HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.apz.20160607Regular Meeting Minutes Planning & Zoning June 7, 2016
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Mr. Keith Goode, Chair, called the Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) meeting to order at 4:30 PM
with members Ryan Walterscheid, Jasmine Tygre, Kelly McNicholas Kury, Skippy Mesirow, and Keith
Goode.
Jason Elliott, Jesse Morris, Spencer McNight and Brian McNellis were not present for the meeting.
Also present from City staff; James R True, Jennifer Phelan and Sara Nadolny.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
There were no comments.
STAFF COMMENTS:
Ms. Phelan wanted to discuss a couple of items from the previous meeting and make an announcement:
1. In response to Ms. McNicholas Kury’s question regarding participating in upcoming planning
committees, Ms. Jessica Garrow informed Ms. Phelan they are still working on the committees.
The commissioners will be informed when the committees are available.
2. In regards to Ms. Tygre’s request for a status update on the properties to potentially used as
affordable housing, she noted the following:
a. Lumberyard – ProBuild has a lease until 2025 and they have a termination option. There
are no current plans, but it is expected to be utilized for a long term, future
development.
b. Request for proposals (RFP) for three properties on W Main St, Park Circle and Castle
Creek Rd have been issued. They are thinking within the next three years there will be
something going on at these sites
c. Another site on W Hyman Ave is currently on hold and is rented to local workers at this
time.
3. She introduced Mr. Ben Anderson as the department’s recently hired Planner.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There were no comments.
MINUTES
May 3, 2016 Minutes - Ms. Tygre moved to approve the minutes and was seconded by Mr.
Walterscheid. All in favor, motion passed.
May 17, 2016 Minutes – Ms. Tygre moved to approved the minutes and was seconded by Ms.
McNicholas Kury. All in favor, motion passed.
DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations.
Regular Meeting Minutes Planning & Zoning June 7, 2016
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
230 E Hopkins Ave – Mountain Forge Building – Conceptual Commercial
Design, Off-Street Parking and Growth Management Quota System
Reviews
Mr. Goode asked if notice had been properly provided at which Mr. True noted he had the notices and
upon review, found them acceptable.
Mr. Goode opened the hearing and turned the floor over to Staff.
Ms. Sara Nadolny, Planner Tech, introduced the following individuals on the applicant team and stated
the applicant is seeking approvals related to conceptual commercial design review and various growth
management reviews.
Mr. Stan Clauson, Stan Clauson & Associates
Mr. John Rowland, Roland and Broughton
Ms. Dana Ellis, Roland and Broughton
She noted the building is located on the corner of S Monarch St and E Hopkins Ave on a 6,000 sf lot and
is located in the Mixed-Use (MU) zone district. The commercial design guidelines characterize it as a
central mixed-use character area.
The existing building is mixed-use with commercial and one affordable housing unit. The building was
constructed with a number of nonconforming conditions and a portion of the structure is built to lot
lines on almost all the facades except for the alley. The building extends past the property lines at
Hopkins Ave, which is the front façade. There is a large area way on the southeast corner of the building
and extends to the edge of the property. This will be discussed a great deal because the height is
currently measured in the area way at 34 ft 8 in which exceeds the 28 ft to 32 ft permitted by the code.
The large area way is also nonconforming because it extends to the property line. The existing
nonconformities may be maintained and/or lessened upon redevelopment, but cannot be expanded
upon.
She also mentioned if the building reaches demolition as defined as 40% or more of the existing
structure, then the applicant must bring everything into compliance. At this time, the demolition is
calculated by the applicant at 39%.
She then pointed out the location of the area way on a picture of the building.
The applicant is proposing to remodel the building including changing a lot of the roof forms, removing
the onsite affordable housing unit, adding two free market residential units, reducing the commercial
net leasable floor area for the entire building and reducing the onsite parking.
She then covered the commercial design review topics which focus on height, scale, mass, public
amenity, a trash recycling area and parking.
