HomeMy WebLinkAboutS-0388 Staff AnalysisJune 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A
NAME:
LOCATION:
DEVELOPER:
Flake & Co./Geo.
P.O. Box 990
Little Rock, AR
Phone: 376-8005
The Heights Theatre
"PCD" (Z-2827-A)
ENGINEER:
Wells Cromwell, Truemper, Levy, Parker
and Woodsmall
72203 #1 Spring Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 372-2900
AREA: 1.19 acres NO. OF LOTS: 4
ZONING: Existing - "R-2"
Proposed - "PCD"
PROPOSED USE:
Shopping Center
A. Site History
FT. NEW ST.: 0
The current development consists of a theatre
originally constructed'in 1945 and an adjacent
restaurant. The theatre consists of a projection booth
on the second level of 1,371 square feet, a theatre
area of 9,759 square feet and the restaurant on the
ground floor consists of 4,254 square feet.
B. Development Proposal/Objectives
1. The renovation of an existing theatre/restaurant
of 15,384 square feet into 16,263 square feet for
a shopping mall with a possible office use
upstairs and retail shops downstairs, all on 1.19
acres.
2. To provide a covered corridor separating the
existing lobby area from the remainder of the
building so that pedestrians from the parking lot
can have better access to storefronts facing
Kavanaugh Boulevard, which will result in a loss
of 500 feet from the original square footage.
3. To provide a potential office or restaurant
upstairs with access from a stairway off the
parking lot and to increase this area to 4,121
square feet.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
4. Parking will consist of 66 spaces on -site.
5. The tenant mix will be comparable to the existing
neighborhood. The proposed uses will conform to
the "C-1" and 110-3" Districts.
6. Time frame for development:
(1) October 1, 1985 - acquisition of title by
Flake and Company stockholers;
(2) Commencement of construction - immediately
afterward;
(3) Completion/opening by February 1, 1986.
C. Engineering Comments
Comments to be provided at the meeting.
D. Analysis
Staff is favorable to the concept presented. The
proposed parking conforms to the required amount of
spaces, namely 1 per 400 square feet for office and 1
per 300 square feet for commercial; however, the
requirement for restaurants is 1 per every 100 square
foot of space will not be met if the projection booth
is converted to a restaurant. The applicant is also
requested to explain the access to the rubbish.
E. Staff Recommendation
Approval, subject to comments made.
F. Subdivision Committee Review:
The applicant was requested to provide staff with
information regarding the maximum amount of square
footage to be devoted to restaurant use before the
public hearing.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
Mr. George Wells represented the developer. Numerous
residents from the neighborhood and merchants of the area
were present. The main concerns of the residents were
possible adverse impacts to their property values and fear
of an increase in traffic along their streets due to a
shortage of parking. The merchants were also concerned
about the lack of parking. Staff reported that letters of
opposition had been received from:
(1) W.W. and Vera Pate of 5722 Stonewall - "in vehement
opposition" to the change in use; and
(2) Mr. Lawrence A. Parker of 5723 Stonewall, who felt that
(a) notices were improper and untimely; and (b) the
Bill of Assurance restricted Lots 134 and 135 of Forest
Heights Place to single family residential use only.
Mr. Parker requested that there be no exit onto Stonewall or
Forest Heights, there be a suitable and properly maintained
tree and shrub buffer strip and that some consideration be
made to prohibit the parking of commercial, employee and
customer autos in and along the residential streets in this
area, as well as all other residential areas of the City.
The Commission felt that proper notice had been given since
the intent of the notice requirement was to inform the
public even though the applicant had failed to get the
notice receipt stamped with a date indicating mailing 10
days before the public hearing. Staff determined that the
amount of parking spaces were short nine spaces since the
applicant was now proposing 4,254 square feet of restaurant
space and 16,263 of retail. It was determined that to
conform to requirements the restaurant space would have to
be reduced to approximately 1,880 square feet. The
applicant agreed to reduce this type space. However, he
felt that persons concerned were trying to penalize him for
the lack of parking, which is an existing and widespread
problem through the area. He was also concerned that any
meeting with the residents be productive. The residents
gave him this assurance. Theresa Elkins, Director of the
Heights Merchants Association, offered to host the meeting.
