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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-27-1996 DRB Minutes DESIGN REVIEW BOARD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1996 CITY COMMISSION ROOM, CITY HALL, 411 EAST MAIN 3:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Roger Cruwys, Walt Willett, Paul Gleye, Mara-Gai Katz, and Ed, McCrone STAFF PRESENT: Dave Skelton, Andy Epple, Carol Schott VISITORS PRESENT: Linda Bell, Ben Lloyd, Mike Basile, Joan Rudberg, T. Bret Haggerty, Jim Webster Mr. Roger Cruwys was chosen Chairperson. He called the meeting to order. A. CONSENT AGENDA IT0 IS N. 19th Properties #Z-9605 - (Skelton) 1103-1105-1107 Reeves Road West - A Major Site Plan Application to allow the construction of three 5000 square foot retail office buildings. Chairperson Cruwys stated that since several members wished to discuss the N. 19th Properties, it is pulled from the consent agenda. Senior Planner Dave Skelton reviewed the project and the conditions. The proposal is part of the "BA" zoned properties in that area. The City/County Planning Board will make the final decision on the project. He continued, the DRC is generally in support of the proposal. He noted condition #3 - the applicant shall redesign east elevation of the buildings to avoid the "back side" appearance along the North 19th Interchange Overpass. Condition#4 - the applicant shall introduce specific character-giving features, primarily along the formal facade of each building. Condition #5 - the applicant shall submit a common master signage plan for the three- structure development. Condition#6 -aluminum siding proposed be changed to horizontal wood or lapboard siding. The other conditions are boiler plate. All revisions by the applicant, as set forth in the Staff report, are to be presented for review and approval by the Planning Office. Mr. Willett was concerned with the long facade facing the interstate exchange. He suggested a gable roof over the mechanical/dumpster area. Mr. Lloyd suggested an awning over the mechanical area. He continued that the dumpsters will be enclosed. Mr. McCrone inquired about the zoning of the area. Planner Skelton explained the uses permitted under the Walker Property PUD. Mr. McCrone complimented the design. Mr. Gleye inquired if the awning was proposed to be make of fabric. Mr. Basile responded it was and they planned to install a forest of trees. Mr. Gleye was concerned with the length of the buildings. He noted an awning is a high cost upkeep solution and suggested a different solution be found. Mr. Lloyd and Mr. Willett discussed a gable roof. Mr. Willett inquired about the access from the front sidewalk to the front of the building. He questioned if the driveway is necessary. Mr. Basile explained there is a walkway all around the building. He suggested bringing in a sidewalk from Reeves Road on the south half of the lot. Mr. Willett inquired about the two islands of landscaping in the parking lot and sought Planner Skelton's opinion. Planner Skelton stated the landscaping islands helped to break up the vast expanse of asphalt. Mr. Basile noted he'd like to keep the islands for green areas. Planner Skelton noted the islands will help define parking areas especially when the parking lot is snow covered. He continued that staff would have recommended more sidewalks if this project were not in an isolated area. Ms. Katz asked for an explanation for condition A. Planner Skelton stated Staff is requiring recessed windows and entryways to break the length of the buildings. He continued it is a condition because it is not specified on the site plan. Mr. Basile indicate that they have proposed covered walkways. Mr. Lloyd stated the signage on the building will be externally lighted. Mr. Willett asked if there will be a free-standing sign and a wall-mounted sign for each business. Planner Skelton stated there won't be tenant signage on the free-standing sign. Mr. Willett was concerned that there could be three businesses in the first building and questioned how many signs can be placed on the front of a building without cluttering it. Mr. Basile explained the signage proposal. He stated they don't want a hodge-podge either. Mr. Cruwys noted that the businesses on the interchange appear to be turning their backs on the interchange. He complimented the handsome architecture of the front of the building. He feels the whole project fell apart on the rear elevations. He suggested the applicant work on making the rear elevations more attractive. He asked about the necessity for the piece of asphalt in the rear of the building. Mr. Basile explained the need for the road being left open for a possible drive-through for perhaps a bank or a photo place, etc. Mr. Cruwys suggested not putting in the road to begin with and come back before the City with a CUP proposal. Mr. Basile wants to leave the road in to permit flexibility in attracting tenants. Mr. Katz moved, Mr. Gleye seconded, approval of the application as put forth with the conditions as stated in the staff report. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.