Citation in context
May 4, 2015 — Meeting Minutes
Cited passage
He stated that this project takes away the opportunity for the City to rectify the situation. He believes the City should hold out for something more to help alleviate
28 the current [parking] situation. He stated that he believes the project will draw more traffic and demand more parking than is being proposed.
Jeannine Kalkwarf, 168 North Central Avenue, asked if resident parking stickers will be required to park in the neighborhood.
Craig Owens indicated that their area is out of the zone; so stickers are not issued/required.
Louis Clayton reminded everyone that the rezoning is contingent on the approval (and construction) of the building.
Sally Cohn asked if the Commission is only voting at this time on the rezoning.
Chairman Lichtenfeld replied “yes”.
Sally Cohn stated that she would like to see more parking.
Louis Clayton stated that the parking lot is not part of the PUD.
Jim Liberman asked what the property is being used for now; who parks there now.
Jason Casey, Graybar Electric, indicated that nobody parks there now.
Being provided the opportunity to speak and hearing no public comments, Craig Owens made a motion to recommend approval of the rezoning of 111 North Central Avenue to the Board of Aldermen per staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Josh Corson and unanimously approved by the members.
REZONING – PUD - 25 NORTH CENTRAL (MIXED-USE PROJECT) OPUS GROUP
Susan Istenes explained that the project deviates from the zoning regulations with regard to FAR, height, step-back, unit size and parking. She stated that the public benefits are streetscape, green roof, entrance off an alley, architectural distinction, high quality building materials, sustainability, and below grade parking.
Sally Cohn made a motion to open the public hearing for the rezoning and PUD. The motion was seconded by Josh Corson and unanimously approved by the members.
Mr. Downs reminded the members that they first presented this project in conceptual form back in December and since then they have collaborated with staff and now wish formal approval. He stated that everyone is very excited about the project He clarified that they are proposing 145 parking spaces under the building; not 140 as stated on Page 13 of staff’s report.
with St. Louis County and proof of recording be submitted to the City prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.
Chairman Lichtenfeld announced that only the requested rezoning of 111 North Central Avenue is being considered now.
Mr. Downs indicated that the rezoning request is to allow the construction of a 30 space surface parking lot.
Mr. Barcus stated that the existing garage is in the same location as the proposed surface lot.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if there is any change to City property in conjunction with this lot.
Mr. Downs replied “no”.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked about lighting.
Mr. Roach stated that lighting will be located in front of the lot behind the public sidewalk.
Sally Cohn asked if there were any pictures of the lot.
Roach stated that lighting will be located in front of the lot behind the public sidewalk. Sally Cohn asked if there were any pictures of the lot.
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Chairman Lichtenfeld referred to Page L2.1 of the plan set.
Sally Cohn asked how many spaces the garage has.
Mr. Roach replied “50 – 55 spaces”.
Sally Cohn stated that it is a shame to lose parking. She questions when the time will come where Clayton is overbuilt and underparked.
Mr. Roach indicated that they would love to keep the existing garage but it is in poor shape.
Sally Cohn indicated that she is a bit confused about the parking under the building.
Mr. Roach stated there are 2 full parking levels under the building for use by the building residents.
Sally Cohn indicated that she realizes only consideration of rezoning 111 North Central is being discussed at this time she asked the number of spaces under the building.
Mr. Roach replied 145.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if that’s a 1.2 space/unit ratio.
Mr. Roach replied “yes”.
Sally Cohn asked the parking ratio for their building at Union & Euclid.
Mr. Roach replied “1.2”.
Jim Liberman asked the parking ratio for their building on Laclede.
Mr. Roach replied 2.1 spaces per unit; noting those are condos not apartments.
Sally Cohn asked how wide the area is where the English Oaks are.
Mr. Bacus replied “350 square foot each”.