Finally, a motion for a two -week deferral was made and
passed, subject to: (1) a meeting with the neighborhood,
and (2) a meeting with the Traffic Engineer. The vote was
9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
Henk Koornstra offered comments on his study of traffic
generation and access. He answered several questions from
the Commission concerning impact on adjacent streets,
traffic volumes and parking. The City Attorney was
requested to comment on the legal opinion request previously
made by the Commission dealing with Bills of Assurance. Pat
Benton of the City Attorney staff offered a response, first
by saying that the issues were not allied; however, the
interpretation provided by the City Attorney generally
states that there are no legal ramifications for the
Planning Commission in dealing with matters involving Bills
of Assurance.
The Planning Commission Chairman then asked for involvement
by the neighborhood. There were several persons in
attendance, approximately seven, represented primarily by
Dorcy Kyle Corbin. Mrs. Corbin offered the neighborhood
concerns which were the parking conflict between the
proposed use and the neighborhood, the conflicts which would
be created by the change in use from primarily nighttime
activity to day users, the conflicts created by displacement
of existing daytime parking and by existing commercial users
in the area. She further offered that the Heights/Hillcrest
plan effect was to improve .the quality of life and
circumstances in the process of redevelopment or new
developments. And finally, she offered that the
neighborhood concern about the mix of uses primarily deals
with the amount of office space. She felt that a reduction
in the commercial and an increase in the percentage of
office use would reduce traffic impact.
A lengthy discussion then followed involving all"aparties.
During the course of this discussion, Mr. Wells was queried
concerning whether or not he would make a commitment to
limiting the bank space to Space No. 9 as now indicated in
the plan. He stated that was acceptable to him. However,
he stated that a financial institution was not a sure user
at this time.
A motion was then made to approve the application as filed
subject to the following considerations:
1. That access to the site be by way of the Taylor Street
driveway.
2. That exit from the site be taken onto Kavanaugh
Boulevard at the bank location.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (6-25-85)
The Planning staff was requested to offer its comments
relative to this case inasmuch as it is a deferred matter
from the previous Planning Commission meeting on June 11.
The staff offered a recommendation of approval of the
Planned Commercial District as appropriate to the site.
Staff stated that it felt the use was an appropriate
continuation of the commercial building and uses. However,
the approval should be granted after resolving issues which
we feel are of significance. The first of these being
parking controls related to land uses and provision of
sufficient numbers of stalls. Secondly, access to the site,
controlling the flow of automobiles between Taylor and
Kavanaugh. The third being the use mix primarily as to the
percentage of office or bank usage within the structure.
Mr. George Wells was then requested to make a presentation.
Mr. Wells commented on the neighborhood meetings that were
held and his discussions with the City Traffic Engineering
staff. He offered comments extracted from a letter to the
Planning Office offering several amendments to his filing as
follows:
1. He proposes that access to the site be off Taylor
Street only with traffic exiting the site onto
Kavanaugh only. Signage will be placed at both Taylor
and Kavanaugh access points.
2. Four additional parking spaces are to be provided in a
restricted parking area along Kavanaugh possibly as
many as four.
3. Two southbound lanes be provided on Taylor Street at
the intersection of Kavanaugh providing for movement in
both directions so as to prevent blockage of traffic
movement.
4. A revised parking/striping plan which will add two
additional stalls providing a total of 86 parking
spaces.
5. As the result of further analysis, the restaurant use
is to be limited to the maximum of 2,550 square feet.
6. Elimination of the westernmost pedestrian entrance to
the parking lot off Stonewall. This should help reduce
off -site parking in that area.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
3. That the parking lot be striped and provided with the
additional two stalls as indicated.
4. That the wall opening along Stonewall be closed to
prohibit pedestrian access.
5. That the financial institution be limited to the area
specified as No. 9 on the site plan.
6. That the maximum restaurant floor area within the total
plan area be limited to 2,550 square feet in area.
The motion was approved by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes,
1 absent.
June 11, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. 8
NAME: The Heights Theatre
"PCD" (Z-2827-A)
T.nrATTON!
