He stated that this is more of a suburban environment and that people will rely more on their vehicles, adding that there is no Metro Link toward the west. He indicated that he has concerns about this fitting in

17 the Master Plan and questions if Clayton’s “downtown” actually goes this far west. He stated that he also has concerns about parking, traffic and walkability.

Mr. Braswell indicated that within two blocks there is a Starbucks and a Schnucks and that they believe there is great connectivity between this development and downtown. He stated that he also thinks people will use their bicycles to get around.

Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that it’s not that he doesn’t like the project, but when discussions regarding both pedestrian and automobile traffic, very few people walk to coffee shops and maybe this will give way to more pedestrian scale.

Ron Reim mentioned the shopping center across the street that people drive to but one could easily walk to from here.

Josh Corson asked if most of their renters are single.

Mr. Braswell stated that they market to the 25-40 crowd; mostly singles and married couples with some seniors/empty nesters.

Jim Liberman asked about rent ranges.

Mr. Braswell indicated that the 1 bedrooms will range from $1,550 to $1,825/month; 2 bedrooms from $2,275 to $2,575/month; 3 bedrooms from $3,400 to $3,500/month and square footages from 658 up to 1,640.

Jim Liberman referred to a letter that was received from Robert Wood, a resident of the already built Vanguard, stating concerns about the dumpster and trash system.

Mr. Braswell stated that they offer valet trash/recycling disposal; they provide the container(s), come daily to the tenants’ doors and pick up trash/recycling.

Sally Cohn asked how long they own their buildings.

Mr. Braswell stated that they usually own their buildings from the onset of construction to up for 48 months; he noted they sold their U-City property in February.

Josh Corson asked about parking.

Mr. Braswell stated that it is their intent not to assign spaces and that parking will be paid for in the monthly rents, not rented separately.

Louis Clayton added that parking spaces won’t be tied to specific units.

Braswell stated that it is their intent not to assign spaces and that parking will be paid for in the monthly rents, not rented separately. Louis Clayton added that parking spaces won’t be tied to specific units.

18 Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if there were any public comments.

None were received.

Hearing no public comments or questions, Ron Reim made a motion to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Jim Liberman and unanimously approved by the members.

Jim Liberman asked how to proceed from here.

Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that the rezoning and PUD need separate votes.

Sally Cohn stated that public benefits seem to be missing from this project. She asked what green level they hope to achieve as it seems like it is the lowest level.

Mr. Braswell asked what benefits she would like to see.

Sally Cohn noted that this is the gateway to the City and that the building has no architectural interest; she loves what they are doing, but the building itself is underwhelming and the proposed design used a lot. She reiterated that this is an important corner; an important location.

Chairman Lichtenfeld commented that design and materials are architectural issues and that the PUD and rezoning are the aspects being considered now. He stated that he does have some concerns but that it does fit into the City’s Master Plan.

Ron Reim stated that he agrees with the landscaping changes suggested earlier by Sally. He stated that he, too, would like to see design changes and details such as public art.

Susan Istenes indicated that although art may not be able to be considered now, consideration should be given to the 5,227 square foot of land being dedicated to the City, the addition of streetscape and connectivity to the Great Rivers Greenway Trail.

Mr. Braswell stated that the art piece will have to receive City approval.

Susan Istenes concurred; the piece will be considered by the City’s Public Art Advisory Committee and the City’s Architectural Review Board.

Jim Liberman commented that it is not a particularly wonderful building; it is simply “okay”.

Chairman Lichtenfeld again referred to the ARB’s review of the proposed design and materials.

space as needed.

on Maryland Avenue relocated outside of the public right-of-way, and the proposed streetscape curb line on Maryland Avenue be adjusted to run parallel to the front property line, to be approved by staff prior to consideration by the Board of Aldermen. *