1989-09-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes - Plan commissio~ Page 2 September 27, 1989 . Council under the Site Plan Review process. Mr. Goldman felt that the Firestone anchor along with the freestanding Aldi grocery store on the western side of the site could be expected to attract convenience shoppers to the area. Mr. Goldman believed that the application met the standards for conditional use approval listed in the Zoning Code. However, he was interested in specific information regarding Firestone's operations. He informed Commission members that Firestone had submitted a signage proposal to the Zoning Administrator previous to the Conditional Use application. In assessing that proposal, Ms. Elwood replied that the total proposed building wall signage exceeded the maximum amount of primary signage allowed for a business of the proposed size. The freestanding primary sign Firestone proposed would not be permitted under the Sign Code; however, the Firestone name could be included on a Shopping Center Identification Sign for the Westover Center. Mr. Goldman was also questioning the allocation of parking spaces for the repair facility as depicted on the sign proposal drawings. He stated that the shopping center parking is not laid out to provide a separate area for parking automobiles waiting for repair. He continued by saying that the outdoor, overnight storage of vehicles can be a significant problem and would be inappropriate to this area. Mr. Goldman also mentioned that the appearance of the proposed Firestone store should match the exterior color and materials of the Aldi store and the remainder of the shopping center development. Mr. Goldman presented a rendering and samples provided by the Westover Partnership which illustrated the proposed exterior appearance of the Center. Chairman McCauley asked if any Commission members had questions regarding the application. Mr. Kendall expressed his concern that those representing the proposal were not present to answer questions or provide information in support of their proposal. Ms. Elwood stated that her records indicated that a notice of the public hearing had been sent to the applicant; however, she did not have proof that the notice had been received. Mr. Safe stated that if the Commission were to recommend approval of the application, the third condition recommended by the Planning Director should read "Exterior colors and materials shall be reviewed and approved by the City Manager." Ms. Kreishman stated that if the Commission were to recommend approval, the recommendation should include a condition to the effect that the permit would be limited to Firestone or a similar national auto repair chain. Chairman McCauley then asked if any members of the public had any questions or comments as part of the public hearing. Ms. Flora Jefferson of 7757 How Avenue stated her opposition to the application if derelict cars were to be left out on the lot, especially overnight. She felt that the proposed use had the potential to downgrade property values in the area and create an atmosphere for vandalism. She also expressed her concern for the hazardous nature of the Mount Olive/Groby Road intersection. She felt that the traffic from the new shopping center might increase the traffic hazards in the vicinity. Ms. Jefferson also wanted to avoid any congestion problems in the neighborhood with cars parking on the streets blocking visibility for area motorists. Mr. James Brown, Jr., 1139 Mount Olive Avenue, felt that the traffic generated by the proposed Firestone store would add to the area's traffic hazards and lead to more auto accidents. Ms. Debra Thomas of 7755 How Avenue pointed out that a different operation than Firestone could present problems such as outdoor storage of derelict vehicles or unlicensed cars creating an unsightly image for the area. Mr. Michael Alivernia, owner of the property at 7847 Olive Boulevard, expressed his interest in how the Westover Center development was progressing.