DEVELOPER: ENGINEER:
Flake & Co./Geo. Wells Cromwell, Truemper, Levy, Parker
P.O. Box 990 and Woodsmall
Little Rock, AR 72203 #1 Spring Street
Phone: 376-8005 Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 372-2900
AREA: 1.19 acres NO. OF LOTS: 4 FT. NEW ST.: 0
ZONING: Existing - "R-2"
Proposed - "PCD"
PROPOSED USE: Shopping Center
A. Site History ,
The current development consists of a theatre
originally constructed in 1945 and an adjacent
restaurant. The theatre consists of a projection booth
on the second level of 1,371 square feet, a theatre
area of 9,759 square feet and the restaurant on the
ground floor consists of 4,254 square feet.
B. Development Proposal/Objectives
1. The renovation of an existing theatre/restaurant
of 15,384 square feet into 16,263 square feet for
a shopping mall with a possible office use
upstairs and retail shops downstairs, all on 1.19
acres.
2. To provide a covered corridor separating the
existing lobby area from the remainder of the
building so that pedestrians from the parking lot
can have better access to storefronts facing
Kavanaugh Boulevard, which will result in a loss
of 500 feet from the original square footage.
3. To provide a potential office or restaurant
upstairs with access from a stairway off the
parking lot and to increase this area to 4,121
square feet.
June 11, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. 8 - Continued
4. Parking will consist of 66 spaces on -site.
5. The tenant mix will be comparable to the existing
neighborhood. The proposed uses will conform to
the "C-l" and "0-3" Districts.
6. Time frame for development:
(1) October 1, 1985 - acquisition of title by
Flake and Company stockholers;
(2) Commencement of.construction --- immediately
afterward;
(3) Completion/opening by February 1, 1986.
C. Engineering Comments
Comments to be provided at the meeting.
D. Analysis
Staff is favorable to the concept presented. The
proposed parking conforms to the required amount of
spaces, namely 1 per 400 square feet for office and 1
per 300 square feet for commercial; however, the
requirement for restaurants is 1 per every 100 square
foot of space will not be met if the projection booth
is converted to a restaurant. The applicant is also
requested to explain the access to the rubbish.
E . . Staff - Recommendation
Approval, subject to comments made.
F. Subdivision Committee Review:
The applicant was requested to provide staff with
information regarding the maximum amount of square
footage to be devoted to restaurant use before the
public hearing.
June 11, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. 8 - Continued
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
Mr. George Wells represented the developer. Numerous
residents from the neighborhood and merchants of the area
were present. The main concerns of the residents were
possible adverse impacts to their property values and fear
of an increase in traffic along their streets due to a
shortage of parking. The merchants were also concerned
about the lack of parking. Staff reported that letters of
opposition had been received from:
(1) W.W. and Vera Pate of 5722 Stonewall - "in vehement
opposition" to the change in use; and
(2) Mr. Lawrence A. Parker of 5723 Stonewall, who felt that
(a) notices were improper and untimely; and (b) the
Bill of Assurance restricted Lots 134 and 135 of Forest
Heights Place to single family residential use only.
Mr. Parker requested that there be no exit onto Stonewall or
Forest Heights, there be a suitable and properly maintained
tree and shrub buffer strip and that some consideration be
made to prohibit the parking of commercial, employee and
customer autos in and along the residential streets in this
area, as well as all other residential areas of the City.
The Commission felt that proper notice had been given since
the intent of the notice requirement was to inform the
public even though the applicant had failed to get the
notice receipt stamped with a date indicating mailing 10
days before the public hearing. Staff determined that the
amount of parking spaces were short nine spaces since the
applicant was now proposing 4,254 square feet of restaurant
space and 16,263 of retail. It was determined that to
conform to requirements the restaurant space would have to
be reduced to approximately 1,880 square feet. The
applicant agreed to reduce this type space. However, he
felt that persons concerned were trying to penalize him for
the lack of parking, which is an existing and widespread
problem through the area. He was also concerned that any
meeting with the residents be productive. The residents
gave him this assurance. Theresa Elkins, Director of the
Heights Merchants Association, offered to host the meeting.
