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Home My WebLink About1331 Algoma Blvd Staff ReportSTAFF REPORT BOARD OF APPEALS MAY 12TH, 2021 ITEM I: 1331 ALGOMA BOULEVARD GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND Saiki Design-applicant, City of Oshkosh-owner, request the following variances to permit two new freestanding monument ground signs for the Oshkosh Public Museum in the minimum required setbacks: Description Code Reference Minimum Proposed Street side setback (Congress/High) 30-53(G) 25’ 5’ Front yard setback (Algoma) 30-53(G) 30’ 5’9 ¾’” The subject 2.84 acre (approximately 123,710 square feet) property is zoned Institutional with a Planned Development Overlay (I-PD) and is currently developed with Oshkosh Public Museum structures and associated off-street parking facilities. The irregular- shaped parcel is triple-fronted and located on the west side of Algoma Boulevard; the south side of Congress Avenue; and the east side of High Avenue. Adjacent land uses include institutional in all directions, except the south, which is low-density residential. ANALYSIS In reviewing a variance request, the following questions should be addressed When considering an area variance, the question of whether unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty exists is best explained as "whether compliance with the strict letter of the restrictions governing area, set backs, frontage, height, bulk or density would unreasonably prevent the owner from using the property for a permitted purpose or would render conformity with such restrictions unnecessarily burdensome." Are there any unusual or unique physical limitations of the property which create a hardship? Will granting of a variance result in harm to the public interest? The petitioners are proposing to construct two new freestanding monument signs for museum facility identification and exhibit announcement purposes (see attached renderings). Two existing freestanding monument signs located in these vicinities would be removed (see attached site plans). One of the signs is proposed along Algoma Boulevard at the east parking lot entrance of the museum. It is single-sided and 15’3” wide by just over 6’ in overall height. The required setback is 30’ in this location and a variance is requested to place a new sign at 5’9 ¾”. The current sign in this location is located in the public right-of-way/terrace and is nonconforming (see attached image). It was recently damaged by a vehicular accident and needs to be replaced. A second freestanding monument sign is proposed near the property’s intersection at High Avenue and Congress Avenue. This sign is also single-sided but is 21’4” wide by STAFF REPORT BOARD OF APPEALS ITEM I -2- MAY 12TH, 2021 10’8” in overall height. The required setback is 25’ in this location and a variance is requested to place a new sign at 5’. The existing freestanding sign at this location (see attached image) would be removed and the new sign located behind the existing sign’s nonconforming location. The submitted application and site plans show the proposed placements with variances and also show where the signs would be required to be located without variances. The primary issue with meeting setback in these circumstances is the difficulty viewing the signs would be related to large and mature trees at the historic site. The museum does wish to remove the landscaping as it would detract from the character of the property. The signage is an important wayfinding instrument for visitors to the site and meeting setback in this situation would be unnecessarily burdensome. The site’s campus-type setting with three street frontages along with historic and mature landscaping are unique physical limitations creating hardship in this instance. The property has also established sign locations within setbacks over several decades that visitors have relied on for navigation and event purposes. The proposed locations are out of the required vision triangles at driveway entrances and street intersections. Additionally both Algoma Boulevard and High Avenue have one-way traffic movement which enhances vehicular safety in the vicinity. Neither sign will create any harm to the public interest. Finally, both the Department of Public Works, as well as the Inspection Services Division have reviewed the proposed signs and