Michael Anderson of Singhofen & Associates Gave a Presentation on Behalf of the Applicant

Excerpt from April 18, 2007

PLDRB Meeting

City Place

Larry Torino presented the project on behalf of City staff. He noted that the Applicant has agreed to lower the stairwell tower height (currently 82 ft., 4 in.) to the required 80 feet.

Michael Anderson of Singhofen & Associates gave a presentation on behalf of the Applicant.

Site Planner, Fred Halback of Halback Design Group pointed out that there would be an outdoor food vendor, brick paving, wide sidewalks, community park, walkway abutting the conservation area, and themed parkettes between buildings.

Mr. Krakowski asked what the tower height was on the Sienna building. Mr. Torino advised that the roof deck is 82 ft, 4 in., however the extra height is hidden by the facade in all areas except the stair tower. Mr. Lewis expressed concern with the height variance granted by City staff. Mr. Torino noted that the Development Agreement allows a variance of up to 10% to be reviewed and approved by City staff. Anything over that percentage goes forward to the Planning Board as a formal variance request.

Mr. Hertle expressed concern with the height of the tower (cupola) on the Sorrento building, which Mr. Torino indicated was approximately 96 feet at the peak. Mr. Tyner advised that the Land Development Code states that architectural features (including cupolas) can exceed 33% of the maximum roof deck height and, in this case, can go as high as 106 ft.

Mr. Hertle confirmed with Jerry Mills, Architect with Burke, Hogue and Mills, that some residents of City Place would have a lake view, over the City Center buildings.

Mr. Meeker questioned the amount of parking. Mr. Halback advised that the project meets the City's requirements but that if there were no shared parking agreements for on-street parking, the lot would be even larger.

Mr. Meeker asked if any member of the public wished to speak on this item. Jan Reeker, a Realtor and resident of Bunnell, approached the podium. She said that she was tired of seeing cookie cutters and a lack of creativity. She feels that the look of the architecture of this project is exciting.

Mr. Meeker asked if any other member of the public wished to speak on this item. No one approached the podium and public comment was closed.

Mr. Hertle noted concerns about the shared parking situation.

Mr. Krakowski made a motion to recommend approval of Application SP-MAJ-07-01 to City Council with the amended roof height adjustment. Mr. Henderson seconded and the motion carried 4-1 with Mr. Lewis dissenting.