Finally, a motion for a two -week deferral was made and
passed, subject to: (1) a meeting with the neighborhood,
and (2) a meeting with the Traffic Engineer. The vote was
9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A
NAME:
r nrnmTnN
DEVELOPER:
Flake &. Co./Geo.
P.O. Box 990
Little Rock, AR
Phone: 376-8005
AREA: 1.19 acres
The Heights Theatre
"PCD" (Z-2827-A)
ENGINEER:
Wells Cromwell, Truemper, Levy, Parker
and Woodsmall
72203 #1 Spring Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 372-2900
110. OF LOTS: 4 FT. NEW ST.: 0
ZONING: Existing - "R-2"
�— Proposed - "PCD"
PROPOSED USE: Shopping Center
A. Site Histo
The current development consists of a theatre
originally constructed in 1945 and an -adjacent
restaurant. The theatre consists of a projection booth
on the second level of 1,371 square feet, a theatre
area of 9,759 square feet and the restaurant on the
ground floor consists of 4,254 square feet.
B. Development Proposal/Objectives
1. The renovation of an existing theatre/restaurant
of 15,384 square feet into 16,263 square feet for
a shopping mall with a possible office use
upstairs and retail shops downstairs, all on 1.19
acres.
2. To provide a covered corridor separating the
existing lobby area from the remainder of the
building so that pedestrians from the parking lot
can have better access to storefronts facing
Kavanaugh Boulevard, which will result in a loss
of 500 feet from'the original square footage.
3o To provide a potential office or restaurant
upstairs with access from a stairway off the
parking lot and to increase this area to 4,121
square feet.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
4. Parking will consist of 66 spaces on -site.
5. The tenant mix will be comparable to the existing
neighborhood. The proposed uses will conform to
the "C-l" and 110-3" Districts.
6. Time frame for development:
(1) October 1, 1985 - acquisition of title by
Flake and Company stockholers;
(2) Commencement of.construction - immediately
afterward;
(3) Completion/opening by February 1, 1986.
Ca Engineering Comments
Comments to be provided at the meeting.
D. Analysis
Staff .is favorable to the concept presented. The
proposed parking conforms to the required amount of
spaces, namely 1 per 400 square feet for office and 1
per 300 square feet for commercial; however, the
requirement for restaurants is 1 per every 100 square
foot of space will not be met if the projection booth
is converted to a restaurant. The applicant is also
requested to explain the access to the rubbish.
E. Staff Recommendation
Approval, subject to comments made.
F. Subdivision Committee Review:
The applicant was requested to provide staff with
i
nformationing
toemaximum restaurantmousetbeforeuare
the
foo g
public hearing.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
Mr. George.Wells represented the developer. Numerous
residents from the neighborhood and merchants of the area
were present. The main concerns of the residents were
possible adverse impacts to their property values and fear
of an increase in traffic along their streets due to a
shortage of parking. The merchants were also concerned
about the lack of parking. Staff reported that letters of
opposition had been received from:
(1) W.W. and Vera Pate of 5722 Stonewall - "in vehement
opposition" to the change in bse; and
(2) Mr. Lawrence A. Parker of 5723 Stonewall, who felt that
(a) notices were improper and untimely; and (b) the
Bill of Assurance restricted Lots 134 and 135 of Forest
Heights Place to single family residential use only.
Mr. Parker requested that there be no exit onto Stonewall yr
Forest Heights, there be a suitable and properly maintained
'�_ ree and shrub buffer strip and that some consideration be
made to prohibit the parking of commercial, employee and
customer autos in and along the residential streets in this
area, as well as all other residential areas of the City.
The Commission felt that proper notice had been given since
the intent of the notice requirement was to inform the
public even though the applicant had failed to get the
notice receipt stamped with a date indicating mailing 10
days before the public hearing. Staff determined that the
amount of parking spaces were short nine spaces since the
-applicant was now proposing 4,254 square feet of restaurant
space and 16,263 of retail.. It was determined that to
conform to requirements the restaurant space would have to
be reduced to approximately 1,880 square feet. The
applicant agreed to reduce this type space. However, he
felt that Persons concerned were trying to penalize him for
the lack of parking, which is an existing and widespread
problem through the area. He was also concerned that any
meeting with the residents be productive. The residents
gave him this assurance. Theresa Elkins, Director of the
Heights merchants Association, offered to host the meeting.
