HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1949.01.27M I N U T E S
Vice Chairman Shattuck presiding.
Present Absent
Coles None
Brown
Shattuck
Macomber
Stivers
Mitchell
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
Burlingame, California.
Regular Meeting
January 27, 1949 - 8 p.m.
Others Present
City Attorney Karmel
City Clerk White
City Engineer Fitch
City Building Inspector Watson
At this meeting was held a public hearing of an application for variance signed
by Leo W. Meyer, dated January 11, 1949,relating to Lots 8 and 9, Block 17, Town of
Burlingame. The Chairman read the Notice of Hearing of Petition for Variance of Zone on
the above -mentioned lots for use as a parking lot and invited anyone present to speak
for or against the variance. The petitioner, Leo W. Meyer, was present and stated that
the proposed parking lot would be added to or used in conjunction with Lots 12 and 13
facing on East Lane and that the combined area would provide parking space for approxi-
mately 125 cars. He related that from his own observations there was a great need for
parking facilities in that vicinity and if the variance is granted, he would clean up and
pave the parking lot with gravel or asphaltum in a manner suitable for the use of a well -
maintained and supervised parking lot. The Chairman read two communications which had
been filed with the Commission in favor of the variance, and two letters of neighboring
residents in protest thereof.
Mr. Homer Stack, owner of the vacant lot across the street on Myrtle Road, appeared
as did members of his family who reside in the neighborhood, and
stated that they did not believe there is sufficient need for addi-
tional parking space in this immediate vicinity and that such a
development would be a detriment in this residential area which is
zoned for apartments. They further inquired if the lot actually
would be utilized for used car sales, or as a parking lot, and they
urged against this type of development on this property.
Mrs. Frank Pohl appeared and stated that she owns a home and property on Myrtle Road
and protested granting a variance for a parking lot.
Mr. Clare Kemp, local merchant, not owning property in the area under discussion, ap-
peared and spoke of the well-known need for a great amount of addi-
tional parking space in downtown Burlingame, and urged the granting
of the variance for this purpose.
Mrs. Bouret, a property owner in the neighborhood, appeared in protest.
In the discussion which ensued the members of the Planning Commission acknowledged the
need generally for additional parking space, which is recognized as a real problem in the
community, but at the same time it is believed that the wishes of the property owners
should be known and taken into full consideration. Commissioner Coles made a motion that
the variance be granted, which motion died for lack of a second. It was decided that the
matter should be tabled for further study and consideration at the next meeting February
24, 1949. In the meanwhile the City Engineer has been requested to prepare a plat of the
lots embraced in the area which received notices of this public hearing, and to note there-
on the responses for and against as a result of this hearing and further investigation.
The Chairman read a letter January 27, 1949 from the City Clerk as follows:
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Continuation - MINUTES - Burlingame City Planning Commission
January 27, 1949
"Attached herewith is a letter received from the St. Francis Investment Company
which was addressed to the City Council in regard to the widening of Chapin
Avenue.
The matter is being referred to the City Engineer, the City Attorney, and to
your Commission for consideration and your recommendation on the request made
by the Investment Company."
The letter above referred to from the St. Francis Investment Company was read by the
Chairman -
"The St. Francis Investment Company is currently constructing the Lucky Store
on the corner of Chapin Avenue and El Camino Real, which will be completed in
approximately April, 1949. Our plans have provided for the eventual widening
of Chapin Avenue, in accordance with the City requirements. We do not know
whether any definite date has been set for the widening of Chapin, but we feel
that there are several compelling reasons why the widening should proceed as
soon as possible.
The first is that we are afraid that if the street is widened after Lucky
Store is in operation, there will be a serious traffic problem --both to Lucky
and to the general public on E1 Camino Real.
Secondly, we have hired Thomas Church, landscape architect, and the present
indecision makes it difficult for him to complete his plans.
We would like to urge you to seriously consider commencing the widening of
Chapin Avenue at the very earliest moment that seems feasible. The engineer-
ing plans are all completed, and as far as we know, there is nothing that
stands in the way of beginning the work. However, if there is some obstacle
unknown to us which would mean a delay in the widening beyond the opening date
of the store, we would appreciate your permission to widen the 358 feet of our
side of Chapin Avenue under private contract, in accordance with the plans and
specifications prepared by the City Engineer. This would constitute our con-
tribution in lieu of assessment. Naturally if there are any additional con-
siderations, such as compensation to any particular lot holders, which will be
shared by other property owners og the street in addition to the regular widen-
ing assessment, you can count on us to do our share.
Hoping that this matter may be conveniently discussed at your meeting oft Monday
the 17th, and looking forward'to an early reply, -we remain,
Respectfully yours,
ST. FRANCIS INVESTMENT COMPANY
By F. C. Whitman
Vice President."
