Staff is of the opinion that the proposed building materials are compatible with the existing structure and with the neighborhood character. There is an existing u-shape asphalt driveway in the front yard and an asphalt driveway along the west property line

13 leading to the garage. The applicant is proposing widening the footprint of the existing u-shaped driveway. The applicant is proposing to expand the driveway width using stamped concrete and leaving the existing asphalt portions of the driveway. Architectural Review Guidelines state allowed driveway materials to be stamped concrete, exposed aggregate or brick pavers. The existing asphalt driveway is not a permitted material; however, the applicant is proposing a permitted material for the new driveway area. Two, white carriage style garage doors will be used for the garage extension. The proposed doors will be similar in style to the existing garage doors, which are to be removed. There are no new fences or retaining walls proposed other than the trash enclosure located at the northern end of the driveway. The trash enclosure will be constructed of cedar-privacy fencing. Planner Krane continued by stating that the project as proposed is in conformance with the requirements of the R-1 Single Family Dwelling District and the Architectural Review Guidelines; that staff is of the opinion that the design and materials of the addition are compatible with the neighborhood and therefore, staff’s recommendation is to approve as submitted.

Ms. Deem presented color renderings and samples of the proposed materials to the Board.

William Liebermann complimented the architect on the thorough and well-designed plans.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked about the driveway.

Ms. Deem indicated that they plan to keep the asphalt driveway.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if the trim will be on the edges of the asphalt.

Mr. Deem replied “yes”.

Hearing no further questions or comments, William Liebermann made a motion to approve as submitted. The motion was seconded by Ron Reim and unanimously approved by the Board.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked when they hope to begin construction.

Ms. Deem replied “as soon as possible”.

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – RESTAURANT – 8143 MARYLAND AVENUE (GARBANZO)

Ed Cherry, representing the restaurant owner, was in attendance at the meeting. Also in attendance was Al Levine, project architect.

Anna Krane explained that the space, formerly occupied by Companion Bakery, measures 1,652- square-feet and will have 46 seats. A 40 seat outdoor dining area is proposed along the Forsyth Boulevard frontage that will be considered by staff at a later time. The applicant is also proposing

A 40 seat outdoor dining area is proposed along the Forsyth Boulevard frontage that will be considered by staff at a later time. The applicant is also proposing

14 the addition of a walk-in cooler at the rear of the building, which will be reviewed under the building permit process. The applicant describes the restaurant as “a quick serve casual dining establishment serving Mediterranean food.” The restaurant will be open seven days a week, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Delivery service from the restaurant is not proposed. Deliveries to the restaurant will be made two or three times a week in the morning to the rear of the building. Trash will be stored in existing dumpsters located in the rear of the building. The applicant will participate in a recycling program. The property includes eight off-street parking spaces, which can be accessed off of the alley from Forsyth Boulevard. The applicant proposes using five spaces for employee parking and leaving three spaces for patron parking. Because the restaurant is less than 3,000-square-feet and located in the Central Business District, off-street parking is not required. The property includes 8 off-street parking spaces and the applicant has proposed to use 5 of those spaces for employee parking. Public street parking is provided along Maryland Avenue and Forsyth Boulevard. In addition to the street parking, 3 on-site parking spaces will be available for use by patrons. Planner Krane continued by indicating that staff is of the opinion that the proposed restaurant meets the requirements contained in the regulations governing conditional uses. The restaurant space is comparable in size to other restaurants and adequate public parking will be available along the street and on site. The proposed hours of operation and method of deliveries are consistent with other restaurants in this area. Based on the information regarding the operation of the restaurant as provided by the applicant, staff is of the opinion that the proposed restaurant will be compatible with surrounding uses and recommends approval with the condition that there be no outdoor music or speakers to amplify music or similar audio.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked about the cooler; noting that there was an exit door there.

Mr. Levine stated that the exit door will remain; a new door will be added to access the cooler from the interior (there will be no access to the cooler from the exterior).

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if one parking space will be lost as a result.

Mr. Levine replied “no”.

Hearing no further questions or comments, William Lieberman made a motion to recommend approval of the conditional use permit to the Board of Aldermen per staff recommendation. The motion was seconded by Craig Owens and unanimously approved by the members.

******************************************************************************

William Lieberman asked if exit issues are something this Commission can address or if those types of issues are addressed during the permit process.

Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that he was simply curious.