Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2000 PRESENT: Lurton Blassingame, Melanie Bloechl, David Borsuk, Steven Gehling, Donald Krueger, Achim Reschenberg, James Smith, and John Ruppenthal; Chairman EXCUSED: Lee Bettes and Donald Pressley STAFF: Jackson Kinney; Director of Community Development, and Vickie Rand; Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ruppenthal. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. The minutes of the September 5, 2000 meeting were approved as mailed. I: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT/FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, PRIVILGE IN STREET, PARCEL “D” MARION ROAD/PEARL AVENUE REDEVELOPMENT AREA D & F Investments, petitioner, for the City of Oshkosh, owner, requests the Plan Commission to review and approve a Conditional Use Permit/Final Development Plan and Privilege In Street for a redevelopment site within the Marion Road/Pearl Avenue Redevelopment Area, which property is zoned C-3 PD Central Commercial Area District with a Planned Development Overlay. Mr. Kinney used the map as displayed to address the proposal by D & F Investments to construct 5 apartment buildings (Phase I) framed by Marion Road and Warren Road which represents a $3.1 Million dollar investment. He noted Phase II will represent 2 additional apartment buildings and that the Common Council has already approved an option by D & F Investments for a 30,000 square foot commercial building worth approximately $1.5 million on the southeast corner of Marion Road and Warren Road. Chairman Ruppenthal asked Mr. Kinney to explain the conditions for approval. Mr. Kinney explained the conditions as recommended in the Staff Report. Discussion continued regarding the realignment of Marion Road, and how the vacation of Dawes Street would effect the railroad corridor and the Lamico property. Ralph Bergman, Development Services, working with D & F Investments, used the map as displayed to discuss the layout of the apartment buildings, the bike storage and trash facilities and the landscaping. He stated there will be approximately 19.24 percent of green space in the development. Plan Commission Minutes Page 2 September 19, 2000 Mr. Borsuk asked Mr. Bergman to indicate which of the building elevations, as shown on the display drawings would be facing Marion Road. Mr. Bergman pointed out the elevation. Mrs. Bloechl asked why the trees along the inside of the sidewalk would be the City’s responsibility. Mr. Bergman replied that the City has asked for a planting and utility easement of 10’ off of the sidewalk so the plantings would be behind the sidewalk. Mr. Kinney stated that in that area it was felt it would be most appropriate to plant street trees on the private side of the sidewalk, and the developer had agreed to that proposal. Mrs. Bloechl asked if the decorative lights were the City’s responsibility. Mr. Kinney stated the lights as well as the street oriented trees would be the City’s responsibility. Mrs. Bloechl next questioned if management for the complex would be located on site, and where the garbage storage would be located. Mr. Schwab, 2129 Jackson Street, stated the manager for the complex would be located in one of the apartments, and that the facilities located adjacent to the walkways would be used as interior bike storage and for garbage. Mrs. Bloechl asked Mr. Bergman to explain the ingress and egress pattern of traffic through the development. Mr. Bergman used the map as displayed to show the flow of traffic and discussion followed as to how it would be sufficient for service vehicles. Mr. Kinney noted how the landscape plan was internal to the site and how D & F Investments has been working to develop an effective landscape plan between the redevelopment area and Lamico. Mr. Gehling asked about the berms by the lower units and how this would affect snow plowing. Mr. Bergman stated the berms don’t start at the edge of the parking. He also noted how there are no islands included in the development to interfere with snow removal. Mr. Ted Urban, Lamico, used the map as displayed and stated he was happy with the berms included in the development, but wondered if that would interfere with any desire he may have to put up fencing. Mr. Kinney stated the berms would be 3-5’ tall and with the plantings would result in an even higher buffer area between the properties, however, that shouldn’t interfere if he wanted to install a fence. Mr. Urban questioned if the property line between the railroad right-of-way they recently purchased and Dawes Street could be straightened out. He indicated he was not interested in obtaining the easterly 30’ of the portion of Dawes Street that may be vacated in the future. Mr. Kinney stated he would be happy to meet with Mr. Urban to discuss the issue and determine what could potentially be worked out. Mr. Urban noted how he was currently doing extensive remodeling that would remove a lot of dust in the area, and how removing the cyclones on top of the plant would improve the aesthetics of the area. Mrs. Bloechl asked what the time frame from start to finish of the project was. Mr. Kinney stated excavation would start this October and the project was scheduled for completion in summer of 2001. Mr. Kinney stated he would like to present another option for the development area because of some difficulties they may encounter regarding the Privilege in Street. He explained the second option would realign the apartment buildings to avoid Dawes Street entirely. Mr. Smith asked why another option would be considered. Mr. Kinney stated there may some questions in regard to the developer obtaining the necessary insurance coverage, and other issues involved with granting a Privilege in Street, and they would like the ability to go either way. Plan Commission Minutes Page 3 September 19, 2000 Mr. Blassingame questioned how the changes would affect the landscaping. Mr. Kinney stated the landscaping might not be as effective on the east side of the property. Mr. Bergman stated if they would decide to realign the buildings, they would bring the plan back to the Plan Commission for review. Motion by Smith for approval of the Conditional Use Permit/Final Development Plan, and Privilege in Street, for a redevelopment site within the Marion Road/Pearl Avenue Redevelopment Area with the following conditions: 1) The developer submit a detailed landscape plan for review and approval by the Department of Community Development, and the developer cooperate with the City on the placement of street trees integral to the sidewalk area, and for the possible placement of fence sections. 