HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1952.01.08M I N U T E S
CITY PLA_NN_ING COMMISSION
Burlingame, California
Special Meeting
January 8, 1952 - 8 p.m.
Chairman Mitchell presiding.
Present Absent Others Present
Mitchell None Councilman Love
Harris " - Simonds
Brown City Attorney Karmel
Macomber Building Inspector Watson
Henderson
Stivers
This was a Special Meeting to hear further the petition to -rezone Lot 5,
Block 5, Easton Addition #1 Subdivision from "apartment" to "commercial', zone for
the use of Broadway Branch Postoffice.
JOHN R. LYNDEN was present representing the owner of the property, his
daughter, Mrs. Esther Lynden Farr, a resident of San Jose. Mr. Lynden stated that
since this subject came before the Planning Commission at the Regular Meeting
December 27, 1951, the Post Office Department has indicated a willingness to accept
rezoning from "apartment house" to "commercial" zone with a set -back of 15'. The
Chairman asked if a plot plan or sketch was available. Postmaster Broderick pre-
sented a plat showing the dimensions of the proposed building to be 39' x 80' and
to be constructed of reinforced cement block.
MRS. CECILIA GIROUEX, PRESIDENT, BROADWAY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, read
for the record the following communication:
"Burlingame Planning Commission
City of Burlingame, California
Gentlemen:
Please be advised that on January 8, 1952 at a regularly called
meeting of this association a.motion was introduced and passed unanimously
to wit:
'That the Broadway Development Association does hereby endorse
and seek the affirmative action of the Burlingame Planning Com-
mission on the pending matter of rezoning the location on
Capuchino Avenue, Burlingame, for the purposes of new Broadway
Post Office Station.'
Your consideration of the official action of this Association
will be sincerely appreciated.
Respectfully submitted:
Cecilia Girouex, President."
Postmaster Broderick outlined the need for more space in the Broadway post -
office, particularly for the use of the letter carriers, who now must sort the mail
in crowded quarters. Chairman Mitchell asked the question: "What would happen if a
variance were granted and no branch postoffice is built on this lot?" City Attorney
Karmel advised the Commission that in that event the variance would cease. Mr.
Lynden stated that he would not accept a variance but would only be satisfied with an
outright rezonement for "commercial" use. Commissioner Henderson said that he would
not be interested in rezoning this single lot except for postoffice use. Postmaster
Broderick stated that he felt sure Mr. Lynden would only want the variance for the
Continuation - MINUTES - Burlingame City Planning Commission Page 2
January g, 1952
use of the postoffice, and Mr. Lynden confirmed that he was not interested in rezoning
the property unless it is for the postoffice; otherwise, it would suit him to have
the zone remain as it is. City Attorney Karmel advised the Planning Commission that
it could recommend a variance to permit the construction and use of a branch postoffice
on this lot and provide for the reversion of the variance if the lot is not so used.
As this discussion went on Mr. Lynden stated definitely that he does not want a variance
with any strings on it, but an outright rezoning for commercial use. City Attorney
Karmel brought to the attention of the meeting that the lot with 100' frontage on
Capuchino Avenue on the North of the petitioner's lot, stands in the name of the City
of Burlingame with title subject to reversion if the lot is not used for parking pur-
poses. Further, Mr. Karmel advised the Planning Commission that it could.vote for a
variance and recommend to the City Council that the variance is for the use of the
Broadway Branch Postoffice. Commissioner Henderson made the following motion; that
the request to rezone this lot for commercial use be denied and that the Planning Com-
mission recommends a variance for the use of the Broadway Branch Post Office with the
building to be set back 15' from the property line and reversion of the variance if the
lot is not used by the postoffice. Dr. Macomber seconded this motion.
In the discussion which followed, Mr. Lynden objected to this proposed action
and stated that he would not be satisfied with a variance. He requested no action be
taken on the Henderson motion. Commissioner Harris made a statement in which he said
that he was sure he and the other members of the Planning Commission want to be on
record as trying to help out. Mr. Karmel advised that the Planning Commission should
not leave the matter unfinished and should take action. On roll call all of the Com-
missioners voted for the motion, and the Chairman declared the vote unanimous.
Meeting adjourned 9:30 p.m.
D. A. Rivers, Secretary