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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes P&Z 012803• • 1�1 u CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING January 28, 2003 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was called to order by Vice Chair Barry Present at 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Complex, 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. REPORT BY GROWTH MANAGEMENT DUZECTOR Growth Management Administrator Charles Wu reported that since the last meeting, City Council had approved the Evergrene Master Signage Program; a major overhaul of the City's Special Events ordinance; amendment to the City's sign code; and a PUD amendment to the Shell gas station property at Military Trail and PGA Boulevard. Mr. Wu welcomed the new boardmembers and advised they had already received orientation. City Forester Mark Hendrickson provided an update to answer questions from the last meeting regarding clearing at the Old Palm PCD and indicated that to his knowledge the developer had abided by the approval. Mr. Hendrickson advised that the wall would not be seen due to vegetation being planted rather than saved vegetation; however, the applicant had saved all of the trees that they could. The City Forester expressed his opinion that a tree survey could be done in high visibility buffer areas such as this one but not for the whole site because of expense. Mr. Glidden recommended that on the new submittal checklist it should be spelled out to advise petitioners that a tree survey may be required at the discretion of the City Forester and reviewing boards. Mr. Glidden suggested not to limit to just a tree survey but to include other identification methods such as aerial photos, etc., and requested that Mr. Hendrickson write and provide to staff appropriate language to be used on the checklist, after consulting with Chair Kunkle for fine tuning. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Meeting minutes of January 14, 2003: Mr. Glidden made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 10, 2002 meeting as submitted. Mr. Solomon seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous 6 -0 vote. ROLL CALL Betty Laur, Secretary for the meeting, called the roll for the Planning and Zoning Commission and Land Development Regulation Commission: Present Absent Vice Chairman Barry Present Chairman Craig Kunkle • • Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes January 28, 2003 Present (Continued) Absent (Continued) Chairman Pro Tern John Glidden Joel Charming Dennis Solomon Alternate Dick Ansay Douglas Pennell Randolph Hansen Alternate Michael Panczak Also present were Growth Management Administrator Charles Wu, Principal Planner Talal Benothman, Senior Planner Kara Irwin, Planners Jackie Holloman and Natalie Wong, Senior Planner Mike Sanchez, Code Enforcement Supervisor Kelvin Wise, City Forester Mark Hendrickson, and City Attorney Len Rubin. Recommendation to City Council (P &Z) Petition SP-02-23.-Seacoast Utility Authority Parkinz Lot Expansion Bruce Gregg, agentfor Seacoast Utility A uth ority (SUA), is requesting a site plan amendment to the Seacoast Utility Authority headquarters to relocate twenty -two (22) parking spaces and modify the project entrances as a result of the Hood Road widening and improvement project. The &acre site is located at the southwest corner of Hood Road and Alternate A-IA. Planner Natalie Wong presented the project. Anne Booth, Urban Design Studio, representing the petitioner, explained that the proposal was made to accommodate the Hood Road widening and in the process the petitioner had been able to improve circulation. This was straight zoning, and 22 parking spaces had been replaced with the same number of spaces. In response to Mr. Glidden's question whether there was an opportunity to pick up some landscaping, Ms. Booth explained that the City was working with Seacoast to maintain landscaping in the median. Mr. Pennell asked why there was a lone live oak in one section, to which Ms. Booth responded that it had been a code requirement. Mr. Glidden requested that before this petition went on to City Council that the City Forester review to see if more landscaping was needed or if material that was existing should be shown on the plans. Mr. Hansen noted he did not see the payment drop box on the plans, which was pointed out. Access to the payment box was discussed. Mr. Gregg confirmed that the box would stay in its present location with one -way traffic and that signage would indicate one way and do not enter. Ms. Booth confirmed that the plans would show one -way northbound traffic only at the payment box location. MOTION: Mr. Solomon made a motion to recommend to City Council approval of petition SP -02 -23 with the four conditions of approval set forth in the staff report plus an additional condition that the drawing be marked with traffic circulation, especially one -way traffic northward where the drop off box is located; and with the understanding that the City Forester will make a site inspection to confirm that code is met for perimeter landscaping and particularly along the wall at the western boundary line. Mr. Hansen seconded the motion. Mr. Glidden requested that the motion state FA • Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes January 28, 2003 that one -way signage would be added at the access for the drop off box. Mr. Solomon accepted the amendment; Mr. Hansen seconded the amendment to the motion. Motion carried by unanimous 6-0 vote. Recommendation