HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-17 Bd Comm minutes� ►moot
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 6, 2013
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Bob Miklo, Planning & Zoning Commission
Re: Recommendations from Planning & Zoning Commission
12-1 -
3_
At their November 7, 2013 meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission made the following
recommendation to the City Council:
The Commission voted 6 -0 to recommend approval of REZ13- 00022, a rezoning of
approximately 2.5 -acres of land from Community Commercial (CC -2) zone to Planned
Development Overlay /Community Commercial (OPD /CC -2) for property located at 21 West
Benton Street and 820 South Riverside Drive and that it be approved subject to the five
conditions entered into the record by staff during the presentation this evening which are:
1) The final design of the development and the resulting encroachment into the required
stream corridor buffer will not prevent construction of the Iowa River Corridor Trail;
and
2) Prior to approval of the final planned development plan, the owner will dedicate to the
City of Iowa City, 10 feet of property along the Riverside Drive frontage of property at
820 S. Riverside Drive to use for public right -of -way purposes; and
3) Prior to approval of the final planned development plan, the owner will establish a
cross access easement between the property at 21 W. Benton and the property at
804 S. Riverside Drive (McDonald's restaurant property) at a location acceptable to
the City and will agree to close the access point to Benton Street from 21 W. Benton
St. and combine and share an access with the property at 804 S. Riverside Drive
when that property redevelops through use of the cross access easement; and
4) The applicant will present a more detailed pedestrian circulation and landscaping plan
for the site and for the areas along the Iowa River to the City for approval through the
design review process prior to issuance of a building permit. The submitted plan
should show enhanced vegetation appropriate for the location along the Iowa River,
street trees, and landscaped pedestrian routes throughout the site; and
5) The final design of the buildings and the site will be reviewed and approved through
the design review process to be consistent with the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan
and other zoning requirements.
Additional action (check one)
No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
_X_ Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APPROVED
NOVEMBER 7,— 7:00 PM — FORMAL
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Charlie Eastham, Phoebe Martin, Paula Swygard,
Jodie Theobald, John Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT: Anne Freerks
STAFF PRESENT: Karen Howard, Bob Miklo, Sarah Holecek, Eric Goers
OTHERS PRESENT: Mary Gravitt, Kevin O'Brien, Matthew Barron, Mark Seabold,
Michael Mulenbruch, Ruth Baker
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
The Commission voted 6 -0 to recommend approval of REZ13- 00022, a rezoning of
approximately 2.5 -acres of land from Community Commercial (CC -2) zone to Planned
Development Overlay /Community Commercial (OPD /CC -2) for property located at 21
West Benton Street and 820 South Riverside Drive and that it be approved subject to the
five conditions entered into the record by staff during the presentation this evening
which are:
1) The final design of the development and the resulting encroachment into the
required stream corridor buffer will not prevent construction of the Iowa River
Corridor Trail; and
2) Prior to approval of the final planned development plan, the owner will dedicate
to the City of Iowa City, 10 feet of property along the Riverside Drive frontage of
property at 820 S. Riverside Drive to use for public right- of-way purposes; and
3) Prior to approval of the final planned development plan, the owner will
establish a cross access easement between the property at 21 W. Benton and
the property at 804 S. Riverside Drive (McDonald's restaurant property) at a
location acceptable to the City and will agree to close the access point to
Benton Street from 21 W. Benton St. and combine and share an access with the
property at 804 S. Riverside Drive when that property redevelops through use
of the cross access easement; and
4) The applicant will present a more detailed pedestrian circulation and
landscaping plan for the site and for the areas along the Iowa River to the City
for approval through the design review process prior to issuance of a building
permit. The submitted plan should show enhanced vegetation appropriate for
the location along the Iowa River, street trees, and landscaped pedestrian
routes throughout the site; and
5) The final design of the buildings and the site will be reviewed and approved
through the design review process to be consistent with the Riverfront
Crossings Master Plan and other zoning requirements.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Vice -Chair Eastham at 7:00 PM.
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 7, 2013 - Formal
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PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Mary Gravitt of 2714 Wayne said she would like to know if the words "workforce housing" are
now part of the City Code. She said she finds the term very insulting and asked what happened
to the term "affordable housing ". She said the term "workforce housing" appeared when Marc
Moen decided to build skyscrapers.
Holecek said they have not codified it in any way.
Gravitt asked if the term "affordable housing" is a legal term in the Code.
Holecek responded that it's in a number of City documents, including City Steps and the
Strategic Plans.
