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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1954.04.29Present Commissioners: Diederichsen Henderson Mattock Mitchell Rooth Stivers BURLINGAME CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Absent Commissioners: Brown Regular Meeting April 29, 1954• OTHERS Present Mayor Atwater Acting Attorney Karmel City Engineer Marr Building Inspector Watson City Clerk White Planning Consultant Mann The meeting was called to order at 8:10 P.M. - Chairman Mitchell in the Chair. Commission Secretary Rooth, newly elected Councilman, declared his intention to act as Secretary for the meeting on this date, reserving the right to participate in discussions but not in the voting. The minutes of the regular meeting of March 25, 1954, and the special meeting of April 16, 1954, as submitted to members of the Commission, were unanimously approved. HEARING: Chairman Mitchell announced that this was the time set for a public hearing upon the classification of unimproved land within the city, described in the published legal notice as follows: "A parcel of land bounded on the northeast by the northeasterly right of way line of the Pacific Gas & Electric Company; on the northwest by the southeasterly line of the City of Millbrae; on the southwest by the northeasterly right of way line of the South- ern Pacific Railroad Company and on the southeast by the proposed industrial area. Said tract having an average length of 3,700 feet and an approximate width of 1,200 feet containing an area of 102 acres, more or less." A letter dated March 17, 1954, was read from the. City Council, re- questing that the Commission schedule the above mentioned public hearings on the rezoning of the area designated above - Millsdale No. 1, from its current zone, "R-l" to that of "M-1." A communication dated March 24, 1954, was read from a group of res- idents comprising a Citizens' Committee, in which the members advised of their continuation to support zoning other than residential for the Millsdale No. 1 area. The communication reminded the Commission of communications, reports and petitions previously submitted in oppos- ition to housing in the above section. A recommendation was read from the Citizens' Engineering Advisory Committee, advising that it is the consensus of the committee that the area easterly from the Southern Pacific right of way to the Bay (including Millsdale No. 1) be zoned for industrial purposes - to the exlusion 'of residential development. In reply to Commissioner Henderson' s request for a clarification, Planning Consultant Mann stated that the question before the Commis- sion is the Council request for the Planning Commission to determirB whether that portion of the area between the P G & E right of Way and the Bayshore shall be rezoned from R-1 to 14-1, and that material and information should be gathered by conducting public hearings. Chairman Mitchell invited interested persons to speak. Mrs M. A. Bliss, President of the Burlingame Improlement•Clubs Council advised that members of his association voted almost unanimously in favor of the M-1 zone. Mr. Walter M. Amstrup, President of the Burlingame Gate Improvement Club advised that members of his association voted unanimously against housing in that area. Mrs. Robert Hammatt, member of the Citizens' Committee, stated that members of her committee are still opposed to housing in Millsdale No. 1. Chairman Mitchell advised that due to conflicting events within the city, he had been requested to postpone the scheduled public hearing. Mr. James Himmell, President of the Burlingame Civic Welfare Improve- ment Association, stated that the hearings should not be postponed, that those unable to attend were still of the opinion that the area should not be residential. He further stated that it is rumored that a large industrial plant is desirous of locating in Burlingame should the"M-1" zoning be recommended at this eveningts meeting. Questioned by the Uhairman, Mr. L. E. Weisenberg, representing the developer, advised that he would not object to the postponement of the hearing, if, however, it were to be decided upon this evening, he would have a statement to make. The Chairman requested the pleasure of the Commission. Commissioner Diederichsen expressed the opinion. that a subject as important as this should be held for further hearing in order that all interested persons may be heard. Commissioner Mattock concurred in Commissioner Diederichsents statement. Mrs. Hadley Argo, 9 Channing Road, and '"lr. Robert Gans, member of the Burlingame Gate Improvement Association, urged that the Commiss- ion close the matter. Commissioner Henderson stated that consideration should be given to persons who have requested a postponement, and the fact that it is the developer who is actually the "loser" he would not be stampeded into action this evening. r_.ruin_"ig uoiruuls slon ri.LnuL es page .5 uont . Chairman Mitchell stated that one phase he had previously presented but had not been discussed, was that of providir.g homes for employees of potential industrial enterprises. He stated that he could not see the point of providing for 400 acres of industry which will bring in a number of employees and not be in a position to provide a place for them to