to City Council (P &2) Petition SP- 02 -24: Mirasol Clubhouse Phase III A request by Anne Booth of Urban Design Studio, on behalf of Taylor Woodrow Communities, to allow for the construction of seven (7) four -unit condominiums and two (2) two -unit condominiums totaling 32 condominium coach home units on 6.64 acres within the 28.73 -acre clubhouse parcel within the Mirasol Planned Community Development (PCD). The clubhouse parcel is located on the north side of Mirasol Way at the intersection of Mirasol Way and Mirasol Boulevard approximately mile north of the intersection of Jog Road and PGA Boulevard Planner Natalie Wong presented the project. Mr. Panczak questioned whether the guest parking spaces proposed in the front would be deeded with the units, to which Ms. Wong responded no, and that they would be marked as guest spaces. Mr. Hansen reported that he was in favor of eliminating wheel stops and considered them dangerous, that he had met with staff that afternoon and expressed concern with • reducing parking spaces to 9' when code required 10', but since it had been explained to him that these spaces were the third per unit he did not have a problem on this application. Mr. Hansen recommended that the double doors open inward rather than outward as recommended by the police, since inward opening was friendlier and one could see who was outside through the glass. A typo was noted in the staff report where it stated that telephone wires should be in the garage where they can be cut; which should read, cannot be cut. Ms. Wong commented the SEPTED recommendation was not a requirement. Anne Booth, Urban Design Studio, representing the petitioner, explained that the first two phases were under construction, that the applicant also wanted to eliminate the wheel stops, that the code provided for substituting 9' wide parking spaces for 10' spaces by trading open space and these were backup guest spaces; and that there were concerns regarding wind blowing in the double doors and the applicant had tried to accommodate the SEPTED recommendations. Mr. Solomon commented the architecture was great on the buildings. Ms. Booth confirmed these were condominium units that would be sold fee simple to year - round, seasonal, and corporate buyers. Ms. Booth verified that the downstairs had inswinging doors. Mr. Glidden indicated he agreed with Mr. Hansen that if wind load could be met then the double doors should open in. Ms. Booth confirmed the handicap spaces would be 12' wide and meet the standard side loading requirements. Mr. Glidden suggested a sidewalk off the first roundabout for additional pedestrian access. Ms. Booth explained that the applicant had tried to limit pedestrian access into the site. Mr. Glidden requested a roof plan be provided before this went to City Council. MOTION• Mr. Solomon made a motion to recommend to City Council approval of Petition SP -02 -04 with the four conditions of approval set forth in the staff report and the three waivers recommended by • staff; and with the understanding that handicap parking spaces would not be modified and would 3 • Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes January 28, 2003 be ADA compliant; and that a roof plan would be included in the package going to City Council. Mr. Panczak seconded the motion. During discussion of the motion, Mr. Hansen requested an amendment to the motion that the entry doors could remain opening inward if the applicant so chooses. Mr. Solomon accepted the amendment; Mr. Panczak seconded the amended motion. Regarding Mr. Glidden's suggestion to add a sidewalk for pedestrian access, Planner Natalie Wong agreed; however, Mr. Solomon indicated he felt the applicant had access, and therefore he had not made that a part of the motion. Motion carried by unanimous 6-0 vote. Public Hearing and Recommendation to City Council: (P&Z) Petition PUD- 02 -10: Gardens Medical Park PUD Amendment Urban Design Studio, agentfor Gardens Land Company, is requesting an amendment to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the construction of phase III, which consists of two (2) 2-story office buildings totaling 15,760 square feet on a 1.33 -acre parcel within the Gardens Medical Park PUD. The site is located on the north side of Burns Road approximately one (1) mile east ofAlternateAIA. Mr. Glidden disclosed he had material e- mailed to him from the architect regarding the building about a month ago. Planner Natalie Wong presented the project. Mr. Solomon asked if the new phase completely rectified the drainage problem, to which Ms. Wong responded that it did. Ms. Wong noted • that her presentation was accurate in regard to parking and the staff report was not; and the project was 43 spaces deficient. Ms. Wong explained that the applicant had reduced the square footage of the building in order to address the parking deficiency and would be unable to build the project if they had to reduce square footage to completely meet the deficiency. The deficiency was due to the change in parking calculations since the time of the original approval. Completion of the PUD would reduce the deficiency. The original PUD approval had expired, so the parking was being reduced from a number no longer on the books. Ms. Wong explained that there was cross parking between the different phases. Anne Booth, representing the petitioner, explained that this was the third and final phase and the City would like to see it completed. Ms. Booth explained that this phase met parking requirements, and the applicant had agreed to