Historic review and expedient processing by the Planning Department, including adding a Historical Planner on staff; and · Promoting cultural tourism and community involvement. Ms. Fox conveyed her opposition to what she views as hasty condemnation processes or not having fully explored all options such as relocation or rehabilitation. For Board Member Ross, Ms. Fox advised that the State and County have designated the Properly as historically significant, recommending that the City's General Plan address the review of historical preservation guidelines and noting that the buildings on the Property could be appropriate for relocation to the Old Vail Ranch site. Public comments continued from Mr. Tom Bland, P.O. Box 892157, Temecula, California 92589, (909) 693-0406. Mr. Bland informed the Board of his interest in purchasing the Property and rehabilitating the structures, noting that the dwelling would function as his personal residence; that the dwelling was constructed 83 years ago and its multiple granite-slab foundation has functioned adequately during those years; that minimal modifications would have to be made for owner occupancy; and that he has a personal desire to live in Old Town. Considering that the Property's dwelling has existed at its present location for 80+ years, Chairman Harker noted no immediate Board action was needed, and recommended that this matter be continued, relaying his general dismay with the loss of historical sites by way of fire, demolition, etc.; but he also noted that he would voice no objection to demolition of the two detached accessory buildings on the Property. For Board Member Ross, Mr. Bland confirmed his intent to historically preserve the dwelling and, as well, to aesthetically improve its exterior appearance and the Property's landscaping. Not understanding the urgency of the matter, Board Member Allen expressed his concurrence with remediating the public nuisance issue, as well as his opposition of the demolition of the Property structures until the historical significance of the residence has been more fully identified. MOTION: Board Member Allen moved to continue this matter to the next Board meeting in order to obtain additional information. The motion was seconded by Board Member Blair. (This motion was amended; see pg. 4.) It was requested by the Board that Director of Planning Ubnoske, Director of Housing and Redevelopment Meyer and Senior Management Analyst Brown be available for the next Board Meeting. Project Planner Rush reiterated the lack of interest of the Property's owners to rehabilitate the Property and relayed the difficulty in proceeding with historical preservation options without either the current owners' participation or the City's purchase of the Property, noting that if either action were to occur, historical grant funds may be available. Mr. Rush suggested that Senior R:lOIdTownlLRBIMinutesl04-08-02 3 Building Inspector Smith might provide the Board a punch list to address Code requirements at the May meeting. Management Analyst Hillberg advised that the use of Iow-to-moderate income housing monies must be allocated toward habitable structures only. Board Member Allen commented on the Board's mission, reiterating that it is to protect the historical nature of Old Town. In response to Board Member Allen's comment, Development Processing Coordinator Noland clarified that the demolition procedure was not imminent. Board Member Allen questioned the feasibility of the City's constructing a fence around the Property. In light of the Board's continued discussion regarding the Property, Minute Clerk Hansen clarified the Board's intent of requesting additional information as per the original Motion. In light of her clarification, the following Amended Motion was offered: AMENDED MOTION: Due to the reluctance of the Board to demolish a historic building without a plethora of data, Board Member Allen moved to continue this issue to May 13, 2002, in order for the City to provide additional information regarding: · the historical nature of the structure(s) and · Code Enforcement requirements associated with the Property's residence; and alternate options for the dwelling such as · the City purchasing the dwelling for the purpose of an historical exhibit; · Mr. Bland purchasing the Property; · the residence being moved to an alternate site; and · fencing the property. The motion was seconded by Board Member Blair and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. R:lOIdTownlLRBIM[nutesl04-08-02 4 4. Amend the Old Town Specific Plan Applicant: City of Temecula Planning Department Staff: Director of Planning - Debbie Ubnoske RECOMMENDATION: 4.1 Staff is recommending approval for this project. Staff advised that this matter would be continued off calendar. MOTION: Board Member Ross moved to continue the matter off calendar. The motion was seconded by Board Member Allen and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING REPORT No comments. DEPARTMENT OF REDEVELOPMENT REPORT No comments. BOARD MEMBERS'REPORTS A. Board Member Ross commended the owner of Country Home/Country Garden on Main Street for a job well done as relates to recent upgrades to the business' exterior appearance. B. For Board Member Blair, Project Planner Rush advised that the Planning Director had determined that a roof, with a sufficient pitch for drainage, could be constructed on the parking lot structure at the Baron Property and that such roof has been installed. Mr. Rush provided additional information with regard to the structures at that site. C. For Board Member Ross, Management Analyst Hillberg provided an update as to the previously approved generic signage for Main Street directing visitors to side street vendors, stating that the signage will be installed within a few weeks. D. Board Member Montgomery requested that the Amendments to the Old Town Specific Plan address off-site signage for side street businesses. E. Board Member Ross expressed concern with the aesthetic appearance and location of two outdoor bins, utilized for fruit and vegetable displays, at Mercado Italiano Deli & Fresh Produce. Board Member Montgomery provided clarification of the OId Town Specific Plan, noting that it prohibits the display of merchandise on a business' properly in front of its building. R:/OIdTown/LRBIMinutesl04-08-02 5 STAFF'S REPORT Project Planner Rush informed the Board of a Director's Hearing at which approval was granted for a Conditional Use Permit for God's Country Church to hold Sunday services and conduct church business in the Stampede's building. ADJOURNMENT At 10:26 A.M. Chairman Harker formally adjourned this meeting to Monday, May 13, 2002 at 9:00 A.M. in the Community Development Conference Room, City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, CA 92590 Chairman William Harker 'Director of Plannin~ Debbie Ubnoske R:lOIdTownlLRBIMinutesl04-O8-02 6