Comm. Mc Queen nominated Chair Shoemaker for chair. Comm. Love seconded.Comm. Shoemaker nominated Comm. Mc Queen for Chair. Comm. Hopkins seconded.

Comm. Love asked for the nominee's interests and background with the Commission and heritage preservation. Comm. Mc queen stated his history and interests. He also noted that Chair Shoemaker has been doing a great job as chair and would like to see her continue her seat.

Chair Shoemaker also noted her backgrounds and interests of this Commission.

Comm. Mc Queen noted that Chair Shoemaker is a great candidate for chair and re-electing her would be the wisest choice.

Comm. Love noted a correction to the minutes at the bottom of page 4. He asked staff to delete the word "noted" and to keep the word "stated".

The Historical Society welcomes the Commission to their building noting that the museum is open. Comm. Pang asked if the Historical Society would introduce themselves. Chair Shoemaker noted that they may at the end of the agenda for the sake of time.

Steve Lynch, Associate Planner, noted that the memo was regarding comments given at the last meeting with the Honorable Mayor Miller. He noted that the funds discussed by the Mayor were not available at this time, but the Committee will be notified sometime next year when they do become available.

There was no old business to be discussed.

6. COMMISSION NEW BUSINESS

1. 2003-0271 - Ron Dick [Applicant] Richard Smith [Owner] - Application for related proposals on a 14,500 square foot site located at 160 North Sunnyvale Avenue in an R-2 (Low-Medium Density Residential) Zoning District. (APN: 204-08-004) (Negative Declaration) SL;

• Rezone from R-2 (Low-Medium Density) Zoning District to R-2/PD (Low-Medium Density Residential/Planned Development) Zoning District;
• Special Development Permit to allow the construction of four town homes; and
• Tentative Map to subdivide one lot into four lots and one common lot.

Chair Shoemaker asked staff what action is expected of the Commission in regards to this project.

Steve Lynch, Project Planner, stated that this Commission functions as an advisory body to staff as well as being a deciding body for applications. He stated to the Commission that this item is before them for advisement only this evening and that no formal action will be taken. He further noted that their suggestions would be presented to Planning Commission and the City Council. Staff provided a summary of the proposed project from the staff report. He noted that the existing structure is planned to be demolished by the applicant. He further noted that it does not have any historical significance from Federal or State government. Mr. Lynch asked the Commission if they believe whether the site has any local historical value.

Comm. Steward asked staff if the property abuts both sides of the street. She also asked staff if the residents of the home have any historical significance to Sunnyvale. Staff responded that the consultant, Dill Design Group, was recruited to do this part of the report and stated no historical significance.

Comm. Mc Queen asked staff how many of these types of homes are still standing in Sunnyvale and whether the property is unique in any way. Staff noted that the home is not unique architecturally for Sunnyvale.

Chair Shoemaker noted that the funeral home located next door is part residential home as well as a business. She noted that this property is also built during the same time, which may bring some significance to the proposed property site.

Comm. Love asked if the property was ever moved at one point. Chair Shoemaker stated no. Staff stated no.

Comm McQueen asked staff if there are any documents stating how many of these types of homes built by John Hendy still exist. Staff responded that there is no documentation at time.

Comm. Hopkins asked if an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) would be done if the structure will be demolished. Staff responded that if the site is not considered locally historic and a Negative Declaration is recommended to review the application, then and EIR would not be completed.

Comm. Love asked who did the initial historical survey. Staff noted that Dill Design group prepared the historical and architectural evaluation. He noted that the information by the Dill Design Group is not sufficient for staff to reach a decision.

Comm. Love then asked if any homes on the North Sunnyvale Avenue streetscape are either on the Heritage Landmark List or the Cultural Resource List. Staff responded that the Cultural Resource List does indeed list specific homes on North Sunnyvale Avenue. He also asked staff how many other homes like this one still stand. Comm. Love stated that the home does indeed look unique.

Chair Shoemaker asked the owner and applicant to join in the discussion.

Richard Smith, owner, stated that they have performed extensive remodeling to their property on 160 North Sunnyvale Avenue. He noted that he has thought of ways to preserve or to even save the home. He stated that the home is infested with termites and saving the home seems impossible. Furthermore, they have discovered other problems with the home. He noted that he hired Dill Design Group to evaluate the historical significance to the home. He noted that developing town homes on the premises is what they have opted to do to their property. He stated that he owns the adjacent property and he is not intending to build any eye sores to the area.

Bob Armand, Developer, stated that he is the general contractor for this project. He noted that he has a good standing with the City and that he has been involved with many projects in Sunnyvale. He noted the future plan is in Attachment 2 of the report.

Comm. Love pointed out that the plans for the town homes would not be blocking any views from the public.

Comm. Steward stated that the home is placed so far back from the front property line that it does not look imperative to give it a historical value. She stated that it is not historic enough.

Comm. Hopkins asked if there is any requirement for salvage of materials when the building is demolished.

