Property partner Steve Andrews told the commission that landscaping would include ornamental walkways and rare species of palm trees that would beautify the immediate area.Yale Street property owner David Alamillo said he opposed the project - which would be constructed behind the existing house on East Main Street - due to tenant and tenant guest parking impacts on the dead-end street, which historically has been quiet and private.Although Fernando Santiago said he was not opposed to the project, the Yale Street resident said his concerns also center on parking issues.Chairman Mike Sommer and Commissioner Jennifer Matos noted that the project has 21 parking spaces that should stem offsite impacts. Matos also questioned whether parking area landscaping should be increased, but after Commissioner John Turturro noted that having a wider turn-around near the driveway area might benefit the neighbors, Matos agreed.Arroyo said later that the developer plans on demolishing three small structures on the Yale Street side of the property to make way for the apartment complex. The complex will have four one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units in about 6,220 square feet; 2,569 square feet of parking will be available under the second story of the building.Arroyo said that the council will probably consider the proposal in late January, and that the developer “could probably break ground in mid-2006.”
Commission OKs apartment complex behind historic Main Street home
December 16, 2005
Santa Paula News
The Planning Commission, which in recent weeks approved the Fagan Canyon development of 2,147 dwelling units just north of city limits, had another growth issue to consider but on a fraction of the scale.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe Planning Commission, which in recent weeks approved the Fagan Canyon development of 2,147 dwelling units just north of city limits, had another growth issue to consider but on a fraction of the scale. The commission approved an eight-unit apartment complex to be built behind the existing Victorian home and sidewalk business office located at 720 E. Main St. - the former home of the Harris Clock & Antique Shop - but not without some concerns from Yale Street residents.The commission approved the plan for the Keats Corner Development at the November 22 meeting. The City Council will probably consider the proposed project at a January meeting.Associate Planner Anna Arroyo told the commission that the proposed development is compatible with the surrounding area, but the applicant - backed up by a commissioner - questioned the requirement of a third affordable unit.Architect Mark Petit of Lauderbach and Associates described the project and said that the applicant accepted the Conditions of Approval. Petit also noted that the development proposed tandem parking and a large turn-around area for vehicles.Applicant attorney Mark Sellers said that the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance and Density Bonus should work together to justify the affordability of two units, but he questioned the conditioning for three units. Commissioner Gary Nasalroad agreed and asked the legal foundation for the mandated third affordable unit. City Attorney Karl Berger said that the issue stemmed from two requirements, one mandated by the state for Redevelopment areas and the city-regulated density bonus.
