Commission continues hearing on Oaks house subdivision
November 09, 2001
Santa Paula News
The Planning Commission decided to delay a decision on a development in the Oaks area of the city after almost 100 residents packed City Hall to show their opposition on Oct. 30. Commissioner Dave Johnson sharply criticized the process, noting “It bothers me when a government agency puts a report on the backs of its citizens. . .”
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe Planning Commission decided to delay a decision on a development in the Oaks area of the city after almost 100 residents packed City Hall to show their opposition on Oct. 30. Commissioner Dave Johnson sharply criticized the process, noting “It bothers me when a government agency puts a report on the backs of its citizens. . .”Developer John Rieder will meet with residents to discuss a variety of issues including drainage, lot size, traffic and visual impacts as well as architectural design of the seven homes proposed north of Bedell School before the commission considers the issue again in about 30 days. Other concerns expressed by residents was changing the bucolic nature of the Oaks and legal notification of the meeting as well as setting density precedents that would impact future development.The parcel Rieder is seeking to develop is 2.14 acre lemon orchard considered in fill for development; houses would range from 2,874 square feet up to 3,196 square feet with setbacks of 10 feet for side yards and 25 feet for front and backyards.Lot sizes in the Oaks vary considerably, the staff report noted, with Cliff Drive, one of the planned subdivision’s nearby streets, averaging almost 22,000 square feet; the average low is on Laurel Road at almost 8,000 square feet. The average lot size for the proposed development is about 10,600 square feet.A new private road, Grant Line Street, will be created that can be expanded for further development. Each house will have a three-car garage, four bedrooms, living and family rooms, fireplace, kitchen-breakfast nook, and dining room.Rieder told commissioners that he specializes in small, in fill projects including several in Santa Paula, as well as single-family custom houses. The proposed project will be a positive for the city, he noted, helping to meet housing needs while being “a well planned addition to the Oaks neighborhood. . .” Rieder said he has made some changes to address neighbors’ concerns of grading and drainage. In an effort to maintain the rural character of the Oaks, block walls topped with vine-friendly wrought iron fencing will be installed.Residents said there are still important needs: one suggested a sound wall, and objected to the block wall above Laurel Road and elevated pads that will allow the new residents to “look right down” on existing houses.
Carl Barringer noted that the intersection of Grant Line and Forest Drive - both narrow roads - and surrounding areas are being impacted more and more by traffic, leading to the negative declaration on the issue in the EIR.“I realize a custom home cost more and takes more time to produce,” said David Kaiser, “but. . .a track is a track and a custom home is a custom home,” and the lack of same will negatively impact surrounding home values.Cumulative impacts of Oaks build out was questioned by Jim Nelson, who noted that although he does not oppose the development per se, the future could see the Oaks rural character eliminated. “In the General Plan the Oaks is considered a historic resource,” that should not be subjected to any project that would damage same, he noted. Homes that abut the project are Spanish to rock houses; smaller lots hold smaller homes. The two-floor plans of the proposed development do not complement the Oaks and would “out-scale and out-bulk everything nearby. . .”Walter Wall said why a zoning change is being requested is unclear. “There’s no reason except to set precedent,” for growth inducement. Since the EIR shows and “relies on a road that does not exist, the document is fundamentally flawed and must be set aside. Grant Line Street is a paper street.” The nature of the notice of the meeting was confusing, he added.For the sake of seven homes concern is lacking for “destroying the lives and property of several people here,” said Commissioner Johnson. “I find it very curious that our city would recommend that on the backs of our citizens.”Commissioner Jeff Novak said he would be unable to recommend approval to the City Council but Commissioner Rita Graham disagreed, noting that it is “our duty to see if there are any fatal flaws. . .there are not.”Ultimately, commissioners split 4-1 on a motion to address the issue again in 30 days. Graham cast only nay vote; Commissioner Bill Irion was absent from the meeting due to business travel.