The Heritage Preservation Commission met in regular session on June 8, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lobby Conference Room, 456 West Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA with Chair Lisa Davis presiding.
CALL TO ORDER
Members Present: Chair Lisa Davis; Comm. Dawn Hopkins; Comm. Neil Love; Comm. Rose Kausek
Staff: Gerri Caruso, Principal Planner; Steve Lynch, Associate Planner; Luis Uribe, Recording Secretary
Members of the public: Planning Commissioner Laura Babcock, Richard Stein; Wendell Whitfield
SCHEDULED PRESENTATION
None
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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
None |
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CONSENT CALENDAR
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The May 3, 2005 minutes will be considered for approval on the next scheduled meeting. |
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CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
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None |
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2005-0319 – Wendell Whitfield [Applicant/Owner]: Application on a 16,250 sq. ft. site located at 461 and 471 S. Murphy Avenue (near W. Olive Avenue) in a DSP-11 (Downtown Specific Plan Block 11) Zoning District. (APN: 209-26-006, 007)
Resource Allocation Permit to consider the potential historic significance of two single family homes which are listed as part of the 400-500 S. Murphy Block Streetscape in the Sunnyvale Cultural Resources Inventory.
Gerri Caruso, Principal Planner presented the staff report. He explained the proposed application proposing to demolish the existing single family homes at 461 and 471 S. Murphy Avenue in order to construct five new townhomes. Staff is requesting a determination from the Heritage Preservation Commission regarding the local historical significance of the homes in order to conduct appropriate environmental review.
Richard Stein asked if this hearing is to consider preserving the current building or if it is regarding the new proposed homes only. He stated that the proposed single-family homes are an embarrassment to the city.
Mr. Lynch replied that the current property is allowed to be demolished.
Wendell Whitfield, applicant, stated that the design of the new driveway will be large enough for a vehicle to make a u-turn and exit the drive way in a forward direction instead of backing out. He further said that the existing home is in such bad condition that the termite inspector would not give a termite report and that the home has been used as a business; not a resident. He also noted that the kitchen and bathrooms have been removed. The foundation is cracked and dropped 6 inches and he feels that the homes are not salvageable.
Gerri Caruso, Pricipal Planner stated that the condition of the home could be put into consideration when making a decision in terms of their structural integrity.
Chair Lisa Davis closed the public hearing
Comm. Hopkins made a motion to accept Alternative #1 of staff’s recommendations and determined that the two structures could have local historic significance. Comm. Kausek seconded. Motion carried unanimously 4 -0.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
- Staff Follow-Up: None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Steve Lynch, Associate planner