The purpose of commercial design review is to preserve and foster proper commercial district scale and
character while maintaining a pleasant pedestrian environment.
In regards to height, the highest point of the building as measured from the area way is 34 ft 8 in
is a nonconformity. The MU zone district allows for 28 ft and up to 32 ft with commercial design
review. The applicant is proposing to remove the large shed roof on the Hyman Ave side and
replace it with a gabled roof form on the Monarch side. The applicant is also proposing to infill
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the area way to bring up the height about 27 in. When the roof form is changed from the shed
roof to the gable roof, the height is measured differently. With the gabled roof height without
the area way infilled would exceed the height limitation. The height measured will be 34 ft 5.5 in
which lessens the nonconforming height. The gable on the north side is a slightly different pitch
and would have a height of 32 ft which is the maximum the applicant can request through
commercial design review. Ms. Nadolny stated it is up to P&Z if they want to grant the 32 ft.
The applicant is looking to add a gabled roof form to the Hopkins side of the building to
complement the other gabled roof form. This roof form will be under the 28 ft height limitation.
The applicant is proposing to fill in a large light well along Monarch St which currently goes to
the lot line. By filling it in, they are bringing the building within the 5 yd setback requirement
which is a current nonconformity. They are also introducing a flat roof in this location which also
helps to minimize the overall scale of the building. She then showed pictures of the existing and
proposed roof lines along Monarch St. The height of the flat roof portion of the building is 23 ft.
At the corner closest to the alley, the building rises to a gabled roof form with a height of just
below 24 ft.
Staff is supportive of the proposed mass and scale of the building. They find the roof forms calm
the design and the gabled roof forms give a nod to the neighboring one and two story
Victorians. However, Staff would prefer a design which infills the entire sunken area way,
instead of the proposed partial infill. The area way creates issues with height and setbacks
which will be ongoing and creates a three story building in this area comprised primarily of one
and two story buildings. Infilling the entire area could improve the pedestrian experience by
utilizing the public amenity space or provide closer interaction with the windows of the building
which is a commercial design guideline.
Ms. Nadolny then discussed the proposed public amenity. She noted the existing public amenity
space is 490 sf or approximately 8.2% of the site. The goal is to have 25% of a site used as public
amenity. Upon redevelopment, the code allows a deficit to be maintained as long as there is not
less than 10% is provided. In this case, the site is 6,000 sf and 10% would be 60 sf of public
amenity. The applicant is proposing address this in two ways. One is an onsite landscaped 450 sf
(7.5%) area along Monarch and curves to the alley. This is partially achieved by filling in the light
well. They are also offering 510 sf (8.5%) directly adjacent to the site as a landscaped area within
the public right of way along Hopkins Ave. Total proposed is 960 sf or 16% of the site. The
applicant has made suggestions for improvements including a piece of art or interpretative
marker. Engineering, Parks and Planning Staff have looked at the site and discussed a bench or
something similar. At this point, Staff is comfortable with what has been proposed.
In regards to the utility and trash/recycle areas, Ms. Nadolny stated it does not need to be voted
on at this time. The applicant is proposing to maintain the current trash/recycle area located off
the alley. The Environmental Health department has reviewed the application and determined
no upgrades are required to what is currently provided. The Utilities and Engineering
departments have reviewed the application and determined it meets the minimum
requirements.
Ms. Nadolny then stated Staff has performed multiple site visits to review the current site plan
and parking spaces and found seven onsite parking spaces. The spaces are striped and assigned
to uses within the building. Currently there are no deficits in parking. The code requires one
space per residential unit and one space per 1,000 sf of commercial net leasable floor area. The
applicant is reducing the commercial net leasable floor area to 3,671 sf of commercial for the
site. This would require four physical onsite parking spaces as well as two onsite parking spaces
for two residential units. The applicant is proposing two onsite spaces, one for each residential
unit and will be located in the garage accessed from the alley. A fee-in-lieu payment owed for
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the commercial space is being proposed. Staff has determined a fee would be due for 3.67
parking spaces that would not be provided onsite. Within the infill are, the code allows for cash-
in-lieu payment as an option.
