PC 062415 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Dolan said yes Commissioner Balch stated that the irony of this conversation is that in order to save as much of this hillside as possible, putting in a retaining wall must be considered; but by the very nature of Chair Allen's interpretation of Measure PP, that retaining wall obviates the ability to do it at all. Chair Allen replied that unfortunately, that is the situation. She added that it does not sway her vote though because she is still interpreting it just the way it is written. Commissioner Balch stated that the Commission actually had one of those cases recently when Chair Allen was absent, where the Commissioners almost tied on the balcony. He then addressed Commissioner Nagler, as it sound like Chair Allen and Commissioner Piper are pretty strong in their opinions, and asked if he believes this grading is too significant and violates Measure PP's premise to protect and conserve the hillside, and thus must be abandoned in order to protect the hillside, or if this grading, in his view, is acceptable in order to protect the hillside. Commissioner Nagler replied that he predicated his vote on the expectation that there would be a retaining wall because that is too much grading for him. He indicated that when he was out there being shown the property, he asked the question how big the retaining wall would be if it can just go straight up and over. He acknowledged that he was obviously asking an extreme question, but again in an effort to save trees as well as the hillside. In answer to Commissioner Balch's question, he stated that he assumed there would be a retaining wall. Commissioner Balch stated that he was looking at the graphical scale of distance, because the way he looks at this, the grading would basically start at Lot 41 and the goes all the way to Lot 47; and that is a lot of grading, equivalent to about five or six houses. Commissioner Nagler stated that it is still possible to preserve the hillside substantially if Chair Allen is willing to accept a three -foot retaining wall or however it ended up being designed. He indicated that it became pretty clear to him standing out there that that is exactly the trade -off: retaining wall versus grading. Commissioner Balch stated that when he stood up at the top and looked over, it did not seem so significant; but when he stood at the bottom and looked up, it seemed a bit more significant without a doubt, but other hillsides surrounding the knoll seemed even much more significant. He indicated that meeting the requirements of protection under Measure PP is, in his opinion, the right thing. Commissioner Balch then stated that the Commission should now determine if anyone is willing to change his /her vote or not, and if that is the case, the Commission can note on a new motion; otherwise, the Commission should move on. Chair Allen stated that she is not changing her vote and asked Commissioner Balch if he was. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, June 24, 2015 Page 46 of 54