September 16, 2019 — Meeting Minutes
CITY PLAN COMMISSION/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD COUNCIL CHAMBERS – CITY HALL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 1730 (05:30 PM)
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Steve Lichtenfeld at 1730.
ROLL CALL
Chairman Steve Lichtenfeld, Aldermanic Representative Richard Lintz, Carolyn Gaidis, Robert Denlow, and George Hettich answered roll call.
Arrived after Roll Call: Ron Reim
Absent: Interim City Manager Janet Watson
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE
Stephanie Karr, City Attorney Susan M. Istenes, AIPC, Planning Director Scott Dedert, City Planner
CHAIRMAN REQUESTS
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked that all cell phones be turned off and that conversations take place outside the meeting room.
Chairman Lichtenfeld also asks that anyone who speaks please spell out their last name.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RON REIM – MOTION TO APPROVE BOTH MINUTES WITH THE CORRECTION.
ROBERT DENLOW – SECOND
BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 19, 2019
2 NEW BUSINESS
922 AUDUBON DRIVE – ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD – ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
Director Susan M. Istenes summarizes the following staff report: “The 8,800-square-foot site is located on the east side of Audubon Drive and has a zoning designation of R-2 Single-Family Dwelling District. The property currently contains an attached garage that will be converted to usable space. The proposed project consists of the construction of a 565-square-foot, 1.5 story detached garage in the rear yard.
The proposed area above the garage is under a sloped roof, meeting the requirements of a half-story. The project also includes additional concrete driveway pavement. The proposed plans will increase impervious coverage on the lot to 48.4 percent, which is still below the maximum 55 percent allowed in the R-2 zoning district.
The proposed garage will be constructed of building materials matching the existing primary structure on the property. The primary building material will be brick, and it is reported that it will match the house. It is also reported that the existing house has vinyl windows, which from the picture this appears to be true. Composite slate roof, an over-head sixteen paneled garage door and white vinyl windows are also proposed to match the house.
The project as proposed is in conformance with the requirements of the R-2 Single Family Dwelling District and the Architectural Review Guidelines, with the exception of vinyl windows. Staff is of the opinion that the design and materials of the detached garage are compatible with the home.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS TO APPROVE AS SUBMITTED.”
CHAD JONES (CJ) – Architect JIM AUBOUCHON (JA) - Architect
CJ – Addresses the Board but has nothing to add to the staff report.
CAROLYN GAIDIS – Concerned for the tree roots and would like to see efforts made to protect the existing tree. Would like to go on record saying that she would like to see the tree saved. The tree eats through its roots that are in the first 10-12 inches of soil and if it doesn’t eat it will die.
ROBERT DENLOW – MOTION TO APPROVE AS SUBMITTED WITH THE APPLICANT AGREEING TO MAKE A GOOD FAITH EFFORT AND PROVIDE THE CITY WITH DOCUMENTATION OF THE GOOD FAITH EFFORT TO SAVE THE TREES.
RICHARD LINTZ – SECOND
CHAIRMAN LICHTENFELD, RICHARD LINTZ, CAROLYN GAIDIS, ROBERT DENLOW, AND GEORGE HETTICH - AYE
RON REIM – NAY
8321 MARYLAND AVENUE – PLAN COMMISSION – RESTAURANT CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
3 Director Susan M. Istenes summarizes the following staff report: “The subject property is located on the north side of Maryland Avenue between Crandon Drive and Lancaster Drive. The property has a zoning designation of C-1 Neighborhood Commercial and is located in the Maryland Gateway Overlay District. The restaurant space measures 1,489 square feet. Seating for patrons will not be provided due to its size; it will be for carry out and delivery only. No liquor license will be requested. The space is part of a multi- tenant building and the other tenants currently are Regions Bank and Mercy Urgent Care. The applicant will be vacating their current existing space on 23 North Bemiston Avenue due to future redevelopment.