The other area for discussion on this application is growth management. The applicant has requested a
consolidated review for growth management with commercial design review. There are three separate
growth management topics to be addressed.
1) Allotments – The creation of two free market units requires allotments from the 2016 growth
management pool. The applicant is requesting two growth management allotments. Each
resident requires the approval of one growth management allotment. Staff is not concerned
regarding the availability of the allotments.
2) Mitigation for 2 free market units – The applicant is proposing one unit of 500 sf and a second
unit of 1,845 sf. Both units are located on the second floor. For a total of 2,345 sf, required
mitigation is calculated at 30% of the total free market floor area or 703.5 sf or 1.75 full time
equivalents (FTEs). The applicant is proposing to mitigate through certificates of affordable
housing credit or through the provision of an offsite buy down unit. The Aspen / Pitkin County
Housing Authority (APCHA) recommends mitigation through certificates or through the
purchase of a deed restricted APCHA approved off site unit. Either option is code compliant to
be considered.
3) Demolition of the multifamily affordable housing unit currently onsite – The existing two-
bedroom unit is 792 sf located on the second floor. Per APCHA, this unit represents 2.25 FTEs.
Per code, the removal of the unit is recognized as demolition and must be mitigated. The code
looks for the unit to be replaced on site unless one of two items can be demonstrated the
replacement of the unit onsite would either be in conflict with the zoning (MU) or inappropriate
due to physical constraints of the site. If either one of these criteria is found to be met, P&Z
must decide the appropriate number of units that can be accommodated onsite and the number
of units that should be replaced offsite. Staff does not find either criteria to be met. Affordable
housing is not a use in conflict with the MU zone district. Staff has not identified any physical
site specific constraints requiring the removal of the unit. At the meeting with APCHA, the
applicant presented drawings indicating difficulty maintaining part of the unit onsite while
keeping the commercial unit as well as two free market units. A subgrade one-bedroom unit
was proposed instead of a two-bedroom unit. Subgrade units do not meet the affordable
housing requirements. APCHA recommends mitigation of the 2.25 FTEs through certificates of
affordable housing credit or through an approved off-site buy down unit that was deed
restricted. Staff does not agree with APCHA’s recommendation and feels the unit is valuable
based on its location near the commercial core district and recommends P&Z require the
affordable housing unit to be maintained onsite.
Ms. Nadolny then recapped the items for P&Z to consider at this hearing. Staff recommends continuing
the hearing for all reviews for the applicant to further study and consider filling in the area way on the
southeast corner of the building and to find a way to maintain the affordable housing unit onsite.
Mr. Goode then asked if there were any questions from the commissioners.
Mr. Walterscheid asked for specific reasons allowing an application to go to 32 ft in height. Ms. Phelan
stated she would obtain the reasons and provide them later in the meeting.
Ms. Tygre asked if P&Z has the ability to determine if the proposed mitigation options including cash-in-
lieu, on-site or off-site was acceptable or not. Ms. Nadolny agreed and stated P&Z would make the final
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decision. Ms. Phelan stated with the demolition of the multifamily unit, the code is very specific that the
replacement unit is preferred to be onsite unless one of the criteria mentioned previously has been met.
Ms. Phelan added when a cash-in-lieu exceeds a set amount, then Council is the final approval.
Ms. McNicholas Kury asked if APCHA’s position is to not have affordable housing in the mixed use zone.
Ms. Nadolny replied APCHA’s preference is to maintain offsite. APCHA does not look at the land use
code because it is not their criteria, but noted difficulties with financing and compliance tracking
challenge.
Mr. Goode asked Staff to confirm if the affordable housing unit was proposed as subgrade. Ms. Nadolny
replied the applicant had presented the difficulties of maintaining the entire program onsite including
two free market unit and all the commercial space. The affordable housing was presented as subgrade
and reduced from a two bedroom to a one bedroom. The affordable housing guidelines require a certain
amount to be above grade.
