Eric Everhart, Senior Vice President of Enterprise One, Inc. presented a plan to build eight single family homes at 2011 Potrero Grande to the City Council and residents during the September 5th meeting.

The property owners were requesting a zone change from Commercial to Residential. Council can approve their request since the zoning change does not require a vote of the people because this property is less than one acre.

The property located next door to the Olson’s 80 units, a gated community named Encanto Walk located at 2015 Potrero Grande.

This property was developed after the voters approved a zoning change from Commercial to Residential for properties over one acre.

Southern California Edison owes the property next door to 2011 Potrero Grande which has not been developed.

Staff had a Power-Point presentation that showed the Council and residents the location of the property, the city’s general plan, the site plan, the product mix and drawings of the eight homes.

Each home is based on the Craftsman style with three bedrooms, three and one/half bathrooms and a two-car garage.

Each unit will be built differently from the others. They will not be the usual cookie-cutter homes.

The layout of the site will have the homes staggered from the house next door giving each homeowner privacy.

The landscaping plan allows for public spaces and each home will have a small backyard.

Councilmember Mitch Ing spoke first since he had to leave this meeting early to attend a business function.

He told the developer that Edison was storing their supplies on this site.

He also asked who owns the property.

Mr. Everhart said that property was owner by their company since 2004 and in 2016 Texas Land and Cattle, a division of their company, decided to develop it.

Councilmember Ing said he was OK with the project. He likes the layout of the homes.

Councilmember Teresa Real Sebastian said is OK with the staggering of the homes.

She explained that Potrero Grande is a mixture of commercial and residential. This site is 3,200 square feet with eight homes on it is OK.

She suggested this be a gated community to preserve the quality of life for the residents.  She noted the Olson project is a gated community.

Councilmember Real Sebastian requested the project have no home businesses and wants this to be a gated community. She wants plans to be submitted the city within 12 months.

She wants to have more quality homes and businesses in the city.

Mr. Everhart said the home business issue could be addressed in the Convents, Conditions and Restrictions (C, C & R’s) managed by the Homeowners Association.

He stated that the project is not large enough to install a gate without losing one house. This is not acceptable to their business.

Staff said the Encanto project had the space for a turn around. This new project does not have this extra space. The Police, Fire and Public Works Departments will address this issue.

Councilmember Real Sebastian wants a gate for this project.

Mr. Everhart again reminded her that they investigated having a gate but there is not enough room on the site for it without losing a house. That will not be acceptable to their company.

Councilmember Hans Liang said the development is promising. He asked for the price range?

Mr. Everhart said the estimated starting price could be $550,000 and up.

Councilmember Liang said that he is OK with home businesses if there is no need for storage. The city already has requirements. The gate is a good idea. Loosing a house is not an issue for him. He is OK with this project.

Mayor Pro Tem Peter Chan said the project is well done. He likes the walls build at the sidewalks and the open spaces.

Mr. Everhart again stressed that a gate for this project would cost them a house. The Fire Department specified the layout.

Mayor Pro Tem Chan said they need more parking spaces.

Mr. Everhart said the city required two and one/half parking spaces per unit that includes guest parking.

Mayor Pro Tem Chan said he understands that is OK to park on the street during the day. He asked if the developer could have the plans for the development to the city in 12 months.

Mr. Everhart said for eight units it would move fast.

Mayor Pro Tem Chan said they could ask for more time if necessary. He supports this project.

Mayor Stephen Lam said this vacant lot needs to be developed near Montebello. The Council can OK the zone change since is under one acre. We get higher taxes with homes versus vacant lots. We will benefit from this project. We need new quality homes.

Mr. Everhart said their company wants to develop in Monterey Park.

The Councilmembers voted to approve the zone change and tentative tract map for this project.

The staff report for this item is located on the city’s website on the Council Agenda dated September 5th.