7.2 Self storage proposal at Washington & Grant - The Administrator reported that at the last meeting the Board was introduced to a proposal by Mr. Meniktas and Associates regarding a self storage proposal on Grant and Washington in San Lorenzo. Mr. Meniktas presented this proposal before the Business Development Committee for approval, and the committee voted 7 in favor, 7 against and 2 abstentions, a tie vote, therefore making no formal recommendation to the Board on the proposed development. The Administrator contacted the county to find out when the Board would need to take action on this item. She was told the proposal would be coming before the Zoning Administrator on April 28, 1999. The Administrator reported that the Association sent out letters to all nearby surrounding neighbors (over 235 homes). All residents on Via Alamitos up to Grant Ave, all residents on Grant Ave, Paseo Del Campo, Via Del Prado, and Via Corte were sent letters that it would be on the agenda tonight, and stating what the development would be. The Administrator had 6 (six) responses to these letters, three (3) via e-mail and three (3) by phone. By telephone two out of three were in favor; however they had objections to the third story building. If the facility was limited to two stories they would approve. The third person stated that the development would bring an unsavory element to the area. Of the e-mail responses, two objected due to traffic problems, one of which did not want anything in the area. The third respondent stated that the increase in traffic would be a problem for the school children in the area. The Administrator announced that Mr. Meniktas was invited to the Board to present the proposal. The Board members had received a summary on the proposal prior to this Board meeting from Mr. Meniktas.

Mr. Meniktas apologized because he did not bring the architectural renderings to this Board meeting. He stated that he did go into detail at a previous Board meeting and with members from the Business Development meeting. He asked if the Board had any questions. Director Spears asked if there was any chance to get the development from a three-story unit to a two-story unit. Meniktas stated that in order to maximize the square footage of the property, this configuration was the most acceptable. The developer had at one time considered making the whole unit three-story around the entire facility except for the Washington side; however, they thought that this configuration would be unacceptable and unattractive to the community. Thus they cut the square footage to a single unit on Washington and two-story around the perimeter of the back of the property and facing the east side of the property where there is church access. Meniktas stated that the developers would need the third story as proposed to be economically successful. Director Jim Sherman asked why three stories could not be put around the entire perimeter, and delete the third story in the middle. Meniktas stated the developers thought that this facility would then look like some sort of compound. Director Jim Sherman asked how high the apartments are next door to this property. Meniktas stated that he estimates that they are 25' to 26' high. Director David Sherman asked how high the third story would be. Meniktas stated that the tallest building would be the interior facility which would actually not be seen from the street, but will overhang. The facility would be 32' high. He stated the current zoning allowed is 35', so this development is within county zoning requirements.

The Administrator asked about the square footage of the third story building Meniktas stated that the gross square footage of the facility is 62, 500 square feet, with about 50 thousand square feet of rentable area. The Administrator questioned what the square footage of the top story of the three story building was. Meniktas stated that this was about 6 to 7 thousand square feet (which would be about 10% of the total square area of rental space. Director Spears questioned where the driveway would be. Meniktas stated that it would be on Grant Ave, and that there would be an on-site resident to monitor trash, graffiti etc. Director Spears questioned whether all storage would be inside. Meniktas stated that there would be no permanent parking outside the facility. All storage would be inside the facility. Director Partridge questioned if there was any other area the third story could be located. Meniktas stated that the fire department has certain requirements regarding emergency access that prohibit the third story to be placed at sites on the property. Meniktas stated that there would be landscaping between the facility, and the sidewalk that would be pleasant.

Residents questioned the dimensions of the facility and Meniktas presented some blueprint copies of these dimensions for the residents to look at. He also invited residents to contact him and he would be happy to present the color rendering to them. Resident Ann Mrak at 15854 Via Del Prado stated that she lives very near the property and would be seeing this structure several times a day. She stated it would be a great improvement over the Chevron Station, and would much rather look at this structure than the overgrown weeds in this currently vacant lot and the apartments in back of it. Resident Howard Beckman stated that he would like the Board to take no action regarding this proposal. And that it refrain from taking action for the reason that at the Business Development meeting, the committee was divided on this issue, and he felt that this indicated the possibility of a strong division of opinion within the community. He stated that if the Board takes a position in contrast with the segment of the community that is against this proposal, it will be at odds with these homeowners. Beckman further stated that he thinks the Board should reconsider the function of the Business Development Committee to broaden its scope beyond the Village Square, in order to get proper information and be able to speak properly to developers who have proposals for other vacant parcels in San Lorenzo.

Director David Sherman asked whether the developers couldn't put another basement on another facility versus having a three story structure in the middle. Meniktas stated that the width of the surrounding structures would not provide comparable space to do this. Director Jim Sherman asked whether the developer couldn't put three stories around the perimeter. Meniktas stated that he did not think the community would want the three stories encompassing the whole lot.