their locations and have no objections or further recommendations. RECOMMENDATION Based on the information provided within this report, approval of the variances requested is recommended. Current sign along east entrance/Algoma Boulevard damaged by traffic accident to be removed and replaced on private property with variance request. Current sign at the High Avenue and Congress Avenue intersection to be removed and replaced with variance request. City of Oshkosh Application for Variance Oshkosh Public Museum- Signage Project Supplemental Information 1. Explain your proposed plans and why you are requesting a variance: Response: The proposed plan is to replace an existing sign at the corner of Congress Ave and High Ave that has been in place for over 30 years and replace a stone sign on Algoma Blvd (formerly located in the street terrace) that was struck by a vehicle and demolished. These signs are an important element for wayfinding and displaying the latest exhibits at the Museum. The proposed signage is single sided, constructed of a combination of stone or cast-stone and brick matching the existing entrance gate columns, and similar to the historic Sawyer home. They will include the Oshkosh Public Museum name and logo and an interchangeable poster displaying current exhibits (see details). The Museum requests a variance for the two signs to be located closer to the property line than the zoning defined setbacks. In this case, the Institutional district front setback is 30’ and the street side setback is 25’. Several options for sign locations were evaluated and ultimately the proposed locations are the only viable locations for visibility, legibility, and physical placement. Locating the signage behind the setback lines would result in the signs being obscured by existing mature trees (which are highly desired to remain), located down grade from the roadway, and/or over existing landscaping and sidewalks. The east sign on Algoma Blvd, if located behind the 30’ setback, would need be much larger than the current proposed sign to be legible from the roadway and due to existing trees, on-street parking, and other site features, there would be a very limited sight line (See Exhibit 4, Image A1). The proposed location optimizes the sight lines along Algoma Blvd while providing a more than adequate vision triangle along the existing entrance drive. The proposed location also allows for a smaller scale sign, being more in scale with the domestic side of the Museum, while still be highly visible from the roadway (See Exhibit 4, Image A2). The northwest sign at the intersection of Congress replaces an existing sign in the same location but will be a larger sign for better visibility (See Exhibit 4, Image B1). This is an optimum location for visibility from both east bound Congress Ave traffic and High Ave traffic, while maintaining the vision triangle at the corner. Locating the sign behind the setback line would place the sign behind mature existing trees, obscuring the view from the roadway. The attached exhibits illustrate the proposed signage concepts and locations as well alternate locations beyond the required setback. Oshkosh Public Museum- Signage Project Supplemental Information- Continued 2. Describe how the variance would not have an adverse effect on surrounding properties: Response: This project proposes to replace two existing signs in relatively the same location. The existing signs have been in place in for over 30 years without adverse effects to surrounding properties. The proposed locations of the signs do not impact sight lines to or from adjacent properties. Improved signage legibility and visibility will improve wayfinding, potentially improving traffic flow to the Museum. The proposed signs will also be located outside of the roadway and drive entrance vision triangles, maintaining traffic safety. The signage will not change or affect the use of the Museum or adjacent properties. The signs will not be interior lite so they will not be directing light onto adjacent properties or the roadway. The Paine Center directly across Congress Ave from the Museum has a recently installed sign in front of gates of similar stone-like material at the sidewalk edge on the corner of Congress Ave and Algoma Blvd, so the proposed locations and signs are within the existing character and context of