They’ve commented to the Mayor that they don’t intend to buy any more homes, and, in fact, they were asked by the Skinker Heights Neighborhood Association to sign an agreement that the University won’t purchase any more homes in their neighborhood in the next 20 years and they have agreed to do so. Joanne Boulton asked if this agreement has been signed.

14 Ms. Adelstein indicated that it has not yet been signed, but a verbal agreement/memorandum of understanding has been made to that effect and that the properties in that neighborhood that they do own will remain single family residential.

Chairman Lichtenfeld thanked Ms. Adelstein for the transparency; he commented the brought it up because several neighborhood citizens brought it to his attention.

Ms. Adelstein stated that she understood and that it was suggested by the University that the memorandum of understanding be included in/made a part of this Conditional Use Permit.

Chairman Lichtenfeld solicited audience comments.

Eric Liedermann, Skinker Heights Neighborhood Association President, referenced a letter he sent to this Board awhile back. He began by stating that the neighborhood has agreed to cease opposition of this request with the understanding that the University give the neighborhood things that they’ve wanted for many years, primarily the University not purchasing any more homes as Ms. Adelstein just voiced their willingness to agree to this, or requesting any conditional use permits for the University’s use of any of the homes in their neighborhood. He stated that the neighborhood remembers the 2010 agreement which they believed would be in place until 2025; and was quite unhappy when this request was presented to them at their annual neighborhood meeting of May 6th of this year, which request was then presented to the City the next day (May 7th), giving them little chance to respond. The neighborhood believed that the 2010 agreement would remain in effect until 2025, yet they are here now. He noted that they do still have issues with spill-over parking, but the main issue is that the University wants to renege on an agreement that was made in 2010. He concluded by stating that he and Cheryl are working towards an agreement.

Tom Currier, 23 Wydown Terrace, read a letter of opposition regarding this request, which was submitted to the City earlier. He referenced two different parcels, only one of which described in this new request. If only Parcel 2 coverage was illustrated, the calculations would be quite different. He voiced opposition to the University’s request.

Ms. Adelstein stated that the South 40 is and has been 40 acres for a very long time; the parcel issue was a clerical issue in the previous CUP Amendment, nothing more, and that they’ve asked that it be corrected. The boundaries of the South 40 have not changed, and the same legal description has been used for the South 40 since 1995, with the exception of that administrative error.

Joanne Boulton stated that the South 40 is actually 45 acres and some change.

Sally Cohn, 6464 Ellenwood Avenue, asked that consideration of this application be continued until the neighborhood has ironed everything out with the University.

Joanne Boulton stated that the South 40 is actually 45 acres and some change. Sally Cohn, 6464 Ellenwood Avenue, asked that consideration of this application be continued until the neighborhood has ironed everything out with the University.

15 Joanne Boulton asked Ms. Cohn to speak to the parking issues.

Ms. Cohn stated that on a daily basis there are anywhere between six to ten cars parked on Ellenwood that are for the University. She noted that cars for the University are parked on Ellenwood during evenings and weekends as well.

Joanne Boulton stated that with an increase in student population of over 25% {from 3,000 to 3,800}, one would expect a similar increase in the number of vehicles.

Ms. Cohn agreed. She added that there’s also been an increase in the number of service vehicles.

Scott Wilson stated that if they get approval to go to 3,800 beds, what would prevent them from adding more space.

Ms. Adelstein stated that the University offers free parking to student visitors; they can address the issue of staff parking on the residential streets. She referred to the 82 swing beds that they have that they need in the event that regular beds cannot be used.

Chairman Lichtenfeld referenced the 2010 neighborhood opposition to the increase, which was ultimately dropped as a result of an agreement between the City and the University. He stated that a new agreement may be the best route to go for this.

Joanne Boulton indicated that she served on the Neighborhood Association in 2010 when the University asked for a 300-bed increase (to go from 3,000 to 3,300 beds) and the agreement was made by Mr. Ackerman during the presentation to the City, that the 300 additional beds would serve them for 15 years. She reiterated that this new request is problematic from that agreement’s perspective and from a density perspective, as she earlier referred to.

Scott Wilson asked if the current negotiation is nearly complete.

Mr. Liedermann indicated that it is in the hands of the neighborhood’s attorney at this time. They want to be sure this agreement has some “teeth” so they are not back in another eight years doing this again.

Joanne Boulton commented that 3,800 seems high; this increase affects areas other than Skinker Heights (i.e. Wydown Forest, Hillcrest).

Ron Reim referred to the issue of predictability and the need for it for the future; however, there are a number of hurdles to get over to get there.

Chairman Lichtenfeld noted the first hurdle being an agreement between the University and the neighborhood.

She then asked the Chairman if comments from the members and audience will be heard this evening even though this is not officially the public hearing. Chairman Lichtenfeld indicated that comments and questions will be heard this evening.