The restaurant will be open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday. The restaurant concept is the same as the existing restaurant which serves sandwiches, salads, and pizza, except there will be no seating available.
The applicant is proposing deliveries to the restaurant be made between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Trash will be stored in existing containers located in the rear of the building. The applicant does intend to participate in a recycling program.
Exhaust will be vented to the roof.
Conditional uses are those types of uses that are considered to be desirable, necessary or convenient to the community but which by their nature can create additional traffic volume, parking demand beyond the development's capacity, and/or a detrimental impact on adjacent or neighboring properties due to noise, pollutants, or other characteristics associated with that particular use. Restaurants are permitted in this zoning district subject to approval of a conditional use permit as per Article VII of this Chapter and the following criteria:
1) The proposed use is compatible with surrounding uses and with the surrounding neighborhood; >> The proposed restaurant is located along a pedestrian oriented block. The surrounding land uses include a bank, restaurants, retail and single family residential. The proposed use appears to be compatible with surrounding uses. 2) The comparative size, floor area and mass of the proposed use and/or proposed structure are appropriate and reasonable in relation to adjacent structures and buildings on surrounding properties and in the surrounding neighborhood; >> The proposed size of the restaurant is 1,489 square feet and is smaller than many other restaurant spaces along Maryland Avenue; however, this is an existing space and building with a massing that is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. 3) The proposed use will not adversely affect the general appearance of the neighborhood due to the location of the proposed use on the parcel of ground or due to the materials used in the construction of any proposed buildings being greatly dissimilar to surrounding appearances of buildings or due to the architecture of any proposed building being of such nature as to create visual disharmony within the neighborhood; >> No exterior alterations are being proposed at this time. The applicant has indicated their intent to apply for exterior alterations (venting, roof screening and signage) in the future.
4 4) The proposed use will not adversely affect the neighborhood in terms of water runoff, noise transfer or heat generation due to significant amount of hard surfaced areas for buildings, sidewalk, drives, parking and service areas; >> At this time, staff does not anticipate adverse effects with respect to water runoff, noise transfer or heat generation. The restaurant is for delivery and carryout only. 5) The frequency and duration of various indoor and outdoor activities and special events associated with the proposed use will not have a deleterious impact on the surrounding area; >> The applicant does not to have an outdoor dining area. 6) The proposed use is likely to remain in existence for a reasonable length of time and not become vacant or unused and whether such use involves the presence of unusual, single-purpose structures or components of a temporary nature; >> The proposed use does not involve single-purpose structures or temporary components. 7) The proposed use complies with the standards of the Zoning Code and good planning practices; >> Staff is of the opinion that the use complies with the Zoning Code, including the provisions of the Maryland Gateway Overlay District which encourage a variety of goods and services within a pedestrian friendly commercial environment, compatible to adjacent residential areas. 8) The landscape plan for premises to be occupied by the proposed use is adequate in regard to the creation and maintenance of landscaped areas and the use of buffers for screening of the use; >> The structure is existing, and no landscaping is proposed as part of this project. 9) The impact of projected vehicular traffic volumes and site access is not detrimental with regard to the surrounding traffic flow, pedestrian safety and accessibility of emergency vehicles and equipment; >> Existing site access is adequate and there are no proposed changes. >> Deliveries to the restaurant will be made using the existing parking lot which is to the rear of the building. This location should not interfere with surrounding traffic flow on Maryland Avenue. 10) The proposed use complies with the parking requirements as set forth in the Zoning Code and does not add parking demand that cannot adequately be handled by on-site off-street parking; >> Because the restaurant is less than 3,000 square feet, off-street parking for patrons is not required. This location will be staffed by an average of five (5) employees. Three (3) parking spaces to the rear are assigned specifically for this use and there are 11 additional parking spaces open for use by any of the businesses. 11) The number of transit movements on abutting streets and on minor streets in the neighborhood to be generated by or associated with the proposed use will not cause significant increases in hourly or daily traffic levels;
