Planning Commission Agenda and Packet 2018 03 08

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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 15 of 23 Tom Rafferty, resident at 945 Rex Street, stated that the parking plan was a responsible thing to do. He stated that it helps to avoid needing to build a parking structure in another neighborhood. He was generally in support of the concept, but did not support the design. He stated that the eye care building next to Moxie was an example of a good balance between modern and historic. He suggested studying the height of the floor -to -floor height, which might reduce the building's overall height. He liked maintaining the midcentury south half of the first floor, but the north half second -story buildings looked like the 28th Street Mall in Boulder. He stated that the second floor should have reduced glass. He did not like the modulation of the upper two floors was insufficient. More modulation could reduce the overall size of the building. Sherry Somner, resident at 910 South Palisade Circle stated that another asset Downtown was the library. She asked how the proposal would affect the feel in that area. She also questioned if the parking would be adequate. She added that the windows could make the street hotter in the summer. Mike Baren, resident at 2205 Park Lane, stated that Boulder Creek Neighborhoods built their house and the company was interested in the town. He supported the plan and thought it was a good thing to have a local company stick around rather than leave and that they were also important as a consumer. Jim Tienken, resident at 404 West Spruce Lane and owner at 824 Pine Street, stated that he can see the Boulder Creek Neighborhoods buildings every day from his conference -room windows. He stated that the redevelopment would be a tremendous asset to Louisville. He stated that he was a member of the LBDA for 16 years, and they had to field retailers wondering how to survive as a retail establishment. The answer is they need more retail and more parking. This project addresses both issues. While other building projects create parking problems, this one solves them. He added that if we do not want three-story buildings, we have to change the Code. Carlos Hernandez, resident at 795 Bluestem Lane, supports the project. He stated that the development of the post office was a controversial, but in brought retail and restaurant opportunities to the City. He stated that he looks forward to experiencing the new retail space. He stated that he did not see it as the Titanic. Instead, he saw it as the Mayflower. He stated that the people are the character and the buildings are where we have the experiences. He stated that projects like this are how we make history. Brauneis asked staff and the applicant for closing statements. Dean stated that staff recommends approval of the project. COMMISSION DISCUSSION Brauneis closed the public comment. Rice stated that he was fully in support of the project. De minimis waivers are evidence of the work to make sure the proposal was done right. The project displayed a good balance between the building and the area, with the single story on the south side and the third -story setbacks. He stated that it was a very impressive investment in the downtown area and the parking structure was commendable. Moline agreed with much of what Commissioner Rice stated. He stated that the mass of the building was a challenge for him, given the look of the three-story buildings that already exist in Downtown. He stated that he liked the front part of the building. He stated that he thought the Commission could rule that it does not meet the criteria under LMC Title 16 and there was room to make a different recommendation.