Mr. Mesirow asked if the maintenance of existing nonconformities is automatically allowed or with
some form of review. Ms. Nadolny replied it is maintained under nonconformities section of the code.
Ms. Phelan then answered Mr. Walterscheid’s earlier question regarding the reasons allowing an
application to go to 32 ft in height. She stated the additional height may be added for one or more of
the following reasons:
1. In order to achieve at least a two ft variation height with an adjacent building
2. The primary function of the building is civic
3. Some portion of the property is affected by a height restriction due to its proximity to a historic
resource or location within a view plane and therefore relief in another area may be appropriate
4. To benefit the livability of affordable housing units
5. To make a demonstrable contribution to the overall energy efficiency for instance by providing
improved day lighting.
Ms. McNicholas Kury asked if public amenity space may be incorporated into construction of a building
such as flower boxes or artistic railings. Ms. Phelan replied the standard is within a certain amount of
upgrade, at grade and open to the sky. A flower box on the second story would not be considered public
amenity.
Mr. Goode then turned the floor over to the applicant.
Mr. Stan Clauson introduced the remainder of the team and then stated he wanted to respond to Mr.
Walterscheid’s earlier question as well. He noted section 2.14 of the guidelines state a new building or
addition should reflect the existing range of two to three stories. It notes additional height is permitted
in a zone district for one or more of the following reasons. He noted the following key reasons.
1. Some portion of the property is affected by the height restrictions due to its proximity to a
historic resource or location within a view plane
2. To make a demonstrable contribution to the building’s overall energy efficiency
He continued stating the building is essentially a two story building as perceived from grade. The only
issue with respect to the height limit are the existing light wells.
He then summarized the building, its location, zone district and existing uses. He then described the
proposed development. The proposed floor area is 6,132 sf and emphasized a total 12,000 of sf is
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permitted per the zone district. Demolition has not been triggered with 61% of the building remaining in
place. He noted the building is in a transitional area between commercial and residential.
He then reviewed the existing conditions and pointed out the historic forge portion of the building
comes right up to the sidewalk and the rest of the building is set back. He also pointed out the location
of the two light wells. He also provided a picture of the back of the building including the existing
parking spaces and noted this is where the addition would be placed. He also noted the existing
bollards.
Mr. Clauson then discussed the history of the Mountain Forge portion of the building. He stated their
intention is to memorialize the historic nature of the forge. An iron worker familiar with Mr. Francis
Whitaker’s work has proposed a sculptural element to be incorporated into a memorial placed in the
parkway adjacent to the forge portion of the building.
The objectives of the project include remodeling the existing building by incorporating forms from
neighboring structures, reorganize and improve the commercial space, maintain unique site features
and enhance the pedestrian experience, meet the height limit, reduce the nonconformities including
filling one of the area wells, provide two new free market units, relocate the affordable housing unit to a
more appropriate location, and maintain the existing parking deficit.
Mr. Clauson then reviewed the public outreach including a meeting on May 26th at the offices of
Rowland and Broughton. They also notified 79 abutters and enhanced public information signs were
placed in front of the building. Comments taken at the meeting included questions about the impacts
and time of the construction and alley noise relating to residential units. The avoidance of demolition
was appreciated in some comments as well as support for maintaining the unique character and historic
nature of the building. There was not significant concern raised regarding the relocation of the
affordable housing unit.
He then displayed the proposed site plan and noted the site is constrained by existing development. The
existing footprint would remain and the addition would occur adjacent to the alley. The Mountain Forge
façade will remain and the area way off Monarch will be removed and made into public amenity space.
The sidewalk improvements and off street amenities will be provided. The existing sidewalk has an
unusual configuration and will be straightened and the curb ramps and cross walks will be realigned. The
existing trees will remain and appropriate trees will be added.
