Mar 30 2019

New Rules Are Proposed for Piedmont Buildings and Properties: Homes, Neighborhoods, City

Planning Commission to Consider Design Guidelines Update

– Public Meetings –

Monday, April 8, 2019 – Introduction and Discussion – 5 pm City Hall

Monday, May 13, 2019 – Discussion and Recommendation – 5 pm City Hall

At its meetings on April 8th and May 13th, the Planning Commission will consider updates to the city’s Design Guidelines, which provide a framework for actions of staff and the Planning Commission in making decisions regarding Planning Applications from residents. The draft Design Guidelines will be introduced at the April 8th meeting, staff will answer questions, the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback, and the Planning Commission will discuss the proposal. At the May 13th meeting, the Commission will take additional testimony from the public, continue its discussion, and consider a recommendation to the City Council.

Background

This project to update and reformat the City of Piedmont Design Guidelines is the fifth and final phase of policy updates undertaken in response to the adoption of the General Plan in 2009 and the Housing Element in 2011. The first four phases were related to revisions of City Code Chapter 17 (the Zoning Ordinance) and were completed between 2012 and 2017. Specifically, Action 28.E in the Design and Preservation Element of the 2009 General Plan calls for the City’s Design Guidelines to be updated.

Draft updated Design Guidelines

In addition to updating and reformatting the guidelines for single-family residential construction, the draft update includes new guidelines for multi-family residential construction, commercial and mixed-use construction commercial signage, and landscaping.

A chapter that includes design guidelines for wireless communication facilities will be added at a future date. In addition to the link below to the electronic copy of the draft Guidelines, print copies are available for viewing at Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue.

The draft Design Guidelines are available online by clicking below:

Printed copies are available for viewing at the Public Works counter in City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611.

City Council to Consider Adoption

The Planning Commission’s recommendation concerning the draft Design Guidelines will be forwarded to the City Council for its consideration, as it is the decision making body for this matter. The date of Council consideration will be publicized well in advance of the meeting.

Public Engagement

Public comment is invited throughout the process. Interested members of the public are encouraged to read the draft Design Guidelines and staff report, and attend the Planning Commission meetings scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2019 and Monday, May 13, 2019 in City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue.

Written comments and requests to receive email notification of activities related to the Design Guidelines update should be sent to Planning Director Kevin Jackson at kjackson@piedmont.ca.gov. Comments on paper can also be submitted by hand or by mail to the Piedmont Planning Commission, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611.

All meetings are broadcast and recorded.  Live broadcast can be found on Cable Channel 27 and on the City website under City Council videos/ Planning Commission.    http://www.ci.piedmont.ca.us/video/

Mar 30 2019

Immigration: Piedmont League of Women Voters April 7

League of Women Voters of Piedmont to Host A Discussion on Immigration

With Guest Speaker Sr. Maureen Duignan Executive Director of East Bay Sanctuary Covenant

Maureen Duignan

Sunday, April 7, 2019 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

40 Highland Ave, Piedmont CA

Sr. Maureen Duignan, Executive Director of East Bay Sanctuary Covenant will address U.S. immigration policy and its effect on immigrants and refugees in the Bay Area. Sr. Maureen has earned several awards for her work supporting immigrants and immigrant rights, including the National Award from the National Guatemalan Council. She lived in Guatemalan/Salvadoran refugee camps from 1982 to 1984.

Founded in 1982, East Bay Sanctuary Covenant is dedicated to offering sanctuary, solidarity, support, community organizing assistance, advocacy, and legal services to those escaping war, terror, political persecution, intolerance, exploitation, and other expressions of violence. The organization has helped more than 10,000 local immigrants navigate the legal system. Currently, the organization is deeply involved in advocating for Temporary Protected Status.

This event is free and open to the public. Visit https://my.lwv.org/california/piedmont/event/us-immigration-policy-speaker-event-sr-maureen-duignan to reserve a spot.

Mar 28 2019

Piedmont Home Invasion Robbery

On Thursday, March 28, 2019, at approximately 4:45 a.m., the Piedmont Police Department received a report of a home invasion robbery which occurred on Tyson Circle in the City of Piedmont.

Two residents of the home were confronted by three suspects armed with handguns and one unarmed suspect. The suspects ransacked the home and took various items of value. Both victims sustained minor injuries while escaping from the home and were later transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The suspects are described as follows:

Suspect #1 described as black male, early 20’s, slim build, dark hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.

Suspect #2 described as black male, mid 20’s muscular build with broad shoulders.

Suspect #3 described as a young Hispanic male in his 20’s, round face, average build and unknown color hooded sweatshirt.

Suspect #4 described as black male adult.

All of the suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction prior to police arrival. Additional information will be made available as the investigation continues.

If anyone has any information related to this event, please call Detective Jeff Spranza at (510) 420-3013.

If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the Piedmont Police Department Tip Line at (510) 420-3055. For press inquiries, please contact Captain Chris Monahan at (510) 420-3012.

