1986-11-12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . Minutes - Plan Commission Page 3 November 12, 1986 consulted various developers of and lenders for condominium projects in Clayton for suggestions in devising this proposal. He introduced two architects, Ms. Gina Hilberry and Mr. Ray Thompson from John Cohen & Associates, Inc. who would present the specifics of the proposal as well as answer any questions Commission members or the audience may have. Ms. Hilberry informed Commission members about her firm's experience with condominium projects in the St. Louis area, several of which were completed in Clayton. She then presented a schematic elevation of the project for University City showing the proposed landscaping, parking, and other details. She stated that the parking on the first level of each building was concealed on the south elevation because the site drops off to the north. The buildings would be constructed primarily of brick with some wood trim. Ms. Hilberry then presented a site plan showing gazebos marking each entrance to the private street, the layout of the buildings and parking areas as well as the pool recreation area. Chairman Hamilton inquired if the architects had prepared a contour map, a topographic map of the site or an elevation in relation to the site's grade. Ms. Hilberry replied that these details had not yet been fully documented. Chairman Hamilton also expressed his initial concerns about the proximity of the pool along North and South Road and just south of the property at 519 North and South, the width of the driveways and the width and maintenance responsibility of the new street. Ms. Hilberry stated that the pool would be surrounded by a brick wall and would be screened with dense planting and trees. The driveways had been planned at twenty-four to twenty-five foot widths, and the new street was planned with a twenty-five foot width. Chairman Hamilton stated that the City Traffic Commission would need to review construction of the street and the proposed traffic configuration. Chairman Hamilton then asked Mr. Goldman to comment on the proposal. Mr. Goldman stated that the project as proposed seemed to meet the prerequisites of the "PD" District; however, the applicant had the burden of demonstrating the economic potential and feasibility of the project. He continued by saying that potential threats to compatibility of the project with the surrounding neighborhood existed in the traffic arrangement and the swimming pool location. Although Mr. Goldman suggested that the rezoning not be recommended to Council without further supporting information, he did state that Commission members could review the criteria for rezoning set out in Section 34-39.1 of the Zoning Code and also make any suggestions regarding site development to the City Council for use during a Site Plan Review. Several members of the audience were invited by Chairman Hamilton to express their views or concerns about the project. Mrs. Carol Siempelkamp of 519 Warder Avenue stated that, in her opinion, the neighborhood was one that was well- maintained and one that didn't require redevelopment. She stated that no mention had been made of the project's effect on the single-family uses on Warder Avenue. She expressed her concerns regarding the traffic caused by the density of the project and the effect the project would have on the market value of the single-family homes in the neighborhood. Mr. Bill Schairer of 515 Warder stated that if this project were approved, he would be living directly across the street