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Commissioner Piper commented that she does like the idea of diversity in Downtown Commissioner O'Connor inquired how big the original design was. Mr. Weinstein replied that his recollection is that it was reduced by 500 square feet, which is a relatively small but significant reduction because it had some positive site implications. He added that the applicant can speak more precisely to that. Chair Allen noted that the house would be behind the commercial building and inquired at what vantage point would it be visible to a walker or rider: Mr. Weinstein replied that it will not be very visible from St. Mary's Street because of the existing office building. He indicated that it is currently pretty visible from a parcel just to the west of it that fronts Peters Avenue; however, there is a development application that staff is awaiting for that site which, if approved, would substantially block views of this site from Peters Avenue. He added that it is also visible through the southern part of the Chamber of Commerce parking lot. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Tony Adams stated that he does not have anything to add to the presentation as the project speaks for itself. He indicated that staff will probably agree that this design was quite challenging because of the long, narrow lot and knowing what is being proposed on the Peter's Avenue property just to the west of the site. He added that they set the house parallel to the lot line to block any views into what will be the yard with the new proposed development to the west. Commissioner O'Connor commented that the Commission will not ask him to remove the parking lot. Mr. Adams stated that he would rather have used the parking for yard area, but that was something he wanted to do because it may help the building to have its own parking. Commissioner Nagler noted that it is a terrific use of a property Downtown. He inquired if there is a gate halfway down the driveway between the residential and the commercial. Mr. Adams said yes. Commissioner Nagler inquired if it is a gate that closes to become a solid kind of gate. Mr. Adams replied that it is a wrought iron gate right now but that he would prefer a solid gate when it goes through approval. Commissioner Nagler noted that it would also serve to block the view from St. Mary's Street back to the residence. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, May 13, 2015 Page 23 of 32