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July 6, 2017 — Meeting Minutes
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MINUTES BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT JULY 6, 2017
ROLL CALL: Rick Bliss
Anna Krane, Planner Mel Disney
Ken Heinz, Acting City Attorney Liza Streett
Anne Bishop Chairman Gary Soule
Chairman Soule called the meeting to order at 5:08 p.m. and apologized for the late start. He noted that there are two items for consideration this evening and that there was a full complement of the Board (5 members) in attendance. All Board members and city staff introduced themselves.
The minutes of the April 6, 2017 meetings were presented for approval. There were several minor corrections that needed to be made. The recording secretary noted that she would make the corrections. The minutes were approved, as amended.
APPEAL FROM KRISTEN SORTH, DIRECTOR OF THE ST LOUIS COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT REGARDING THE PROPERTY AT 7821 MARYLAND AVENUE (SETBACK VARIANCE TO ALLOW NEW LIBRARY BUILDING TO ENCROACH OVER REAR SETBACK LINE)
Robin Ringwald, project architect (Christner, Inc.) and Kristen Sorth, Library Director, were in attendance at the meeting.
Those wishing to speak were sworn in by Kathy Scott, Planning Technician/Recording Secretary.
Chairman Soule asked if the City had any exhibits to present with regard to this appeal.
Acting City Attorney Heinz presented the following exhibits:
A. City of Clayton Code of Ordinances & City Master Plan B. Application for Zoning Review C. Appeal Application D. Floor plan & photo submitted by applicant E. Staff Report
Chairman Soule asked the applicant if he had any objections to these exhibits being made part of the record.
Ms. Sorth replied “no”.
Ms. Sorth replied “no”.
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Chairman Soule noted that these exhibits will be entered into the record.
Ms. Sorth indicated that they are thrilled to begin this process which began with the passing of Proposition L in 2012; to date 12 libraries have been replaced and their desire is to remain in Clayton where they are. She noted that the new library building will be 15% larger and the restrooms will be ADA accessible. She noted that exiting the new garage will by use of a token given by Library staff and that it will be secured on weekends and evenings.
Mr. Ringwald presented site plans depicting proposed conditions and existing conditions; noting the differences. He stated that the proposed building is a rectangular shape and sits further back from the street than the existing building. He noted that the garage (plan shown) will be controlled and easy to circulate.
Mel Disney asked about mechanical room ventilation.
Mr. Ringwald indicated that ventilation will exit the roof at the northeast corner of the building.
A floor plan was presented and Mr. Ringwald noted that the children’s section is larger and surrounded by walls and glass to keep noise levels down. He noted that there is a quiet room at the southeast corner and other areas include study rooms, a teen room and meeting room.
Elevation drawings where shown. Mr. Ringwald noted that the garage is pretty much where it is today.
Liza Streett asked if the garage is part of the variance.
Mr. Ringwald informed the members that the garage is underground.
Liza Streett asked about noise impacts on the adjacent apartment building.
Mr. Ringwald indicated that the noise level will be the same or less than it is today. He noted that the area of the variance being requested is less than 400 square feet.
Rick Bliss asked why this building doesn’t have a Central Avenue address, noting that the entrance is being moved 20-30 feet to the north.
Anna Krane informed the members that St. Louis County assigns addresses. She added that regardless of the entrance, the setbacks remain the same and because the Maryland Avenue street frontage is shorter than the Central Avenue frontage, the lot line opposite Maryland Avenue (shorter frontage) is considered the rear yard.
Chairman Soule asked if staff anticipates that granting this variance would not have a detrimental impact on light or air to neighboring property.
Anna Krane replied “correct”.
Chairman Soule asked if staff anticipates that granting this variance would not have a detrimental impact on light or air to neighboring property. Anna Krane replied “correct”.
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Chairman Soule asked if staff anticipates that this will not have a negative effect on the public’s safety and/or welfare.
Anna Krane replied “yes”.
Chairman Soule asked about alternatives.
Mr. Ringwald indicated that they packed in as much as possible and still have a working library.
Rick Bliss asked how long they expect construction to take.
Mr. Ringwald’s reply was “one year”.
Chairman Soule asked when they plan on starting demolition.
Mr. Ringwald indicated that they plan to demo soon and begin construction in early fall.
Hearing no further questions or comments from the Board, Rick Bliss made a motion to grant a 3-foot variance from the required rear yard setback of 20-feet to allow the new building to be located 17-feet from the rear property line. The motion was seconded by Anne Bishop and unanimously approved by the Board.
Jane Motozian, 119 North Bemiston Avenue, asked about the mechanical equipment and lighting; she asked to see the site plan.
Mr. Ringwald showed Ms. Motozian the site plan.
Anna Krane informed Ms. Motozian that the Plan Commission and Architectural Review Board will be reviewing and voting on the site plan and architectural aspects of the project at a meeting to be held in the future.
Chairman Soule informed Ms. Motozian that this Board has very limited authority and only considers variance requests.
Anna Krane announced that once applications and plans have been submitted for the site plan and architectural review, they will be posted to the City’s website and notice of the meeting will be mailed to property owners within 200 feet.
Ms. Motozian asked if the applicant would be willing to meet with neighbors.
Mr. Ringwald replied “yes”.
Ms. Motozian indicated that she uses the library and that she’s in favor of the project.