MINUTES

September 13, 2001

6:30 p.m. Council Chambers

Members Present: M. Templeton, J. Lattanzi, B. Rasmussen, P. Esposito, M. Paparozzi, K. Martis, and E. Skriner

Members Absent: T. Miller, R. Hicks, and J. Kraley

City Staff: Jim Wood, Planning Director and Lisa Martin, Assistant Planner

F01-08 / Anngotti / 361 High Street: Request by Richard Powell, on behalf of Mary Anngotti, for façade review approval for the DeVincent’s Music Center, 361 High Street. Tax Map #26A, Parcel #98, a B-4, General Business District.

L. Martin read the staff report. She stated that Ms. Anngotti proposed to replace vinyl windows, replace the awning, redo Drivett, repair soffit, and paint.

Terri Cutright, from Mainstreet Morgantown, presented the request to the Commission.

No discussion ensued.

E. Skriner made a motion to approve Façade Review request, seconded by M. Paparozzi. Motion approved unanimously.

F01-09 / 123 Pleasant Street Project: Request by Louis Giuliani for façade approval to complete his "123 Pleasant Street Project" for property located at 121 and 123 Pleasant Street. Tax Map #26A, Parcels #28 & 29, a B-4, General Business District.

J. Wood read the staff report. He stated that Mr. Giuliani would like to complete the project by carrying over the design themes used at 125 Pleasant Street. He also added that the renovations represent a significant and important improvement over the current state of these facades, have been reviewed by the Downtown Design Review Committee, and that the project received grant funding from Mainstreet Morgantown.

Louis Giuliani was present and concurred with the J. Wood.

No discussion ensued.

M. Paparozzi made a motion to approve the Façade Review request, seconded by P. Esposito. Motion approved unanimously.

CU01-20 & CU01-21 / Elias Hishmeh / 345 & 350 High Street: Request by Elias Hishmeh for conditional use approval for signs in a B-4 district over twelve square feet at 345 (Ali Baba Restaurant) & 350 (Mediterranean Market) High Street. Tax Map #26A, Parcels #110 & 105, a B-4, General Business District.

J. Wood read the staff report. He stated that the applicant would like to table conditional use request CU01-21for Ali Baba Restaurant. He also stated that the requested total sign area for the Mediterranean Market sign is 37.95 square feet, and consists of a larger central sign in the middle of the awning and several smaller signs on the awning skirt. J. Wood added that the Design Review Committee voted to recommend approval of the central design only, which encompasses 30.19 square feet.

B. Rasmussen explained the Design Review Committee’s decision with respect to recommending against the signs on the awning skirt.

Discussion ensued.

Elias Hishmeh presented his request to the Commission.

Phil Shuman, partial owner of the Garlow Building, spoke in favor of the request.

M. Paparozzi made a motion to forward a recommendation for approval of the entire 37.95 square feet of sign area, to the Board of Zoning Appeals, seconded by K. Martis. Motion approved unanimously.

J. Wood added that CU01-21 would be tabled until October 11, 2001.

CU01-22 / Corbett / 76 High Street: Request by David Corbett for conditional use approval for a freestanding sign in the B-4 District at 76 High Street. Tax Map #29 Parcel # 3, a B-4, General Business District.

L. Martin read the staff report.

Terri Cutright presented the request to the Commission.

No discussion ensued.

J. Lattanzi made a motion to forward a recommendation of approval to the Board of Zoning Appeals, seconded by P. Esposito. Motion approved unanimously.

S01-10 R and R Developers / 418-424 Harding Avenue: Request by Bob Campbell, on behalf of R and R Developers, for site plan approval for property located at 418-424 Harding Avenue. Tax Map #11 Parcels #152-156, an R-3, Multi-family District.

J. Wood read the staff report. He stated that R & R Developers is proposing to construct a 3-story apartment building containing six (6) one-bedroom units on the ground floor, and 6 two-bedroom units on each of the two floors above the ground floor (total of 12 two-bedroom units). He also stated that all requirements for a building of this type are met, and recommends approval with the conditions stated in the staff report.

Bob Campbell, on behalf of R & R Developers, presented the request to the Commission.

Discussion ensued on exterior material. Mr. Campbell stated that the building would have light clay colored vinyl siding, with contrasting brick on the first floor.

P. Esposito made a motion for approval, seconded by J. Lattanzi. Motion approved unanimously.

J. Wood stated that the Department received three consultant proposals and that the subcommittee should meet soon to interview firms.