Citation in context
August 6, 2018 — Meeting Minutes
Cited passage
Ron Reim added that the applicant is asking for more advertising banners. Chairman Lichtenfeld emphasized that the banner colors are important, and this Board needs to see the actual colors.
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Ron Reim suggested tabling this until more information is received.
The members agreed.
Hearing no further questions or comments, Ron Reim made a motion to continue consideration of this request until the meeting of the 20th (samples are required). The motion was seconded by Brian Maguire and unanimously approved by the Board.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – HOTEL USE – 26 NORTH MERAMEC AVENUE (SEVEN GABLES INN)
Jake Horner, agent on behalf of 7 Gables, was in attendance at the meeting.
Susan Istenes explained that the hotel has been operating for many years without a Conditional Use Permit and new ownership has triggered the need to bring the existing hotel into conformance with the Zoning Regulations. The hotel measures 20,794 square feet and contains 32 guest rooms, meeting room space and a restaurant. The restaurant operates under a separate Conditional Use Permit. The new owner is not planning any major changes to the function or operation of the hotel at this time. The hotel and restaurant are located in a building addressed 18 and 26 North Meramec Avenue on the east side of the street. A surface parking lot addressed 23 North Meramec Avenue is located on the west side of the street and is under the same ownership. The surface parking lot provides 18 parking spaces for the hotel. The hotel also uses a valet service. Dumpsters are located at the rear of the building and accessed from the east-west alley. Deliveries will also be made to the southeast corner of the building using the east-west alley. The Zoning Code requires that hotels provide parking spaces at a ratio of 3/4 space for every guest room. With a total of 32 guest rooms, the hotel should provide 24 parking spaces. The existing conditions provide 18 parking spaces and a valet service. Staff is not aware of parking issues related to hotel guests in the area. There are multiple options for public parking and the valet service provides an option for overflow parking. The applicant is requesting approval of a parking waiver for 6 parking spaces in order to continue operating the hotel as it currently exists. Staff supports the request for a parking waiver. Parking requirements directly related to the restaurant space are handled through the separate Conditional Use Permit. The courtyard at the rear of the hotel is adjacent to the outdoor terrace of the apartment building located east of the subject property. Existing noise levels generated by the hotel have not adversely impacted the surrounding area. Staff is of the opinion that the hotel meets the requirements contained in the regulations governing conditional uses. The hotel is compatible in size to other buildings and adequate parking is provided. The proposed hours of operation and method of deliveries are consistent with other businesses in this area. Based on the information regarding the operation of the hotel as provided by the applicant, staff is of the opinion that the business is compatible with surrounding uses and recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit to the Board of Aldermen with the following condition:
entrance.
Mr. Goodman stated that the reason for the blue and yellow color choice is to tie the bike racks in with the building. He added that the current restaurant tenant does not want to use banners.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if the colors as shown on the submittal are a good rendition of the actual colors being requested.
Mr. Goodman stated that the printer quality is good; however; the yellow appears a little more gold.
Chairman Lichtenfeld commented that the yellow is too deep, and the blue is so deep it appears black.
Mr. Goodman stated that he believed they had flexibility with regard to the colors.
Brian Maguire stated that he understands what they are attempting to do; however, these look like Blockbuster colors.
Chairman Lichtenfeld informed Mr. Goodman that this Board needs to see the actual colors.
Chairman Lichtenfeld informed Mr. Goodman that this Board needs to see the actual colors.
5 Mr. Goodman informed the members that they would like to use to banners on the Bonhomme Avenue elevation for residential purposes since the restaurant does not want to use them.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if they would be solid or with graphics.
Mr. Goodman stated that the two in the center would be solid; the remaining would be for advertising.
After a lengthy discussion regarding all the banners and their locations, Ron Reim asked if staff anticipated a third or fourth color for these banners.
Anna Krane replied “no”; she stated that staff assumed the banners would be the same colors as the bicycle racks.
Craig Owens commented that he wasn’t here for the original {ARB} approvals, but he’s aware that banners were installed before approvals by this Board were granted and that he’s not in favor of increasing the number of banners.
Richard Lintz agreed.
Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that it’s confusing with the residential and restaurant next to each other.
Ron Reim stated that it is his recollection that this Board was attempting to limit the number of advertising banners.
Anna Krane reminded the members that this development is the subject of an approved signage sub-district (maximum of two background colors; one for the solid banners and another for the advertising banners).
Carolyn Gaidis stated that it seems as though the applicant is trying to coordinate the colors with the use.
Chairman Lichtenfeld indicated that up to three retail tenants could have their own signage and as such, he thinks the banners should be the same…he added that he believes more banners are being introduced tonight.
Anna Krane informed the members that the number of banners is the same.
Ron Reim added that the applicant is asking for more advertising banners.
Chairman Lichtenfeld emphasized that the banner colors are important, and this Board needs to see the actual colors.
7 Ron Reim asked if special mention of the parking waiver is necessary. Susan Istenes indicated that they are welcome to mention approval of the waiver in their motion. Mr. Horner voiced his appreciation for being able to present the application this evening and noted that he did not recall asking for a parking waiver. Ron Reim explained that the waiver comes by default. Mr. Horner asked for reconsideration of the outdoor music, noting that the outdoor patio is an important feature of the hotel. Anna Krane stated that the courtyard area is separate from the restaurant’s outdoor dining area. She noted that other applicants have requested outdoor music. Chairman Lichtenfeld voiced concern about the possibility of music being heard by neighboring residents. Ron Reim asked how open the courtyard area is. Mr. Horner stated that there is a wall around the courtyard area. Ron Reim stated that he is also concerned about music disrupting the nearby apartment occupants. Brian Maguire noted that apartments have moved into downtown Clayton and that he believes Seven Gables had outside music before. Craig Owens added that music from inside can be heard outside when doors are open, and that the City previously approved outside music/speakers for an establishment across the street although it was never open. He noted that the City does receive complaints from neighbors to the north regarding noise from the downtown area. Mr. Horner stated that there should be more clarification regarding this issue and again asked for approval for music in the courtyard area.
Mr. Horner stated that there should be more clarification regarding this issue and again asked for approval for music in the courtyard area. Ron Reim indicated that although he agreed with Craig, it will be easy at this time for this Commission to recommend approval with staff’s recommendation. Andrea Kendrick, broker representing the seller, voiced her support of the request for outdoor music. She added that outside music was part of an event that was previously held and that there were no complaints.