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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesPLAN COMMISSION MINUTES August 4, 2009 PRESENT: David Borsuk, Jeffrey Thorns, Dennis McHugh, Kathleen Propp, Kent Monte, John Hinz, Robert Vajgrt, Karl Nollenberger EXCUSED: Ed Bowen, Thomas Fojtik, Paul Lowry STAFF: David Buck, Principal Planner; Deborah Foland, Recording Secretary Acting Chairperson Propp called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. The minutes of July 21, 2009 were approved as presented. (Nollenberger /McHugh) I. ACCESS CONTROL VARIANCE TO PERMIT TWO DRIVEWAY OPENINGS AND TO REDUCE LATERAL CLEARANCE AT THE 500 BLOCK NORTH KOELLER STREET The petitioner is requesting an access control variance to permit two driveway openings at the 500 block of North Koeller Street to service a proposed development as well as service future and existing developable areas. Additionally, they are requesting an access control variance to permit a reduced lateral clearance from the required 75 feet to 60 feet for two driveways on North Koeller Street. Mr. Buck presented the item and reviewed the background of the site and surrounding area. He stated that the owner would be combining the two parcels into one lot and presented the site plan, which includes the partial development of the site. The Access Control Ordinance permits only one driveway opening to the development based on frontage; however since all the businesses are interconnected on the 500 block of South Koeller Street between Taft Avenue and Lombard Street, including access to Sullivan Street, staff was less concerned with the request for one additional driveway opening as the interconnectivity allows extensive circulation on the site. Mr. Buck stated that this internal network of drive aisles have the potential to improve safety as it allows movements between businesses without forcing S Koeller Street ingress and egress. Mr. Buck also reviewed the conditions on this request that were recommended by staff. Mr. Thorns asked if the driveway to the south currently exists and if the owner is requesting to add an additional driveway opening to the north of the existing one. Mr. Buck responded that the existing driveway opening to the south would be rebuilt and relocated and the additional one being requested would be located to the north but still on S. Koeller Street. Mr. Thorns then questioned if the owner would be closing off the existing driveway access on Taft Avenue. Andy Dumke, 2030 Menominee Drive, stated that once the vacant portion of this parcel is developed, they may request to have an exit only lane onto Taft Avenue. He further stated that they were aware that they would not be able to establish a two -way drive access in this location as codes would not permit it. Mr. Buck added that due to the residential use adjacent to the east; larger setbacks will be required which would not provide sufficient room for a two -way access to Taft Avenue. Ms. Propp questioned if there would be customer parking in the back of the development. Mr. Dumke stated that they were attempting to align the new structure and parking with the existing buildings and drive aisles and that the parking in the back would be designated primarily for employees. Plan Commission Minutes August 4, 2009 Mr. McHugh commented that the access control and lateral clearance restrictions were both enforced as safety issues and he felt that modifications to the code could create a hazardous situation. Mr. Buck responded that as the private lots are interconnected and have multiple ingress and egress points, this internal circulation should circumvent traffic circulation issues on the public street. He also commented that both the Department of Public Works and the Department of Transportation have reviewed this request and did not feel it would have a negative impact on the area. Mr. Dumke added that they would be aligning the drive aisles internally to the existing ones which should improve safety. Ms. Propp inquired if additional drive accesses would be requested when the remaining portion of the parcel was developed. Mr. Dumke replied that no full access driveway openings would be requested; however an exit only aisle may be desirable on Taft Avenue. Ms. Propp asked if the drive aisles would have the same stacking capability as other parcels in the vicinity. Mr. Buck responded affirmatively. Motion by Borsuk to approve the access control variance to permit two driveway openings and to reduce lateral clearance at the 500 block ofNorth Koeller Street as requested with the following conditions: 1) The two parcels contained in the subject area are combined. 2) Existing nonfunctional drives (two on Koeller and one on Taft) on the subject site be removed and curb cuts closed. 3) Permanent access easements are established between the subject parcel and the three parcels to the south, extending to Lombard Avenue. Seconded by Monte. Motion carried 8 -0. Ms. Foland reminded the Commission members of the joint meeting of the Plan Commission and Common Council on August 17 Mr. Nollenberger requested that an email be sent out to Plan Commission members detailing the goals and objectives of the joint meeting. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 4:18 pm. (McHugh/Thoms) Respectfully submitted, David Buck Principal Planner Plan Commission Minutes August 4, 2009