CCMIN091796 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mayor Tarver declared the public hearing open. Mike Smith, Real Estate Manager for Safeway, recognized that this is an appeal and he did not take it lightly. This application is not exactly what the Planning Commission reviewed and denied. Originally three variances were sought: height, square footage, and two signs versus the one permitted sign. At this time, Safeway is only requesting a variance to allow two signs. In all other respects, the signs comply with the City's Code. He understood the concern that this might be precedent setting, but he concurred with staff that the conditions at Amador Plaza distinguish it from other commercial centers. It has mature trees and a gas station on the corner, both of which screen most of the buildings on the development. He submitted photographs of other shopping centers referred to in the staff report to demonstrate the differences in landscaping and visibility. Safeway has worked with staff to maintain the tree canopy in the parking lot, but the price is reduced visibility. You could say everyone in town knows where this Safeway is, but this is a growing community with new residents all the time. Safeway is spending $10 million on this project and while it wants to keep current customers happy, it also wants to bring new business to this store. A good compromise would be to change the second sign on Valley Avenue. He presented a proposal for a smaller sign and presented a rough sketch of the proposed second sign. Ms. Mohr asked what kind of landscaping would be at the base of the sign on Valley. Mr. Smith believed it would be the same as what is at the sign on Santa Rita. Ms. Michelotti was concerned about the height of the sign and felt it would be obscured by the trees along Valley, which is why she suggested a smaller sign. Mr. Smith agreed. Ms. Dennis inquired why the Planning Commission did not review this application if it is different from the one it denied? Mr. Swift said he felt it was not different enough to require review. The variance is really for the second sign and if Council gives direction to approve a second freestanding sign, the design could be reviewed by staff or the Planning Commission. Mary Roberts, 1666 Vineyard Avenue, indicated she is a frequent customer of this shopping center and supported a smaller sign on Valley Avenue. She felt the Valley Avenue driveway was not the primary entrance and described the various turning movements necessary to get into the parking lot. She felt the smaller sign will attract fewer traffic problems. There was discussion regarding whether or not the driveway near Wells Fargo would remain open or closed. 09/17/96 -13-