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City Council Meeting of March 16, 2004 Ralph Herzig Page 2 of 3 the proposed project. A portion of Lot "B" will be developed into a small neighborhood park that will contain minor amenities such as picnic tables, bar-b-que grills, and park benches. The applicant will construct all improvements and install all park amenities and the City Community Services Department will operate and maintain the new facility. The proposed Specific Plan Amendment is also similar to the amendment approved for the Schwadel Trust project. In essence, the SPA eliminates all Low Density land use designations within the 40-acre project site, and provides 30 acres of Estate Density land use designation and 10 acres of Open Space land use designation. The SPA will permit the development of the 47 single-family residential lots with a minimum lot size of 20,000 SF within the 40-acre project site. The residential lots have been designed to preserve large, undisturbed hillside and open spaces, consistent with the Reche Canyon Specific Plan. PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission considered each of the entitlements at several meetings. On October 28, 2003, the Planning Commission held a public hearing-workshop on the proposed project to allow the applicant and their consultants the opportunity to present and discuss the proposed project in greater detail and to respond to any concerns or comments from the Commission and the public. In addition, on January 6 2004, the Commission held a special meeting/field trip at the proposed project site. The objective of the site visit and field trip was to provide the Commission with the opportunity to become informed with the particulars of the proposed project and potential impacts that the project may have on the environment. Finally, on January 27, 2004, the Planning Commission heard and considered the applicanYs request to approve the entitlements. At the meeting, the Planning Commission heard a presentation about the project from the applicanYs representative Doug Goodman. In addition to Mr. Goodman, residents of Shadid Drive again spoke during the public hearing. At the conclusion of the public comments, Mr. Goodman, City Engineer Amer Jakher, City Plans Examiner Rex Myers, and Mr. Rock Miller, the applicanYs traffic engineer, responded to each of the questions and comments discussed. The Planning Commission had general comments regarding the traffic along Reche Canyon Road, the lack of a secondary street to provide access to and from the proposed project, and the potential of the project site of being a high-risk fire area. The Commission expressed positive opinions about the amount of work that has gone into this project, the construction of high end residential homes, and the appiicanYs willingness to work with the City. At the close of the public hearing, Commissioner Alex Perez moved to approve File Index Number DT-65-01 with findings and conditions of approval, seconded by Commissioner Kristen Hernandez, the motion carried by a vote of 4 to 3. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Although uncertain, the proposed development of the 47 single family residences, at the current fee schedule for the Community Development Department only, would generate over $250,000 in plan check, permit and impact fees. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: An Initial Study/Environmental Assessment was prepared by staff and circulated for public review in 2001. During the Planning Commission's early consideration of the project, and based on public comments received at the Public Hearing, the Commission continued the proposed project to allow the applicant time to conduct traffic and hydrology studies to address area residenYs concerns. The applicant completed a Traffic Study, a Hydrology Report, and a Biological Assessment that addressed major environmental concerns. Staff from the City Attorney's Office