Kevin O’Keefe left the meeting. At this time, Chairman Lichtenfeld solicited public comment.

11 Jeff Morrissey, 7611 Maryland Avenue, stated that he appreciates the efforts of Bob and his crew and that he has produced tremendous products. He stated that he is concerned with the sale, mass and placement of the buildings as well as the transition between commercial to the south and residential to the north.

Monica Saleeby, Clayton resident, stated that the property previously contained 36 apartment units and now they want 78. She stated that there were parking problems before. She stated that the area is too dense and too much traffic is already using Lee Avenue, including Wash U traffic. She stated that transient people will use these units and questioned how many people will live in a 450-square foot apartment. She stated that there were crime and drug problems in the previous apartments. She stated that the current water system can’t handle this much more. She asked for higher quality, more upscale housing here as it is near a high cost living area. She stated that young people go to DeMun and the Moorlands; that this would affect high class residents and bring property values down.

Pepe Finn commented that the chart in the TOD says 15 units maximum; this proposal is for 78 units.

Mr. Saur stated that he understood that’s what the TOD is for; that this project was invited by Planning and that the Plan Commission can approve waivers.

Louis Clayton stated that the 15 units is based on the lot size; the Board can waive this requirement through the PUD process.

Raymond Saleeby asked where parking will be; he stated that there’s no parking now.

Chairman Lichtenfeld informed Mr. Saleeby that the developer is proposing 79 on-site spaces.

Ms. Saleeby asked where friends of the residents and vendors will park. She stated that a moving truck will take up all 6 spaces in the front.

Chairman Lichtenfeld announced that there will be other reviews if the project moves forward.

Mr. Saleeby stated that people want parking.

Mr. Saur said “thank you” for the input and indicated that he is somewhat discouraged by the response.

Chairman Lichtenfeld reminded everyone that there will be no vote tonight and thanked everyone for their participation.

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Saur said “thank you” for the input and indicated that he is somewhat discouraged by the response. Chairman Lichtenfeld reminded everyone that there will be no vote tonight and thanked everyone for their participation.

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12 Chairman Lichtenfeld asked about the 2015 PC/ARB Annual Report.

Susan Istenes informed him that it was reviewed during his absence.

Pepe Finn began a discussion about the City’s Master Plan and the need to update it. She stated that she realizes cost is a factor. She asked about public dialogue regarding general development issues. She asked how high density developments go forward when there are complaints about parking but the rules say no parking is required.

Craig Owens stated that the City can’t base decisions on just a few comments.

Pepe Finn commented that a parking study would be required.

Ron Reim stated that the trend is to provide less parking in areas near public transportation.

Pepe Finn agreed, adding that other public transportation areas actually go somewhere; referring to the need here to go west first to get to the airport.

Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that the developer should obtain that information and use it to bolster their argument.

Susan Istenes stated that our planning is long-range; big picture and that density is considered; however, if there is no plan in place the projects have to be considered as they come in.

Ron Reim stated that there are a lot of factors, but that a lot pivoted around the developer’s financial impact.

Susan Istenes stated that financial impact is not a factor for this Board to consider. She said the purpose of a conceptual presentation is to help the applicant decide how to proceed.

Ron Reim commented that even an architectural student would know there are many options; the project has potential and that he is not necessarily opposed to this many units or the targeted residents, but the solution is not there yet.

Susan Istenes agreed.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked what was submitted for the next meeting.

Staff informed him that the submittal deadline is not until next week.

Being no further question or comments, this meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

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