Mar 28 2019

Appointees Named to Piedmont Commissions and Committees Announced

At a special meeting on March 25, 2019, the City Council interviewed applicants and made appointments to fill vacancies on commissions and committees. Drawing on the talents of twenty two applicants for twenty vacancies, the City Council made the following appointments:

Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee

Chris Kwei

Christina Paul 

Maya Rath

Frank Ryan

*

CIP Review Committee

Michael Henn

John Lenahan

*

Civil Service Commission

Claudia Harrison

David Hobstetter

*

Park Commission

Betsy Goodman

Jim Horner

Brian Mahany

*

Planning Commission

Rani Batra

Yildiz Duransoy

Douglas Strout

*

Public Safety Committee

Shanti Brien

Lori Elefant

Lynne Wright

*

Recreation Commission

Glyn Burge

Jeffrey Dorman

Vincent Fisher

Congratulations to all and thank you for serving Piedmont!

Mar 27 2019

Piedmont Valero and Shell Service Stations Closing ?

Will the properties be converted to multi-family housing?

Piedmonters are shocked and saddened to learn that by April 30th they will lose the Valero gas and service station in the center of Piedmont at Highland Way and Highland Avenue operated by Simon Ho.

Ho has rented the property for over 10 years and gained a highly regarded reputation for his service to the community and its many vehicles. Although negotiations had been occurring, Ho cannot meet the rental increase demands of owner Tarvinder Bains from $8,000 per month to $17,000.  Consequently, Ho has made plans to relocate his automobile repair business to MacArthur Avenue in the Dimond District of Oakland.

Bains has proposed no new plans for the property, however a significant new factor is a potential change of use allowed by Piedmont’s recent zoning change directly impacting the property.

Without voter approval, although required by the Piedmont City Charter, the property was rezoned from Commercial to Commercial and Multi-family housing (Mixed Use). The zoning change allows multi-family housing plus commercial use of the properties in the former Commercial zone. The zoning change allows housing projects with a height of essentially 3 stories to be built in the zone.

The zoning change approved by the Piedmont City Council not only impacts the Valero Station property in the center of Piedmont, but the Shell Station property recently noted “For Sale” at the corner of Wildwood and Grand Avenues.

A subcommittee of the Planning Commission has been meeting regularly to discuss and consider recommendations on Design Guidelines that would impact all zones in Piedmont including the aforementioned properties.  The meetings have not been open to the public.

“[Planning] Commissioner [Tom] Ramsey reported the subcommittee reviewed a complete draft Update of the Design Guidelines and provided comments. The majority of the consultants’ work has been consolidating information from various sections of the Guidelines and receiving feedback from local architects and Commissioners. Planning Director Jackson advised that draft Design Guidelines will be released for public review later in March, and the release will contain the dates for submission of public comments. The draft Design Guidelines will be presented to the Planning Commission on April 8 for discussion. At its May meeting, the Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council. Planning Director Jackson thanked Chair Behrens and Commissioner Ramsey for serving on the subcommittee. Chair Behrens remarked that the use of photographs rather than drawings in the draft Design Guidelines gives more reality to accompanying comments.”  Minutes of March 2019 Planning Commission meeting. 

Planning Commission Agenda on Monday, April 8:

RECEIPT AND DISCUSSION OF DRAFT DESIGN GUIDELINES AND UPDATE – 

Receipt of a draft update of the City of Piedmont Design Guidelines, an informational report from the City’s consultant regarding the draft update, including an opportunity for public comment and Commissioner discussion.

–The meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast live starting at 5:00 p.m. on Channel 27 and on the Piedmont website under videos, Planning Commission. 

Once the Planning Commission reviews the subcommittee, staff and consultants recommendations and approves them, their recommended Design Guidelines will go to the City Council for consideration and potential approval.  These meetings will be open to the public.

Valero and Shell Stations:

When there is a proposed change of use, all proposals must go before the Piedmont Planning Commission and the Piedmont City Council to receive Conditional Use Permit approval.  Public notification to nearby property owners is required when changes are reviewed, but, recently, when important changes were made to uses within the city, the city as a whole was not informed. 

Individuals interested in the development of either properties, Valero or Shell, can inform the Piedmont Planning Department and the Piedmont City Council of their desire to be notified when and if new plans are proposed for the two properties.

Planning Department – kjackson@piedmont.ca.gov

City Council – citycouncil@ci.piedmont.ca.us

For more information, contact Planning Director Kevin Jackson:   kjackson@piedmont.ca.gov

Mar 27 2019

Pickleball, Wildwood Gardens, Blair Park, Coaches Field, Dog Fountain, Witter Field Capital Projects Proposed 2019

  • Middle School courts repaved for Pickleball purposes
  • Wildwood Gardens streets changed to one way
  • Stairway to Oak Avenue from Wildwood Gardens
  • Fencing and improvements to Blair Park along Moraga Avenue 
  • Improvements to Witter Field drainage and various enhancements
  • Water fountain in Piedmont Park near Witter Field for dogs and people

The purpose of the CIP Review Committee and citizen proposed projects can be read by clicking below:

> CIP 2019

Revised Proposal worksheet can be read by clicking below.

