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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030424 - 03.2A Commission & Board Updates PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT AND SUMMARY The Planning Commission serves as the hearing body and approval authority for many Town planning applications, including general plan amendments, rezonings, subdivisions, and commercial developments. For some development applications, they make recommendations to the Town Council for final approval, and they also review appeals of any Town administrative actions. Commission also supported and/or accomplished the following in 2023: 2023 HIGHLIGHTS • The Planning Commission reviewed the Town’s 2023-2031 Housing Element and recommended approval of the policy document, along with implementation measures, General Plan Land Use Amendments, Rezoning, and Zoning Text Amendments. • Reviewed and approved a 167-unit multifamily development on the seven-acre Borel Property site located at 3020 Fostoria Way. • Reviewed and approved the architecture of a four lot subdivision at 1475 Lawrence Road. • Reviewed and approved a four-lot subdivision at 932 La Gonda Way. • Reviewed and approved a four-lot subdivision at 824 Danville Boulevard. WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2024 Misson Subdivision: (2570 Camino Tassajara and 45 Sherburne Hills Road): This project would construct 18 homes on a 19.43-acre site. It includes a density bonus request pursuant to the State Density Bonus law for four additional homes and affordable accessory units in each home. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is underway. Darby Plaza: (425 El Pintado Road, at the corner of El Cerro and El Pintado): This proposal would build a 176,000 square foot, 101-unit for-sale senior condominium 2 complex on a 3.16-acre site. The plan includes a four-story building with partially subterranean parking. The application is currently incomplete, pending the preparation of soils, hydrology, and traffic reports. The Village Shopping Center: The Town anticipates an application to build a 200- unit four-story apartment building with a three-level subterranean parking garage to replace the three commercial buildings at the rear of the site, while the existing building on the south side (containing Fitness 19) would be retained. This application is expected to be submitted in spring 2024. Community Presbyterian Church (CPC) Properties: (Ilo and Charles Lanes): Over several years, CPC has purchased about 16 single-family residences in this neighborhood and is expected to submit an application to construct approximately 100 multifamily housing units at a density of 20-25 unit per acre the spring or summer of 2024. This is a part of CPC’s long-term facility plans. Sloat Garden Center: (828 Diablo Road): The Town anticipates an application to build a multifamily senior care facility on the 2.72-acre property with about 120 rooms. Beth Chaim Congregation: (1800 Camino Tassajara): The Town anticipates an application from the Beth Chaim Congregation to build a ten-unit multifamily project on the church site. Development of the site is enabled by SB 4, which allows faith- based and non-profit organizations to affordable housing on their lands. PARKS, RECREATION AND ARTS COMMISSION REPORT AND SUMMARY In September 2019, the Town Council adopted Ordinance 2019-08, amending the scope of the former Parks and Leisure Services Commission and renaming the Commission as the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission. The Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission is the primary advisory body to the Town Council on acquiring and developing park and recreation facilities, providing recreational programs and services, and promoting the arts. The Commission also supports the mission of the Recreation, Arts & Community Services Department: to foster human development, increase cultural unity, strengthen community image and sense of place, support economic development, strengthen safety and security, promote health and wellness, and protect environmental resources. Along with the mission, the Commission supports how Parks Make Life Better now and in the future. Most of the year focused on implementing the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Strategic Plan (Plan) Update. The Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission also supported and/or accomplished the following in 2023: 2023 HIGHLIGHTS • Continued to actively participate in assigned liaison roles for the Town, including, but not limited to, the Sports Alliance, Senior Sub-Committee, and Arts Commission. • Participated in a workshop to discuss implementation strategies for the Plan and Recreation and Arts programming. • Reviewed the Diablo Vista Play Area and Multi-Sport Skate Park Final Design Concept. • Considered and approved the adoption of a Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance and the Addition of Six New Pickleball Courts with Associated Seating at Osage Station Park. 2 • Received updates on: o Mid-Year Status of the 2022/23 Capital Improvement Program o Town Green and Arts District Design Project o Permanent Public Art - Acorn Project • Supported: o “Bound for Books” Public Art Program o Special events through attendance (Rec Expo, Eggstravaganza, Fall Fest, Elf Workshop, Music in the Park) WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2024 The Commission’s efforts in 2024 will focus primarily on moving forward with upcoming capital projects such as the Diablo Vista Park Renovations and Skate Park, Town Green and Arts District design, and continued implementation of the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Strategic Plan. It will also continue to review the various recommendations and strategies regarding the planning, design, and use of various improvements to the Town’s parks, facilities, and trails while supporting the Recreation, Arts & Community Services, and Maintenance Services Departments. HERITAGE RESOURCE COMMISSION REPORT AND SUMMARY The Heritage Resource Commission (HRC) is responsible for preserving Danville's historic resources. Its duties include maintaining the Town's Inventory of Historic Resources, enforcing the Historic Preservation Ordinance and Design Guidelines, reviewing applications for alterations to heritage sites, educating citizens about the Town’s heritage, recommending new heritage designations to the Town Council, and advising on incentives for renovating and restoring historic properties. 