Mr. Clauson noted the existing public amenity was calculated by Staff at 8.2% of the site and 10% is
required. They are proposing 16% of the site or 960 sf divided between space immediately onsite and
offsite immediately adjacent to the property. In addition to the amenities already identified, they are
proposing some paving at the cross walk and pedestrian seating in an area that looks onto Francis
Whitaker Park across the street.
Mr. Clauson then discussed parking. He displayed a survey showing the location of the existing bollards.
He believes a situation with the Molly Gibson informs their calculations. In the alley at the Molly Gibson,
there was some five parking spaces used by their guests. When Staff calculated the size of the spaces,
they were found to not conform to the 8.5 ft x 18 ft dimensions as defined by code. In a similar fashion,
they have counted four conforming parking spaces and the bollards protecting the stairway create a
situation where two spaces are striped and utilized, but are nonconforming. The existing development
requires six spaces including five for commercial and one for the affordable housing unit. They feel there
are four compliant existing spaces and a two space deficit. The required parking includes 5.4 spaces for
commercial, two spaces for residential, totaling 7.4 spaces. They are proposing two space in the garage
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on the site, retain the two space deficit and a cash-in-lieu payment for the 3.4 spaces. He noted Staff
had calculated 3.7 spaces which he said was acceptable.
He then noted the trash/recycle and utilities for the site had been reviewed and there no upgrades were
requested or required.
Mr. Clauson then discussed the affordable housing component of the proposal. He noted the
commercial net leasing is decreasing so there is no additional mitigation required for it. The free market
net livable is increasing and the mitigation would be provided through affordable housing credits for
1.76 FTEs or the final number. The physical constraints really make the existing affordable housing
difficult. In order to achieve this program for redevelopment on the site is quite impossible to have a
good affordable housing unit. An offsite solution would result in a higher quality option, more
appropriately meeting APCHA’s standards. The APCHA board unanimously recommended an offsite
location for the 2.25 FTE replacement. He then read from the code section and noted APCHA’s reasons
for making the recommendation. In addition to the physical constraints of the site, the board identified
financing issues related to for purchase unit and the challenges when a single unit exists in a building
with other uses.
Mr. John Rowland then covered the history of his firm residing in this location for the last ten plus years.
They currently occupy an area in the subgrade space and the second floor. He noted the building does
have assets but also shortcomings, which one is form. The roof form is a bit unorthodox and the
character of the building looks like a gangster’s hat. It’s difficult to use the natural light on the second
floor. Another shortcoming is the insensitivity of the materials. The forge is buried under wood siding
and he feels it does not say anything about Whitaker’s legacy.
He displayed a diagram of the existing building form along with the gabled forms highlighted of the
neighboring structure. They want the proposed building to adopt gabled forms.
He then showed several renderings of the building showing the location of the gabled forms and the
proposed materials including barn wood siding in the gable volumes, metal siding on the forge portion
of the building, new railings around the area well, and masonry on the two story flat volume.
Ms. Dana Ellis then displayed and described a diagram showing their approach to minimize demolition
while adding the gabled forms. She noted that triggering demolition would require the forge portion of
the building to be removed. This included removing the shed forms and addressing the undesirable
setbacks. The portion of the building that currently steps back with windows along Monarch will be
brought forward. The alley side addition was also shown which will include circulation, garage spaces
and a new free market residential unit. The footprint of the addition is only 744 sf. They are also
planning to upgrade the façade with new siding, expanded windows and new materials around the
windows.
She then displayed some early concept drawings along with pictures of their current offices in the
subgrade space. She thinks the intent of a lot of the land use code direction currently is about vitality of
commercial spaces and the economics of having a local business in Aspen. This usually means using
second floor or subgrade office spaces. She feels if the windows were not available to the subgrade
space, it would be a very different experience. Architecturally, the building maintains a two story
appearance while allowing this corner to achieve something unique.