5 >> The proposed use is not likely to affect transit movements. 12) The proposed use will not significantly increase demands on fire and Police protection services in excess of the individual demands of adjacent land uses and whether the proposed use will not present any real or potential fire or public safety hazard; >> Staff is of the opinion that there will not be a significant increase in demand for fire and police protection services. 13) Added noise levels generated by activities associated with the proposed use will not adversely impact the ambient noise level of the surrounding area and neighborhood; >> No outdoor dining is proposed. Staff does not believe the proposed restaurant will adversely impact the ambient noise level of the surrounding area. 14) The activities associated with the proposed use will not generate obnoxious odors to the detriment of the surrounding area; >> Staff does not anticipate that the restaurant will generate obnoxious odors. The cooking exhaust will be vented to the roof. 15) The intensity, duration or frequency of lighting associated with the proposed use will not adversely impact adjacent properties or significantly increase the ambient level of night light in the neighborhood; >> There is no additional exterior lighting proposed. 16) Where a proposed use has the potential for adverse impacts, sufficient measures have been or will be taken by the applicant that would negate, to an acceptable level, such potentially adverse impacts. (Ord. No. 5814 §1(9.9), 4-27-04) >> At this time, there does not appear to be adverse impacts associated with the proposed use.
Staff is of the opinion that the proposed restaurant meets the requirements contained in the regulations governing conditional uses. 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.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITION:
1. DELIVERY VEHICLES SHALL PARK IN THE REAR OF THE BUILDING IN THE PARKING LOT.”
ROB JACKNEWITZ (RJ) – Owner
RJ – Addresses Board but has nothing to add to staff report other than he agrees to the one condition and is happy they are able to stay in Clayton.
6 RON REIM – MOTION TO APPROVE WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATION
CAROLYN GAIDIS – SECOND
BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES
8100 FORSYTH BOULEVARD – SITE PLAN REVIEW – NEW COMMERCIAL BANK
Director Susan M. Istenes summarizes the following staff report: “The approximately 27,172 square foot site is located at the southwest corner of the intersection between Forsyth Boulevard and Parkside Drive. The site currently contains a small bank building, drive-through ATM, drive-up teller stations and surface parking. Adjacent land uses include multi-family residential to the south and west, Shaw Park to the southeast and office to the north. The proposed project consists of the demolition of the existing building and drive-through and the construction of a 4,598 square foot bank building with 18 parking spaces.
The subject site currently has two access points, which will be maintained. The Parkside Drive access point will be maintained as an exit only; however, the access points off of Forsyth Boulevard will be two-way and will no longer be a one-way entry point.
The purpose of the site plan review process is to provide a review of the following criteria listed below.
1. A project's compatibility with its environment and with other land uses and buildings existing in the surrounding area. >> The surrounding land uses include townhouses to the south and west, vacant commercial to the north and northwest, and a park to the south and east.
2. The location and screening of a project's air-conditioning units and other associated equipment. >> According to the applicant, the HVAC will be rooftop with integrated screening. The parapet height will block most sight lines as the equipment will be centralized on the flat roof.
3. The location, adequacy and screening for trash. >> Trash will be stored in an approximately 253-square-foot brick trash enclosure located in the southwest corner of the site. The trash gate will be plastic lumber with a steel frame. Brick color will match the brick used for the primary structures.
4. A project's impact will not overtax public utilities, services or other municipal facilities. >> At this time, staff does not anticipate adverse impacts regarding public utilities, services or municipal facilities.
5. Footprint geometry should be square and true with the roadway to the extent possible. Odd shapes and building orientations which compete with the total urban setting should be avoided. >> The proposed building footprints are square shaped, which do not align with the existing lot lines. The existing buildings along Forsyth Boulevard do adhere to contours of the street and lot lines. During staff review, staff recommended the proposed building be moved closer to the setback lines
7 and reflect the contours of the street. The applicant did move the building closer to the setback lines but kept the same square design.