2023 HIGHLIGHTS • Public Outreach Sub-Committee: Established to raise awareness about Danville's history and its historic preservation efforts. A notable achievement is the development and installation of 20 informational bronze plaques on Town Heritage Resources, enhancing historical awareness in the community. • Historic Survey Sub-Committee: Formed to maintain the integrity of the Town's Survey of Historic Properties. This sub-committee evaluates and recommends updates to the survey, identifying structures of potential historic significance and assessing properties for inclusion in the Town Heritage Resource Survey. • Downtown Historic Walking Tour: Actively working on the development of an online walking tour of 34 historic downtown sites. Each site features professional photos, historical images, and detailed descriptions, making history accessible through modern technology. The Heritage Resource Commission was involved with the following developments which involve heritage resources: • 342 Railroad Avenue (DEV18-0016): Approved the construction of a new two- story 2,635 square foot building to the rear of the existing 988 square foot historic building on the site. The project would also include minor restoration improvements to the historic building. • 809 Podva Road (DEV23-0012): Approved a second-story addition and other modifications to the Podva Farmhouse, a Town Designated Heritage Resource. 2 WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2024 Looking ahead, the Heritage Resource Commission is poised to extend its outreach efforts with the launch of another informational Bronze Plaque in 2024. The commission is diligently finalizing the language for the upcoming plaque for Halverson Creek. SENIOR ADVISORY COMMISSION REPORT AND SUMMARY In March 2019, the Town Council adopted Ordinance 2019-01, creating the Senior Advisory Commission. The charge of the Commission is to advise the Town Council on matters related to: supporting older adult residents and their process of aging in place, assessing the Town’s amenities and services in providing an age-friendly city, assessing services and recreational opportunities available to Danville residents and visitors of all age groups and abilities, holding public meetings, conducting surveys and using other reasonable methods to determine needs of the aging population and recommending actions to advocate for those needs to the Town Council. 2023 HIGHLIGHTS • Participated in a Town Council and Commission Study Session. • Received a presentation of the inventory of Transportation Services in Contra Costa County by the Transportation Subcommittee. • Participated in a workshop to review the Transportation Options Subcommittee Report. • Established liaison assignments. • Received several informational presentations, including Via Transportation, Jenn Starnes regarding outreach to adults and seniors in Danville, and Nate McCormack regarding Emergency Services. • Held an age-friendly budget discussion. • Supported Town-sponsored events such as the Senior Holiday Luncheon, Nutrition Program, Recreation Expo, and other senior-related events. WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2024 The Commission’s efforts in 2024 will focus primarily on moving forward with implementing the Age Friendly Road Map and the priorities set forth by the 2 Commission. Community engagement will occur through the Commission's presence at various Town events will continue to be a priority. Transportation for seniors has been a continued area of interest and a transportation survey is slated for release in Spring 2024 to gather information regarding how older adults get around in Danville. The Commission will also continue to assess services, resources, and offerings available to older adults in the Town and make recommendations based on the needs of Danville seniors. These services can include those provided directly by the Town, those that exist through partnerships, and services facilitated through other agencies or entities. BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMISSION REPORT AND SUMMARY On March 1, 2022, the Town Council adopted Ordinance 2022-02, creating the Danville Bicycle Advisory Commission (BAC). The function of the Commission is to advise the Town Council on matters related to: implementation of the Townwide Bicycle Master Plan; advise on conditions, operations and safety of existing bicycle facilities and other non-motorized forms of transportation; review proposed bicycle- related policies, programs, projects, plans, funding applications and legislation; coordinate with the public including bicycle-related organizations, the business community, and other local agencies to promote cycling projects and programs; develop and disseminate bicycle awareness and education materials to the community. 