LA MESA CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS UPDATE OF PARK STATION PROJECT

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By Janis Mork

March 27, 2013 (La Mesa)- At yesterday’s La Mesa City Council meeting, Councilmember Ernie Ewin requested an update on the status of the Park Station project, a proposed 18-story mixed use building. 

City manager David Witt asked Bill Chopyk, Community Development Director, to discuss the process. 

Chopyk provided some background.  “The first season project application was submitted and completed in 2009 for five and a half acres of land that is comprised of the American Legion site across the street from City Hall, and the Kitzman family property, where it’s currently being used for automobile type sales. The application also includes Nebo Drive about another acre. You take five and a half acres of land, extract it from the downtown village specific plan, and create its own specific plan.”

Then he summarized, “ In short, the project is still in environmental review. The project description is not set in stone. One we have the description set, we can then finish up the draft EIR [Environmental Impact Report], publish it for a 45 day posting period, take public comment over the EIR,  go to first planning commission, and then city council for final approval. That whole process is yet to come.”

The process has been underway for several years, he said, adding, “We’ve had some bids and starts in application. We’ll proceed following the applicant’s direction on what they want to do with it.”

Witt spoke up. “I would just add because these are coming before you as a public hearing item, we won’t take any details or questioning.”

Ewin then said, “Many times, we’re asked to meet with the proposer of any other particular activity.  Is there any other guidance for the Council?”

City attorney Glenn Sabine replied this would be allowed “as long as the Councilmembers are meeting with developers just for the purposes of information gathering. Some councilmembers choose not to meet with developers. Some councilmembers choose to meet with developers for the purposes of information gathering. It’s up to you.”

Councilmember Ruth Sterling asked, “I’m just wondering does it go back to the EIR process when the developer meets with American Legion regarding Nebo, because it’s been in and out so much?”

Witt responded, “All of these delays or changes have been driven by the applicants. It’s their project; they’re defining what it includes and what it does not include. Each time they make changes, they will make changes to the background studies and environmental documents, which causes delays in the process.” He added that the exact timetable would be driven by the applicant’s changes.  “We’ll bring it forward as quickly as we can. We can provide you with periodic updates.”

Vice Mayor Mark Arapostathis was pleased with Witt’s response. “I’m glad you said that, that the applicant is writing that. The City has not made any decision regarding Park Station?”

Chopyk answered, “That’s correct.”

Mayor Art Madrid added, “I wanted to clarify two items on meeting with two individuals. I have great respect for the Kitzman family, including Andy, and I met with neighbors who wanted to listen (regarding the property)...It’s difficult to answer any questions when you have no information.”

No one else spoke up about this item, and no action was taken.

For more information, go to: http://www.cityoflamesa.com/index.aspx?NID=969 or http://www.parkstationlamesa.com.

Earlier in the meeting, as Madrid went over the consent calendar, Vice Mayor Arapostathis and Councilmember Kristine Alessio voted to pull out two consent items, including the “Acceptance of the 2012 Annual Report.” Arapostathis wanted to know why it was on the agenda in the first place.

Chopyk answered, “This is an update on the report, something we do annually.”

Arapostathis asked, “I wanted to make it clear it’s not adoption?”

Chopyk told him, “That’s correct.”

Alessio had the same concern. The item was voted on for acceptance with a 5-0 vote.


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