Rezoning Item
REZ13 -00022
Discussion of an application submitted by Iowa River Redevelopment, LLC for a rezoning
of approximately 2.5 -acres of property from Community Commercial (CC -2) zone to
Planned Development Overlay /Community Commercial (OPD /CC -2) zone located at 21 W.
Benton Street and 820 S. Riverside Drive.
Howard showed a number of slides of the proposed development and of the property and the
neighborhood. She said the applicant purchased this property from Staples and a condition of
the sale was that they develop a small retail building next to the Staples property. She explained
that what a Planned Development allows an applicant to do is to adjust the plan to further a
vision they have by modifying certain underlying zoning requirements. She said in this case they
would like to realize the vision of the Riverfront Crossings Plan. She said the proposed building
encroaches into the stream corridor buffer. She said the City requires through the Sensitive
Areas Ordinance a fifty foot buffer along the Iowa River. Howard said the applicant would like to
build closer to the river because they are constrained by the McDonalds and Stapes sites to get
the parking they need, and they would like to integrate the building into the riverbank and put in
underground parking that is floodable. She showed examples of what that would look like in the
ten, one - hundred and five - hundred year flood. She said all the occupied space in the building is
above the five - hundred year flood plain. She said the applicant is also proposing public access
to the river, construction of the riverfront trail under the Benton Street Bridge, enhanced
landscaping along the river, decorative metal screening to hide the parking, and a rooftop
terrace. Howard explained that the concept plan proposes parking, retail and restaurant space
on the first level, then open space for access to a river terrace, above that would be office
space, and then eighteen units of condos on the upper floors.
Howard explained that the smaller retail building would use the existing parking lot on the
Staples property. She showed a drawing of the proposed plan.
Howard said that this proposal goes a long way toward meeting the goals in the Comprehensive
Plan for the West Riverfront Sub - District. She said the applicant has agreed to dedicate ten feet
along Riverside Drive in order to create a more pedestrian - friendly streetscape in the future.
Howard said the applicant has requested an increase in allowable building height from the thirty -
five feet that the CC -2 zone allows to up ninety -five feet for the building they are proposing. She
said this increased height would be consistent with the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan, which
identifies the opportunity for taller mixed -use buildings along the Iowa to take advantage of river
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 7, 2013 - Formal
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views and access.
Howard reiterated that the applicant is requesting a reduction in the stream corridor buffer. She
said because the site is quite constrained by its surroundings, it would be difficult for them to get
the parking they need and realize the vision of the Riverfront Crossings Plan without a reduction
in that buffer. She said as a part of any significant reduction, the City requires that the
vegetative cover in the remaining buffer be enhanced to stabilize the river bank, so staff is
recommending that the applicant submit a more detailed landscaping plan with species
appropriate to a riverbank location as a condition of approval.
Howard noted that because the trail will encroach into the Iowa River Floodway the applicant
must obtain a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) permit to show that there's no rise in the
flood level for any encroachment into the floodway. She said they are currently in the process of
doing that, so there are some uncertainties of exactly how the building and the trail are going to
interface. She said the applicant has presented both the preferred scenario, which is to keep the
trail above the 10 year flood level and the worst case scenario, where the trail would be
constructed below the 10 year flood level. The applicant has indicated their intent to achieve
the preferred scenario, but if after modeling this scenario for the DNR permit it is apparent that it
will cause increased flooding downstream, they request allowance to move the trail lower. Staff
is comfortable with this approach, as long as the resulting encroachment of the development
into the river corridor buffer doesn't foreclose the possibility of extending the trail and the
creation of an attractive interface between the trail and the building.
Howard noted that the plans for the building design and the site are just conceptual in nature,
and there a number of changes that will be necessary to meet all the City's site development
standards, improve pedestrian connections, landscaping standards, and details of the building
designs to realize the vision of the Riverfront Crossings Plan. However, staff is comfortable with
recommending approval with a condition that these details be worked out through the design
review process.
Howard said that staff feels this is ready for approval with the conditions listed in the staff report
that she wishes to be entered into the public record.