reduce the parking deficiency on the other two phases at their own expense. Ms. Booth reported that the building architecture kept the context of the other phases but updated it, and that additional native plants would blend with existing landscaping. Acting Chair Present declared the public hearing open. Dr. Mitchell Marks, a condo owner, explained there was a crossover parking agreement between buildings and there was now a shortage of parking and it would still be short. Karen Hiteman, property owner in Oaks East, asked how close parking would be to the property line wall behind her home. Mark Hendrickson, City Forester, explained there was 25' open space and a drainage easement between this property and the existing wall, which now was thick with Brazilian Pepper; and there was a larger buffer on the Oaks East side of the wall, plus a hedge and trees would be planted in an additional 5 feet. Mr. Hendrickson commented the open space might be closer to 50' than 25'. Hearing no further comments, Acting Chair Present declared the public hearing closed. Mr. Panczak and Mr. Glidden expressed concern about the request for a waiver on the east side. • Ms. Booth responded that the property line for Phase 3 was right at the edge of the building inside the n • Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes January 28, 2003 courtyard. Mr. Glidden stated he needed more information on the east side of the property and the likelihood that 8' could be gained. Mr. Glidden indicated he was concerned about any medical project, and this one was a problem because although it was a PUD it was owned by a lot of different people, and some problems were being fixed that were not the applicant's, but the situation was delicate. Part of the answer might be who the doctors were and the kind of traffic generated by their different practices, and the applicant might provide information to mitigate that. Mr. Glidden indicated the applicant had done a good job bridging the gap on the architecture, and favored a condition of approval that if the other roofs were replaced in the future that they conform to the new roof. City Attorney Len Rubin advised that this type of project a PUD with multiple owners —would not happen again because the revised code required unity of control. In this case the petitioner was able to reduce square footage rather than moving lot lines, and the City had tried to accommodate them but a balance must be struck. Mr. Glidden stated the property line was the biggest dilemma. Mr. Hansen agreed with Mr. Glidden regarding the architecture and stated it was a nice improvement. Mr. Hansen indicated an extra 3' was needed on the east side which would require reduction of the building by 270 s.f. Mr. Hansen commented he did not see a connection from the internal sidewalk system to the sidewalk on Burns Road, to which the applicant responded the sidewalk would be added. Mr. Hansen expressed concern that specific requirements for a linear accelerator be met, such as installation of an emergency generator. Ms. Booth responded that proper shielding would be done. Architect Charles Gronauer explained that the final planning for equipment had.not yet been done, that proper shielding would be provided, and he did not • know if a generator was required but if needed might be placed within the tenant's space. Mr. Glidden commented that the linear accelerator should be factored in; Mr. Solomon requested elevations of other building exteriors. Ms. Booth presented a color board. Mr. Solomon indicated the architecture was improved and that the major problem was lack of sufficient parking. Dr. Pansouth, developer of the project, compared the patient population usage for this site to his office in Jupiter, drawing the conclusion that this facility would not have as much traffic. Mr. Solomon responded that the comments were appreciated but traffic data was needed to make a convincing case. Mr. Pennell commented there was excess open space and asked if something could be done with that to eliminate a waiver or increase parking. Ms. Booth responded it was in the wrong direction, but the width of the pavement might be reduced. Discussion ensued. Ms. Booth proposed that the applicant eliminate their request for a waiver for the eastern landscape buffer and commented they would find the three feet. Acting Chair Present commented that people would no longer be able to park on the grass and he felt this needed more work. Ms. Booth indicated the petitioner would provide in writing a statement as to the use of the facility indicating the lack of intensity would lower the demand for parking. Ms. Booth requested that the public hearing be continued to the next meeting to allow the petitioner to address issues. Mr. Glidden suggested 9 spaces might be gained by using open space from the other two buildings and moving the dumpster to the northeast corner, but the applicant would have to convince the other associations they would gain and get them to agree to move the property line. Mr. Solomon suggested a fourth story in one building. Mr. Glidden commented this was a good example where 9' parking spaces had helped the situation. Acting Chair Present re- opened the public hearing. • 5 Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes January 28, 2003 MOTION: Mr. Solomon moved that the public hearing for Petition PUD -02 -10 be continued to the February 25, 2003 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Pennell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous 6 -0 vote. Public Hearing and