Citation in context
October 2, 2017 — Meeting Minutes
Cited passage
Mr. Rosenthal stated that the addition needs to be distinct.
12 Chairman Lichtenfeld commented that he likes the placement of the new sanctuary and although he understands staff’s comments, he has no issues with the color of the limestone and although the dimensions of the panels are a bit large, he’s okay with the size as well. He then referred to the joint meeting between the Plan Commission and Board of Aldermen at which the term “inspirational architecture” was used by the Mayor.
Ron Reim commented that he understands the statement they are trying to make and believes this will likely be an inspirational piece.
A brief discussion regarding the proposed sign location ensued.
Ron Reim suggested eliminating the first three staff recommendations and modifying the fourth (sign location).
Chairman Lichtenfeld agreed.
Will Liebermann asked if religious institutions have to adhere to our sign regulations.
Anna Krane informed the Board that signs are not a public safety issue but that it made sense to include it in the report.
Hearing no further questions and hearing none from the audience, Ron Reim made a motion to approve the architectural aspects of the project with the condition that the sign be relocated to the west or south wall. The motion was seconded by Brian Maguire and unanimously approved by the Board.
Director Istenes left the meeting.
The request for an amendment to the Conditional Use Permit was now up for discussion.
Anna Krane 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. Since the approvals were granted for the original proposal, the applicant has decided to go in a different design direction and has hired a new architect. The design changes have resulted in a larger floorplan for the daycare facility and reduced on-site parking, therefore, the applicant is requesting to amend the existing Conditional Use Permit. The subject property is located at the northwest corner of Maryland Avenue and Hanley Road, with additional frontage on Linden Avenue. The 1.45 acre site has a zoning designation of R-2 Single Family Dwelling District. The site is currently developed with a 32,311 square foot church building and a 2,230 square foot accessory structure. The property is surrounded by residential land uses to the north, east (across Hanley Road) and west, and office
the addition.
Ms. Ives stated that they approached this with the sanctuary as the centerpiece and expressed their desire for a courtyard area and new worship space.
Samples of the proposed materials were shown and Ms. Ives explained why they are proposing the larger panels.
Mr. Rosenthal stated that the addition needs to be distinct.
The site is currently developed with a 32,311 square foot church building and a 2,230 square foot accessory structure. The property is surrounded by residential land uses to the north, east (across Hanley Road) and west, and office
13 uses to the south (across Maryland Avenue). The applicant proposes to renovate the interior of the existing building and to construct a new 9,456 square foot addition for a total building area of 41,929 square feet. The existing accessory structure will be demolished. The existing parking lot will be reconfigured to include 24 spaces. The parking lot will be accessible from Hanley Road and Linden Avenue. The proposed amendments to the existing Conditional Use Permit including increasing the square footage of the daycare facility to 5,350 square feet, changing the date of the plans governing maintenance of the property to match the revised plans and reducing the number of on-site parking spaces to 24 spaces. Because the proposed amendment includes increasing the square footage of the use, the amendment requires approval from the Board of Aldermen. Potential impacts of the proposed changes are described in this report. Because of the change in the addition location and size, the floorplan for the lower level of the building, which will house the daycare facility is larger than the original application. The revised addition plan creates a 5,350 square foot daycare facility as opposed to the 3,300 square foot facility originally proposed. Maximum capacity of the new daycare space is 112 children, as opposed to the original 88 children maximum. The applicant proposes to operate a ten classroom Early Childhood Center for infants through pre-Kindergarten. The hours of operation are still 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and the general operation of the facility has not changed. The applicant has revised the site and create a 24 space parking lot; 4 spaces and the trash enclosure will be located forward of the front setback line. The original plan included 34 parking spaces with 5 spaces located forward of the front setback line. The revised design decreases the encroachment of parking into the front yard area along Linden Avenue. On September 7, 2017 the Board of Adjustment approved a 95 parking space variance from the required 119 parking spaces to allow for a 24 space parking lot. Planner Krane continued by stating that staff is of the opinion that the proposed amendments do not significantly alter the operation of the daycare facility or site. The proposed daycare and front yard parking meet the requirements contained in the regulations governing conditional uses. The required parking spaces will be located on site and are in compliance with the City’s Parking Regulations pursuant to the 95 parking variance granted by the Board of Adjustment. The proposed hours of operation occur during daytime hours and are consistent with nearby business office use hours of operation. There are no pre-programmed classes, so pick-up and drop-off traffic will be somewhat staggered throughout the morning and evening peak hours. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed child care use will be compatible with surrounding uses and that the proposed parking area, located forward of the required front yard setback, will have minimal impact on surrounding properties. Its design and location help facilitate safe site circulation and minimize conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles. It is adequately screened from surrounding properties. Planner Krane informed the members that staff recommends approval of the proposed amendments to the Conditional Use Permit to the Board of Aldermen as requested.
Hearing no questions or comments from the members or the audience, Ron Reim made a motion to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit to the Board of Aldermen as requested. The motion was seconded by Will Liebermann and unanimously approved by the Commission.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked about the project schedule.
The motion was seconded by Will Liebermann and unanimously approved by the Commission. Chairman Lichtenfeld asked about the project schedule.
14 Ms. Ives indicated that they hope to begin construction the end of March, 2018, and have it complete in 9-12 months.
Scott Wilson stated he would not be at the October 16th meeting. Having no further business before the Commission this evening, the meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
_______________________________ Recording Secretary