Planning Commission Minutes 2007 01 11

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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes JANUARY 11, 2007 Page 5 of 9 a federal designation would be difficult to obtain. But, there is no way to know until you take it through the review process. Dalton asked if the push for the historic designation was not before the applicant would the applicant be interested in razing the building. Lehman provided an affirmative head nod. Members of the Public: Jean Morgan, 1131 Spruce St and Ty Gee, 253 Hoover Ct expressed concern with the massing of the building and the number of stories. Mark Zaremba, 927 Main St., Jay Keany, 1488 Wilson Place and Erik (Unknown), 647 W. Juniper Ct. stated that they support the project and the applicant has incorporated sufficient design measures placing the bulk of the 3rd floor to the rear and alley side of the building. Lehman asked Staff if the SF allotment for downtown also included residential. Wood stated there has been no distinction between commercial and residential development in downtown. Sheets asked if the applicant had had any retail tenant interest. Lehman stated that the project had not gone to that step. They were waiting for the preliminary approval before moving forward with that component. Commission Questions of Staff and Applicant: No additional questions heard. Public Hearing Closed / Commission Comments: Hartman stated that she supports the concept of mixed use and bringing new life to downtown but does not support the project because it is not in the character of downtown and does not provide a good transition from the current residential to commercial. Lipton asked Hartman what should be changed to create that character of downtown Louisville. Hartman stated the design is too modern, too loft-like in design, too much glazing and does not look historic. Dalton stated that he supports the project. He liked the transition that the project creates. He suggested that the project be forwarded to City Council for a preliminary review by council. He would also support eliminating Joe's Market. Loo stated that this is an exciting development for downtown. She also agrees with Dalton and Lipton about Joe's Market. Pritchard stated that he supports the project. The applicant has provided a good transition of the 3rd floor and to the downtown. He stated he has no problems with the height, no concerns with Joe's Market building. He also stated that the downtown does not have a specific style. Deborski stated he favors the project but would like to see less glazing. McAvinew stated he has concerns with the 3rd floor, has mixed feelings about Joe's Market, and supports the idea of the City Council getting a look at the project before it comes back for a final.