Planning Commission Minutes 2013 07 11

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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 11, 2013 Page 8 of 10 Peter Stewart, 1132 Jefferson, stated he is not speaking on behalf of the HPC but as a Louisville resident. He stated the Commission should place value on cultural resources and history of the community. He continued with the demolition of the Rod and Gun Clue and the tragedy of its demise. The 2013 Comprehensive Plan speaks to Historic Preservation. Paul Andrews, 561 Lincoln Ave, stated he has previous financial experience with this type of project and he believes the development will help downtown prosper. Jim Tienken, 404 W. Spruce Ln. stated he is impressed with the quality of this proposed project. The area has always been a blighted area. He stated he is pleased to hear the project will be built in one phase with the infrastructure being completed first. Michael Menaker, 1827 Chokecherry, stated he is a member of LRC and noted the letter from the LRC regarding the project. He then addressed the Commission as a private citizen. He stated the 12,000 SF of retail will provide an opportunity for small shops, the residential piece to the project will bring more customers to downtown. He stated his support of the project and requested the Commission forward this to City Council with a recommendation of approval. Additional Questions to Staff: O’Connell asked how the South Street underpass construction will coincide with this development. Russ stated the underpass project is on schedule for start date in 2014 however the schedule will be up to the BNSF schedule. O’Connell asked if the intersection of North Front St and Griffith pose any concerns to staff. Russ stated staff has no conflicting concerns. Lipton asked what authority the Planning Commission has for making recommendations regarding any historic structures. McCartney and Russ reviewed the process for Landmarking a structure as historic. The reminded the Commissioners that Landmarking is a voluntary program. Lipton and Russ discussed “skinny streets”. They agreed a discussion with staff from the Public Works Department would be beneficial prior to the final application review of this project. Staff will contact the director of Public Works and invite them to attend a Planning Commission meeting in the near future to discuss. Summary from Staff and Applicant: None heard. Closed Public Hearing – Planning Commission Discussion: O’Connell stated her support of the project as presented by staff and the applicant. Lipton stated his support of the project and the use of the MUDDSG. He also requested the addition of another condition of approval. He requested a fiscal / economic analysis of the requested changes to Exhibit A in Section 17.14 of the LMC, which removes the retail requirement on the ground floor along Cannon Street.