PC 052814 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Piper stated that she thinks the project looks so amazing but was concerned about parking issues. Mr. Dolan stated that in the retail area of the Downtown, if the property owner or developer cannot provide additional parking, and hardly anybody can, then they have to pay an in -lieu parking fee. He stated that in this case, the applicant has negotiated the dedication of the public plaza in exchange for that parking in -lieu fee. He noted that it is a fairly unique situation with the Downtown because the City wants the businesses to line up very tightly and have a very walkable experience rather than have buildings and a parking lot. Chair O'Connor inquired if the exchange of the in -lieu parking fee with a public plaza is in perpetuity, that the plaza would actually be a public amenity which would not be allowed to ever change, such that if the tenant were to change over time, the new tenant would not be allowed to encroach on that area. Mr. Dolan replied that he thinks the new tenant could re- negotiate and give the City the parking in -lieu fee. He stated that the City Council could choose to do something different but the City would have to get the in -lieu parking fee money back down the road. Ms. Wallis stated that there is a draft agreement between the City and the property owner which would be recorded and would run with the land. She noted that the exhibit to that agreement would show that the plaza area is supposed to be open to the public and not be associated with a tenant. She added, however, that the agreement could be re- negotiated by the City if there were any changes. Commissioner Allen noted that the shingles should on the elevations are real stark, but on the materials list, it looks more like a slate and a soft gray, which are more representative than black. Mr. Ward replied that was correct. He added that only the upper roof would have them. Commissioner Allen stated that this is the first project the City has since the adoption of the new Downtown ordinance, and an amenity for the public is being created in lieu of parking. She added that taking off on this idea, she would really love to see just a little bit more space, where maybe people can sit down and play cards if they wanted, or read the newspaper and have a little permanent table to put the newspaper down, but without creating too much space. She then reiterated her concern about skateboarders in a small space like that. Mr. Sherwood replied that he is coming from a different angle or thought process. He indicated that he did not want to end up throwing a couple of lightweight aluminum chairs and then having them scattered all over. He stated that he did not want that look for that corner; he wants it to be beautiful, neat, and organized. He noted that that PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, May 28, 2014 Page 6 of 16