PC 05/27/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

substantially improved given the lot size and its proximity to First Street and Kottinger Drive. In addition, he disagreed with Commissioner Sullivan that the architecture does not fit in with the surrounding homes. He commented that there is a vaziety of housing styles and sizes in the azea, and he does not feel the project should be denied and sent back for a total re-design. Commissioner Dove agreed with Chair Cooper and commented that some people choose to live Downtown because they work there and do not want to have to worry about driving. He feels the project fits in nicely with the azea and feels is it a very appropriate and positive step toward Downtown development. In response to a question by Commissioner Maas, Mr. Iserson explained that the Commission has several options, including to approve the project as submitted, to approve it subject to minor modifications, to deny the project, or to continue the matter with a specific direction to staff of the changes it would like to have. However, he feels the latter option should be discussed with the applicants to see if they aze agreeable to the proposed changes or whether they are willing to receive denial at this point and pursue an appeal, should the majority of the Commission not support the application as proposed. The Commission discussed the concerns in more detail, specifically the concerns with the noise surrounding the area, the setback of lot 3 and its proximity to First Street and the bus stop; the FAR; and the architectural design. Commissioner Kumazan suggested that a condition be included to increase the shielding to lot 3 to make it less visible from the bus stop. Commission Sullivan asked the applicant to consider reducing the FAR and re-designing the homes to - be more consistent to those at St. John's Place. He also renewed his suggestion for a business or office on lot 3. Chair Cooper again reminded him that it is not zoned for business and, in addition, the neighbors would probably not be agreeable to a business at that location. It would also require more parking than what is available and would substantially impact the surrounding residents even more. The Commission continued to discuss the issue, and Chair Cooper stated that project should be approved with maybe a modest decrease in the FAR. However, he and Commissioner Roberts agreed that it would be inappropriate to suggest a total re-design at this point. PUBLIC HEARING WAS REOPENED Hilda Elmore, the applicant, stated that she has worked hazd for almost one year to come up with a proposal that would benefit the community. She disagreed with the suggestion of decreasing the FAR and stated it is the applicants' vision that the homes will be purchased by professional couples who are in need of all of the squaze footage. She feels that by cutting 200 to 300 feet from each home would substantially decrease the size of the rooms and make the home feel too confining. She also feels that people who choose to live in any Downtown area do so with the understanding that Downtown areas are nosier and, therefore, are willing to put up with it. She did, however, agree to consult with her landscape architect to determine whether additional trees or shrubbery or other types of buffering could be included. She also stated that the homes will have double-pane windows and sound insulation to decrease the noise. Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 May 27, 1998