2) When the property is transferred, the petitioners provide the City with utility easements, at least ten feet wide and not to exceed eighteen feet in width, along Marion and Warren Road. 3) A permanent Privilege In Street be granted for the encroachment of the ten unit apartment building on the southeast corner of the site. Seconded by Reschenberg. Motion carried 8-0. II: ADOPTION OF DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN The City of Oshkosh Department of Community Development, Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, and the Oshkosh Commercial Development Corporation request the Plan Commission to review and approve the Downtown Action Plan. In January, 2000, the agencies noted above retained LDR International of Columbia, Maryland to work with the community in the preparation of a Downtown Action Plan. It was also anticipated the Plan would be adopted as a special element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Kinney stated the City, Foundation, Chamber and OCDC had gotten together last fall to look at ways to stimulate downtown revitalization, and it was felt a new downtown plan should be prepared to serve as a strategy to guide rejuvenation activities. A Partnership Committee was then formed with representation from each of the entities. Mr. Kinney stated in February of 2000, LDR began a process to gather input from the citizens of Oshkosh as to what they felt was important for the future of downtown through one on one interviews, group sessions and town hall meetings. He also noted a joint workshop had been held with the City Council and the Plan Commission. Mr. Kinney stated the result of this project was an ambitious and energetic long-term plan for the future of downtown Oshkosh. He proceeded with a slide presentation that pointed out four key recommendations: 1) North Main Street Streetscaping, which would include widened sidewalks and aesthetic treatment for a more attractive and friendly environment, 2) a Market Plaza, which would require the acquisition of the old Walgreen’s Store property to develop a plaza that would serve as a focal point for the downtown, 3) Convention Center/Riverside Park Expansion, to prepare a specific Plan Commission Minutes Page 4 September 19, 2000 plan that would provide for the expansion of the Convention Center and Riverside Park, with an increase in commercial, recreational, and entertainment uses, and 4) Pioneer Drive Redevelopment Area east of S. Main St. to the south of the Fox River, to include the vacation of Pioneer Drive and extend Ninth Avenue to the east to connect with Pioneer Drive. Jon Dell’Antonia, City of Oshkosh Mayor, stated he was a City of Oshkosh representative on the Partnership Committee, and recommended the Plan Commission adopt the plan in concept. He stated this was an opportunity for downtown revitalization and stated the City needed to move forward now. Norman Packer, Chairman of the Oshkosh Downtown Business Improvement District, and owner of property on N. Main Street, and a member of the partnership committee, stated the comments he has heard on the plan have all been positive and he has been intimately involved in the process from its selection of LDR International to the present. He felt an open area on N. Main Street would give the City a welcoming, warm, and inviting environment in downtown Oshkosh and would encourage businesses to locate there. He stated they have addressed access and signage to the area from a community approach. He encouraged the Plan Commission to support the Downtown Action Plan and was willing to answer any questions the Plan Commission may have. Tom Grogan, 1415 Cambridge Avenue, co-facilitator of the Partnership Committee, stated LDR International was a consulting firm that has prepared a plan that was municipal in nature with active partners. He made reference to page 3 in the Downtown Action Plan, not only to point out the community leaders involved, but to point out the efforts of LDR’s outreach efforts of talking with the community on the way things are, and the way they should become. He stated Main Street and the Fox River serve as a basis to build on, and community leaders together with LDR have developed a concept, a vision, a look, and a feel for the City. Mr. Grogan stated the Partnership Committee spent a lot of time analyzing, debating, and prioritizing the 40 initiatives listed on pages 30-33. He stated he feels the community leaders, organizations, and citizens have banded together to present a vision for the future with weight to stand on. He stated he could answer any questions the Plan Commission had on the process of the Downtown Action Plan. Chairman Ruppenthal stated he felt the process was well accepted in the community. He stated LDR appears to have incorporated into their plan the strong opinions many people have regarding architecture, streetscaping and many other issues that concern the future of downtown Oshkosh. Mr. Grogan stated if the plan is recommended by the Common Council a series of steps still needs to take place to move the plan forward, for example, to possibly form a Community Advisory Group. He stated the basic framework is in place, and now the planning and commitment of public dollars is needed to realize the return of private dollars, as LDR has predicted to be a 5-1 ratio. th Chairman Ruppenthal pointed out that in