Emanuel Satingin stated that he is the representative to the Board from the Youth Advisory Commission of San Lorenzo and read a letter from the commission's chair, Ben Lankasky, that stated the group was not in support of the storage proposal. The group felt that this structure was out of place and not in demand for the community. The group would rather see something that would be in line with what the youth would want/need in the community. A skatepark and bowling alley were proposed. Another resident, Carol, stated that she is concerned with the entrance of this facility being situated on Grant Ave. There is a left turn lane on Washington to Grant that backs up during school and commute hours. Should renters need to turn left into the storage unit from Washington, this would back up traffic further. Christine Stuber, resident on Paseo del Prado, stated that she doesn't think that there would be an increase in traffic during heavy commute hours. She stated that she thought this would be a good development for the site, creating the least amount of traffic. Pat Piras, another resident stated that she believed that this proposed development would create the least amount of traffic given the other options at this site. A teen center would create additional traffic problems and would definitely increase traffic in and out of the location.

Director Partridge stated that she would prefer the entrance on Washington Ave. versus Grant Ave. due to some of the traffic problems pointed out by residents. She asked Meniktas whether this condition as well as limiting the height of the development would be amenable to the developers. Meniktas reiterated that the height would need to be three stories in the middle complex due to economic feasibility of the project. He further stated that the entrance to the facility was suggested by the county. The developers designed the entrance and exits as per the county's parameters. If the County wanted to change the entrances and exits, then the developers would be willing to look at this.

A resident questioned whether more input could be given to residents so that they could come and speak at the next board meeting. Director Partridge stated that there was not enough time to do this and that the Zoning Administrator would be hearing this item on the 28^th of April, and residents could attend the meeting and speak to the issue at that time. The Administrator stated that Mr. Meniktas has briefly described the proposal at the last Board meeting in March and had presented the proposal to the Business Development Committee on April 2, 1999 where it was voted by the committee 7 in favor and 7 against the proposal for a tie vote. The actual hearing and decision by the Board would be made at this evening's meeting, and this is one reason why the Association sent out over 200 letters to surrounding neighbors of this property to invite them to the Board meeting tonight.

A resident, Janet Brennan, stated that the community needs to incorporate development into a larger plan. She did not want to see piecemeal development in the area. The Administrator pointed out that the county has promised that before a proposal comes before them, they will refer the development to the Association so that the Board can take a vote; however, with respect to this particular property, the land is zoned C-1, for commercial usage, the zoning is right for the area. The Administrator stated that often if the zoning is right for the area and the other conditions of the development are right, the county will approve a plan that comes before them, prior to the Association is having full knowledge of what the proposal is.

Resident Mrak stated that this development would be the safest with respect to traffic and the school children who travel in the area and stated that the entrance on Grant would make the most sense given the heavy traffic on Washington.

President Spears asked the Board members if they would entertain a motion to the proposal of the storage unit. Director Partridge stated that she felt this vacant property has been an eyesore for sometime and feels that she would be in favor of the project. However, the third story is a problem, but if there was some way to work that out, she would be in support of it.

Mr. Meniktas stated that he felt the memo he faxed to the directors clearly pointed out the history of the property and the developers' position with respect to the property. He read the memo for the audience. (See attached memo)

Director Partridge asked Mr. Meniktas if the developers had considered whether they could build something for the youth, bowling alley or skateboard park. Mr. Meniktas stated that it is not something his partners would consider. Traffic and economic feasibility need to be considered with any development of that type, and it is not something he and his partners have considered. Director David Sherman stated that he feels that there are still some unanswered questions with respect to this development. It is unclear as to where the entrance can be placed, Grant or Washington. He stated that many times the Board makes a decision on a development before all the questions are answered and has problems. He does not like the third story for this development. Director David Sherman stated that there is no three storybuilding in the area. Meniktas stated that the height is within the county's limits and that is not much higher than the adjacent apartment building. Meniktas wanted to know another reason the Board would oppose the development other than the issue of the height of the building. Director Jim Sherman stated that he thought the proposed development was unsightly for the area.

Due to lack of consensus from the Board, no motion was put forth from the board with respect to the development. Thus the Board would make no formal recommendation to the County with respect to the proposed development of a storage unit on Grant and Washington in San Lorenzo.

The Administrator announced that this item will be heard by the county at two (2) meetings. The first is a site development meeting on 4/27/99 at 10:30 a.m. in the Public Works Building. The purpose of the site committee meeting is for residents to come down and say whether they approve or object to the proposal and why. The following day, 4/28/99 the Zoning Administrator will hear the item at 1:30 p.m. in the Public Works Building. The Administrator encouraged residents to attend these meetings or if not, to draft a letter. She stated that she would provide anyone with the address of where to write regarding this proposal or the phone number to call to voice opinions.