Finally, a motion for a two -week deferral was made and
passed, subject to: (1) a meeting with the neighborhood,
and (2) a meeting with the Traffic Engineer. The vote was
9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
Henk Koornstra offered comments on his study of traffic
generation and access. He answered several questions -from
the Commission concerning impact on adjacent streets,
traffic volumes and parking. The City Attorney was
requested to comment on the legal opinion request previously
made by the Commission dealing with Bills of Assurance. Pat
Benton of the City Attorney staff offered a response, first
by saying.that the issues were not allied; however, the
interpretation provided by the City Attorney generally
states that there are no legal ramifications for the
Planning Commission in dealing with matters involving Bills
of Assurance.
The Planning Commission Chairman then asked for involvement
by the neighborhood. There were several persons in
attendance, approximately seven, represented primarily by
Dorcy Kyle Corbin. Mrs. Corbin offered the neighborhood
concerns which were the parking conflict between the
proposed use and the neighborhood, the conflicts which would
be created by the change in use from primarily nighttime
activity to day users, the conflicts created by displacement
of existing daytime parking and by existing commercial users
in the area. She further offered that the Heights/Hillcrest
plan effect was to improve the quality of life and
circumstances in the process of redevelopment or'new
developments. And finally, she offered that the
neighborhood concern about the mix of uses primarily deals
with the amount of office space. She felt that a reduction
in the commercial and an increase in the percentage of
office use would reduce traffic impact.
A lengthy discussion then followed involving all parties.
During the course of this discussion, Mr. Wells was queried
concerning whether or not he would make a commitment to
limiting -the bank space to Space No. 9 as now indicated in
the plan. He stated that was acceptable to him. However,
he stated that a financial institution was not a sure user
at this time.
A motion was then made to approve the application as filed
subject to the following considerations:
1. That access to the site be by way of the Taylor Street
driveway.
2. That exit from the site be taken onto Kavanaugh
Boulevard at the bank location.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (6-25-85)
The Planning•staff was requested to offer its comments
relative to this case inasmuch, as it is a deferred matter
from the previous Planning Commission meeting on June 11.
The staff offered a recommendation of approval of the
Planned Commercial District as appropriate to the site.
Staff stated that it felt the use was an appropriate
continuation.of the commercial building and uses. However,
the approval should be granted after resolving issues which
we feel are of significance. The first of these being
parking controls related to land uses and provision of
sufficient numbers of stalls. Secondly, access to the site,
controlling the flow of automobiles between Taylor and
Kavanaugh. The third being the use mix primarily as to the
percentage of office or bank usage within the structure.
Mr. George Wells was then requested to make a presentation.
Mr. Wells commented on the neighborhood meetings that were
held and his discussions with the City Traffic Engineering
staff. He offered comments extracted from a letter to the
Planning Office offering several amendments to his filing as
follows:
1. He proposes that access to the site be off Taylor
Street only with traffic exiting the site onto
Kavanaugh only. Signage will be placed at both Taylor
and Kavanaugh access points.
2. Four additional parking spaces are to be provided in a
restricted parking area along Kavanaugh possibly as
many as four.
3. Two southbound lanes be provided on Taylor Street at
the intersection of Kavanaugh providing for movement in
both directions so -as to prevent blockage of traffic
movement.
4. A revised parking/striping plan which will add two
additional stalls providing a total of 86 parking
spaces.
5. As the result of further analysis, the restaurant use
is to be limited to the maximum of 2,550 square feet.
6. Elimination of the westernmost pedestrian entrance to
the parking lot off Stonewall. This should help reduce
off -site parking in that area.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
3. That the parking lot be striped and provided with the
additional two stalls as indicated.
4. That the wall opening along Stonewall be closed to
prohibit pedestrian access.
5. That the financial institution be limited to the area
specified as No. 9 on the site plan.
