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Session 170 I, Minutes <br />July 7, 1997 <br /> <br />denial since the lots in the subdivision are substantially smaller than what the ordinance allows. The change in their <br />conditional use permit would leave a rear yard of less than ten by fifteen feet. Mr. Ollendorff believes this goes against the <br />values of the zoning ordinance. <br /> <br />Mrs. Thompson reiterated the fact that the City Manager reported that the Plan Commission agreed to allow the subdivision <br />to build these porches. Mr. Ollendorffreplied that the Plan Commission recommended approval, three in favor and two <br />opposed. Mr. Ollendorffsald that he was with the minority. <br /> <br />Mr. Wagner moved denial. Mr. Schoomer seconded the motion. <br /> <br />Mayor Adams called forward members of the audience that wished to speak on this issue. <br /> <br />Mr. Gary Pedersen, 971 Morehouse Lane, is the elected trustee at the Village of University Place. He asked the Mayor if he <br />could invite the Kirks up to the podium to speak, since they were the people who were attempting to build the enclosed <br />porch. Mayor Adams concurred and asked Mr. Kirk to come forward. <br /> <br />Mr. Ken Kirk, 929 Barnard College Lane, said that he and his wife were the ones requesting permission to build the <br />enclosed porch. The structure would be thirteen by fourteen feet, which represents fifty percent of the back yard. They <br />believe it would add value to the home. It would not be seen from the front of the yard. The back yard, as are most yards <br />in this subdivision, are fenced along the back. There is an alley way behind them. Even with the porch, they will continue to <br />have Japanese Maple trees and shrubs. There is still plenty of room for gardening. The area that the porch would occupy is <br />already a patio and they are simply proposing to build an enclosure on top of the concrete patio slab. The structure would <br />be compatible with the house and very attractive. It would provide them with more utility to the back yard. The Plan <br />Commission agreed with them. He would be happy to answer any questions from Council. <br /> <br />Mr. I ieberman asked Mr. Kirk if they had permission from adjoining neighbors. Mr. Kirk said that they had done a survey of <br />the entire subdivision, with a 5096 response rate. 8396 voiced their support for them to build an enclosed porch. Mr. <br />Lieberman noted that the Kirks were not at the end of the block and that if the homeowner at the end of the block were to <br />build one of these structures, it would be seen from the street. Mr. Kirk said this was true, but only if there was not a fence <br />around it. Mr. Lieberman asked Mr. Kirk if the Trustees had approved the building of this structure, since according to the <br />subdivision indentures, their approval was required. Mr. Kirk said that they have approved it. <br /> <br />Mr. Ware asked the applicant if they would only build up from the patio. Mr. Kirk said, yes, the perimeter of the walls would <br />be the existing patio. <br /> <br />Mr. Gary Pedersen, 971 Morehouse Lane, is the elected trustee for the Village of University Place. Mr. Pedersen reported <br />that he lives on an end lot. He does support the Kirks and their request for a conditional use permit. The proposal was <br />presented to the Plan Commission, and there was much discussion. The zipper lots in the the subdivision was an intent to <br />create an open environment. The area in question already has a concrete patio. The owners simply wish to enclose the <br />patio. Mr. Solodar, the Plan Commission chairman, asked about the subdivision common area, at the Plan Commission <br />meeting. He told Mr. Solodar that the common area is a place where the people could go and enjoy the outdoors. Mr. <br />Pealersen said that the north and southwest common areas are being slowly developed. He was pleased to announce that <br />they recently discovered five red foxes and approximately six to eight mallard pairs there. The University City High School <br />students have gone into these areas for field trips. They definitely plan to fully develop these areas with a playing field and <br />some natural area where it acts as a tlood plain. The Homeowners Association does support the building of enclosed <br />porches. The enclosed porches would be a valuable feature of the homes there, especially if you like to sit out at night <br />when bugs are running about rampant. He absolutely does not believe that it will detract in the slightest from the openness, <br />which he believes was the original intent. He recommended to the Mayor that they pass the conditional use amendment. <br /> <br /> <br />