SR 06:287 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to an inquiry by Acting Chairperson Fox regarding whether the site was located within the Vineyard Avenue Corridor Specific Plan, Ms. Decker believed it was outside the plan area. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Mike Callahan, applicant, noted that he had worked with staff and wished to clarify the operations and address the Commissioners' concerns. He noted that there were 132 parking spaces shown where 156 was required; if the wine tasting room and the event center were to be nm at the same time, that would be the number of spaces needed. He noted that the winery would run from Thursday through Sunday, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.; almost every event would start at 5:00 p.m. or later. He noted that the event center would be able to use some of the winery's parking, He advised that the latest memo, dated October 25,2006, contained a compilation of points after meeting with the neighbors. Formerly the hours were 9:00 a.m. to 11 :00 p.m. daily; the event would cease at 11 :00 p.m., the customers would leave, and the staff would clean up until midnight. The neighbors had expressed concern about those hours during the week, and the hours were changed to 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m, from Monday through Thursday. The closing hours would remain at 11 :00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, as they have at the Mitchell Katz Winery. On the eve of national holidays, the hours could remain at I 1:00 p.m" which was agreeable to the neighbors. With respect to Acting Chairperson Fox's question about the zoning for this use, Mr. Callahan noted that this was part of the original 47 -acre Ruby Hill Winery. He noted that there were three parcels carved off from it and displayed the parcels that he owned. He added that the site was also part of the Tri-Valley Conservancy as well as the South Livermore Valley Area Plan. He described the features and uses of the site as well as the necessary renovations of the buildings. He noted that they needed the support of the community for the facility to be economically viable; he realized that having the neighbors unhappy with the facility from the outset would not be smart. They decided to move the two potential noisemakers to the farthest point on the property, which he displayed on the overhead screen. He noted that the architecture was flavored after a Spanish hacienda and noted that the "Spanish Sand" color was identical to that used in the Palm Event Center. He added that the stone on the tower element was the same as that used on the bridge in Ruby Hill (Tahoe River Rock), which he believed would create continuity going through Ruby Hill. Mr. Callahan noted that they had worked with staff and the Police Department to meet the security lighting requirements without inflicting light pollution on the neighbors from the rear elevation. They worked to mitigate odors by concentrating the dumpsters in one area and added that they were not heavy user of refuse. He described the anticipated traffic and circulation patterns and flow; he anticipated the maximum would be three cars per minute. He believed this was a better project as a result of working with the neighbors and appreciated working with them. He believed this project would be compatible with the neighborhood because it had limited hours and days. He noted that as a member of the community, he intended to be a good neighbor and to create a use that would enhance the community. EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, October 25, 2006 Page 2 of9