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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesPLAN COMMISSION MINUTES June 2, 2009 PRESENT: David Borsuk, Ed Bowen, Jeffrey Thoms, Thomas Fojtik, Paul Lowry, Dennis McHugh, Kathleen Propp, Kent Monte, John Hinz, Robert Vajgrt, Karl Nollenberger EXCUSED: None STAFF: David Buck, Principal Planner; Jeff Nau, Associate Planner; Deborah Foland, Recording Secretary Chairperson Fojtik called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. The minutes of May 19, 2009 were approved as presented. (Nollenberger/Thoms) I. EXTRATERRITORIAL THREE-LOT LAND DIVISION/CERTIFIED SURVEY MAP AT 5180 CHANNEL VIEW DRIVE IN THE TOWN OF OSHKOSH The petitioner is applying for an extraterritorial three-lot land division within the Town of Oshkosh to split off three parcels from the 1.32 acre base parcel which currently contains asingle-family dwelling. Each of the three proposed parcels is approximately 0.36 acres in size. Mr. Nau presented the item and commented that the proposed land division is consistent with the land use recommended by the Comprehensive Plan for this area. Mr. Thoms questioned if the parcels met the minimum lot size requirements. Mr. Nau responded that the City of Oshkosh has no jurisdiction regarding subdivision regulations such as lot design and configuration in the Town of Oshkosh. The request is to consider whether the proposed land division is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan only. Mr. McHugh inquired if an extraterritorial land division goes through an approval process with the Town and County as well. Mr. Buck replied that the request would be considered by the Town and County after the City determines if it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. This is the first step in the approval process and the Plan Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Town and County prior to their acting on the item. Motion by Nollenberger to approve the extraterritorial three-lot land division/certified survey map at 5180 Channel View Drive in the Town of Oshkosh as requested. Seconded by Borsuk. Motion carried 9-0. IL DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ACADEMIC BUILDING AT 845 HIGH AVENUE The petitioner requests approval of a development plan for creation of a new academic building. Plan Commission Minutes June 2, 2009 Mr. Buck presented the item and noted that the staff report made reference to a conditional use permit/planned development in error. The request is for a development plan review only as the proposed new building is allowed by right in the R-5 District, but located in a Planned Development Overlay. Mr. Buck reviewed the existing site and surrounding area and uses contained in those areas and stated that the petitioner is proposing to remove two existing buildings and redevelop that portion of the site with the new academic structure. He reviewed the site plan, building features, detention areas, and landscaping plans and commented that the proposed plan is consistent with both the City's Comprehensive Plan and the UW-Oshkosh Master Campus Plan. He explained two areas of the site plan that would encroach into the street setback standard requiring base standard modifications of which the staff would support for the High Avenue loading area but not for the mechanical equipment area. After discussion with the architect for the project, it was determined that the mechanical equipment area could be redesigned to meet the required setback in this area. Mr. Buck also reviewed the vehicular access and drive aisles and commented that staff would support a base standard modification to reduce the lateral corner clearance for the northernmost driveway on Pearl Avenue to 120 feet but would not support a modification for driveway design or lateral clearance reduction. Mr. Buck also reviewed the parking and pedestrian access for the site as well as lighting, signage, stormwater management, and elevations. He commented that staff would support a base standard modification for the height of the structure. Mr. Nollenberger asked for clarification on if staff was in support of the base standard modification for the parking setback at the High Avenue loading area. Mr. Buck responded that staff would support this modification with the implementation of alternate landscaping or other screening to provide a visual buffer for the parking area. Ms. Propp questioned if there would be an entrance to the parking lot off of High Avenue. Mr. Buck responded affirmatively and displayed on the site plan the location. Ms. Propp also questioned if there should be a condition added addressing the drive access off of Pearl Avenue. Mr. Buck replied that a condition was not necessary as staff did not support a base standard modification for driveway design or lateral clearance reduction, therefore, the petitioner would be required to meet code standards for the drive access. Mr. Thoms asked for clarification of what reconfiguration of the driveway access was necessary to meet code requirements. Mr. Buck responded that the driveway would be required to be a minimum of 28 feet at the property line and 38 feet at the curb/street to meet code standards. Mr. Thoms also questioned why the loading area could not be reconfigured as well to meet the required parking setback and inquired about the