6. Buildings and uses must incorporate expansive street front windows and shall be sited in a manner so as to achieve a pedestrian friendly scale, appearance and feel. >> The proposed building incorporates first floor windows at the intersection of Forsyth Boulevard and Parkside Drive. On the other half of the building along Forsyth Boulevard, it turns to brick with a corner window. The buildings are located adjacent to the public sidewalk and are human-scale.
7. Provisions for storm surface drainage shall be in accordance with the City’s design standards. Stormwater drainage shall be connected to a storm sewer whenever one is available as determined by the City. Disposal of storm or natural waters both on and off the site shall be provided in such a manner as not to have a detrimental effect on the property of others or the public right-of-way. >> The existing impervious coverage on site is 44 percent. The new plans decrease impervious coverage to 38 percent. There are no limits for impervious coverage in commercial districts. The existing stormwater runoff, according to the MSD 15-year, 20 minute calculation, is 1.92 cubic feet per second (CFS). The proposed runoff is 1.80 CFS, which represents a decrease of 0.12 CFS. >> All downspouts will be piped to the public storm sewer. The main stormwater drain will be located under the pedestrian corridor within the site. Another inlet drain will be located in the parking area and a third drain will be located next to a sidewalk and underneath to the main. The Public Works Department has reviewed the site plan and finds the stormwater plan acceptable.
8. The applicant is required to submit a separate landscape plan showing existing trees, trees to be removed and trees to be replaced by caliper, species and condition. Such plans must reflect City of Clayton preservation standards. >> A 10-foot wide landscape buffer between the site and adjacent multifamily properties exists and will be maintained along the length of the southern property line. Currently, there are honey locusts, dwarf burning bushes and a dead pine tree. The honey locusts and dwarf burning bushes are to remain and the pine will be replaced with a Norwegian spruce tree. >> A landscape bed exists between the retaining wall on the property line and the curb at the entry point off Forsyth Boulevard. The landscape bed contains honey locusts and shrubs. The honey locusts are to remain and the shrubs are to be removed. The shrubs will be replaced by hydrangeas, pink dogwoods, and a hackberry. >> Landscape beds and planters are proposed along the east, south and west elevations of the proposed building. Additional planting beds are also proposed in the pedestrian corridor. >> The plan meets requirements for canopy coverage as well as percent of Native species. >> There are needed revisions to the Landscape Plan and Tree Preservation Plan outlined in a letter dated March 2, 2017 prepared by the City’s contracted landscape architect. Revisions include providing spacing dimensions for plantings, adjusting tree locations and minor revisions to the digital Tree Chart. The proposed Landscape Plan provides 9-caliper inches less than the requirement. Payment into the City’s Forestry Fund can be made to supplement the deficiency.
8 >> The interior accessway section northeast of the building entry unnecessary and creates excess impervious area and a narrow planting bed. It is not needed.
9. The quantity, quality, utility, size and type of a project's required open space and proposed landscaping improvements. >> At the intersection of Forsyth Boulevard and Parkside Drive there is an existing landscaped circle in which a flagpole will be constructed. There are some inconsistencies in the landscape plan with respect to which trees are to remain. >> The applicant will also be making right-of-way improvements according to City standards.
10. The site plan must state that all driveways, sidewalks, curbs and gutters are to be installed in accordance with the standards prescribed by the Public Works Department (PWD). >> According to the PWD, Forsyth Boulevard streetscape shall follow the pattern detail of C-10, silva cells shall be installed underneath the streetscape, and joint expansions shall be constructed the same as Chapman Plaza. >> The Parkside Drive sidewalk shall be exposed Meramec Sand and Gravel aggregate with joint expansions constructed the same as Chapman Plaza. >> Conduits shall be installed across Parkside Drive and connect into the existing irrigation and electric systems at Chapman Plaza (3-2" PVC for electric & 1 - 3" PVC sleeve with 1" poly irrigation line).