the September 11 Milwaukee Journal, an article with information about Racine was published in which they expected a 10% return over 5 years on their investment into the downtown redevelopment, and have actually seen more than a 200% increase in their investment over 7 years. Mr. Borsuk stated he was in full support of the concept, but questioned if the redevelopment would be done in four phases, per the four key projects cited, and if one phase would need to be completed before another would begin. Mr. Kinney stated he couldn’t see why the plan couldn’t be done simultaneously. Plan Commission Minutes Page 5 September 19, 2000 Mr. Borsuk stated his biggest concern was the housing plan, and what type of residential and economical support would be given to the plan. Mr. Kinney stated that he envisioned a mix of residential housing types, except single family detached homes. He also noted there should be a mix of incomes associated with the housing. He stated the best fit would be looked at concerning apartments, condo’s or townhouses. Mr. Borsuk asked if family housing would be pursued, if a TIF District would be considered, or if subsidized housing would be developed in the area. Mr. Kinney stated he didn’t feel there would be a push for, and he also indicated the downtown would not be as attractive for housing oriented to families. He compared the downtown redevelopment efforts of Milwaukee and Racine to attract empty nesters to the area, or people who wanted to work in the area or take advantage of the activities offered in the downtown. Mr. Borsuk asked if there was a real possibility of having a department store or a grocery store in the downtown area. Mr. Kinney stated the downtown market would need to be strengthened before a department store would consider locating there, and he felt it might be a more appropriate area for specialty stores. Mr. Kinney stated the market should be able to support a grocery store and felt it would be very desirable in the downtown area. He stated there has been some inquiries from smaller grocery stores. Mrs. Bloechl referred to page 18 in the Downtown Action Plan, regarding the four priority sub-areas for the implementation of the Oshkosh Downtown Design and Development Plan, and questioned if the design team had looked at the cost of these phases. Mr. Kinney stated they hadn’t discussed cost and no funds are set up at this time, however the next steps will be to develop a fundraising plan and seek grants to bring together private and public funds. Mr. Blassingame stated he saw this plan as a chance to benefit the community economically. He referred to the last bullet on page 20 in the Downtown Action Plan, and questioned what the Partnership Committee saw for the character of N. Main Street. He asked if businesses were being considered for the area that would give the Convention Center clientele something to do in their free time. Mr. Grogan stated N. Main Street was defined as a financial center that would bring workers into the downtown. Mr. Kinney stated more employment in the area will drive the marketplace towards other uses such as restaurants, entertainment and specialty shops. Mr. Smith commented on the plans for streetscaping on N. Main Street, and noted we live in a 4-season environment and should be aware of the affects that snow may have on the area. Mr. Gehling asked if the walking trails fit into the plan. He stated he liked the action recommended to lure more housing in the downtown and was happy with the plaza area recommended, however he felt we should be utilizing the riverfront more to bring the boating public to the downtown. Mr. Kinney urged the Plan Commission to adopt the Downtown Action Plan as LDR International was thrd returning to town on October 9 for a 3 and final Town Hall Meeting at the Park Plaza Hotel. He stated the plan will then go before the Common Council on October 10 for their review and approval. Motion by Reschenberg for approval of the Downtown Action Plan and its adoption as part of the City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan. Seconded by Blassingame. Motion carried 8-0. Plan Commission Minutes Page 6 September 19, 2000 OTHER BUSINESS Chairman Ruppenthal stated it was time for election of a new chairman and selection of a vice chairman. He suggested three options for their term. The first option he suggested was to have a rotating chairman, since all of the Commission members were capable of handling the chairmanship. The second option he suggested was for a two year term, and the third option was to elect a chairman and vice chairman for life. Mr. Borsuk stated the current system of a chairman for life has worked well in the past and has given continuity to the Commission. Mrs. Bloechl stated she liked the suggestion of a 2-yr. term. She stated when a person is given an opportunity to serve they get a different perspective and appreciation of public service. Mr. Blassingame stated a rotating system has been used at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and everyone gets to have an opportunity since no one usually will want to commit to the position. Discussion continued regarding the options brought forward. The consensus was to elect a chairman and vice chairman for a 2-year term. Motion by Bloechl to nominate Donald Krueger as Chairman and Achim Reschenberg as Vice Chairman. Motion by Blassingame to nominate David Borsuk as Chairman and James Smith as Vice Chairman. A ballot was handed out and a tie vote was recorded for chairman between Donald Krueger and David Borsuk. A second ballot was handed out and David Borsuk was recorded as the new Plan Commission Chairman. Motion by Smith to nominate Donald Krueger as Vice Chairman. Seconded by Reschenberg. Unanimous. David Borsuk and Donald Krueger will begin their duties as Chairman and Vice Chairman at the next Plan Commission meeting of October 3, 2000. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, JACKSON R. KINNEY Director of Community Development JRK/vlr