6. That the maximum restaurant floor area within the total
plan area be limited to 2,550 square feet in area.
The motion was approved by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes,
1 absent.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A
IkNF-MMF
T.nrATTOM
The Heights Theatre
"PCD" (Z-2827-A)
DPVFT.0PFR: ENGINEER:
Flake & Co./Geo. Wells Cromwell, Truemper, Levy, Parker
P.O. Box 990 and Woodsmall
Little Rock, AR 72203 #1 Spring Street
Phone: 376-8005 Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 372-2900
AREA: 1.19 acres NO. OF LOTS: 4 FT. NEW ST.: 0
ZONING: Existing - "R-2"
Proposed - "PCD"
PROPOSED USE: Shopping Center
A. Site Histo
The current development consists of a theatre
originally constructed in 1945 and an adjacent
restaurant. The theatre consists of a projection booth
on the second level of 1,371 square feet, a theatre
area of 9,759 square feet and the restaurant on the
ground floor consists of 4,254 square feet.
B. Development Proposal/Objectives
1. The renovation of an existing theatre/restaurant
of 15,384 square feet into 16,263 square feet for
a shopping mall with a possible office use
upstairs and retail shops downstairs, all on 1.19
acres.
2. To provide a covered corridor separating the
existing lobby area from the remainder of the
building so that pedestrians from the parking lot
can have better access to storefronts facing
Kavanaugh Boulevard, which will result in a loss
of 500 feet from the original square footage.
3. To provide a potential office or restaurant
upstairs with access from a stairway off the
parking lot and to increase this area to 4,121
square feet.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
4. Parking will consist of 66 spaces on -site.
5. The tenant mix will be comparable to the existing
neighborhood. The proposed uses will conform to
the "C-l" and "0-3" Districts.
6. Time frame for development:
(1) October 1, 1985 - acquisition of title by
Flake and Company stockholers;
(2) Commencement of.construction - immediately
afterward;,
(3) Completion/opening by February 1, 1986.
C. Engineering Comments
Comments to be provided at the meeting.
D. Analysis
Staff is favorable to the concept presented. The
proposed parking conforms to the required amount of
spaces, namely 1 per 400 square feet for office and 1
per 300 square feet for commercial; however, the
requirement for restaurants is 1 per every 100 square
foot of space will not be met if the projection booth
is converted to a restaurant. The applicant is also
requested to explain the access to the rubbish.
E. Staff Recommendation
Approval, subject to comments made.
F. Subdivision Committee Review:
The applicant was requested to provide staff with
information regarding the maximum amount of square
footage to be devoted to restaurant use before the
public hearing.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
Mr. George Wells represented the developer. Numerous
residents from the neighborhood and merchants of the area
were present. The main concerns of the residents were
possible adverse impacts to their property values and fear
of an increase in traffic along their streets due to a
shortage of parking. The merchants were also concerned
about the lack of parking. Staff reported that letters of
opposition had been received from:
(1) W.W. and Vera Pate of 5722 Stonewall - "in vehement
opposition" to the change in use; and
(2) Mr. Lawrence A. Parker of 5723 Stonewall, who felt that
(a) notices were improper and untimely; and (b) the
Bill of Assurance restricted Lots 134 and 135 of Forest
Heights Place to single family residential use only.
Mr. Parker requested that there be no exit onto Stonewall or
Forest Heights, there be a suitable and properly maintained
free and shrub buffer strip and that some consideration be
made to prohibit the parking of commercial, employee and
customer autos in and along the residential streets in this
area, as well as all other residential areas of the City.
The Commission felt that proper notice had been given since
the intent of the notice requirement was to inform the
public even though the applicant had failed to get the
notice receipt stamped with a date indicating mailing 10
days before the public hearing. Staff determined that the
amount of parking spaces were short nine spaces since the
-applicant was now proposing 4,254 square feet of restaurant
space and 16,263 of retail. It was determined that to
conform to requirements the restaurant space would have to
be reduced to approximately 1,880 square feet. The
applicant agreed to reduce this type space. However, he
felt that persons concerned were trying to penalize him for
the lack of parking, which is an existing and widespread
problem through the area. He was also concerned that any
meeting with the residents be productive. The residents
gave him this assurance. Theresa Elkins, Director of the
Heights Merchants Association, offered to host the meeting.
