Mr. Cooperstein indicated that they have a very positive relationship with Journey Church and they can ask to use their lot; however, the best option he believes is for them to provide shuttle service.

4

Mary DeBenedetti asked where the shuttle bus will be parked.

Mr. Cooperstein indicated that he does not know the answer to that at this time. He added that a bus would be rented, not owned, and it could be taken off-site when not in use.

Nicki Herrington stated that she was not present for the variance request last year and questioned the loss of spaces from that previous plan.

Mr. Cooperstein stated that was an effort to preserve greenspace. He added that the new design is entirely different.

Chairman Soule asked if the addition has also decreased in size.

Mr. Cooperstein replied “yes”.

Mel Disney asked Ken Heinz if variances terminate with the property owner.

Ken Heinz replied “no”.

Mel Disney asked if they can stipulate that it does {terminate with the owner}. He noted that the lease does not provide a renewal option and believes this Board’s approval runs concurrently with the lease and if it does not, maybe it should.

Ken Heinz stated that he understands Mel’s point and theoretically, it could be accomplished; however, he is concerned from a practical standpoint.

Mel Disney indicated that the owner could make another appeal application.

Ken Heinz stated that this would place a stranglehold on the synagogue.

Mel Disney commented that a 10 year lease is not very long.

Robert Denlow stated that he does not believe that a variance that terminates with the owner is fair to the property owner and that it would behoove them to do something as it would be in their best interest to do so.

Mel Disney stated he’s just concerned that the lease will be terminated.

Chairman Soule stated that we can’t foresee the future and if the current owners of Pierre Laclede do sell their property, Kol Rinah will have to deal with a new owner at that time. He added that once the City is made aware of a problem, it is addressed. He reminded everyone that the owners of Pierre Laclede must provide Kol Rinah notice if there is a pending sale of their property.

Nicki Herrington asked if Kol Rinah is paying rent for those spaces.

He reminded everyone that the owners of Pierre Laclede must provide Kol Rinah notice if there is a pending sale of their property. Nicki Herrington asked if Kol Rinah is paying rent for those spaces.

5

Mr. Cooperstein replied “yes”, but it’s a very small amount.

After a discussion regarding variances and their relationship to the owner and to the property, Anna Krane announced that variances run with the property; not a property owner.

Mary DeBenedetti voiced concern regarding neighborhood parking, especially during inclement weather.

Chairman Soule made reference to Central Presbyterian Church’s parking issues and noted that the City has not received complaints about parking on the neighborhood streets.

Spencer Burke, 121 North Hanley Road, addressed the Board by stating that this is an empty building that needs a tenant. He welcomed Kol Rinah and spoke of the problematic corner (Hanley and Maryland) and the pedestrian safety issues. He noted that he loves Kol Rinah’s plan and the amount of greenspace they are providing. He asked that Kol Rinah address the north side (elevation) of the building as that’s the side he faces. He asked that this Board grant the requested variance.

Mr. Cooperstein informed the Board that after this meeting, he is heading to the Center of Clayton to discuss the 2019 repaving of Maryland Avenue with the City’s Public Works Department and he hopes to have a crosswalk installed at Linden and Maryland.

Ken Heinz informed the Board that the best way to resolve the issue is to simply add a condition to the approval that Kol Rinah maintain 130 off-site parking spaces for their use if that is what the Board so chooses. If the Board wants to explore other options, he stated he would have to do more research.

Chairman Soule asked Anna about doing that as he thought it would impose an unreasonable hardship.

Anna Krane suggested not doing that.

Chairman Soule asked the applicant if they considered an alternative.

Ms. Ives stated that they could return to the previous plan.

Nicki Herrington asked how many people work at the daycare and where they park.

Mr. Cooperstein stated that it varies, but that parking for about 20 cars is what they would need and they are currently searching for more spaces to lease for the ECC parking.

Nicki Herrington commented that she doesn’t want those cars parking on the street.

Chairman Soule asked the applicant if there is a parking problem under their current enrollment.