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October 5, 2017 — Meeting Minutes
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MINUTES BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT OCTOBER 5, 2017
ROLL CALL: Mel Disney
Anna Krane, Planner Nicki Herrington
Kevin O’Keefe, City Attorney Rick Bliss Liza Streett Chairman Gary Soule
Chairman Soule called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. He noted that there is one item for consideration this evening and that there was a full complement of the Board (5 members) in attendance. All Board members and city staff introduced themselves.
The minutes of the September 7, 2017 meeting were presented for approval. There were a few minor corrections to be made; the recording secretary noted that she would make the corrections. The minutes were approved, as corrected.
APPEAL FROM TYLER STEPHENS, ARCHITECT ON BEHALF OF CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH – 7700 DAVIS DRIVE
Those in attendance representing the church were: Tyler Stephens-architect, Tim Page-Central Presbyterian Church’s Executive Administrator, Clay Smith-Church’s Senior Pastor and Tom Avery, Church’s legal counsel.
Those wishing to speak were sworn in by Kathy Scott, Planning Technician/Recording Secretary.
Chairman Soule asked if the City had any exhibits to present with regard to this appeal.
City Attorney O’Keefe presented the following exhibits:
A. City of Clayton Code of Ordinances B. Written request for extension C. Files and records of the City pertaining to this request D. Letter dated today from Robert Kuehn and Jennifer Jeffrey (City Attorney O’Keefe noted that they are not here/not under oath).
Chairman Soule asked the applicant if he had any objections to these exhibits being made part of the record.
Mr. Stephens replied “no”.
Chairman Soule noted that these exhibits will be entered into the record.
Stephens replied “no”. Chairman Soule noted that these exhibits will be entered into the record.
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Mr. Stephens noted that there are some new members on this Board since their last appearance; he asked if the Board wanted to hear/see the presentation.
Mr. Stephens began a PowerPoint presentation. The first slide depicted an aerial view of the subject property. Mr. Stephens noted that the site used to be smaller but they have combined lots. He explained that the church agreed to retain the single family residences along Biltmore Drive versus demolishing them and as a result, the church is more oriented toward Hanley Road; additionally, they built a parking garage to keep cars from parking on the neighborhood streets.
A slide depicting a site plan of the property was shown. Mr. Stephens noted that a lot of their (the Church’s) funds were used to pay for the garage.
Rick Bliss asked when the variances were originally granted.
City Attorney O’Keefe indicated that the variances that are the subject of tonight’s request for extension were originally approved in March, 2013.
Mr. Stephens stated that they’ve received positive comments about the work that has been done and that they’ve eliminated parking in the neighborhood. He noted that Phase II (church addition) is an important piece of the puzzle and that extensions have been sought as the church was in the process of seeking a Senior Pastor and the need to begin fundraising which is difficult to do without leadership.
Slides depicting various renderings were shown. Mr. Stephens noted that the addition to the church will connect the garage to the church. He indicated that their current deadline to file for building permit is March of next year.
Nicki Herrington asked if the addition is 2-stories.
Mr. Stephens stated that the front is only 1-story; the back consists of a basement and 2 floors above.
Nicki Herrington asked about materials.
Mr. Stephens stated it will be constructed of limestone. He noted that the plan has not been altered.
Nicki Herrington asked if the church anticipates an increase in membership especially because parking is no longer an issue.
Mr. Stephens stated that City’s parking regulations are based on the size of the sanctuary which makes sense; he added that the sanctuary is not increasing in size.
Mr. Page thanked the Board for getting them to this point and noted that the project has improved their relationship with Davis Place residents which were regrettably tense. He reiterated that the size of the sanctuary is not being increased. He noted that 2 years ago when
He reiterated that the size of the sanctuary is not being increased. He noted that 2 years ago when
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they were last here, they did not have a senior pastor, but that they do now and his name is Clay Smith. He stated that leadership is needed to fundraise an 8 to 10 million dollar project such as this and that they need a bit more time.
Nicki Herrington questioned why Davis Place is unhappy with this Phase; she asked if it will interfere with the Davis Place neighborhood.
Mr. Stephens replied “no”, adding that the project [church addition] is entirely on the east side of the property.
Liza Streett asked if the letter from Mr. Kuehn and Ms. Jeffrey was accurate.
Mr. Page informed the members that he had not read their letter in its entirety, but he does not believe it is.
Mr. Avery addressed the Board by stating that they missed no deadlines as indicated in the subject letter and at no time had they run out of time; they have simply asked for extensions.
Chairman Soule went over the time-line; it was noted that the original variance was approved in 2013 and that this is the 4th extension request (the previous three having been granted).
Mr. Avery agreed.
Chairman Soule asked if they are again seeking a 2-year extension.
Mr. Avery replied “yes”.
Liza Streett commented that Mr. Stephens mentioned earlier the high cost of the garage, which she believes was a wonderful project. She asked if the garage had an impact on Phase II.
Mr. Stephens stated that originally, the church did not ask for a garage and that garages cost more than surface parking.
Liza Streett asked where the church is with the fundraising for this project.
Mr. Page informed the members that they have not yet begun their fundraising campaign, but that they have had conversations with key donors.
Liza Streett asked if there is a general agreement with the congregation the desire for this Phase II.
Mr. Page replied “yes”.
Liza Streett asked if the congregation is aware of this plan.
Mr. Page replied “correct”.