live and that he believed such provisions should be made for a certain percentage so that employees may live and spend within the City. The Chairman quoted statistics previously submitted, in which it appeared that Burlingame has industrial land available to meet re- quirements for many, many years. Commissioner Henderson stated that three points raised by the Citizen's Committee, - (1) schools (20 tax burden, and (3) health and safety, should have some answer. He continued by stating that the property owner has some right and it is the duty of a Planning Commission to try to assist property owners. Mrs. Argo, in answer to Chairman Mitchell's statements regarding providing housing, questioned whether a number of residents presently living within the city, would not prefer to work in Burlingame rather than have to commute to other communities. Mr. Robert Hammatt requested Mr. Weisenberg to express the feelings of the developer so that it may be studied. Mr. Weisenberg expressed the desim to withhold his statements until all interested citizens.. have been heard, for the reason that the sub- ject is quite a task and he would appreciate the hearing being post- poned, so that the developer may present his side of the case. Commissioner Diederichsen stated that in view of the long delay in the project, it was his opinion that the city should offer the devel- oper the courtesy of postponing the hearing and thereupon moved that it be so postponed. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mattock. Following a discussion on the question, the motion was thereafter unanimously carried, and the hearing continued to May 13th, 1954. UNFINISHED BUSINESS? A letter dated April 15, 1954, was read from Mrs. Ida H. Coe, License Collector, citing a possible violation of zoning ordinances, in the conduct of a business known as the "Burlingame Guest House", 901-907 Burlingame Avenue. A letter dated April 1 ,1954, addressed to Mrs. Jeanette Frassett, the prospective purchaser of the above business by the Planning Commission, was read, in which her appearance was re- quested on this date in order to advise the Commission to which use she intended the premises. Attorney Joseph Haughey, representing the purchaser, stated that the apartment consists of ten units of individual apartments, containing stoves and refrigerators, occupied by thirty persons, with one apart- ment reserved for dining room purposes. Meals are served daily,with the exception of Sundays and holidays. Planning Consultant Mann stated that the particular building was originally in the apartment zone but now the occupancy has apparently been changed from apartment to that of a boarding or rooming house, and appearing to be a violation of Section 1910 of the old zoning Planning Uonmission minuties Nt:LbG 4 ordinance and the present zoning ordinance. Following further discussion, the Secretary was instructed to direct a letter to the City Council advising of the inquiry and its subsequent findings. NEW BUSINESS: A letter dated April 21, 1954, was read from the, City Council re- questing a recommendation from the Planning Commission on the pro- posed abandonment of the southerly end of Valdivia Way. At the re- quest of City Engineer Marr, action was postponed until the study meeting of May 13, in order that more infor-nation may be submitted. A letter dated April 8, 1954, was read from the;Burlingame Manor Improvement Association, requesting that every effort be made to save the strip of trees in the Mills Estate bordering on Skyline Boulevard. The Secretary was instructed to direct a letter to that effect to the Trousdale Company. A letter dated April 26, 1954, was read from the Post Office Depart- ment, Division of Real Estate, requesting zoning; maps, ordinances and redevelopment plans, and referred to the Planning Consultant and to the City Engineer for reply. A letter dated April 28, 1954, was read from G. J. Marr, Director of Public Works, recommending that the request of Frank A. Scofield to divide parcels A and B, Lot 1, Burlingame Hills No. 2, be approved. Mr. Marr advised that an investigation has been made and the proposed relocation conforms to requirements provided in Ordinance No. 539. On motion of Commissioner Henderson, seconded by Commissioner Mattock the Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval. A letter dated April 28, 1954, was read from Lewis A. Nelson, re- questing a variance in zoning to establish an oil station on Lots 1, 2B and 2C, Block 17, Lyon and Hoag Subdivision,14as referred back to the writer with an" explanation to proceed in the appropriate legal procedure. A copy of a letter addressed to the City Council, submitting the resignation of Charles W. Rooth as a member of the Planning Commission, was read as a matter of record. On behalf of the Commission, Chair- man Mitchell expressed appreciation to I'lr. Rooth for his services and extended congratulations on his election to the City Council. Until such time as a permanent board may be appointed, Commissioner Henderson was elected to serve as Chairman prbtem and Commissioner Diederichsen as Secretary protem. The meeting was regularly adjourned at 10:10 p.m. to continue the hearing on Millsdale No. 1, May 13, 1954• Respectfully submitted, CHARLES W. ROOTH, Secretary Notes: ELArmstrong