City Projects Reviewed by Cerritos Planning Commission

During its last meeting, the Cerritos Planning Commission was presented with a detailed oral and visual report of city projects -- both completed and currently under construction.

The report delivered by Planning Manager, Robert A. Lopez, was an overview of projects the Commission and City Council have approved since 2008.

The projects, which are being coordinated by the Planning Division of the Community Development Department, according to the meeting’s agenda report, fall under commercial, residential, institutional, industrial and wireless categories.

In 2010, 12 major projects were approved, 10 of which have been completed. This year, five major projects have been approved and none completed.

In terms of land use in 2010, 24 residential projects were approved along with seven commercial ventures. Four residential and five commercial projects have been approved this year.

Lopez explained at the June meeting in the Council Chambers, “On average, the majority of the residential projects are additions, where the homeowner is adding rooms or perhaps an entire second floor.”

He continued, “A small proportion of the resident properties are new replacement homes where the existing residence are demolished, including the foundation and a new one is built in place.”

Residential projects included 10 home additions in 2010 and four this year.

After Lopez gave a brief summary report about completed projects such as the and the construction of shade canopies, and the outdoor fireplace and seating located at the Cerritos Towne Center Plaza, Commissioner Alon Barlevy voiced his approval.

“I’m really impressed to see all of the projects that are going on,” Barlevy said. “Anytime there’s a project it enhances the community, which benefits sales taxes and home prices.”

Residential Development Proposal Approved

Homeowners Khanh Nguyen and Thuynhon Phan submitted a proposal to the Commission for a first-floor addition and new second floor to be constructed on their existing single-floor Cerritos residence located at Arabella Lane.

However, before the Commission approved the project, two issues were discussed at length.

Several neighbors attended the meeting and voiced their concerns about a potential breach of privacy regarding the proposed new second floor, which features a balcony.

One resident, who failed to give her name, said during the meeting that the construction of a second floor would allow the applicants to “see through her window at night,” and that she would be forced to close her mini blinds.

Another neighbor said the second floor would obstruct his view.

Nguyen said during the meeting, “It’s not someplace we’ll hang out after work,” to help quell privacy concerns. “Planning staff has checked my line of sight.”

Director of Community Development Torrey Contreras agreed, stating that the City staff conducted a “line of sight study to make sure there is no direct window alignment.”

Another item of contention involved the applicants desire to delay for three years a city staff recommended driveway replacement.

According to the agenda report, the existing driveway was cited for being in “poor condition” with a “non-uniform” appearance per city standards.

Nguyen said he requested a three-year delay because of “financial considerations.”

However, Chair Larry Sagert, Vice Chair Naresh Solanki and Commissioner Frank Yokoyama, cited “bad precedent” for possibly allowing the project to move forward without adhering to staff’s recommendations.

“What would stop future applicants from claiming financial hardship to delay city staff recommendations?” Yokoyama asked.

The Commission unanimously approved the project, and amended the three-year delay, agreeing that staff’s recommendation for a new driveway be followed.

The Planning Commission’s last meeting was held Wednesday, June 15 at 7 p.m. in the City’s Council Chambers.