Ernest Maddox, 134A North Central Avenue, stated that he is okay with the rezoning and the parking, but has an issue with the project itself as there’s no parking in Clayton and that they can’t even park on their streets. He stated that this project takes away the opportunity for the City to rectify the situation. He believes the City should hold out for something more to help alleviate
Downs reminded the members that they first presented this project in conceptual form back in December and since then they have collaborated with staff and now wish formal approval. He stated that everyone is very excited about the project He clarified that they are proposing 145 parking spaces under the building; not 140 as stated on Page 13 of staff’s report.
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Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if the audience had any comments about the rezoning request.
Jeff Nornberg asked how the number of parking spaces can be justified when the number implies that no one has two vehicles.
Mr. Downs stated that a total of 175 spaces are being provided; 145 under the building nad an additional 30 across the street. He stated that 65% of the units are 1 bedroom, studio or alcove units and their target market are those who like to walk or use public transit (noting the property is only 3 blocks from a MetroLink Station). He stated that they feel confident in the amount of parking they are proposing.
Suzie Forsyth, 159 North Central Avenue, stated that she is thrilled something will be done on the corner and relies on the people to do the best they can. She voiced her support of the rezoning.
Kent Kalkwarf, 168 North Central Avenue, questioned the occupancy of Clayton on the Park. He then noted that The Crossing development will be coming to town soon as well as apartments across Brown Shoe, for a total of between 600-700 new residential units in downtown. He asked if Clayton has a target number of units they want to add to the City.
Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that there is no set number and that an increase in residential units means an increase in street life and retail.
Craig Owens commented that while there is no established number, an independent study was conducted and that within a 5 mile radius, 4,000 units would be the demand and that the City is well within that at this time.
Mr. Kalkwarf stated that 4 years ago he didn’t move his business to Clayton because of the parking problems.
Rita Nornberg, 328 North Bemiston Avenue, thinks it’s nice that this project will bring in young people, but those young people have friends and those friends have cars.
Ms. Kalkwarf asked if the developer is asking for tax abatements.
Chairman Lichtenfeld indicated that is not something this Commission considers.
Ms. Kalkwarf asked what the rental fees will be.
Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that she can ask the developer that question, but that, too, is something not pertinent to this discussion.
Sally Cohn questioned if the green roof was Graybar’s idea.
Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that she can ask the developer that question, but that, too, is something not pertinent to this discussion. Sally Cohn questioned if the green roof was Graybar’s idea.
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Mr. Downs stated that they thought the west facing green roof would be special.
Sally Cohn stated that’s why the storm water run-off numbers are down. She added that the green roof may be a public benefit, but not the parking.
Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that not all the public benefits listed have to be provided.
Sally Cohn voiced her concern regarding parking. She stated that she would hate a missed opportunity at the 111 site to provide more parking.
Jim Curley, 139 North Central Avenue, informed the members that the parking at 111 is tied to the 25 North Central Avenue building.
Sally Cohn questioned if that matters.
Mr. Curley indicated that it’s never been public parking.
Mr. Downs commented that parking is typically a concern and a point of discussion and asked that the City consider the parking study which states that the project will meet the parking demand and that their project is not being asked to resolve a greater issue.
Hank Winkleman, 7405 Maryland Avenue, asked that the needs of the community be considered and how this project affects everyone is critical.
Lee Cannon, Crawford, Bunte & Brammeier, traffic engineer, (preparer of the parking study) stated that he looked at the industry standard, the City’s parking regulations, the current project, COTP and the public when preparing the study. He stated that they believe the 175 parking spaces provided is more than adequate. He reminded everyone that they (applicant/developer) own the property and have to be able to rent out those units. He stated that they would be comfortable with any number over 165 and they are providing 175.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if Mr. Cannon had any comments regarding traffic.
Mr. Cannon stated that Clayton is on a grid with connections to major interstates. He stated that they preferred access from the alley, which is being improved to 24-feet, which basically results in a 2-way street, noting that over time, the City wants to narrow Central Avenue. He stated that residential opportunities with retail are needed to reduce traffic.
Sally Cohn commented that COTP is different due to its location; this project isn’t close to the Central Business District and downtown retail. She added that she would love to get cars off the road to utilize mass transit.