signage the University would be utilizing and if it would be appropriate in regard to size. Mr. Buck replied that reconfiguring the loading area would not allow sufficient room from the building for service vehicles accessing the area. He also stated that staff was recommending a base standard modification for signage to be regulated as if in a G1 Neighborhood Business District as signage is not allowed in a residential zoning district but that formal signage plans have not yet been submitted. Plan Commission Minutes June 2, 2009 Mr. Thoms then questioned if the University would be required to bring the signage plans back before the Plan Commission for approval. Mr. Buck replied that they would not. The signage would be permitted providing it met the standards of the G1 Neighborhood Business District. Tom Sonnleitner, representing the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 800 Algoma Boulevard, stated that they were very excited about bringing the first new academic building in many years forward which was designed and configured around the numerous sustainability features included in the plans. He further commented that the architectural design team was present to answer any questions regarding the site plans. Ian Griffiths, of BSA, Inc., 310 Pine Street, Green Bay, stated that they made every effort to meet code requirements and setbacks and were currently working on the screening required in the conditions for the loading area. Mr. Fojtik inquired if they had any issues with the conditions. Mr. Griffiths responded that the conditions were satisfactory. Ms. Propp questioned if the drive access issues were a concern. Mr. Griffiths replied that they were currently working on reconfiguring that area to accommodate code requirements which would result in the loss of four to five parking stalls. Ms. Propp also inquired if trees would be planted in the landscape islands. Mr. Griffiths responded that the landscaping was very extensive on the site and would include trees in the islands. Mr. Thoms asked if they had reviewed the matter that some of the proposed vegetation was not evergreens and would not function properly as screening when the foliage drops. Mr. Griffiths stated that they had contacted the landscaping architect who is currently working on the matter to resolve any issues and comply with code requirements relating to vegetative screening. Both Mr. Monte and Mr. Thoms questioned if the 25 foot required setback for the loading/service area could be met with some type of reconfiguration of that area. Pat Skalecki, GRAEF Associates, Inc., 1150 Springhurst Dr., Green Bay, stated that they were studying the entrances to the parking area and drive aisle and considering the turning radius. They would potentially lose some stalls in reconfiguring this and they do have a rain garden along Pearl Avenue that they want to maintain for stormwater management. They can widen the driveways as requested and were attempting to keep the entrances consistent with the drive aisles and were looking at how to meet the width requirements and maintain functionality without losing parking stalls. This is still under development but he was confident that the requirements could be met with some revisions. They were also studying the loading area and considering alternatives to its layout as sufficient room had to be provided for service vehicles to make the necessary turns to the delivery areas on site. They have considered other alternatives, but it is a tight area. There is a very large stormwater management area Plan Commission Minutes June 2, 2009 located on the corner and they need to ensure the functionality of this while allowing minimal encroachment as possible. The loading area would not have extended parking in the stalls as most movements would be five to ten minutes for service vehicles. Mr. Borsuk questioned if turning maneuvers would be made internally by service vehicles. Mr. Skalecki responded affirmatively. Mr. Nollenberger commented that he was very pleased with the proposed new building and felt it was a positive enhancement to both the City and campus as well. Ms. Propp agreed and commented that she did not feel that the signage for the site should be a concern as the University has always maintained very tasteful and appropriate signage on the campus. Motion by Lowry to approve the development plan for the construction of a new academic building at 845 High Avenue as requested with the following conditions: 1) Base standard modification for parking at High Avenue loading area parking setback, with the implementation of additional/alternate landscaping or other screening, per the Department of Community Development. 2) Base standard modification to reduce the lateral corner clearance for the northernmost driveway on Pearl to 120 feet. 3) Base standard modification to permit on-site signage to be regulated as if in a C-1: Neighborhood Business District. 4) Drainage, erosion and stormwater management plans be reviewed and approved by the Department of Public Works. S) Base standard modification allowing a maximum height for the structure and accessories of 70 feet. Seconded by Borsuk. Motion carried 9-0. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 4:47 pm. (LowryBorsuk) Respectfully submitted, David Buck Principal Planner Plan Commission Minutes June 2, 2009