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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGARTH COMMERCIAL PLAZA - MODIFICATION OF STANDARDS - 20-02A - DECISION - MINUTES/NOTESPlanning and Zoning Board Minutes December 19, 2002 Page 7 Public Input There was no public input. Public Input Closed Chairperson Gavaldon asked how the pedestrian crossings would be defined so that vehicle traffic will be at a minimum and pedestrians will feel safe in using them. Director Gloss replied that, as the applicant stated, the materials would be continuous in that the sidewalk paving would be continued from the public sidewalk all the way to the private sidewalk in front of the buildings. Whether they are raised or not would be largely dependent on storm drainage. Ms. Straw replied that the enhancements would be applied specifically on the walks that are coming from the streets. The majority of the traffic that goes behind the buildings is more service oriented and probably is not going to be happening during the times that people are walking there. A striped pedestrian walk is shown in the back but additional enhancements could be done. Chairperson Gavaldon asked the applicant to work with the Transportation Planning staff to make the crosswalks safer. Member Colton moved for approval of Item #6, Modification of Standard, Garth Commercial Plaza, citing the findings of fact and conclusions in the staff report. Member Bernth seconded the motion. Member Craig stated that she would support the modification but wanted to state that she was not happy with the layout of the building, particularly given that the Mason Street Corridor is set to be visually appealing and this plan does not seem to do that at all. Chairperson Gavaldon stated that this building design was not the intent of the Mason Street Corridor Plan Committee and that the safety of the pedestrians should be kept in mind. The motion was approved 7-0. Planning and Zoning Board Minutes December 19, 2002 Page 6 Project: Modification of Standard, Garth Commercial Plaza. Project Description: Request for a modification to Section 3.5.3(B)(1) of the Land Use Code, more specifically Relationship of Buildings to Street, Walkways and Parking, Orientation to a Connecting Walkway. Staff Recommendation: Approval Hearing Testimony, Written Comments and Other Evidence: Current Planning Director Cameron Gloss gave the staff presentation, recommending approval. He noted that two other modifications relating to building orientation and having a parking area between the building and street were previously granted by the Board. The present request is relating to pedestrian connectivity. The standard in the Land Use Code for which this modification is requested is Section 3.5.3(B) which stipulates that when there is a main entry to the building, it should open directly on to a connecting sidewalk which does not require that the pedestrian move across a vehicle circulation area. The compliant request would provide 45 parking spaces in front of the building and the requested plan would provide 47. The site is located on the west side of Mason Street just south of Boardwalk. The proposed site plan requires pedestrians to cross over the drive aisle to the hotel site to the north; the applicant does propose enhanced pedestrian crosswalks. The compliant plan would have a walkway connecting the public sidewalk to an entryway sidewalk along the front of the building that would require that the area be essentially closed to through traffic connecting the two sites. Given the Board's decision to grant the previous two modifications, staff does not have any specific reservations about this requested modification. The applicant is proposing two connecting walkways between the public sidewalk and the building, one on the far south end of the property and one on the north end. Kim Straw, Cityscape Urban Design, gave the applicant's presentation. She stated that the original, approved plan on this site did show connections between all three buildings on the site — the new one and the two existing buildings. She stated that the two pedestrian walks would be enhanced with landscaping, lighting, and signage if necessary. Council Liaison: Karen Weitkunat Chairperson: Jerry Gavaldon Vice Chair: Mikal Torgerson Staff Liaison: Cameron Gloss Phone: (H) 484-2034 Phone: (W) 416-7431 Chairperson Gavaldon called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Roll Call: Meyer, Colton, Carpenter, Torgerson, Craig, Bernth, and Gavaldon. Staff Present: Gloss, Eckman, Shepard, Barkeen, Stringer, Moore, Schlueter, and Deines. Director of Current Planning Cameron Gloss reviewed the Consent and Discussion Agendas: Consent Agenda: 1. Minutes of the September 19, October 17 (CONTINUED), and November 4 (CONTINUED), 2002 Planning and Zoning Board Hearings. Recommendations to City Council: 2. #36-02 First Free Will Baptist Church, Annexation and Zoning. 3. #20-00 State Highway 14, East Frontage Road Annexation and Zoning. 4. #50-02 CSU South Dormitory Rezoning. Discussion Agenda: The Planning and Zoning Board are the final authority on the following items: 5. #46-02 Modification of Standards — In -Situ, Inc., 105 East Lincoln Avenue. 6. #20-02A Modification of Standard — Garth Commercial Plaza. 7. #42-02 Major Amendment and Modification of Standard — 419 West Mountain Avenue. Vice -Chairperson Torgerson declared a conflict on Item #2, First Free Will Baptist Church, Annexation and Zoning. Member Craig asked to pull Item #3, State Highway 14, East Frontage Road Annexation and Zoning, to discussion. Vice -Chairperson Torgerson moved for approval of Consent Item #1, less the October 17 and November 4, 2002 minutes, and Consent Item #4. Member Colton seconded the motion. The motion was approved 7-0.