Mr. Clauson then summarized the benefits of the application:
Sustainable development by utilizing the existing structure
Maintaining a unique aspect of Aspen’s history with the forge
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Improving the pedestrian experience with amenities
Replacing the affordable housing in a more suitable location
Providing an architecture more compatible with the neighborhood.
He added during the 1970’s, structures like this were encouraged. He noted the Creperie and Café Ink as
similar locations. He thinks keeping the light well maintains a bit of Aspen’s planning history.
Mr. Goode then asked the commissioners if they had any questions.
Ms. McNicholas Kury asked if P&Z will review the final design. Ms. Nadolny replied if/when the
application is approved by P&Z, it will go to Council for call up. It will then come back to P&Z for the final
design review, but mass and scale will be locked in.
Mr. Mesirow asked the applicant to make a case from a broader community perspective for taking
affordable housing outside of the core. Mr. Rowland was not sure. Ms. Ellis replied as family living in
affordable housing, she values her neighborhood. She noted employees do interact with the tenant
currently in the nonconforming affordable housing unit. There is a sign on the back door reminding
everyone to close the door softly because it is right across from the tenant’s door. She feels the tenant is
expecting a quieter experience and it is not. She does not feel an alley unit would be a quiet unit. In
terms of use, designers love the idea of affordable housing downtown, but questions how to achieve a
sensitive community. Mr. Rowland noted the current tenant has asked the design staff to quiet down
after hours.
Ms. McNicholas Kury asked where the two free market units are located and more details regarding the
physical constraints identified by the applicant which would be specific to affordable housing, but not
specific to free market. Ms. Ellis stated the gabled forms are the residential units in the design. The
second unit is in the gabled form on the alley side of the building. The constraints actually have more to
do with they can’t demolish the alley side façade. This means the additive pieces of circulation and
parking create an access issue for an affordable housing unit. Currently the affordable housing unit is
accessed off the alley. In order to meet APCHA’s standards, the unit would need to be accessed from a
main road. And to provide a proper exit enclosure for the whole building and an elevator, which neither
exist now, the circulation must be added somewhere. She feels the main limitation is demolition. When
they explored with APCHA adding the unit on site, it moved circulation around in an unfavorable way in
terms of the building function. Because the added piece is so small, it meant the majority of the unit was
subgrade in order to meet the APCHA’s size requirements. Of the two free market units onsite, the
smaller one would not meet the standards and the larger unit really is as big as it can be based on the
wall constraints. They have looked at many options on how to achieve a unit onsite, she did not feel the
option presented to APCHA was good. She feels affordable housing deserves the same access and value.
They may have had more options if they could remove the back wall, but this would trigger demolition
which they want to avoid.
Mr. Mesirow followed up and felt they missed the core of the question which was to identify the
difference between affordable housing space and free market space. Mr. Clauson responded there are
Home Owners Association (HOA) issues that are quite different for affordable housing than those of free
market and commercial spaces. The HOA issues often impose a burden on the affordable housing simply
because the level of finishes desired. That is something APCHA is very mindful of and has been an issue.
He also wanted to point out the financing a single room unit has been proven to be difficult for potential
buyers. Mr. Mesirow asked for more granularity on the issues. Mr. Clauson responded he could not
provide additional granularity on the exact reasons for the financing difficulties.
Ms. Phelan responded it could also be a rental unit as an option instead of a for sale unit.
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Mr. Goode asked if it is currently a rental and both Ms. Phelan and Mr. Clauson responded it is a rental
unit. Mr. Clauson stated the building would be reconfigured in a condominium format.
Ms. Tygre felt in the renderings provided, the top levels appeared much taller than the street level. She
asked if the ceiling heights are different between the first and second floors. Ms. Ellis stated they are
about the same at the low points. The window in the stairway comes down to the floor and pointed out
on a rendering. They do have plans for a planter box on the upper level to break it up a bit. The ceiling
heights on the first floor go up to about 10 ft and it is similar in the upper level.
Ms. McNicholas Kury asked staff if variances can be provided on demolition percentages at which Ms.
