Planning Commission Agenda and Packet 2022 04 14

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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes March 10, 2022 Page 7 of 10 Krantz says she is trying to make the connection between what Hartronft said about that not being a requirement for restaurants or other businesses and why that would be required for this application. Zuccaro says for an event space is different from a typical business. It could have a much higher occupancy than a standard restaurant or business. Staff is not recommending a development agreement because we are in support of the occupancy limit. If the commission is comfortable with the occupancy limit, the city does not need the development agreement. Diehl asks in regards to the hall being the equivalent of a restaurant use, what we would be looking at though is potentially every Saturday in the summer having a wedding event. Having peak hours on Saturdays and using those parking spaces makes it unique from just a restaurant use. Hartronft reminds the commissioners that the average attendance of the weddings are between 125-150 people and we have accommodated the appropriate parking for this many attendees. He also mentions the difference between a restaurant and this is that the wedding attendees will be aware of the DELO lot versus individuals going to a restaurant most likely are not aware of that parking availability. Howe asks if this project would entertain a lower maximum capacity of 251. Elvendahl says that from going to the 700 maximum occupancy capacity down to the 372 and then landing on the 251 per an event feels the most sufficient to them. Hartronft mentions that if they did have a corporate event and set up a lecture hall, they would not be able to fill the space at 251 and would be restricted. Kelly mentions the convenience of the DELO lot to this particular facility downtown. It is a short walk. Diehl asks how much more investment is needed to get it ready to open. Kelly says there is still significant investment needed and that they are very close to seven digits and possibly over seven digits. Public Comment: Kathleen McCoy, 977 Arapahoe Cir McCoy says the event center building looks lovely. She wonders how this building being used as a wedding venue will affect the summer street fair because of parking. Mark Oberholzer, 224 Hoover Ave Oberholzer, who is speaking on behalf of the DBA, says that they find this to be a valuable addition to downtown. He mentions that it is noble for the applicant to adhere to a lower occupancy level, but he is wary of the additional restrictions regarding the use. He thinks a shuttle service would be unfair. He also thinks the midnight cutoff is arbitrary. Closinq Statement by Applicant: Hartronft says they have worked hard on this with staff and believes they have come to a good place that works with the neighborhood and the city. Elvendahl says that they have been looking for the right space to do this for about three years. We are very excited about this space and being a part of the downtown Louisville community. 41