Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-109 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA REMOVING THE HISTORIC ELIGIBILITY STATUS OF THE SEARS BUILDING LOCATED AT 565 BROADWAY
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
The City Council at its June 10, 2014 meeting conducted a public hearing and considered expert technical information regarding the historic status of the Chula Vista Sears building. After considering the information provided by staff and the applicant the City Council determined that the Sears building at 565 Broadway is not an eligible historical resource. Adoption of this resolution will finalize that decision.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the applicant’s request for reconsideration of Historic Eligibility for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a "Project" as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060 (c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA. Although environmental review is not necessary at this time, if modifications are proposed to the Sears building in the future, environmental review may be required and a CEQA determination completed
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
At the June 10, 2014 City Council meeting a public hearing was held regarding the classification of the Sears building at 565 Broadway as an eligible historical resource. According to Section 21.04.100 of the Municipal Code, in order to be considered an eligible historical resource, a building must retain its historic integrity. Historic integrity is evidenced by the survival of original features and physical characteristics that existed during the resource’s historic period. The City Council considered information and testimony provided by staff, the Denton Law Firm, ASM, Affiliates, Inc. and Heritage Architecture. After considering all of the information the City Council determined that the alterations made to the Sears building were sufficient to result in the loss of the historical integrity of the building. Absent historic integrity a building cannot be an Eligible Historic Resource. The City Council directed staff to return with a resolution supporting their determination.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council and has found that Councilmember Bensoussan has a business interest in the property which is the subject of this action. Staff is not independently aware, nor has staff been informed by any other City Councilmember of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. Historical Resource Surveys (Surveys) are important tools in identifying those resources that contribute to Chula Vista’s individual character and unique sense of place. Understanding and protecting such resources meets both the Connected Community goal and the Healthy Community goal as it promotes civic pride and sustainability through the recognition, preservation, and adaptive re-use of the limited resources that contribute to Chula Vista’s rich heritage.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The applicant has paid for all staff time and costs associated with this appeal through a deposit account. There are no other fiscal impacts.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Since the appeal will be heard in the current fiscal year, there are no ongoing fiscal impacts.
ATTACHMENTS
Staff Contact: Marilyn Ponseggi, Principal Planner, Development Services Department