17

Mr. Feder reminded everyone that the 15-year vacant site located at Hanley and Clayton Roads has seen a few development proposals over the years that, for one reason or another, have not yet come to fruition. He noted that the site consists of two zoning districts at this time, that need to be combined for a project to be successful. He stated that his clients are proposing a Planned Unit Development Project (mixed-use). He referred to the conceptual presentation made back in March and have since made some changes resulted from comments received from both this commission and the neighborhood about the proposal. He stated that he believes the off-peak hours of traffic and access to and from the project is the property’s best use. He hopes the result is approval of the proposal ending the 15-year vacancy of the site. He introduced Mr. Erickson to the members.

Mr. Erickson began a PowerPoint presentation. He reminded everyone that they were here with a conceptual presentation back in March.

A slide depicting a rendering looking south was shown. He referred to the amount of greenspace area between Hanley Road and their building, noting that they pushed the building further east by 23 feet and added 1,500 square feet of retail at the corner. He noted that they did add an electrical charging station for electric cars. He mentioned that there is a need for this project; their investors are ready to move forward as there are zero assisted living beds in Clayton. 281 market rate suites for seniors, public space, 1,500 square feet of retail along Hanley; there is a salon and bistro available to the public during the day as well as meeting space. He stated that Ryan companies will be the developer, co-owner and builder; Lifecare Services (4rd largest in the Country) will be the other co-owner and will be the operator. He stated that this is a $95 million investment and no public incentives are being requested. The project ranges from 3-4 stories to 14 stories in height. He announced that Ryan Companies does a lot of senior living as well as residential projects. He reminded everyone that the majority of the traffic generated by this project will be off-peak. The site is about 3.3 acres with some towers already in the area. He stated that they’ve met with the Moorlands Association, Westwood Terrace Association representatives and Hanley Towers representatives. They’ve also reached out the Presbyterian Church and representatives of Davis Place as well.

A slide depicting the site plan was shown. Mr. Erickson noted that there are three access points; right out only at the southeast one. They are proposing to remove the two curb cuts closest to the intersection. Clayton Road will be a right out only/full access in and the third access is along Westwood Drive. The County’s comments are reasonable and they feel can be easily addressed. A discussion ensued regarding the access points and the restrictions. It was mentioned that the only way a motorist could travel east would be to use the ingress/egress at Westwood Drive. The building as proposed is 14 stories on the west side; 3-4 stories on the east side. A slide depicting the loading area was shown (not large trucks); they will clad the trash enclosure as previously requested. There will be an outdoor patio off their main dining-room along Clayton Road for the building’s use and an outdoor area along the west side along the retail that can be used by the public. A slide depicting the parking was shown. Mr. Erickson noted that there will be 23 surface parking stalls out front to serve the retail space and visitors (and electric charging station); the first-

Mr. Erickson noted that there will be 23 surface parking stalls out front to serve the retail space and visitors (and electric charging station); the first-

18 floor garage entry for access to about 30 parking stalls on the first floor of the garage was shown; and the remaining underground parking area on the east side was depicted for all the residents and staff.

A slide showing that the building now aligns with the tower to the north was shown. Mr. Erickson explained the area of land that will be dedicated for a future new dedicated right-turn lane.

Mr. Erickson reminded everyone that currently, sidewalk is right against both Hanley and Clayton Roads and their goal is to make this area more pedestrian friendly as well as safe.

Floor plans were presented.

Ted Spade with SWT Design presented the landscape plan-there are 38 existing trees; some not in good condition…24 are proposed to be removed, 19 of which are Pear trees and now on the invasive species. Most of the saved trees are along the north. He stated that they will be able to plant trees along Clayton Road, which they are happy about and will help create a better pedestrian experience. The plan shows 172 trees proposed for the site. A sketch of the intersection depicting the outdoor dining terrace and associated 4-season landscaping including two benches was shown. He stated that they plan to commission an artist to design “art” benches and a water fountain.

Joanne Boulton stated that a water bowl for pets may be better on the east side. She stated that she likes a park-like idea on the east side.

Mr. Spade noted that there would be a bicycle area as well.

A slide depicting the roof gardens and outdoor dining terrace was presented. Mr. Spade indicated that final design is not yet complete on these.

Joanne Boulton asked where the water feature will be.

Mr. Spade stated that they have discussed it; however, it needs to be further studied. He stated he is concerned about maintenance.

Mr. Spade briefly explained proposed signage, including 25 square foot monument signs.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked for more landscaping at the Hanley Road intersection. He asked for a further movement of the building towards the east.

Mr. Erickson stated that due to the healthy triangle of landscaping on the east side, they really can’t push the building further east.

Brett Bunke, project architect, presented slides depicting various renderings of the building, noting that the height of the building on the west is in line with the height of the Hanley Towers building.