11. Provision of hookups to public utilities connections shall be installed in accordance with the standards of the Public Works Department. All connections shall be shown on the site plan. >> Criteria is met
12. All developments shall provide adequate lighting to assure safety and security. Lighting installations shall not have an adverse impact on traffic safety or on the surrounding area. Light sources shall be shielded and there shall be no spillover onto adjacent properties >> Lighting on site will have four (4) light poles with LED down lighting fixtures located in and around the parking areas. The height of these poles will be 20 feet and project 70 watts. Given the proximity of the nearby residential properties, staff is suggesting the light poles be lowered to a height of no more than 15 feet. >> Quad Fixture streetscape lights shall be installed at the Parkside Drive corner, and then Twins along Forsyth Boulevard to the West on Forsyth. Lighting along Parkside should be roadway fixtures. >> The applicant submitted a photometric plan proving that no light sources will spillover to adjacent properties.
13. Treatment of bulk trash disposal and other environmental health matters shall meet code requirements.
9 >> The project, as proposed, meets the code requirements for bulk trash disposal.
14. The Fire Department shall review all site plans to determine adequacy of access and other aspects of public safety. >> The Fire Department has reviewed the plans and finds them acceptable.
15. The promotion of public safety and benefit to the general welfare, as evidence that the project is in compliance with good planning practices and principles. >> The project, as proposed, is consistent with good planning practices and principles.
16. The ability of a project's traffic circulation system to provide for the convenient and safe internal and external movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
17. The type and location of parking provisions. >> The proposed bank will total 4,598 square feet and require sixteen (16) parking spaces (1 per each 300 square feet of gross floor area). Eighteen (18) parking spaces are proposed around and behind the building, including two (2) handicap accessible spaces.
18. Parking should be located within the City block interior and deeper into parcels. >> The proposed surface parking lot is located around and behind the building, deep into the parcel.
19. Surface parking, drive aisles or vehicular access ways should not abut any sidewalk. >> The parking lot and drive aisles are separated from public sidewalks.
In considering and acting upon site plans, landscape plans and other applicable plans, the Plan Commission shall take the following objectives into consideration:
1. Creation of a desirable environment. 2. Promotion of a creative approach to the use of land and related physical facilities resulting in better design and development, including aesthetic amenities. 3. Combination and coordination of architectural styles, building forms and building relationships. 4. Preservation and enhancement of desirable site characteristics such as natural topography, vegetation and geologic features and the prevention of soil erosion. 5. Preservation of buildings which are architecturally or historically significant or contribute to the character of the City. 6. Use of design, landscape or architectural features to create a pleasing environment. 7. Inclusion of special features. 8. Elimination of deteriorated structures or incompatible uses through redevelopment or rehabilitation.
The proposed development is compatible with existing development along Forsyth Boulevard and the surrounding multifamily townhomes to the south. The site is will provide an urban, pedestrian friendly streetscape along Forsyth Boulevard and Parkside Drive with parking located in the rear. Stormwater will be adequately managed and the landscape plan, with revisions, will provide for appropriate landscape buffers. The project as proposed is in conformance with the requirements of the C-1 Zoning District and the project meets the criteria for site plan approval.
10
STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS TO APPROVE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THE WALKWAY NORTHEAST OF THE BUILDING ENTRY SHALL BE REMOVED AND THE LANDSCAPE BED IN
THIS AREA SHALL BE ENLARGED AND ENHANCED TO PROVIDE MORE LANDSCAPING AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE
TO THE BUILDING.
2. PROVIDE A CONTINUOUS ROW OF LARGE SHRUBS OR VERTICAL SMALL TREES SUCH AS ARBORVITAE ALONG
THE WOOD FENCE AT THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE PROPERTY IN ORDER TO BUFFER AND SOFTEN THE APPEARANCE
OF THE WOOD FENCE AND PROVIDE ENHANCED BUFFERING BETWEEN THE SUBJECT PROPERTY AND THE
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TO THE SOUTH AND WEST.
