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Figure 1: Site Location <br />PROJECT CHRONOLOGY <br />This section provides a chronology of the initial approvals of the Masonic Lodge, concerns <br />raised by the Millers, and associated responses by the Millers and Masons. <br />Original Approvals of the Masonic Lodge (Use Permit and Design Review) <br />As mentioned in the Background section of the report, the approval of UP -77 -13 (which <br />occurred prior to construction of the Masonic Lodge) did not specify or elaborate upon <br />intended uses or activities other than operation of a Masonic Lodge. The 1977 staff report to <br />the Planning Commission (attached as Exhibit C) states that Masonic Lodge buildings are <br />commonly rented for non - Masonic Lodge affairs such as wedding receptions and parties. The <br />staff report stated that "[w]hile it might be preferable to have the Masonic Lodge building <br />farther south on the property, it would be possible to design the structure so as to minimize any <br />noise which is generated from within." As such, Condition No.1 of UP -77 -13 (Exhibit A) <br />required "that buildings be designed so that activities will be focused toward the southern <br />portion of the subject property," and Condition No. 20 required "[t]hat the applicant provide an <br />effective buffer between the development and the single - family residential area surrounding <br />the property." However, no specifications for this buffer (e.g., dimensions, buffering measures, <br />operational standards) were provided in the conditions of approval. <br />Following the approval of the UP- 77 -13, the Design Review Board approved the plans for the <br />Masonic Lodge building and site improvements, under which the building would be located <br />approximately 70 feet south of the northern property line. Landscaping and a combination of <br />trees, shrubs, and lawn would be planted around the building and along the property lines. <br />The entrance to the building was approved to be located on the south side, with no other <br />windows along the other three elevations. One emergency exit was identified on the east side <br />of the building and one emergency exit was identified on the north side of the building. The <br />Masonic Lodge building was constructed in 1980. <br />UP -77 -13 Modifications, 3370 Hopyard Road Planning Commission <br />Page 4 of 16 <br />