> 2019 Proposal sheet revised

Various City Wide projects are: Aquatic Center, Linda Beach Park, Recreation Center and Veterans Hall improvements, Coaches Field improvements including lights, and Public Security Cameras.

The Committee meetings are open to the public and any resident that wants to attend is welcome. The next meeting is scheduled for April 9th at 7 pm in the City Council conference room to the left as you enter Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue.  Recordings of the meeting are not made and there are no broadcasts or minutes of the meetings. 

For more information, contact Nancy Kent at NKent@piedmont.ca.gov

Mar 25 2019

Crime Report, Public Safety Cameras, Piedmont Disaster Prep Guide, Hazard Mitigation Plan, Schools: Thursday, March 28

Public Safety Committee meets Thursday, March 28, 5:30 p.m. City Council Chambers. The public is welcome to participate and attend the meeting.  No broadcasts are planned for the meeting. *See update and report on the meeting below under comments.

The agenda includes:

  1. Approval of Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes for 1/31/19 Public Safety 2019-01-31 DRAFT
  2. Update on the Crime Report
  3. Update from the Public Safety Camera Subcommittee
  4. Update on Get Ready, Piedmont Guide
  5. Update on the Hazard Mitigation Plan
  6. School Liaison Update
Mar 25 2019

Alameda County Seeks Grand Jury Members: Application Deadline April 1

Alameda County Civil Grand Jury Opens for New Members

Deadline: April 1, 2019

Alameda County is seeking applications for residents who wish to serve on the Civil Grand Jury. The Civil Grand Jury serves as the County’s citizen watchdog group by investigating local government operations and citizen complaints.

For more information on what the Civil Grand Jury does, please refer to Grand Jury’s website at http://acgov.acgov.org/grandjury/ , or view the brochure here.

Civil Grand Jurors serve a term of one year, beginning on July 1st and ending on June 30th. To serve on the Civil Grand Jury, you must be over 18, have lived in Alameda County for at least one year, be able to dedicate 10-20 hours per week, and possess sufficient knowledge of the English language. Grand Jurors are paid $15 per day plus mileage.

If you would like to apply, please download the application form and submit it to Alameda County for consideration no later than April 1, 2019. Please contact Cassie Barner at (510) 208-9855 with questions about the Civil Grand Jury.

Mar 25 2019

Public Meeting on Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Wednesday, April 10

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Meeting

Final Public Input Meeting for Draft Plan

 Wednesday, April 10th at 6 pm

Police Department EOC at 403 Highland Ave

The City of Piedmont Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)  draft LHMP, which is now available for public review and comment.  The Public Review Draft of the LHMP is available online in pdf format.

Complete 402 page plan here

311 page Chapters only here

  92 page Appendices only here

It is also available on paper at City Hall.

Fires, earthquakes, landslides, and severe weather are just a few of the hazards to the Piedmont community. While natural hazards such as these cannot be prevented, a Hazard Mitigation Plan forms the foundation for a community’s long-term strategy to reduce disaster losses by breaking the repeated cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction. Additionally, only communities with a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan are eligible to apply for both pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant funding.

A final public meeting to review and provide comments on the Public Review draft LHMP is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10th at 6 pm  in the Police Department EOC, located at 403 Highland Ave.

For more information, please see: http://www.ci.piedmont.ca.us/local-hazar…

Mar 16 2019

Capital Improvement Projects to be Considered Tuesday, March 19

CIP Review Committee Agenda Tuesday, March 19, 2019 7:00 p.m.   City Hall Conference Room, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA

What is being considered for City expenditures?

The CIP meeting is open for public participation. Minutes and recordings are not made of the meetings, and there are no broadcasts of the meetings.  Meeting materials, staff reports, citizen requests have not been publicly distributed. Attendees at the meeting, and thereafter, all individuals have a right to view and obtain copies of all information distributed to the Committee. Meeting attendees may make recordings of the meetings, as long as the meeting is not disrupted by the recording device.

The March 19 meeting agenda includes:

  1. Update on Public Safety Projects from Police Chief Jeremy Bowers
  2. Review of Revised Work Schedule and Tasks for the CIP Review Committee for Fiscal Year 2019-20
  3. Review of Proposed Projects

Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the CIP Review Committee are available for public inspection in the Public Works Department during normal business hours. 

As of this writing (3/17/19) PCA has not received agenda information materials for the 3/19/19  meeting. When information is submitted to PCA, it will be published here. 

New CIP member, Recreation Commissioner Conna McCarthy, was chosen to serve on the CIP Review Committee, as the representative from the Recreation Commission.

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