2023 HIGHLIGHTS • Formation of four (4) Subcommittees. • Evaluation of Iron Horse Trail crossings and corridor; bicycle routes to schools. • Developed a Marketing and Outreach Plan and materials. • Reviewed and approval of the Town’s 2023 and 2024 Transportation Development Act, Article III grant application package submission to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. • Received updates and provided input on dissemination of Townwide bicycle collision data; Town of Danville’s Age Friendly Roadmap and City of San Ramon’s Micromobility Program; and bicycle count station location. • Attended and participated in bicycle related-community events in Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 consisting of the San Ramon Valley Street Smarts Community Bicycle Festivals and 511 Contra Costa “Bike to Everywhere” Day. 2 WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2024 The Commission’s 2024 initiatives will continue to focus on advancing the implementation of the Bicycle Master Plan, including:  Providing input on bicycle-oriented capital improvement projects.  Activities of the BAC Subcommittees including: o Iron Horse Trail Crossing/Corridor Assessments and Monitoring o Marketing, Education and Outreach o Bicycling to School – Routes and Safety Assessments o Bicycle Wayfinding and Connectivity • Actively participate in community events to promote cycling in Danville including the San Ramon Valley Street Smarts Community Bicycle Rodeo at Charlotte Wood Middle School and 511 Contra Costa “Bike to Everywhere Day.” • Work with Town staff to plan and implement a “pop-up” bicycle demonstration project. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD REPORT AND SUMMARY The Design Review Board plays a crucial role in assisting the Town Council and Planning Commission by reviewing and evaluating the site design, architecture, signs, and landscaping of proposed projects. 2023 HIGHLIGHTS • Design Awards – Nominated and recommended winners of 2024 Town Design Awards • Borel – A Development Plan for a 168-unit townhouse development • Loyal Dragon – A Development Plan for four single family residences • Tatum Lane – A Major Subdivision to subdivide an existing parcel into seven single-family residential lots at 3020 Fostoria Way • 144 El Dorado – A Major Subdivision to subdivide an existing parcel into five single-family lots • 212 Front Street – A Development Plan for a two-story commercial building (reviewed final plans for building permits this year, previous review prior to 2023) • 359 & 375 West El Pintado – A Development Plan for a 50-unit senior condominium (reviewed final plans for building permits this year, previous review prior to 2023) • Custom Homes, including 2460 Tassajara Lane, 28 Sky Terrace, 5 Ohlson Lane, 68 Hidden Hills • Commercial Architectural Features: Patio Covers for The Vine and Harvest • Arts District Maker’s Space: Development of a Town-owned Maker’s Space at 282 Front Street WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2024 • Darby Plaza: A Preliminary Development Plan to build a four-story 100-unit multifamily senior housing condominium • 114 El Dorado: A Major Subdivision to subdivide an existing parcel into five single-family lots 2 • Town & Country Shopping Center: A Development Plan for a four-story 200- unit multifamily development • Sloat Garden Center: Development Plan for a multifamily housing development ARTS ADVISORY BOARD REPORT AND SUMMARY A diverse cultural arts program creates a lively and attractive community in which to live, work, and visit. The Arts Advisory Board is advisory to the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission and is responsible for promoting interest and support for cultural arts within the community and serving as a liaison to regional arts organizations. Recognizing that high-quality artistic activities enliven public spaces and can be symbols of civic pride and community identity. The Arts Advisory Board is a fairly new body that was preceded by the former Arts Commission. For most of the year, the Arts Commission focused on implementing the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Strategic Plan (Plan) Update. The following areas were supported and/or accomplished by the Arts Advisory Board in 2023: 2023 HIGHLIGHTS • Supported Town-sponsored and co-sponsored events, including Moonlight Movies, Music in the Park, art exhibits, and other art-related events and productions. • Supported the Bound for Books Public Art Exhibit. • Participated in a Town Council and Commission Joint Study Session • Participated in a workshop to discuss implementation strategies for the Strategic Plan. • Received several presentations regarding Public Art & Cultural Arts in Danville. • Provided creative ideas for promoting and enhancing the cultural arts classes, programs, events, and activities. • Participation and support of the Curatorial Committee, which selects Village Theatre Art Gallery exhibits and identifies activities such as children’s art classes, docent-led tours, lectures by artists, and other art workshops. 2 WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2024 The Arts Advisory Board's efforts in 2024 will focus primarily on reviewing and moving forward with implementing the update to the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Strategic Plan, specifically through Arts Integration and the performing arts. It will continue to review the various recommendations for permanent public art, such as the carved wooden acorn in the Theatre Plaza area and the bronze acorns scattered throughout the downtown. They will also continue to explore strategies to highlight cultural arts in the Town while supporting the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission, the Recreation, Arts & Community Services Department, and its Curatorial Committee.