City Engineer Fitch was present and reported on the status of the engineering plans for
the widening of Chapin Avenue. Commissioner Coles asked the City Engineer if it would be
feasible to widen a portion of the street pending completion of the final details, and
the Engineer expressed the belief that all of the work on the project should be done at
the same time. Ed. McDonald, Chapin Avenue property owner, was present and stated that
he understood the desirability of having the work all done in its entirety and said that
the matter has been under discussion for a long time, and he urged that the project should
be completed in accordance with the wishes of the property owners. City Attorney Karmel
explained the procedure which will be necessary which requires that 25% of the Chapin
Avenue property owners should get together and present a petition to the City Council to
widen and repave the street and he advised that the City of Burlingame, as a municipal
corporation, has no power to enter into an agreement such as proposed in the letter
January 13, 1949 from the St. Francis Investment Company. A motion carried instructing.
the Secretary to inform the City Council that the Planning Commission does not recommend
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Continuation - MINUTES - Burlingame City Planning Commission
January 27, 1949
granting the request of the St. Francis Investment Company to widen 358' on the South side
of Chapin Avenue under private contract and recommends that,the project of widening Chapin
Avenue should be done at one time.
The Chairman read a communication from The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph
Company dated January 21, requesting permission to erect a fence, improve the appearance,
and provide parking area for the company's vehicles on the vacant lot adjoining their
building on Burlingame Avenue. After discussion, a motion was carried instructing the
Secretary to report to the City Council that the Planning Commission recommends the grant-
ing of this request.
The Chairman read a communication dated January 27, 1949 from Clare Kemp,
Industrial Realty Co., as follows:
"We hereby make application for the approval of your body for the construction of
2 Butler Type Steel Buildings 50'x 100'
1 n n n n 50' x 110' 120'
1 it it n n 50' x 120' - 130'
to be located on our property North of Broadway near Rollins Road. Buildings to be of new
type aluminum covering with dull finish."
After being advised by the Building Inspector that the proposed construction complies with
the Building Code, the Planning Commission indicated its approval. Commissioner Macomber
however asked that it be made a matter of record in the Minutes that he has protested be-
fore and continues to protest the existence of only a single road to provide ingress and
egress to this industrial area. A motion was made by Commissioner Mitchell and seconded
by Commissioner Coles that the permit, as requested by Clare Kemp, be approved. This mo-
tion on roll call carried.
Building Inspector Watson presented plans for the proposed construction of a
warehouse for the storage of lumber on the Dord property in the Broadway industrial area.
No plat was provided so that the exact location could not be determined at the meeting.
City Engineer Fitch advised that in the immediate vicinity of the proposed structure there
is at present no sewer or water supply. After discussing the subject with the Building
Inspector, the Planning Commission voted that permit should not be granted until and if a
satisfactory plat plan is submitted to and approved by the City Engineer. Also, the permit
should not be issued until the City Engineer has estimated the cost of installation of the
necessary sewer and water pipes and the funds for the payment of the same are deposited.
Building Inspector Watson presented plans for the proposed construction of an
apartment house by E. L. Jett on Lot 7, Block 2, Burlingame Park #4. Approved.
Building Inspector Watson presented plans for construction of an apartment house
by David A. Nicolaides on Lot 10, Block 3, Burli.ngables in vicinity of Bayshore and Dwight
Road. Approved.
Building Inspector Watson presented plans for the proposed construction of an
apartment house by J. H. Dore'on Lot 9, Block 19, Easton No. 2, El Camino between Broadway
and Carmelita. Approved.
Building Inspector Watson presented plans for the proposed construction of an
apartment house by J. H. Dore'on Lot 8, Block 19, Easton No. 2, El Camino Real. Approved.
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Continuation - MINUTES - Burlingame City Planning Commission
January V, 1949
Commissioner Mitchell brought up for discussion the subject of commuter park-
ing in the vicinity of Broadway and Chula Vista Avenue and the possibility of utilizing
the abandoned street car track area pending other development. City Engineer Fitch re-
ported that the City of San Francisco owns the right-of-way in fee and that certain plans
are under discussion which will include a system of traffic lights connected with the
railroad crossing gates, and he suggested that this matter be put over for 30 days, which
was done.
In reponse to the request from the City Council, the Planning Commission re-
viewed its recommendation October 15, 190 for a variance affecting the creek area in
the vicinity of Howard Avenue and El Camino Real. After discussion, it was requested
that the City Engineer prepare a report on the subject and refer the same back to the
Commission.
The City Clerk reported that the Council has held up communication August 27,
1948 relative to resubdivision of Lots 21, 22, and 23, Block 5, Burlingame Manor, pending
clarification of description of the property to be resubdivided. This is in the area
where the proposed changes are made necessary to correct a ground water condition in a
slide area. ' 'he City Engineer reported that changes have been made in the original
proposal and that further changes may be necessary, and he requested that no action be
taken until further request is received from the owners of the property, California
Constructors, Inc.
DAS:LB
The Meeting adjourned 11 p.m.
A. Stivers, Secretary.
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