the surrounding properties. (See Exhibit 4, Image C1) 3. Describe the special conditions that apply to your lot or structure that do not apply to surrounding lots or structures: Response: This property is uniquely located at the north end of a residential block with roadways on three sides, a park to the north, a vacant lot to the east, and a church to the west. A portion of the Museum is the Historic Sawyer Home with a portion of the historic front entrance drive remaining. The building is located in the center of the lot, surrounded by mature trees and manicured landscape. This historic standing requires special consideration for minimizing the impact of the signage on the public views to the homes east façade in particular. The neighborhood uses the property as a park space and desires the existing landscape and mature trees to remain. 4. Describe the hardship that would result if your variance were not granted: Response: The existing old stone sign in the terrace along Algoma Blvd has been demolished and cannot be replaced in the same location. Removing additional trees, landscaping, or hardscape to place the signage 25’ to 30’ beyond the property lines would be to the detriment of the Museum and its visitors. If the variance were not granted, there is not a suitable location on the site for legible or functional signage, so the Museum would likely need to forego signage, again at the detriment of the Museum and the public. CONGRESS AVE HIGH AVEONE WAYONE WAYALGOMA BLVDPROPERTY LINE25' STREETSIDE SETBACKSAWYER HOUSEEAST ENTRANCE SIGN,SEE EXHIBIT 2CONGRESS AVE. AND HIGH AVE. SIGN,SEE EXHIBIT 3MUSEUMANNEX66'-8"19'-7"96'-3"95'-33 4"117'-2"65'-2"7'-6" SIDE SETBACK30' FRONT SETBACKPROPERTY LINE25' STREETSIDE SETBACKPROPERTY LINEHIKER PARKRESIDENTIALRIVER VALLEY CHURCHVACANT LOTVIEW C1VIEW B1VIEW A1VIEW A2PAINE CENTERSCALE:1" = 50'-0"1PROPOSED SIGN LOCATIONS - SITE PLANNORTH050'100'1" = 50'-0"OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM1331 ALGOMA BLVDOSHKOSH, WI 30' SETBACKEXISTING HONEYLOCUST, 27" DBH 20' AND 40' VISION TRIANGLES EXISTING LINDEN, 28" DBH EXISTING MAPLE, 7" DBH EXISTING LINDEN, 27" DBH EXISTING LINDEN, 20" DBH EXISTING MAPLE, 18" DBH EXISTING HONEYLOCUST, 24" DBH EXISTING HACKBERRY, 24" DBH EXISTING BLACK WALNUT, 16" DBH ALGOMA BLVD ENTRY DRIVE EX. WALKWAY EX. LAWN EX. LAWN CITY SIDEWALK SAWYER HOUSE EXISTING DEPRESSION RELOCATED STONE PILLAR ONE WAY EX. IRON FENCE EX. IRON FENCE EX. BENCH & PLANTING AREA EX. PLANTINGS PROPERTY LINE PROPERTY LINE VIEW CORRIDOR, TYP. ALT. SIGN LOCATION A ALT. SIGN LOCATION B ALT. SIGN LOCATION C EX. ENTRY GATE EX. LIGHT POST DEMOLISHED SIGN LOCATION PROPOSED SIGN LOCATION 96'- 3 "95'-334"ON-STREET PARKING VIEW A1VIEW A2 EX. WALKWAY 7'-6" SETBA C K PARKING5'-934"0 20'40' 1" = 20'-0"SCALE:1" = 20'-0"2 PROPOSED SIGN AT EAST ENTRANCE - SITE DIAGRAM NORTH OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM 1331 ALGOMA BLVD OSHKOSH, WI 25' S E T B A C K 25' SETBACKEXISTING SERBIAN SPRUCE, 15" DBH EXISTING HOPHORNBEAM, 15" DBH HIGH AVECONGRESS AVE20' AND 45' VISION TRIANGLES CITY SIDEWALKCITY SIDEWALKEX SIDEWALK TO MUSEUM EX TURF PROPOSED SIGN LOCATION ONE WAY EXISTING SIGN LOCATION ALT. SIGN LOCATION AT SETBACK PROPERTY LINE VIEW B1 5'5'-8 " 0 10'20' 1" = 10'-0"SCALE:1" = 10'-0"3 PROPOSED SIGN AT CONGRESS AVE AND HIGH AVE - SITE DIAGRAM NORTH OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM 1331 ALGOMA BLVD OSHKOSH, WI SCALE:NTSA1LIMITED VIEW FROM ALGOMA BLVD SCALE:NTSB1VIEW FROM CONGRESS AVE AND HIGH AVE SCALE:NTSC1PAINE CENTER SIGN AT CONGRESS AND ALGOMA SCALE:NTSA2DEMOLISHED AND PROPOSED SIGN LOCATIONS Former Sign Proposed Sign Location Existing/Proposed Sign Location OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM 1331 ALGOMA BLVD OSHKOSH, WI SCALE:NTS4REFERENCE IMAGES 0 4'8' 1/4" = 1'-0"SCALE:1/4" = 1'-0"5 PROPOSED SIGN AT CONGRESS AVE AND HIGH AVE - SIGN CONCEPT OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM 1331 ALGOMA BLVD OSHKOSH, WI SCALE:1/4" = 1'-0"6 PROPOSED SIGN AT EAST ENTRANCE - SIGN CONCEPT OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM 1331 ALGOMA BLVD OSHKOSH, WI 0 4'8' 1/4" = 1'-0" 1207 HIGH AVENUE LLC 601 OREGON ST STE B OSHKOSH, WI 54902 CEDRIC M/EMILY A RICHESON 1301 ALGOMA BLVD OSHKOSH, WI 54901 CHRISTINE L JEFFERY 1141 SAWTELL CT OSHKOSH, WI 54902 DANIEL G RINGEISEN 1273 ELMWOOD