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. . February 26, 1992 Plan Commission Meeting Minutes Page 5 uses are similar to the Sabbath because the members can not drive. Douglas Baron, 7704 Stanford, distributed a hand-out showing the surrounding area, highlighting the commercial and residential uses. He stated that churches are permitted in the "MR" district. He referred to the Supreme Court Case "Congregation Temple Israel v. City of Creve Coeur" (320 S.W.2d 451), which he argued prohibits keeping religious uses out of residential areas. He stated that they will be adding 1900 square feet of building area to what is currently on the lot. 2/3 will be on the first level, and the lower level will not be visible from the street. He stated that the sanctuary will cover 3000 square feet of floor area and the multi-purpose room will cover 2300 square feet. The two rooms will not be used simultaneously. Transitional yards will be 12' on the sides and 9' in the rear. He argued that the "MR" district regulations do not require transitional yards. The Chairperson asked the members of the Commission if they had questions for the applicants. Mr. Hill asked Mr. Baron if he was aware that the regulations in the "MR" district referred only to residential multi-family uses and that the "PA" district, where churches and synagogues are normally located, requires transitional yards for those uses. Mr. Baron stated that he was not aware of that. Mr. Marsh asked whether the wall between the sanctuary and the multi-purpose room was movable. Mr. Baron stated that it was not. Mr. Kendall asked whether there would be a playground similar to the current use. Mr. Baron stated that a playground will not be provided. Mr. Marsh asked whether the synagogue will lease or own the property. Mr. Baron stated that they will own the property subject to approval of this conditional use permit. Mr. Kendall asked whether the congregation had met with the neighbors. Mr. Baron stated that they had met with the neighbors on two occasions. Chairperson Kreishman asked Mr. Goldman to report on the staff review. Mr. Goldman stated that the proposed location is within the "MR" - Multi-family Residential district, which is for attached single family and apartment dwellings. Other uses, such as a synagogue require special use permits. The City Council may set conditions to insure that the use accommodates the neighboring properties. The conditional use application raises four major issues: 1. Introduction of a non-residential use in middle of residential area; 2. Parking needs for present and future users of the facility; 3. Buffering, screening and spacing relative to surrounding residential uses; and 4. Economic impact on the community. m-2-26.plc