City Council Minutes 2013 08 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes August 20, 2013 Page 9 of 23 Mayor Pro Tem Dalton inquired if there were members of the public at the Planning Commission meeting who were in support of the proposal or against and what issues were raised. Planning Director Russ stated the majority of the conversation was positive. The only concerns addressed were relative to historic structures and how those structures would be treated at the Final PUD. APPLICANT PRESENTATION Justin McClure, representing DELO, LLC and RMCS, 950 Spruce Street, Louisville, CO introduced Rick Brew and noted David Waldner was not in attendance. He explained RMCS developed the Steel Ranch Subdivision. He thanked the City staff for their assistance on this proposal and noted there have been multiple revisions to the plan. He addressed Council member Jasiak's question relative to the 20' lots. He explained they are asking for a waiver in the PUD for 20' lots because of construction defect liability. Council member Jasiak asked when the condo is sold is the land also sold. Mr. McClure confirmed the land is sold with the condo, but the HOA would maintain the property. Mr. McClure reviewed slides of the proposed project and noted the area is blighted and there aren't any proper streets or utilities. He explained how the properties were assembled in the urban in -fill, which required consensus from all the adjoining property owners. One of the properties is owned by Comcast, who will be granting land in exchange for improvements. He addressed condominiums and noted it is very difficult to get lenders, architects, contractors and insurance companies to commit to condominium projects because of the construction defect liability. He explained this proposed development is the largest capital investment in the downtown area, which includes a traffic signal grant for Short Street; infrastructure assistance from the Louisville Revitalization Commission, and assistance from the City of Louisville with the South Street Underpass /Pedestrian Gateway. He presented various slides, which illustrated the existing conditions and conceptual drawings of what is proposed. He explained they worked with the City on building placement to accommodate the future railway platform. He addressed transitional residential standards and explained they tried very hard to limit the requests for variances (waivers) and noted the requested waivers are relatively minor (building lengths and streets). He presented slides of various streetscapes, which he felt would work perfectly with the Street Faire and the Farmers Market. He explained all the streets are designed to accommodate the pedestrian experience and are livable and safe streets. He explained the retail component would not be viable without the residential development. He explained retail is oriented toward Highway 42 and office is oriented toward Cannon Street. He respectfully requested unanimous approval.