Comm. Mc Queen noted that the home is nice and old and stated that the property does not meet the criteria to be considered of local significance. He noted that he has trouble with the property being rezoned to multi-family where the City states that cultural zoned areas should not be rezoned. He asked staff if it is there responsibility to look at the Negative Declaration. Staff noted that this portion of the application is not before the HPC for review.

Comm. Hopkins asked staff about the cultural inventory list, whether it would be redone. Staff clarified. Comm. Mc Queens showed concern about rezoning the historical district to Planned Development. Comm. Mc Queen further noted and asked staff how they can gain to keep historically zoned areas around the City. He asked the Commission for any ideas to keep the zoning historic for future plans.

Comm. Love asked for clarification to see what exactly is at risk. Staff responded that Comm. Mc Queen is concerned about losing historical zoned areas. Staff noted to the commission that they should add conditions for their concerns to their recommendations.

Comm. Pang asked the owners if the home in question for demolition was ever evaluated as a historic property. Richard Smith clarified and further noted regarding the property's historic value.

k stated they asked all the surrounding properties for their inputs about this proposed project. He further clarified about their historical interest and background.

Comm. Pang asked the owners if the façade on the existing home has been changed. Ron Dick stated that the home’s exterior has not changed dramatically.

Comm. Pang also asked the builder if he has kept the original design style of the home in the new architectural style. Ron Dick stated no, and said that the style of the proposed townhomes is Spanish.

Chair Shoemaker asked the owners about the cost of moving the home to another location. She noted that it seemed well maintained from the outside. Mr. Dick agreed that the outside looks fine but noted his concerns with the structure inside. Chair Shoemaker asked if they have considered renovating the home and moving its location for prospective homeowners. The owners noted that they would give the home to any party who would want it, but the cost of moving the structure is approximately $80,000.

Mr. Armand noted that the home is 800 square feet and not big enough for today's standard relevant to the lot size. Chair Shoemaker asked if they publicly advertised to give the home away. Chair Shoemaker noted that she would like to see the effort of trying to re-use the home elsewhere. Mr. Dick noted that they once moved a house in Sunnyvale and it was financially impractical.

Comm. Mc Queen asked staff regarding the difference from R-2 to R-2/PD zoning district. Staff clarified the Planned Development zoning district.

Comm. Pang asked if the City has a major plan for the area. Staff responded that there is no specific plan for the area noting that North Sunnyvale Avenue falls outside the Downtown Specific Plan. Mr. Lynch further stated that it falls under the General Plan, which does not have specific performance standards regarding historic preservation. Mr. Lynch clarified the General Plan in regards to the project site.

Chair Shoemaker stated that it is the Commission's responsibility to give recommendations about this project.

Comm. Hopkins asked staff about the types of recommendation they can suggest. Mr. Lynch clarified the recommendation process.

Comm. Hopkins noted that salvaging the home should be an option. Comm. Steward asked staff if they could add a condition that if the project plans change, the applicant has to re-submit an application for Commission review. Staff clarified that the proposed plans would most likely stay the same.

Comm. Steward noted that the architectural plans are attractive to the historic neighborhood.

Comm. Love noted that since they have a responsibility to preserve heritage in Sunnyvale, he would like to add a condition to have the Commission be involved with this project.

Chair Shoemaker asked staff what type of recommendation the Commission is suggesting. Staff clarified on what types of suggestions they may give.

Comm. Mc Queen noted to staff that rezoning a historical area might make a big impact in the area. He further asked if the neighborhood would be notified of this proposed rezone. Staff responded that an extended 300 foot radius of properties around the proposed site will be notified of the Planning Commission Hearings as well as City Council meetings regarding this project.

Chair Shoemaker stated that this home is old and is planned for demolition is and that it does have some significant history to Sunnyvale. She stated that termite infestation does not deem a reason for the home to be demolished. She further noted that the Spalding Development changed the character of North Sunnyvale Avenue. She noted that one development might not make a big difference, but multiple new projects in the same area may affect the historic North Sunnvyale Avenue.

Comm. Love asked what a Negative Declaration involves. Staff defined a Negative Declaration. Staff noted that the Commission needs to decide if there is a historic value to the home built by Hendy at 160 North Sunnvyale Avenue.

Comm. Hopkins asked if this is precedence to maybe add guidelines to North Sunnyvale Avenue. Chair Shoemaker noted the idea.

Chair Shoemaker asked the Commission for a recommendation to City Council.

Staff noted that some items from the past meetings. Staff noted that the Heritage Preservation Commission's City Web Page has ample space to use for outreach. Mr. Lynch also noted that using the City's utility bill for inserts has a waiting period of six to eight months.

Comm. Hopkins noted that she has contacted the Sunnyvale Sun Newspaper from Silicon Valley Community Newspaper for a possible Heritage column. Mr. Lynch also noted that the Historical Society has a mail out of information and is a good idea for this Commission. Comm. Hopkins brought a newsletter from a historic group for some insight of ideas.

Chair Shoemaker asked the Historical Society to please have an informal introduction to the Commission.

The Sunnyvale Historical Society introduced themselves and noted their background.

Steve Lynch,
Associate Planner

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