Recommendation to City Council (P &Z) Petition PUD- 02 -12: Burns Road Community Recreation Campus Rezoning and Site Plan Improvements Emily O'Mahoney, of Gentile, Holloway, O'Mahoney & Associates, Inc., agent for the City of Palm Beach Gardens, is requesting approval of the rezoning of 15.9 acres of land from Public/Institutional (NI), with a portion being Conditional Use Overlay, to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay District, which includes site plan improvements and renovation of a 3,273 square foot building at the Burns Road Community Recreation Campus. The site is located at the southeast corner of Military Trail and Burns Road Mr. Glidden announced that he had a conflict on this because his firm had been involved in the design but he had no financial gain, so would like to make comments but not vote. Planner Jackie Holloman presented the project. Emily O'Mahoney spoke on behalf of the applicant, and reviewed • the site plan. Acting Chair Present declared the public hearing open. Hearing no comments from the public, Acting Chair Present declared the public hearing closed. Mr. Hansen noted that two accessible parking spaces did not meet Florida accessibility requirements or ADA requirements and should be moved to the location with the other accessible spaces where requirements were met. Mr. Solomon expressed appreciation that the City had sent this project to Planning and Zoning for review, and received assurance that rooftop equipment would be placed on the ground, rest rooms would be ADA compliant, handicap spaces would be accessible, and that Chair Kunkle had received a packet in order to review landscaping. Mr. Pennell questioned whether there would be traffic signals; Ms. O'Mahoney explained the traffic circulation and access onto Burns Road and Military Trail. Mr. Panczak commented landscaping was well done and asked if the lighting met code, which was confirmed. Mr. Glidden asked if expansion of the existing gym or addition of an additional gym had been discussed. Jack Downey, Community Services Administrator, explained that in the recommendation for the March referendum an additional gym was recommended for an adjoining site in a building which would also have exercise rooms. Mr. Downey reviewed the proposed adjoining site and the whole interconnected public site that would result. Mr. Glidden noted that there would be room to expand the existing gym at a future date. Mr. Downey confirmed that the existing pool would be completely remodeled. Ed Oliver explained that an alternative for interior roof drains in the lower roof area was available for the bidding process and explained that precast decorative coping would extend around the building. Mr. Glidden discussed traffic; Mr. Downey explained there would be a fully signalized access at the east entrance. U PC • Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes January 28, 2003 MOTION: Mr. Hansen moved to recommend to City Council approval of Petition PUD -02 -12 with the conditions of approval and waivers as presented in the staff report and with the addition that the two accessible parking spaces that were not on an accessible route be relocated to an accessible route. Mr. Panczak seconded the motion, which carried 5 -0, with Mr. Glidden abstaining. Public Hearin and Recommendation to City Council (P &Z) Petition PUD -02 -02 — Parcel 12.04: Banyan Tree Planned Unit Development (PUD) A request by Gentile Holloway O'Mahoney & Associates, Inc., agent for Sundown Development, for approval of an amendment to the Banyan Tree Planned Unit Development (PUD) in order to construct Phase III of the PUD on Parcel IZ04 consisting of professional office, financial institutional, and restaurant uses. The approximately five (5) acre site is generally located at the northeast corner of Northlake and MacArthur Boulevards. Senior Planner Michael Sanchez reviewed the staff report. George Gentile, agent for the petitioner, reviewed items recommended by the Commissioners that had been changed since the last meeting, including a sidewalk which had been provided for pedestrian access to the Lake Catherine ballpark. • Acting Chair Present declared the public hearing open. Hearing no comments from the public, Acting Chair Present declared the public hearing closed. Mr. Panczak inquired if there were cross parking agreements between Phases 1 and 2, to which the response was that there were none. Mr. Pennell thanked the petitioner for making changes suggested by the Commissioners and for the access into the ballpark. Mr. Glidden recommended changing the northern access to allow both left and right turns from MacArthur Boulevard so that vehicles would not be forced to go to Northlake Boulevard to make a turn to go north back onto MacArthur Boulevard. Mr. Gentile explained that the proposed right -in only had been a requirement by the City Engineer and the applicant would consult him on this point before the City Council meeting. Mr. Wu commented the right -in only had been a compromise by City Council because residents thought it would encourage traffic into their neighborhood, and it would be presented to City Council to see if they wanted to modify it. Mr. Glidden noted the tenant signage as shown did not meet code; and that the drawings and elevations did not match up. It was noted that signage would come back for review. Mr. Glidden recommended that the outrigger detail on the bank building should only be used on the entry element and drive -in canopy, with which the petitioner agreed. Mr. Solomon asked if unity of