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October 2, 2017 — Meeting Minutes
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submit proof of filing to the City within 30 days of Board of Aldermen approval. There were no questions or comments and none were heard from the audience. Craig Owens made a motion to recommend approval of the plat to the Board of Aldermen as proposed. The motion was seconded by Scott Wilson and unanimously approved by the members. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – FRONT YARD RETAINING WALL (ALREADY INSTALLED) – 6472 SAN BONITA AVENUE
Jeff Haring, contractor, was in attendance at the meeting. Susan Istenes explained that the proposed project consists of the installation of a new retaining wall along the northern property line to level the front yard. The project was constructed without a permit or review from the Architectural Review Board and therefore, the applicant has been asked to retroactively apply. The retaining wall is 3.5 feet tall at the highest point and 60 feet long and constructed of Kirkwood gold stone boulders; it is located directly on the property line against the public sidewalk. As part of the project, new landscaping has been added along the top of wall, but not between the wall and the public right-of-way. The proposed design and materials of the retaining wall are consistent with the Architectural Review Board’s preference for masonry walls in front yards. The location of the wall does not provide space for a landscape buffer between the wall and the public sidewalk; however, the landscaping above the wall and use of natural stone softens the impact on the public sidewalk.
LOT CONSOLIDATION PLAT – 522 EAST POLO/7720 WALINCA TERRACE
No one representing the applicant was at the meeting. City Attorney O’Keefe informed the members that they could proceed regardless, so the Commission decided to consider the application.
5 Susan Istenes explained that the property currently addressed 522 East Polo Drive is 15,638 square feet and contains a single family house and a detached garage. The property currently addressed 7720 Walinca Terrace is 436 square feet and contains a portion of the detached garage that crosses the existing property lines. The proposed plat will consolidate one existing conforming lot and one existing non-conforming lot. The non-conforming lot (7720 Walinca Terrace) was created as a result of vacated railroad right-of-way that was never officially consolidated with another lot, but has historically been maintained by the owner of 522 East Polo Drive. The proposed plat will also reduce the existing non-conformity of the detached garage. The consolidated lot will measure 16,074 square feet. Director Istenes noted that staff is of the opinion that the lot is consistent with the lots located in the immediate area with regard to size, frontage and arrangement and recommends approval to the Board of Aldermen with the following conditions:
Subdivision Ordinance requirements after Board of Aldermen approval;
The proposed design and materials of the retaining wall are consistent with the Architectural Review Board’s preference for masonry walls in front yards. The location of the wall does not provide space for a landscape buffer between the wall and the public sidewalk; however, the landscaping above the wall and use of natural stone softens the impact on the public sidewalk. Additionally, the new wall curves into the property at the northwest corner to maintain proper sight distance at the crosswalk. The new wall will be a prominent feature at the corner; however, the block features many properties with front yard retaining walls due to the difference in grade between the finished floor height of the home and
6 street. Director Istenes stated that staff is of the opinion that the wall is compatible with neighborhood character and the existing house and recommends approval as installed. Mr. Haring apologized for not realizing he needed this Board’s approval prior to installing the wall. Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that the wall looks good. Scott Wilson asked about setback from the curb/street. Susan Istenes stated that there is no set standard; landscaping helps soften the appearance of fences and walls and helps lessen pedestrians’ feelings of being closed in while walking down the sidewalk. Hearing no further questions or comments and hearing nothing from the audience, Will Liebermann made a motion to approve as installed. The motion was seconded by Scott Wilson and unanimously approved by the Board. SITE PLAN/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW/AMENDMENT TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – KOL RINAH – 7701 MARYLAND AVENUE
Randi Mozenter, Kol Rinah President, Anna Ives, project architect, and John Faulk, civil engineer, were in attendance at the meeting. Also in attendance was Dan Rosenthal, Kol Rinah Facilities Co- Chairman. Susan Istenes explained that the applicant previously appeared before the Plan Commission and Architectural Review Board on November 7, 2016 and received approval for a proposed addition and site alterations to the subject property. On December 13, 2016, the applicant received approval from the Board of Aldermen for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a daycare facility at the subject property and to allow parking in the front yard setback.