3. THE APPLICANT SHALL PROVIDE TREES AND DENSE SHRUBS OR A MIXED BED OF PLANTINGS BETWEEN THE
PARKING LOT AND THE WESTERN PROPERTY LINE.
4. THE PLANT SCHEDULE SHALL BE PLACED ON THE L-1 LANDSCAPE PLAN SO THAT THE PROPOSED
PLANTINGS CAN BE EASILY REFERENCED.
5. PROVIDE SOD FOR ALL LAWN AREAS. SODDED AREAS SHALL BE LABELED AND DEFINED WITH BED LINES.
ALL SODDED AREAS SHALL BE IRRIGATED.
6. THE FOUR LIGHT POLES IN THE PARKING LOT SHALL BE NO GREATER THAN 15 FEET IN HEIGHT.
7. .THE ARCHITECTURAL SITE PLAN (A-0.50) INDICATES THAT THERE IS CANOPY LIGHTING. THE FIXTURE
CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED DUE TO THE POOR QUALITY OF THE PDF. CLARIFY IF THIS FIXTURE IS INSTALLED IN
THE CANOPY OR IS GROUND MOUNTED. REVISE THE LANDSCAPE DESIGN IF IT IS GROUND MOUNTED.
8. TREE PRESERVATION COMMENTS NUMBER 5, 8, AND 9 SHALL BE ADDRESSED PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A
BUILDING PERMIT.
9. THE ARCHITECTURAL SITE PLAN (A-0.50) INDICATES THAT A FLAGPOLE WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE
CORNER OF FORSYTH AND PARKSIDE. THE LANDSCAPE PLAN (L-1) INDICATES THAT AN EXISTING TREE WILL
REMAIN. THE TREE PROTECTION PLAN INDICATES THAT EXISTING TREE 20 WILL BE REMOVED. COORDINATE
THE DESIGN OF THIS CORNER TO BE CONSISTENT.
10. RESUBMIT AND EXPLAIN THE LIGHTING INFORMATION ON ARCHITECTURAL SITE PLAN (A-0.05) IT IS
DIFFICULT TO READ.
11. TRANSITION THE NEW PARKSIDE SIDEWALK ACROSS THE DRIVE TO CONNECT TO THE EXISTING SOUTH
SECTION. CURVE OR ANGLE THE SOUTH SIDEWALK SECTION AFTER THE STORM INLET AND CURBED
PLANTING BED TO PROVIDE ALIGNMENT WITH THE NEW SIDEWALK NORTHEAST OF THE DRIVEWAY. ”
JACK AUSTIN (JA) – Architect KELLY STEDMAN (KS) – Engineer
JA – Notes Addresses the Board but has nothing to really add to the staff report
Public Comment
PETER SMITH – 23 Brighton Way – Would like to address the lighting and how bright it is and how ti should like it is going to be even worse now.
RON REIM – MOTION TO APPROVE WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS MODIFYING NUMBER 6 TO SAY THE LIGHT POLES IN THE PARKING LOT SHALL BE NO GREATER THAN 15 FEET AND THE APPLICANT RESUBMIT A PHOTOMETRIC DRAWING TO STAFF TO SHOW LIGHT SPILLAGE.
CAROLYN GAIDIS – SECOND
BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES
11
8100 FORSYTH BOULEVARD – ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD – NEW COMMERCIAL BANK
Director Susan M. Istenes summarizes the following staff report: “The approximately 27,172 square foot site is located at the southwest corner of the intersection between Forsyth Boulevard and Parkside Drive. The property has a zoning designation of C-1 Neighborhood Commercial. The site currently contains a small bank building, drive- through ATM, drive-up teller stations and surface parking.
The proposed project consists of the demolition of the existing building and drive-through and the construction of a 4,598 square foot bank building with 18 parking spaces. A full access curb cut is proposed at the north corner of the property along Forsyth Boulevard. An exit only curb cut is proposed at the south corner of the property along Parkside Drive.