control should be required, to which Mr. Benothman responded that had been done during Phase I. Mr. Hansen suggested eliminating the dormers; Mr. Glidden agreed, and the applicant indicated they would do so. Mr. Hansen recommended eliminating the corridor through the building between buildings "B" and "C "and adding the additional square footage to the building. Acting Chair Present indicated agreement with the comments that had been made. Mr. Glidden suggested a sidewalk into phase one and that staff decide that at the appropriate time when the master plan was developed. i� LJ 7 • Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes January 28, 2003 MOTION: Mr. Glidden moved to recommend to City Council approval of PUD -02 -02 with all staff recommendations and with the following additional conditions: 1. This Commission strongly recommends to City Council to reconsider the right -in only curb cut because of safety concerns and recommends that Petitioner and staff be allowed to work together with the City Engineer to examine the possibility of making the curb cut at the northwest corner of the site to be right in, right out providing the City Engineer agreed, to make a safer approach for residents who wanted to park in that lot coming from the ball fields to the north. 2. The bank building shall be modified to eliminate the outriggers except on the front entry and drive in canopy. 3. The dormers shall be removed from Building A. 4. The 6' x 50' interior access corridor between Building B and Building C shall be eliminated in favor of adding that square footage to the project. • 5. Petitioner shall work to participate in a pedestrian connection that would tie this site to the balance of the remaining Banyan Center site west of MacArthur Boulevard at a future date. 6. Benches shall be placed on the site to review the banyan tree in locations to be determined by staff. Mr. Panczak seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous 6 -0 vote. Public Hearinz and Recommendation to City Council aDR0 Petition LDR- 03 -01: Annexation Area Nonconforminz Uses A City- initiated request to amend the Palm Beach Gardens Code of Ordinances, Chapter 78, "Land Development"; Section 395, "Recreational vehicles and watercrafts ". The objective of the amendment is to establish a program for the issuance of nonconforming use registration decals for recreational vehicles ( "RV's') and watercraft owned by city residents and parked in their front yards within newly annexed areas and also make allowances for the most recently annexed area commonly known as Garden Oaks, Mary Circle, and Sunset Drive. Senior Planner Kara Irwin presented the proposed amendment. Acting Chair Present declared the public hearing open. Hearing no comments from the public, Acting Chair Present declared the public hearing closed. Mr. Solomon asked how the City would notify residents of the amendment. • Staff response was that notification could be included in renewal notices for those who currently had 8 • Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes January 28, 2003 decals, and that staff was in constant contact with residents in the most recently annexed area and would advise them. Mr. Wu commented that staff would do a direct mailing and stuffers. Mr. Hansen indicated he supported this amendment. Mr. Glidden commented staff had done a nice job. Ms. Irwin confirmed for Mr. Pennell that if residents wanted to increase the size of their boat or RV, they would be required to move it to the side yard screened from view. MOTION: Mr. Solomon moved to recommend to City Council approval of LDR -03 -01 with all staff recommendations. Mr. Hansen seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous 6 -0 vote. Public Hearing and Recommendation to City Council aM0 Petition LDR- 01 -07: Newsrack Ordinance A City- initiated request to amend the Palm Beach Gardens Code of Ordinances, Chapter 78, "Land Development"; Section 701, "Newsracks': The objective of the amendment is to provide for the use of modular newsracks and prohibiting the use of individual newsracks within the rights -of -way of the City of Palm Beach Gardens. Code Enforcement Supervisor Kelvin Wise presented the proposed amendment. Acting Chair • Present declared the public hearing open. Barbara Litton, an attorney representing Palm Beach Post, commended Mr. Wise for being reasonable and indicated that her client appreciated being included in this process, and fully supported staff recommendations, but typically opposed modular racks because they eliminated distinctive features of their newsracks, limited the ability to serve growing areas, and were very expensive; however would not object in this case. Attorney Litton advised that her client was opposed to the requirement that the publisher pay for concrete slab and plantings around the newsracks, and recommended the plantings be eliminated and that the city pay for installation of concrete slab. David Sirman, representing Car & Truck Buyers Guide, Caldwell Banker Real Estate Guide, and Sun Sentinel, expressed appreciation for the process. Mr. Sirman reported other cities installed and maintained concrete slabs, and indicated his position that plantings should be eliminated. Mr. Sirman explained that manufacturers gave volume discounts when there were hundreds of locations, which would not apply in this case with only 23 locations. Mr. Sirman asked that the City consider requiring new developments in their approval process to set aside areas for newsracks. Mr. Sirman indicated his clients were willing