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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.