·        After nearly 30 years it's time to make a decision, this project is economically viable project and has a chance of success. 

·         Project will improve views of the mountains overall compared to recent conditions, as well as open views to museum.

·         Architecture will continue to be reviewed based on AAC recommendations; there's room for the project to evolve. 

·         Would like to hear from project architect how project responds to Palm Springs character and environment. 

·         Concerned with general streetscape along PalmCanyon and TahquitzCanyon; proposed specific condition for the Commission's consideration to require a streetscape plan.

·         Likes pedestrian plan from Hyatt through project site to corner of PalmCanyon and TahquitzCanyon; offered specific condition for a landscape plan to address how the paseo works, including easements, opening/closing of Market Street, minimum widths, operation of outdoor dining and bicycle usage. 

·         Suggested these conditions be placed on the tentative map as well as the individual approvals.  (Conditions were distributed to the Commission.)

·         Confirmed that parking areas are owned by City and not part of the applications before the Commission.

·         Asked about City plans for the parking areas and when these plans would be submitted.  (No plans for the parking lots are known at this time, per staff.)

·        Confirmed that conditions of the draft resolutions could be modified by the Planning Commission, including requiring subsequent review by AAC and
the Commission. 

·         Confirmed that tentative map process is subject to conditions and further review (The tentative map is the major decision point on any subdivision, per staff.)

·        Confirmed that conditions that are project-wide can be imposed either on the map or on all the project development approvals (PDD and Major Architectural Approvals). 

·         Project is ready to go forward and the process doesn't feel rushed; there will be additional opportunities for review. 

Commissioner Weremiuk commented that she is happy to support project, with the architecture returning for review and requested guidance as to the appropriate review milestones.  Commissioner Klatchko is also seeking guidance on review milestones.

Commissioner Calerdine commented that a milestone of about 20% would seem appropriate.  He said that open space on the project seems to have been resolved by the City Council's action; and the Commission shouldn't hold up the project because we disagree with that decision.  We can add to the condition to the streetscape plan for shading, but is concerned with the loss of mountain views.  If the Commission has thoughts about the hotel's architectural style, we should identify them in the action on the PDD.

Chair Donenfeld commented that the Specific Plan does not support idiosyncratic style; we have Spanish Revival, Modern and other niche styles.  We must be careful to not dictate architectural style.  More review will occur on the architecture, and joint meetings between the AAC and Commission would be useful.

Commissioner Calerdine requested an explanation from the architect during next reviews on the architectural theme and objectives for the proposed design.  He confirmed that the tentative map could be conditioned to make Andreas Road two-way, east of Palm Canyon Drive.  (That portion of Andreas Road is outside the scope of project, per staff.)  He suggested that it be conveyed to the City Council that Andreas Road should be two-way.

Vice-Chair Hudson stated that he does not want the Commission to dictate a style or regurgitate mid-century modern clichés.  He wants to see a more truly Palm Springs architecture, particularly responding to the climate in an economic and creative way; this should be conveyed to the architect.

-Review by the AAC and Planning Commission of landscape, lighting and hardscape plans, including all street furniture, subject to the following:
 

a.      Use a variety of plant materials in landscape palette.

-Review by the AAC and Planning Commission of street paving plans, and traffic movement patterns.
-Submission and review by AAC and Planning Commission of a sign program for Block C.

-Review by the AAC and Planning Commission of landscape, lighting and hardscape plans, including all street furniture, subject to the following:
 

a.      Use a variety of plant materials in landscape palette.

-Review by the AAC and Planning Commission of street paving plans, and traffic movement patterns.
-Submission and review by AAC and Planning Commission of a sign program for Block C.