7.3 First Reading of Incorporation of Centex Homes - The Administrator stated that approximately 3 months ago Centex came to the Association. The development was approved. The development will be part of the Association. The development consists of 76 homes. The process for annexation into the Association requires two readings of a resolution which would incorporate the development. Tonight is the first reading of the resolution.

The Administrator read the resolution regarding the annexation of Centex Homes into the Association's by-laws. (See attached resolution)

Votes on the Resolution: Spears: Aye,  Partridge: Aye, J. Sherman: AyeD. Sherman: Aye, Arieta: Absent. Resolution passes.

8.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS

8.1 Council on Prevention of Drinking and Driving - Jim Spears reported that he attended the luncheon for a Sober Graduation program. Movies are being shown to all high schools in the area. Arroyo had its presentation today, Castro Valley will have its presentation on April 20 from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. and San Lorenzo High will have their presentation on May11 from 9:50 to 11:20 a.m. All interested persons can go to the school district office and sign up to attend.

8.2 Youth Resources Committee - Director Dorothy Partridge stated the program at Royal Sunset is going strong and the Youth Advisory Commission has been meeting on a monthly basis and is getting out the youth voice for the community.

8.3 Airport Committees - Lisa Gudjohnsen announced that the Hayward Airport will be meeting with the city of Hayward in closed session on 4/29/99 at 10 a.m. and then later that evening at 7:00 p.m. in a public forum regarding its expansion plans. The Administrator announced that Brent Shiner of the Hayward Airport did get labels from the Homes Association to announce this public forum to all residents in the area.

Howard Beckman reported that the Home Depot has submitted a proposal to the airport. He also stated that the theater near the airport is planning on expanding to a sixteen theater facility. Beckman stated that the annual report from the Hayward Airport indicated that the noise complaints from San Lorenzo were down. Beckman pointed out that there is a difference between noise complaints being down and an actual decrease in the noise generated by the Hayward Airport.

8.4 Business Development Committee - Travis Thoms, Chair of the Committee reported that at the last Business Development Committee the committee voted on the proposed storage unit on Grant and Washington Ave. in San Lorenzo and had a split vote; 7 ayes; 7 noes and 2 abstained. Thoms wanted clarification as to when the committee should present its report on developments that come before them. Should the committee be giving its report prior to the report from the developer and the subsequent vote by the Board? He pointed out that the reasoning behind recommendations to the Board is that the recommendations be heard formerly first prior to the proposal being voted upon.

The consensus of the Board was that any recommendations from the Business Development Committee should be heard formerly before the Board prior to a motion or vote being taken by the Board.

Travis Thoms announced that the committee will be going on a shopping center tour on May 1, 1999 as already announced by Supervisor Steele. Thoms stated that the committee has its final vision plan which it will be formerly submitting with a cover letter to the Board at its earliest convenience. He reported that committee has formed a sub-committee which is looking into how to approach potential businesses for the Square area. This subcommittee has met with the Bohannon Organization and the Business Development Committee as a whole will meet with the Bohannon Organization on the 4^th of May to discuss its vision plan and to ask the Organization how to best approach businesses. The subcommittee has mapped out plans of what it will do within the next month. These plans are to: 1) Research and recommend businesses to approach; 2) Speak with the Bohannon Organization with respect to the Development Committee's vision plan and to show the businesses that the committee will be potentially contacting; 3) To meet with Bruce Kern of Alameda County, a member of the Bohannon Organization and a member of the San Leandro Chamber to receive advice on how to best approach businesses to get them to come into San Lorenzo.

9.0 COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS - Director Jim Sherman thanked everyone for coming to the meeting tonight. Director Partridge stated that there have been some people in the community who have made some personal attacks on board members and the Administrator of the Association. She stated that it is unfair to attack the Administrator. She has been instrumental in getting attention from the County Departments and making a name for San Lorenzo within county politics. She has done a lot of hard work for the Association and has made a tremendous improvement in the way the Association operates. Directors Jim Spears and Jim Sherman concurred with Director Partridge.

10.0 PUBLIC COMMENT -

Larry Leal announced that the Save the Lorenzo Committee will have its first fundraiser on June 6, 1999. The Bohannon Organization has approved the use of the old Mervyn's parking lot for the event. A barbeque will either be held in this parking lot or in the Homes Association parking lot. There will be more information to follow.

Director Partridge once again announced that any residents who are interested in fighting the "Dungeon" business on E. Lewelling need to sign the sheet in the front.

11.0 ADJOURNMENT - Director Partridge made a motion to adjourn the meeting. With a second by Director Dave Sherman. The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 PM. Respectfully Submitted,

Dorothy Partridge
Secretary-Treasurer

Recorded & Transcribed By: Kathleen Harrigan, Sr. Admin. Assistant

Reviewed By: Nancy Van Huffel, Administrator