West Covina planning commission continues hearing on proposed 48-unit townhome project after neighbors raise parking, trees and access concerns

The West Covina Planning Commission on May 13 continued the public hearing on a Brandywine Homes proposal to consolidate three parcels and build 48 townhome condominium units on about 5.3 acres near Holt Avenue and Oak Knoll Drive.

Senior planner Fabiola Wong told the commission the project would require a General Plan amendment and East Hills master plan revision to change the site’s land-use designation to medium residential, approval of Precise Plan No. 13-7, Tentative Tract Map No. 72579 and a tree removal permit. Wong said the project would demolish two existing single-family homes, preserve an existing stream bed that runs through the site and would remove trees within the development footprint: “Removal of this 37 trees,” she said, and staff noted up to 44 trees could potentially be removed depending on construction impacts to tree drip lines.

Why it matters: the project proposes substantial changes to a 5.3-acre site and requires discretionary approvals from the city and separate approvals from state agencies for work affecting the stream bed. Neighbors said the proposal, as shown, could reduce privacy and the quality of adjoining yards, increase parking pressure on Oak Knoll and remove many mature trees that contribute to the area’s character.

Staff and developer presentation

Wong outlined mitigation and conditions in the initial study and proposed mitigated negative declaration circulated for public comment. She said the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife is a responsible agency because of the site’s riparian area and that the applicant must obtain any required streambed-alteration agreement. The staff report included a tree survey that identified…