Planning Commission Agenda and Packet 2012 03 22

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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 23, 2012 Page 8 of 12 Peter Stewart, 1132 Jefferson Ave., stated the project is at the preliminary concept level of review process. The appropriateness of the project is on the table for discussion. The overall character of a project is what makes some places desirable and other places undesirable. The proposed project is out of character and does not preserve the commercial neighborhood. Aquiles LaGrave, 379 Peerless St., stated the term “character” is difficult to quantify. He asked the Commissioners to take into account the neighborhood support showing our dislike for the proposal. Ann A. Dietz, 1937 Centennial, stated when she moved to Louisville our place felt right but if this project is approved it would no longer feel right. Garrett Mundelein, 555 County Road, stated the fear of change is what holds us back. The traffic impact will not be as great as with a retail use (332 trips per day for residential and 332 trips per hour for commercial). The additional rental units will allow people to have choices in a housing type. John Leary, 1116 Lafarge Ave., stated the theory of a representative government is one that represents the people. He stated the Planning Commission, with all the input received from the people, should act on behalf of the people. He stated the mass and scale is not consistent with the neighborhood. Jean Morgan, 1131 Spruce, stated two of her concerns include: traffic and the under parking of the site. She asked if anyone had considered the impact the development would have on FasTracks. She also stated the parking to the west of the project site will be by the apartment tenants and visitors, therefore impacting the commercial / retail parking. Cecilia Wilson, 2311 Cliffrose Ln., stated her primary concern of the project as ‘too large, it needs to be cut in half’. The project will decline our way of life and have an impact on schools. Carlos Hernandez, 641 W. Dahlia reviewed several points discussed tonight. He stated the character is a community which includes people. Commission Questions: Russell stated he had no questions at this time. O’Connell asked Loftus if he would be against retail in this proposal and could we have fewer rental units. Loftus stated he would consider omitting the retail but he believes the retail component is important to the project. He stated the number of units was dictated by the site and the market place trend for rental units. Tengler asked if there could be more retail. Loftus stated there is nothing desirable about retail. The two retail buildings are included because of the apartments. Loftus also stated he is open to a discussion of cutting density. Tengler briefly stated his familiarity with a model project at Hampden and I-25. He asked if the proposed site is similar in make up to that project.