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PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS 12. Public Hearing: PUD- 84- 21 -04M, Civic Square, LLC and Andy Byde, Braddock and Logan Services, Inc. Consider an application for PUD modification to add 36 new apartment units in five new buildings, a new clubhouse /rental office in one new building, and miscellaneous site modifications at the Civic Square Apartments located at 4800 Bernal Avenue Director of Community Development Brian Dolan presented the staff report, stating that this is a revision to an existing project heard by the Council last year. The current project consists of 262 apartment units and the applicant has now proposed to expand the number of additional units from 12 to 36, for a total of 298 units with a density of 22 units per acre. The applicant has also proposed several changes to the complex's amenities, including a larger leasing facility that incorporates a fitness center and recreation facility. The majority of changes to the project occur around the central pool area where, in addition to the expanded recreation facility, the applicant is proposing to replace the underutilized and aging sports court and tennis court with a grouping of three story residential structures. While these would be the only three -story structures on the site, the concept was discussed when the project came before the Council, and it was generally felt they work well in this location because existing vegetation screens the structures from surrounding properties and streets. Smaller groupings of two -story buildings replace some areas of turf and parking as well as a garbage area and laundry facility. He noted that parking at the site has always been substantially above what is required and, even with the loss of some parking, 576 spaces will be provided and well exceed the 483 that are required. The design of the proposed structures is similar to the existing structures, with some minor updates. In response to previous comments, photo voltaic panels will be incorporated into the new clubhouse and office structure. The overall green design of the project has been improved, and staff believes the project will easily achieve a minimum of 100 green points. Mr. Dolan spoke to the issues raised by the Council at the last review and how those concerns are addressed by the new proposal. The Council and public had expressed significant concerns related to affordability, at which time it was explained that the 12 -unit project proposed did not trigger any requirements of the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance (IZO) and did not obligate the applicant to provide any affordable units, although 2 were offered. After examining how they could offer more, the applicant determined that by returning with this proposal for 36 units, they could offer 5 units for low- income families and 31 units to those of moderate income. He noted all of those units would carry those limitations in perpetuity, a feature not afforded by the previous project. Concerns were also raised about the level to which the project was accessible to people with disabilities and the extent to which it would include principles of universal design. The applicant took those comments to heart and, with encouragement from both staff and the Planning Commission, has incorporated features beyond what is required by code. Four ground units will be fully ADA accessible, including roll in showers, 10 ground units will be ADA adaptable, and all ground floor units will feature universal design principles. In addition, the applicant is proposing to remove some of the grading surrounding the office complex and pool area to assist those with mobility issues. Mr. Dolan noted that the Council had also expressed a desire to provide more open space at the site, particularly in the scope of play areas for children. The applicant and staff looked at various opportunities to provide significant useful open space and really were not successful in City Council Minutes Page 4 of 10 May 4, 2010