HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1950.05.25M I N U T E S
Chairman Mitchell presiding.
Present
Mitchell
Brown
Harris
Macomber (8:40 p.m.)
Henderson
Stivers
CITY PLANNING GOMMISSION
Burlingame, California
Regular Meeting
May 25, 1950 - 8 p.m.
Others Present
City Attorney Karmel
City Engineer Fitch
City Building Inspector Watson
A delegation headed by Mr. Nelson appeared in behalf of St. Paul's Episcopal
Church on the highway with plans for a nursery school playground on property owned by
the Church at Occidental and Chapin Avenues. Mr. Nelson explained that these plans
represent a modified program after meetings with neighbors and that it is intended
that the premises will be used for only two or three hours in the morning five days a
week. GEORGE ANESTA appeared and stated that he is the owner of a 100' frontage at
1525 Chapin Avenue across the street from the proposed church playground and explained
that the neighbors had heard of the plan for this development and held meetings with
the Church group and arrived at this compromise plan for the use of the lot on a small-
er scale. Thisspeaker went on further to state that he was opposed to the use of the
lot as a playground in the First Residential Zone and said that he understands that
this proposed use includes moving the old church house to this lot. Mr. Nelson
answered that the removal of the old church house is something to be considered some-
time in the future. FRED BUSEY, 1601 Chapin Avenue, appeared and stated that this pro-
posal for a playground is related to the operation of a commercial school project in
the church building which is tax-free. At this point in the discussion City Attorney
Karmel read the Burlingame City ordinance governing the use of property in the First
Residential Zone. Thereupon Commissioner Brown expressed the belief that the proposed
use of the lot as a playground would not be in violation of the city ordinance.
Commissioner Harris stated that from his experience on the County Recreation Commission
it is difficult and expensive to transport young children any distance to a playground
and therefore it is desirable to have neighborhood facilities of this character.
Commissioner Brown made the motion that the Planning Commission recommend to the City
Council approval of the modified plan presented by the church group. This motion was
seconded by Commissioner Harris and on roll call the vote was as follows;
Brown Yes
Mitchell "
Henderson "
Harris "
Stivers "
Macomber Not present
Messrs. Zilmer and Cavill appeared to inquire as to the view of the Planning
Commission relative to the possibility of rezoning the area bounded by Howard and
Peninsula Avenues, Dwight and Anita Roads, from First Residential to Second Residential.
In the discussion it was the consensus of the Commissioners that they would look with
favor upon such a proposal if it excluded Howard Avenue. There was no petition
presented; no action was taken.
The Chairman referred to the communication from the Burlingame Public Library
dated April 7, relative to a parking area for employes' cars. In the discussion the
Commissioners indicated that they would not look with favor upon a plan to use library
Continuation - MINUTES - Burlingame City Planning Commission
May 25, 1950 Page 2
grounds for parking automobiles. City Engineer Fitch was present and suggested that he
might possibly work out some satisfactory arrangement with the Police Department for
street parking. The Secretary was instructed to reply to the Librarian that after con-
sideration it was suggested that some other arrangement be made in order to avoid the
use of the limited library grounds for automobile parking.
Chairman Mitchell stated that Dr. W. H. Martin's petition for variance from
"Apartment" to "Commercial" Zone affecting the residential building at 1500 Broadway
has been referred back to the Planning Commission by the City Council. Commissioner
Mitchell recited the history of the effort of the Planning Commission to restrict
business on the West side of El Camino. Real and the court decision some years ago up-
holding the zoning ordinance. In thediscassion which ensued, it was brought out that if
any one variance is permitted, it woula act as a "wedge" to encourage other petitions
of like character which could not consistently be denied and thus it could be expected
that business development would get a foothold on the West side of the highway and
break down the objectives and benefits of the zoning ordinance. During this discussion
Commissioner Harris and Henderson, who had voted in favor of the variance at the hearing
April 27, stated that a problem would be introduced by a single variance and as they
were not in favor of business on the Nest side of the highway, they were prepared to
recommend to the City Council that the petition under review be denied. Commissioner
Brown moved that the petition of Dr. Martin for variance from "Apartment" to'Commercial"
Zone be denied. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Henderson, and on roll call
the vote was as follows:
Brown Yes
Mitchell "
Henderson "
Harris "
Stivers "
Macomber Not voting
A communication was read from John A. Cost, attorney at law, representing
the Child Guidance Clinic at 1408 Howard Avenue, Burlingame, seeking to ascertain the
view of the Planning Commission as to classification of the Clinic insofar as zoning is
concerned. After discussion it was the consensus of the commissioners that they be-
lieved that the Clinic should seek to remain in the commercial area and the Secretary
was directed so to respond to the inquiry.
Chairman Mitchell reviewed his communication April 26 to the Planning
Commission outlining objectives with respect to a planning program on a number of sub-
jects and it was decided to hold a study meeting June 9, 1950.
Meeting adjourned 10:25 P.M.
D. A. Sti ers, Secretary.