SUBJECT:
PDC01-05-063.
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT REZONING
LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAMARITAN DRIVE AND
SAMARITAN PLACE.
COUNCIL
DISTRICT: 9
The Planning Commission voted 6-0-0 to recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance to approve the subject rezoning.
BACKGROUND
On June 12, 2002, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider a Planned Development from CO-Commercial Office and CP-Commercial Pedestrian to A(PD) Planned Development to allow a new addition of approximately 49,000 square feet, the demolition and reconstruction of approximately 38,000 square feet and an emergency services helicopter landing pad to an existing hospital on 20.7 gross acres.
The Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement recommended approval of the proposed .
Mike O’Reilly, a local resident and member of the Lost Oaks Neighborhood Association (LONA), raised concerns regarding hours of operations and late night noise from truck deliveries, and that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lacked any knowledge regarding the use and operation of the heliport. He expressed his interest in having the hospital work with Code Enforcement and LONA to reduce noise associated with the hospital and the greater medical community. Lynn Yu, also a local resident and member of LONA, expressed her concerns regarding the noise and needing better coordination by the medical community in addressing the concerns of the surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Commissioner Chun Hoo questioned Tim Nieuwsma of the Silicon Valley Advisors Group representing the hospital, why Good Samaritan did not come before the Planning Commission requesting approval of the heliport when it first started operations. Mr. Nieuwsma stated that the Hospital did not know that permits were required from the City for use of the helipad.
Commissioner James questioned hospital representative Jim Lamar on his knowledge of the existing problems with truck traffic. He also asked whether he knew that the helipad did not have any permits from the required agencies. Mr. Lamar, stated that the site design of the project allowed better containment of noise and that limitations on hours of truck deliveries have been discussed with their suppliers, however it has been difficult to ensure compliance.
Commissioner Chun Hoo stated that while it can be good to live close to a hospital in case of a personal emergency, hospitals have their share of issues affecting the surrounding neighborhoods. She expressed her support for the project given its benefits the community, however she requested that conditions be placed in the PD permit to address noise issues and deal with truck deliveries. She also wanted to see that the hospital continue to work with the neighborhood on issues affecting their neighborhood.
Chair Levy requested clarification on the number of beds with the 49,000 square foot addition, and identified his concern for the adequacy of parking given the amount of square footage proposed.
Staff clarified the parking requirements for the proposal and indicated that these were much more comprehensive that the standards requirements identified in the Zoning Ordinance. Additionally, at the Planned Development Permit stage, conditions will be placed included to restrict delivery hours if deemed appropriate given the need for emergency medical services, as well as a condition requiring the hospital to obtain all permits necessary by outside agencies with jurisdiction over the helipad. Most significantly, a condition is included on the General Development Plan requiring a compliance hearing one year after the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, if necessary, to re-evaluate issues associated with the parking requirements and the use of the helipad, as well as to identify community concerns once the project is occupied.
The Planning Commission then closed the public hearing and reviewed and considered the Negative Declaration adopted on May 22, 2002, and found it in conformance with CEQA.
A notice of the public hearing was distributed to the owners and tenants of all properties located within 1,000 feet of the project site. Community meetings were held on June 27, 2001, September 12, 2001, and February 12, 2002. See original staff report for more information.
This project was coordinated with the Department of Public Works, Fire Department, Police Department, Environmental Services Department, Department of Transportation, and the City Attorney.
STEPHEN M. HAASE
Secretary, Planning Commission
c: Timothy Nieuwsma, Silicon Valley Advisors Group, 1150 North First Street, Suite 130 San Jose, CA 95112
Good Samaritan Hospital, A Delaware Ltd. Partnership, c/o William Picho, CEO, 2425 Samaritan Drive San Jose, Ca 95124