to compromise to work with modular newsracks in the city. Hearing no further comments from the public, Acting Chair Present declared the public hearing closed. Mr. Solomon asked if language requiring plantings had been removed. Mr. Wise explained that language had been added because of former Commissioner Tarr's suggestion; however, staff agreed plantings should be removed. Alternate methods of anchoring other than using concrete slab were discussed. Mr. Wise confirmed that the newsracks were limited to rights -of -way. A photograph of a modular newsrack was shown at Mr. Hansen's request. Mr. Hansen indicated his support for eliminating landscaping. Mr. Hansen opposed the term "industry standard" for anchoring and recommended a typical standard detail be developed from engineer's • drawings for anchoring these newsrack units, and commented that probably the vendors should be X • Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes January 28, 2003 responsible for the cost since they would benefit, but possibly installation could be done by City personnel. Mr. Glidden agreed the anchoring requirements should be the result of an engineer's solution. Mr. Panczak agreed with an engineering solution, and agreed with eliminating landscaping. Mr. Wise confirmed for Mr. Panczak that the controlling entity language had been expanded in the ordinance. Mr. Pennell agreed landscaping would be a problem to maintain, favored anchoring with concrete slab, and commented vendors were already paying for the modular units. Mr. Wise confirmed for Acting Chair Present that the ordinance included flexibility to increase the number of units if demand increased or to reduce the number if demand dropped; and if an owner /operator did not maintain the units it would become a Code Enforcement issue. Mr. Solomon indicated he did not believe it would be unreasonable for the vendors to pay for both the unit and slab, but some alternative to the slab might be found. MOTION• Mr. Solomon moved to recommend to City Council approval of LDR -01 -07 with staff recommendations, deleting any mandatory requirement for installation of shrubbery or irrigation and to expand the installation mechanism to include any method acceptable to the City Engineer., which installation would not be at the cost of the City. Mr. Pennell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous 6 -0 vote. • OLD BUSINESS There was no old business to come before the Commission. NEW BUSINESS a) Legacy Place PCD — Residential Site Plan Modification The applicant proposes three modifications to the site plan They consist of eliminating one swimming pool and expanding the other remaining pool, eliminating two drive -thru lanes by one of the interior gates to the site, and eliminating some of the columns between the fence provided along Fairchild Gardens, RCA Boulevard, and Alternate AIA. Principal Planner Talal Benothman presented the proposed site plan modifications. (1) to eliminate one swimming pool and extend the second swimming pool; (2) to eliminate some of the fence columns in the fence on Alternate AIA, RCA Boulevard, and Fairchild Gardens; and (3) to eliminate driveway lanes through the site. Larry Wilkinson spoke on behalf of the applicant, and explained that a playground tot lot recreation area would replace one swimming pool proposed to be eliminated, some driveway lanes were proposed to be eliminated, and some fence units and columns were proposed to be eliminated. Nick Metilich, Urban Design Studio, provided a power point presentation, pointing out the • proposed modifications. Mr. Solomon questioned removal of the fencing, since it looked 10 • Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes January 28, 2003 • • better aesthetically to remain; to which Mr. Wilkinson responded the fence did not provide privacy or security and had been retained around the entrances where it would enhance the architecture. Long term maintenance was a concern expressed by the applicant, and the applicant's position was that without the fence the landscaping could become full, solid, and dense. Mr. Solomon disagreed since the height and width would still have to be controlled. The applicant clarified where open areas and fencing had been proposed. Mr. Hansen suggesting eliminating the fencing but retaining the columns. Mr. Benothman noted staff had not reviewed this proposal and was requesting direction. Acting Chair Present indicated this seemed to be fine tuning, that he had no problem with eliminating fencing, that the applicant had heard the Commission's comments, and that the Commission wanted the perimeter to look uniform. Mr. Benothman indicated the project was presented in order to obtain input from the Commission. Acting Chair Present polled the Commission, and no one expressed any problem with the changes to the pool or entry features. Mr. Metilich reported he had shown Chair Kunkle the proposed changes, and he had been anxious for the Commission to review them. Mr. Glidden expressed his opinion that completely deleting the fence and columns would take away from the character of the project, and Mr. Solomon agreed. Mr. Solomon suggested only partial removal, allowing some freestanding columns and fencing to remain. 11 • Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes January 28, 2003 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting be held February 11, 2003. APPROVED: • Craig Kunkle, Jr., C1lair adjourned at 10:55 p.m. The next regular meeting will Alternate Dick Ansay O Betty Laur, ecre for the Meeting • Panczak 12