AVE OSHKOSH, WI 54901 DANIEL R DAVIS/B D NEISEN 1236 ALGOMA BLVD OSHKOSH, WI 54901 HIGH & ASHLAND LLC PO BOX 191 OSHKOSH, WI 54903 J & J HOLDINGS OF WI LLC 1501 ARBORETUM DR OSHKOSH, WI 54901 JAMES B/ELIZABETH A BALL REV TRUST 1423 CONGRESS AVE OSHKOSH, WI 54901 JEANNE TONDRYK 1155 ALGOMA BLVD OSHKOSH, WI 54901 JOHN B LEONARD/KEVIN P WISNEY 5286 DUNNIGAN CT CASTRO VALLEY, CA 94546 JOHN M/VICKI SCHORSE 1224 ALGOMA BLVD OSHKOSH, WI 54901 JOSEPH L/RHONDA A SQUIZZERO 917 EATON ST KEY WEST, FL 33040 MARTIN LUTHER EVANG CHURCH 1526 ALGOMA BLVD OSHKOSH, WI 54901 PAINE ART CENTER & GARDENS INC 1410 ALGOMA BLVD OSHKOSH, WI 54901 PEPPLER PROPERTIES LLC PO BOX 3301 OSHKOSH, WI 54903 PETER J/MARY J GILLESPIE 1435 CONGRESS AVE OSHKOSH, WI 54901 RANKIN OSHKOSH HOLDING LLC 518 MAIN ST #346 WRIGHTSTOWN, WI 54180 RIVER VALLEY CHURCH INC 1331 HIGH AVE OSHKOSH, WI 54901 STEVEN P/LYNETTE R THOMA 1219 ALGOMA BLVD OSHKOSH, WI 54901 SUMMIT PROPERTIES OSHKOSH LLC 1735 CRESTVIEW DR OSHKOSH, WI 54904 SUSAN D HAIDLINGER 1312 ALGOMA BLVD OSHKOSH, WI 54901 VALERIE P WILLIAMS 1212 GOSS CT OSHKOSH, WI 54901 OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM 1331 ALGOMA BLVD OSHKOSH, WI 54901 A A LL GG O O MM AA BB LL VV D D EE LL M M WWOO O O DD AA VV HH II G G HH AA VV W MURDOCK AVW MURDOCK AV W NEW YORK AVW NEW YORK AV CONGRESS AVCONGRESS AV CEDAR STCEDAR STSPRUCE STSPRUCE STW BENT AVW BENT AV WALNUT STWALNUT STVINE AVVINE AVCC OONNGGRREESSSS AAVV S S H H E E R R II D D A A NNSS TT S U M M IT A V S U M M IT A V LAMAR AVLAMAR AV R E E D AVREED AV HOBBS AVHOBBS AV AARRBBOORREETT UU MM DD RR HOLLISTER AVHOLLISTER AV W NEW YORK AVW NEW YORK AVRI V E R MI L L R DRI V E R MI L L R D PPRR OO SS PP EECCTT AAVVCCLLAARRK K SS CC TT GG O O SS SSCCTTJ:\GIS\GIS_Base_Maps\Planning Base Map - For Windows 10.mxd User: rachela 1 3 3 1 A l g o m a1331 A l g o m a City of Oshkosh maps and data are intended to be used for general identificationpurposes only, and the City of Oshkosh assumes no liability for the accuracy of theinformation. Those using the information are responsible for verifying accuracy. Forfull disclaimer please go to www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/GISdisclaimer Prepared by: City of Oshkosh, WI Printing Date: 5/5/2021 1 in = 400 ft1 in = 0.08 mi¯ 1423143114351 3 0 4 12 3 6 1 2 2 4 1 2 2 0 12 1 2 1 33 1 12 11 1 2 2 6 12 2 0 1 2 1 9 13 0 1 1 3 3 1 1 3 1 2 1 4 1 0 1 2 1 4 1 2 16 1 2 2 212401240A12301230A 1214A 12081208A1302A13021304A13041306 A 1236A12361238A123812261224A12241226A 12201220A12161 2141216A1202A12021206A1206 1 2 0 7 12 2 7 1211 A 120 7 A 1 2 2 7 A 1 2 4 2 1 4 0 1 14081 2 1 7 # 1 12 1 7 # 2 1 2 1 7 # 3 12 1 7 # 4 HH II G G HH AA VV A L G O M A B L V D A L G O M A B L V D CONGRESS AVCONGRESS AV W NEW YORK AVW NEW YORK AVW NEW YORK AVW NEW YORK AV CO N G RESS AVCO N G RESS AVS U M M IT A V S U M M IT A V J:\GIS\GIS_Base_Maps\Planning Base Map - For Windows 10.mxd User: rachela 1 3 3 1 A l g o m a1331 A l g o m a City of Oshkosh maps and data are intended to be used for general identificationpurposes only, and the City of Oshkosh assumes no liability for the accuracy of theinformation. Those using the information are responsible for verifying accuracy. Forfull disclaimer please go to www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/GISdisclaimer Prepared by: City of Oshkosh, WI Printing Date: 5/5/2021 1 in = 120 ft1 in = 0.02 mi¯ 1 3 0 4 1 3 3 1 1 2 2 6 1 2 2 0 1 2 1 9 1 3 0 1 1 3 3 1 1 3 1 2 1 4 1 0 1 2 1 4 1 2 1 6 1 2 2 212401240A12301230A 1214A12081302A13021304A13041306A 1236A12361238A123812261224A12241226A 12201220A121612141216A1 2 2 7 1 2 2 7 A 1 2 4 2 1 4 0 1 1 2 1 7 # 1 1 2 1 7 # 2 1 2 1 7 # 3 1 2 1 7 # 4 HH II G G HH AA VV A L G O MA B L V D A L G O MA B L V D CONGRESS AVCONGRESS AV C O NG RESS AVC O NG RESS AVS U M M IT A V S U M M IT A V J:\GIS\GIS_Base_Maps\Planning Base Map - For Windows 10.mxd User: rachela 1 3 3 1 A l g o m a1331 A l g o m a City of Oshkosh maps and data are intended to be used for general identificationpurposes only, and the City of Oshkosh assumes no liability for the accuracy of theinformation. Those using the information are responsible for verifying accuracy. Forfull disclaimer please go to www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/GISdisclaimer Prepared by: City of Oshkosh, WI Printing Date: 5/5/2021 1 in = 100 ft1 in = 0.02 mi¯