Citation in context
December 18, 2017 — Meeting Minutes
Cited passage
Mr. Hoisington stated that they already have four species that will attract butterflies in the plan.
21 Mr. Clark stated that Centene does a great job with landscaping.
Greg Allen, owner to the left, asked that Centene work with them regarding the fence between the properties.
Mr. Hoisington indicated that they absolutely would.
Steven Rosenblum asked if there has been a 5,000 square foot reduction in the project.
Mr. Hoisington replied “yes”.
Mr. Rosenblum stated that the project is now over parked and parking should be reduced.
Mr. Hoisington informed Mr. Rosenblum that the Conditional Use Permit is specific and requires that 90 spaces be provided.
Mr. Clark stated that they want 90 spaces, noting that most of the reduction in the project was in common areas; the program remains the same.
Marguerite Bliss, 7515 Westmoreland Avenue, commented that they were told that University attendees would be shuttled in.
Joanne Boulton commented that she is hesitant to reduce the parking required in a residential area as the area will feel the direct impact if the project is under parked. In Ward I where we have a lot of under parked schools and churches, lack of parking creates a constant conflict with visitors parking on the neighboring residential streets.
Mr. Clark commented that the parking is hidden.
Bridgette McAndrews, 7615 Westmoreland Avenue, voiced her concern about the fence and the resulting loss of natural flow. She asked that the fence be removed as with the fence, the property is walled off from the neighborhood.
Kevin Williams, 7394 Westmoreland Avenue, stated that the revisions are generally very good. He stated that there needs to be enough landscaping/berm to screen vehicles.
Mel Disney, 7507 Westmoreland Avenue, asked why the need for a fence when there’s a berm. He stated that the fence is an obstruction and noted that Hanley House doesn’t have one.
Hearing no further questions or comments, Scott Wilson made a motion to approve the site plan per staff recommendations. The motion was seconded by Brian Maguire and unanimously approved by the members.
SITE PLAN/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – ADDITION/RENOVATION – 7501 MARYLAND AVENUE (FORMER MARYLAND SCHOOL; CENTENE UNIVERSITY & DAY CARE)
Bob Clark, Clayco and Eli Hoisington, project architect were in attendance at the meeting. Susan Istenes explained that on November 6, 2017, the Plan Commission voted to continue consideration of the proposed project, allowing the applicant to revise the plans based on outstanding comments and concerns voiced during the meeting. On December 4, 2017, the applicant submitted revised plans, which include many changes to the site design and building design. The applicant proposes to demolish 2,935 square feet of the existing building, renovate the interior of the existing building and to construct multiple additions totaling 16,703 square feet, resulting in a total building area of 54,684 square feet. The existing parking lot will be expanded to wrap the northeast corner of the building and include 90 spaces. The parking lot will be accessible from Maryland Avenue. The proposed project is in conformance with the requirements of the R-2 Zoning District and the approved Conditional Use Permit for the property. Storm water will be adequately managed on site. The landscape plan features a variety of native species, shrubs and trees. Director Istenes noted that staff is of the opinion that the project meets the criteria for site plan approval subject to the following conditions:
1) The applicant shall address outstanding comments outlined in the City’s contracted landscape architect’s review letter dated December 13, 2017 (attached).
20 2) The applicant shall revise the square footages listed in the applications and plans to be consistent. Mr. Clark stated that they have made a good faith effort in response to previous comments.
Mr. Hoisington began a PowerPoint presentation. Slides depicting an aerial photo, site access, service access, trees along Maryland Avenue and a site plan were shown. He stated that the impervious coverage is 53.8-percent. Slides depicting the hardscape plan were shown. Mr. Hoisington explained that this new plan created a safe child care drop-off area and that they did not include any of the playground area in their pervious calculations.
Slides depicting building elevations from various streets, berm details, and several renderings were shown. A 3D animation devoid of the foliage was presented as well. A slide depicting the proposed north and east (newly added) canopies was shown.
Joanne Boulton asked if the canopies are solid.
Mr. Hoisington replied “yes”.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked who will use the south façade doorway.
Mr. Hoisington stated that they hope the door will be used in good weather.
Joanne Boulton asked if the gate will lock.
Mr. Hoisington stated that they are not proposing to lock the gate at this time.
A discussion regarding proposed materials ensued and slides depicting the materials were shown.
Joanne Boulton asked the location of the water feature.
Mr. Hoisington indicated that it is gone.
Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that he is pleased with the outcome; it is a great improvement over the previous proposal.
Mr. Clark stated he believes it works better for everyone3.
A discussion regarding the landscape plan took place. Joanne Boulton asked about a butterfly garden; something to see from the curb.
Mr. Hoisington stated that they already have four species that will attract butterflies in the plan.
Hearing no further questions or comments, Scott Wilson made a motion to approve the site plan per staff recommendations. The motion was seconded by Brian Maguire and unanimously approved by the members.
22 The architectural aspects of the project were now up for review.
Mr. Hoisington explained that they re-worked the front façade and tried to maintain the historic features of the building. He noted that the southern addition is smaller than previously proposed, the east addition was removed completely, the north addition was re-worked and bay windows added on the east and west, which they believe all results in a nice articulation from Maryland Avenue.
Slides depicting various renderings and elevations of the property and building were shown.
Joanne Boulton asked if they eliminated the back patio.
Mr. Hoisington replied “yes”.
A 3D animation video was presented.
Scott Wilson stated that they hit a home run with this.
Chairman Lichtenfeld stated it looks great.
Director Istenes informed the members that staff recommends approval as submitted.
Hearing no further questions or comments, Scott Wilson made a motion to approve as submitted. The motion was seconded by Brian Maguire and unanimously approved by the Board.
Having no further business before the Commission this evening, the meeting adjourned at 10:38 p.m.
_______________________________ Recording Secretary