Phelan responded no. Mr. Rowland feels their approach to demolition was a sustainability issue as well.
Mr. Walterscheid asked if the applicant had considered to the Aspenmodern program. Ms. Ellis stated
too much of the original building has been taken over the addition in the 1980’s.
Mr. Mesirow thanked them for the informative graphic explaining their approach to the changes to the
building.
Mr. Goode then opened for public comment.
Ms. Ruth carver, lives on same block and would like to see the open space remain. She does not like the
idea of the bottom floor being totally subterranean. She feels all the houses on the block have a setback
as well as the surrounding businesses. She does not want to see all the buildings redone in town to
come directly to the lot line.
Mr. Christian Storich works for Rowland & Broughton and appreciates the courtyard available to the
lower level. He agrees the nonconformities add depth and quality.
Mr. Nick Massmann works for Rowland & Broughton and he agrees with his colleagues in the viability of
the subgrade space is increased with the daylight available.
Mr. Goode then closed the public comment portion of the hearing.
Mr. Goode then opened for commissioner discussion.
Mr. Goode stated overall he likes the design of the building. His hang-up for the project is the affordable
housing. He likes living downtown and likes the idea of having affordable housing available downtown to
provide a mixed culture. Parking is another concern. He sees the applicant’s position on the
nonconforming spaces but feels they would have to work it out as well.
Ms. McNicholas Kury is totally fine with the proposed height. She does feel the area way celebrates
density and does not agree with Staff. She would prefer the applicant come up with the additional 100 sf
of public amenity on site to reach the code. She appreciates the celebration of the forge. She does not
support APCHA’s recommendation and feels it goes against the code which she believes the codes
priority is to maintain the mixed use. For these reasons, she cannot support the project at this moment.
Mr. Mesirow agrees with the affordable housing comment.
Mr. Walterscheid agrees with the others regarding affordable housing. He feels the community wants to
keep affordable housing inside Castle Creek. He stated he lives in employee housing in a mixed use
building and it was difficult to obtain financing. He feels a rental option is viable. While his homeowner’s
fees are absurd, he can get value out of it as well. He realizes the free market component is key to the
developer, but feels there are ways to maintain the affordable housing onsite. He does not have an issue
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with the existing area way and appreciates the applicant’s efforts to decrease the nonconformities. The
parking is an interesting issue and does not feel there is a clear concise direction.
Ms. Tygre agrees with her fellow commissioners regarding affordable housing onsite. She feels P&Z
perhaps has a different attitude about what is and is not allowed based on different criteria. She feels
the criteria regarding affordable housing is very clear in the code. She does not have a problem with the
area way. With parking, she feels this is a busy section of town and feels it is contrary to the spirit of
mixed use to only provide two spaces for the free market units. She would prefer to see commercial
parking made available.
Mr. Clauson states he is hearing from P&Z is they would like to see some, if not all the affordable
housing onsite. He asked if P&Z would entertain this a condition of approval and allow the project to
move forward. Ms. Phelan stated they have a continuation date set for June 21st. Staff would prefer an
updated memo to see the proposed program to ensure to location of the affordable housing meets the
criteria and any ratios of the use mix on the site set and parking could be looked at as well. Mr. Mesirow
and Mr. Goode felt it would be best to continue the hearing.
Ms. McNicholas Kury motioned to continue the hearing to June 21st and seconded by Ms. Tygre.
Mr. Mesirow wanted to clarify he feels the project looks great and appreciates the applicant considering
what the community currently wants from redevelopment projects. He does not feel the argument can
be made against affordable housing and for free market based on the financial issues. Parking is not a
big concern for him. He wants to see all the affordable housing back onsite.
Mr. Goode asked for the commissioners to vote on the motion. All in favor, motion carried.
Mr. Goode then closed the hearing.
OTHER BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURN
Mr. Goode then adjourned the meeting.
Cindy Klob
City Clerk’s Office, Records Manager