2011-06-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Halpert asked the applicant where they are in the process of purchasing the property. Mr. Evans stated it is under contract and it is dependent upon Walgreens choosing to locate there in which case Walgreens would lease the property from Delmar, LLC. Mr. Halpert asked if the current Walgreens location lease is expiring. Mr. Evans stated he is not sure but it would be important to fill that space if the current proposal is approved and Walgreens relocates. Ms. Carr asked about the height of the proposed office building and the field of view for the apartment building to the southeast. It appears the residents would be facing an office building if it is built there. Mr. Evans said it is difficult to build an office building at this location with less height and have it be marketable. Mr. Chi Feng added that a ceiling height of nine feet on each floor is necessary. Also, when considering all mechanical equipment between each floor, in order to have a 3-story building, it needs to be taller than 35 feet. Mr. Carr asked if the developer has spoken to the apartment building owners surrounding the site. Mr. Evans stated the apartments to the southeast have 12 to 13 percent vacancy and added that apartment renters come and go. Due to the rate of vacancy in the area, it would not be difficult for renters to relocate. Ms. Greening asked about the tenants in the existing office building. Mr. Evans stated the building currently is 40 percent vacant. Several tenants are interested in the move. They intend to help tenants relocate. Mr. Senturia commented about the proposed traffic study. Mr. Evans stated it is occurring. Mr. Senturia asked how the Plan Commission should handle things without the results of the traffic study before them. Mr. Evans stated that Crawford, Bunte, Brammeier is the City’s traffic engineer and they had to work out who would handle the traffic study. After getting legal confirmation, the developer hired CBB to conduct the traffic study. Mr. Senturia asked if there is a safety issue there and what is the solution. He added that it is difficult without the results in front of the Commission. Mr. Evans said it was his understanding that the results are not part of the request before the Plan Commission which is for the proposed uses. Mr. Senturia stated there is potential for an increase in traffic and it is something to consider. Ms. Greening mentioned the Starbucks at Delmar Boulevard and North and South Road. There are traffic problems there due to unanticipated traffic numbers. Mr. Evans said that a traffic signal at Delmar and Delcrest could help to solve what has been an ongoing traffic problem at this intersection. Rhein Dabler with Clayton Engineering, project engineer, pointed out that the apartment building to southeast is three stories in height and the proposed office building will be three stories, the same height as the apartment building. The office building will not be looming over the apartment building. Also, there is an existing tree buffer in place. Regarding a traffic signal, Delmar is currently shut down at Interstate 170, making it difficult to get accurate and current traffic counts. A traffic signal is warranted at this location but there must be justification to meet the County’s standards for a traffic signal. Delcrest would be widened for one entrance lane and tm; E