1989-08-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . Minutes - Plan Commission Page 4 August 23, 1989 for reviewing the application are the same as he had outlined for the previous agenda item. Mr. Safe indicated that he would abstain from any consideration or vote on the application due to a possible conflict of interest. Chairman McCauley called on the applicant, Mr. Mayer Klein, to present information on the application. Mr. ~lein explained that Agudas Israel of St. Louis has been operating a study area for the last nine years at 602 Old Bonhomme, which is across the street from the site now under consideration, and that their use of the premises would be identical to that which had been going on in their present location. He stated that the principal activity is study and that they have a need for larger quarters and a need for a space for eating located in a room separated from the study area. Mr. Klein stated that Agudas Israel had purchased the property and would be occupying the space that was formerly occupied by a beauty salon and a real estate company. He further stated that the bicycle shop, the restaurant and podiatrist will remain in the building. Chairman McCauley called on the Planning Director to make a report on the application. Mr. Goldman stated that this application was initially submitted as a Site Plan Review application for a school use by a tax-exempt institution. He stated that when he reviewed the application he recommend that the use be classified under the category of Churches, Synagogues and Related Facilities and suggested that the City Council refer the matter to the Plan Commission for their recommendation under the Conditional Use provisions of the Zoning Code. Mr. Goldman stated that there were approximately 34 parking spaces on the site and based on the current operation, the commercial uses would need 20 of the spaces leaving 14 spaces for synagogue use. He further stated that as an orthodox synagogue, automobiles would not be used on the Sabbath or holidays. For that reason, he said he was recommending that the Use Permit be limited solely to Agudas Israel which is an orthodox synagogue. Mr. Goldman also stated that the rooftop equipment required better screening and it would be advisable to remove the wood covered pylon which projects above the roof. Mr. Goldman further stated that the exterior appearance of a "storefront church" is considered by many to have a negative effect on surrounding property and he was recommending that the exterior be given a more institutional appearance by replacing the storefront at 8202 Delmar Boulevard with brickwork. Mr. Rice asked about the issues raised in Mr. Ollendorff's memo to the City Council, such as the tax-exempt status, the scope of remodeling, and the exact area to be utilized. Mr. Goldman responded that with the property owned by a tax-exempt institution, some understanding was required as to the fair payment of taxes for the portions of the building that were occupied by commercial entities. He also explained that at the time the Site Plan application was submitted to the Council, the extent of remodeling had not been defined and the area of the basement to be occupied by the applicant was incorrectly shown on the drawing. He added that the drawings supplied to the Plan Commission now contained all the necessary information. Mr. Klein stated that it was the intention of Agudas Israel to seek tax abatement only on the portion of the building they will occupy. Mr. Marsh indicated his belief that the Plan Commission had insufficient expertise to determine the appropriate taxing arrangement and that it should not be dealing with this issue. Mr. Kenneth Spetner of 8360 Balson spoke in support of the application, stating that he was a member of Agudas Israel and that he saw the expanded facility as a positive influence on the community which would attract younger families to the area.