Finally, a motion for a two -week deferral was made and
passed, subject to: (1) a meeting with the neighborhood,
and (2) a meeting with the Traffic Engineer. The vote was
9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
Henk Koornstra offered comments on his study of traffic
generation and access. He answered several questions from
the Commission concerning impact on adjacent streets,
traffic volumes and parking. The City Attorney was
requested to comment on the legal opinion request previously
made by the Commission dealing with Bills of Assurance. Pat
Benton of the City Attorney staff offered a response, first
by saying that the issues were not allied; however, the
interpretation provided by the City Attorney generally
states that there are no legal ramifications for the
Planning Commission in dealing with matters involving Bills
of Assurance.
The Planning Commission Chairman then asked for involvement
by the neighborhood. There were several persons in
attendance. approximately seven, represented primarily by
Dorcy Kyle Corbin. Mrs. Corbin offered the neighborhood
concerns which were the parking conflict between the
proposed use and the neighborhood, the conflicts which would
be created by the change in use from primarily nighttiime
activity to day users, the conflicts created by displacement
of existing daytime parking and by existing commercial users
in the area. She further offered that the Heights/Hillcrest
plan effect was to improve the quality of life and
circumstances in the process of redevelopment or new
developments. And finally, she offered that the
neighborhood concern about the mix of uses primarily deals
with the amount of Office
an increase in thelt that a percentageeofct�'on
in the commercial a
office use would reduce traffic impact.
A lengthy discussion then followed involving all parties.
During the course of this discussion, Mr. Wells was queried
concerning whether or not he would make a commitment to
liiniting-the bank space to Space No. 9 as now indicated in
the plan. He stated that was acceptable to him. However,
he stated that a financial institution was not a sure user
at this time.
A motion was then made to approve the application as filed
subject to the following considerations:
1. That access to the site be by way of the Taylor Street
driveway.
2. That exit from the site be taken onto Kavanaugh
Boulevard at the bank location.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (6-25-85)
The Planning staff was requested to offer its comments
relative to this case inasmuch as it is a deferred matter
from the previous Planning Commission meeting on June 11.
The staff offered a recommendation of approval of the
Planned Commercial District as appropriate to the site.
Staff stated that it felt the use was an appropriate
continuation of the commercial building and uses. However,
the approval should be granted after resolving issues which
we feel are of significance. The first of these being
parking controls related to land uses and provision of
sufficient numbers of stalls. Secondly, access to the site,
controlling the flow of automobiles between Taylor and
Kavanaugh. The third being the use mix primarily as to the
percentage of office or bank usage within the structure.
Mr. George Wells was then requested to make a presentation.
Mr. Wells commented on the neighborhood meetings that were
held and his discussions with the City Traffic Engineering
staff. He offered comments extracted from a letter to the
Planning Office offering several amendments to his filing as
follows:
1. He proposes that access to the site be off Taylor
Street only with traffic exiting the site onto
Kavanaugh only. Signage will be placed at both Taylor
and Kavanaugh access points.
2. Four additional parking spaces are to be provided in a
restricted parking area along Kavanaugh possibly as
many as four.
3. Two southbound lanes be provided on Taylor Street at
the intersection of Kavanaugh providing for movement in
both directions so'as to prevent blockage of traffic
movement.
4. A revised parking/striping plan which w; add two
additional stalls providing a total of 86 arking
spaces. 68
5. As the result of further analysis, the restaurant use
is to be limited to the maximum of 2,550 square feet.
6. Elimination of the westernmost pedestrian entrance to
the parking lot off Stonewall. This should help reduce
off -site parking in that area.
June 25, 1985
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. A - Continued
3. That the parking lot be striped and provided with the
additional two stalls as indicated.
4. That the wall opening along Stonewall be closed to
prohibit pedestrian access.
5. That the financial institution be limited to the area
specified as No. 9 on the site plan.
6. That the maximum restaurant floor area within the total
plan area be limited to 2,550 square feet in area.
The motion was approved by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes,
1 absent.