The property is a corner lot at the intersection of Forsyth Boulevard and Parkside Drive. The east property line parallels Forsyth Boulevard, which arcs to the northwest. There are vacant commercial buildings to the north and northwest along that same arc. There are multifamily townhomes to the south and west; Shaw Park is located across Parkside drive to the south and east.
The property is in the Park View District as identified in the Downtown Clayton Master Plan. The vision of the Park View District is to create a “neighborhood along the park that takes advantage of the valuable views of Shaw Park and transforms the urban edge of the park into an active street life environment with sports, cultural and entertainment venues.” At the corner of Forsyth Boulevard and Parkside Drive the applicant plans to maintain the grassed landscape circle but the design of the building itself does little to address the corner. The site is located along a prominent view corridor. The design is suburban in layout with a square building ringed with grass and parking. The building form, design and siting does not address the street or the corner in any meaningful way. Additional landscaping may help soften the appearance of the building. See comments in the site plan review staff report.
There will be sidewalks on all sides of the building with City Streetscape standards on both Forsyth Boulevard and Parkside Drive. The applicant notes that the intent for the Bank’s design is a “Folder Plane” concept, which uses a distinctive two-story panel element, defining the building’s horizontal and vertical edges. The two-story effect will be broken up by painted metal and steel panels of different shapes and sizes as seen in the elevation plans. Below the roof plane will be glass fenestration, brick masonry with a dark earth tone and wood materials will be used to capture the Parkside Drive residential uses.
The proposed building has three pedestrian access points. One access point will be on the northside of the building fronting Forsyth Boulevard, the second will be the main entrance with a double door entry on the eastside of the building fronting Parkside Drive, and the third will be on the southside of the building.
The Architectural Site Plan (A-0.50) indicates that there is canopy lighting. It is unclear from the plan where that lighting will be located. Additionally, the information on the plan is blurred and it is difficult to identify the fixture used. The applicant needs to explain the proposed lighting, type of fixtures used, location (on building or ground).
The applicant proposes five (5) directional signs, which includes “Stop and Do Not Enter” signs. Per the Zoning Ordinance, directional traffic, parking or regulatory ground signs shall not exceeding six (6) square feet. There are three business names and logos are proposed for this development. At this time, it is unknown the size of any signs, and sign permits will be required and can be later attained through Planning and Development Services
12 Department. Banks are allowed one (1) wall sign (15) square feet or five percent (5%) of the front wall area up to a maximum area of fifty (50) square feet shall be permitted.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS TO APPROVE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THAT THE APPLICANT PREFORMS ALL IMPROVEMENTS ON THE RIGHT-OF-WAY AT THEIR EXPENSE,
INCLUDING CITY STREETSCAPE, AS SHOWN O THE PLANS STAMPED RECEIVED BY THE CITY ON SEPTEMBER
3, 2019, AND AS DIRECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS.
2. THAT THE APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN SIGN PERMITS FOR THE PROPOSED GROUND SIGN AND WALL SIGNS
PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.
3. PROVIDE ADDITIONAL LANDSCAPING AND IMPROVEMENTS IDENTIFIED IN THE STAFF REPORT FOR SITE
PLAN REVIEW.”
JACK AUSTIN (JA) – Architect KELLY STEDMAN (KS) – Engineer
JA – Notes Addresses the Board but has nothing to really add to the staff report. Goes over design and why they chose it and the materials but did not bring materials to the meeting
Chairman Lichtenfeld and other Board members would like to continue the approval until the next meeting when samples can be brought into the meeting for them to view.
RON REIM – MOTION TO TABLE THE ITEM UNTIL THE APPLICANT BRINGS BACK THE MATERIALS.
CAROLYN GAIDIS – SECOND
BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES
HAVING NO FURTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 6:30 (18:30).
_______________________________ Recording Secretary