MINUTES
Members Absent: Ken Martis
Staff Present:
Staff Absent:
The meeting began with the election of the Chair and Vice Chair. M. Templeton was nominated for Chair on a Motion by M. Paparozzi. Seconded by T. Miller, with unanimous approval.
J. Selin made a motion to elect R. Hicks, Jr. as Vice Chair, seconded by M. Paparozzi, with unanimous approval.
The December minutes were approved as written on a motion by R. Hicks, Jr., seconded by B. Rasmussen. Approved unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
NEW BUSINESS:
CU04-05 / C & C Properties /
L. Martin read the request stating that Mr. Panico would like to convert the Knights of Columbus building, second, third, and floors, into apartments, while retaining the commercial floor space on the ground floor. The second floor would contain three 2-bedroom units and two 1-bedroom units. The third would contain four 2-bedroom units with each unit occupying rooms on the fourth floor.
L. Martin reported that the applicant is providing eleven parking spaces in an existing pave parking lot.
L. Martin stated that Staff believes this is a sound
adaptive reuse of the building, and one that maintains the commercial frontage
on
M. Paparozzi questioned the signage. L. Martin responded that the sign is grandfathered in.
There were a few questions directed to the Assistant Planner from members needing a better understanding of the request.
Joe Panico, Applicant, spoke on behalf of his request. He commented that the top two floors would contain four units with each unit containing two stories. He added that there would be no change to the outside other than adding fire escape stairs.
B. Rasmussen informed the applicant that the building was listed as a historical building and he may be eligible for tax credit assistance in his renovation.
Ed Long, a representative of Salvation Army, spoke stating that he was neither for nor against the proposal, but he had parking concerns.
Joe Panico spoke in rebuttal of Mr. Long’s comments stating that he was offering eleven parking spaces even though he is not required to.
M. Templeton asked if there were any additional public comments either for or against the proposal. There was none. The public portion was closed.
T. Miller made a motion to approve the request, seconded by M. Paparozzi. Approved unanimously.
MNS04-01 /
Platinum /
L. Martin read the staff report. She reported that Platinum
Properties would like to divide two parcels into three.
L. Martin stated that all three parcels exceed the development standards for the district. She added that staff recommends approval with the usual conditions for minor subdivisions, which are:
1. Submittal of three sealed paper copies of the survey;
2. Filing at the Monongalia County Court House within thirty days of approval.
M. Templeton asked if there were any public comments either for or against the proposal. There was none. The public portion was closed.
T. Miller made a motion to approve the request, seconded by M. Paparozzi. Approved unanimously with the usual conditions for subdivisions. B. Rasmussen abstained.
CU04-04 / Solis /
The Planning
Department has requested that this request be tabled until
CU04-03 / Glenmark
Holding /
L. Martin read the staff report stating that this is a
request by Glenmark Holding, LLC for conditional use approval for signage in
excess of 100 square feet at the
L. Martin reported that the building will have additional signage that meets B-1 regulations.
L. Martin commented that Staff’s opinion is that the size of the proposed sign is appropriate given the large size of the building. She added that the sign is tastefully designed.
R. Hicks, Jr. stated that he had some concerns about approving the request and “whittling” away from the standard.
T. Miller commented that with the sign would be in scale with the size of the building. B. Rasmussen agreed that a smaller sign would not look right.
Nick Colosante, a representative of Glenmark, spoke on behalf of the request and responded to B. Rasmussen’s question about the location of tenant signage stating that tenant signage will be located within the landscaping bed. Mr. Colosante also responded to S. Wearden’s question and explained the Halolite lighting.
M. Templeton asked if there were any public comments either for or against the proposal. There were none. The public portion was closed.
T. Miller made a motion to forward the request to the Board of Zoning Appeals with a favorable recommendation, seconded by M. Paparozzi with the conditions set forth. Motion approved, B. Rasmussen abstained.
CU04-02 / Hildreth
/
In a B-1 District an applicant must own a bonafide restaurant for one year before making application or own another bonafide restaurant for one year the same as being proposed. Therefore, the Planning Commission will not be addressing this issue due to an invalid application.
CU04-01 / Cellular
One /
L. Martin read the report stating the Cellular One is
seeking permission to erect a flat-panel antennae array on top of the building
at
L. Martin reported that the addition will consist of a rigid, Styrofoam-like material that resembles the existing brick, but is transparent to radio waves. The addition will not increase the overall height of the building; as the rear elevator shaft measures 98’6”. The maximum height permitted in the B-4 district is 150 feet.
L. Martin commented that cabling will run from the array across the rooftop, down the side of the building, and into a color-matched tray to the narrow alley. The cabling will run inside the building to an equipment room in the basement.
L. Martin reported that the application represents another effort on the part of cellular phone companies to locate facilities in the city that have near zero visual impact. Companies are increasingly open to using stealth technologies when asked to do so in order to be neighborhood friendly.
L. Martin reported that Staff recommends approval with the following contingency:
1. Final approval of any interior building modifications necessary to support the project.
L. Martin commented that the Design Review Committee forwarded the request with a favorable recommendation with the following conditions:
1. Match existing color of brick and mortar;
2. Two windows to be placed on the front and sides to match existing floors;
3. Placement of cornice to match existing;
4. The cable tray to match the color of the existing brick.
L. Martin added that the applicant agrees with the conditions set by the Design Review Committee.
Brian Peterson, a representative of Cellular One, spoke on behalf of the request. Mr. Peterson provided samples of the brick and window materials. Mr. Peterson responded to S. Wearden’s question stating that the materials have been used in the downtown area in the past. Mr. Peterson added that this project would strengthen Cellular One in its weakest area and provide better coverage for customers.
B. Rasmussen questioned the applicant about configuring the façade on the top of the building make it so that the entire structure were raised, in order to improve the appearance. The applicant responded that the expense of the project would more than double if this was considered.
Michael Shuman, a property owner, spoke on behalf of the project stating that the wires will be hidden.
M. Templeton asked if there were any additional public comments either for or against the proposal. There was none. The public portion was closed.
R. Hicks, Jr. made a motion to forward the request to the Board of Zoning Appeals with a favorable recommendation, seconded by T. Miller with the conditions set forth. Motion approved unanimously with all in favor.
OTHER BUSINESS
Public Comments - None
Staff Comments
L. Martin commented that she provided a tentative schedule for the zoning ordinance revision.
T. Miller commented that citizens are interested in the new zoning codes, and she stated that it was important to allow citizens to participate in city government the way they feel most comfortable.
S. Wearden commented that he would be out of the country
until
M. Templeton commented that she heard that Ken Martis had done a Powerpoint presentation on Dorsey’s Knob and asked if it was available for Planning Commission Members to review. Someone from the audience commented that this may be available on the website and/or
channel 15.
ADJOURNMENT