• Staff recommends that REV 3- 00022, a rezoning of approximately 2.5 acres of land from
Community Commercial (CC -2) to Planned Development Overlay — Community
Commercial (OPD -CC -2) for property located at 21 W. Benton Street and 820 Riverside
Drive, be approved subject to the following conditions:
1) The final design of the development and the resulting encroachment into the required
stream corridor buffer will not prevent construction of the Iowa River Corridor Trail;
and
2) Prior to approval of the final planned development plan, the owner will dedicate to the
City of Iowa City, 10 feet of property along the Riverside Drive frontage of property at
820 S. Riverside Drive to use for public right -of -way purposes; and
3) Prior to approval of the final planned development plan, the owner will establish a
cross access easement between the property at 21 W. Benton and the property at
804 S. Riverside Drive (McDonald's restaurant property) at a location acceptable to
the City and will agree to close the access point to Benton Street from 21 W. Benton
St. and combine and share an access with the property at 804 S. Riverside Drive
when that property redevelops through use of the cross access easement; and
4) The applicant will present a more detailed pedestrian circulation and landscaping plan
for the site and for the areas along the Iowa River to the City for approval through the
design review process prior to issuance of a building permit. The submitted plan
should show enhanced vegetation appropriate for the location along the Iowa River,
street trees, and landscaped pedestrian routes throughout the site; and
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November 7, 2013 - Formal
Page 4 of 11
5) The final design of the buildings and the site will be reviewed and approved through
the design review process to be consistent with the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan
and other zoning requirements.
Theobald asked about the DNR permit. Howard said the applicant has to show that it won't affect
the flood capacity of the rest of the river.
Swygard asked about the trail and the landscaping on the trail. Howard said the trail extends to
the edge of the commercial property and may be designed in a fashion similar to what's already
been built, with rails along some portions. She said the trail would be built to the City's
specifications.
Thomas asked about the parking requirements. Howard said there is adequate parking with
sharing parking with Staples and throughout this whole site, even under the CC -2 zoning
standards now for the two new commercial buildings, and the residential parking will be in a
below grade structure under the new building along the river. Thomas wondered if there may be
an opportunity to reduce the total amount of parking from what's shown on the plans to create a
better environment for pedestrians, particularly if people will be living in this location. Howard
acknowledged that currently the area along Riverside Drive is an auto - oriented area, so
businesses are going to insist on having a certain amount of parking. She said while the
Riverfront Crossings Code will likely have a lower parking requirement, it does not set a
maximum, so allows the market to determine how much parking is needed over time. She said
with the parking sharing with Staples, there may be an opportunity to reduce the amount of
parking, but the amount of parking will be market - driven, in general.
Eastham asked if the number of surface parking spaces for this property is set by the Code
requirements. Howard said the parking the applicant is showing on the plan is the parking they
would like to have, and it also happens to meet the requirements for the CC -2 zone. Eastham
said he agrees with Thomas about the opportunity to require less parking than what is on the
current plans. Howard said it is likely that the new code that is adopted for Riverfront Crossings
will have a lower parking requirement, such that it could be reduced.
Dyer asked if the Mum's driveway will still exist. Howard said it will remain to provide access to
this new property, but if the McDonalds redevelops, they would be required to share the
driveway and close the Mum's drive.
Eastham asked if there are safety concerns about the traffic turning east and west out of both
driveways onto Benton Street. Howard said the Traffic Engineers have said it's not ideal, and it
should be closed if there's an opportunity to do so in the future.
Eastham asked if residents of the condos will have access to the building during a 500 -year
flood. Howard said with a 500 -year flood, the building and the parking lot that are to the west of
the building are both above the 500 -year flood plain. She said the pedestrian access to the
building is on west side, but the parking level would be flooded.
Theobald said that Howard had mentioned that the City would reimburse the developers for the
trail, but if the DNR says it has to be built lower than the ten year flood would the City be just as
committed to constructing the trail. Howard said staff is recommending the condition that if for
some reason this development would preclude the construction of a riverfront trail, it should not
be approved. She said she doesn't think that's going to be the case.
Eastham asked what the width is between the trail and the riverbank and the trail and the
building. Howard stated that this would vary based on the water level in the river. Howard said
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 7, 2013 - Formal
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staff is recommending as a condition of approval that once the modeling is complete, that the
applicant provide a more detailed landscaping plan to show how the trail will relate to the
riverbank and the building. Eastham asked if the trail placement has to be lower due to a DNR
ruling would this plan come back before the Commission or would the design be handled by
Staff. Howard said the design would be negotiated between the Public Works Department and
the applicant. Howard said the applicant has presented worst and best -case scenarios and
would like the Commission to consider both of them..
Eastham asked about a driveway that is a route for the trucks delivering to the dock behind
Staples. Howard said the City requires businesses to have a network of driveways and aisles in
such large parking lots for better circulation. Eastham asked if the staff considered as a
condition additional landscaping in an area of parking stalls to the west of the proposed building.
Howard said the only opportunity for enhanced landscaping, due to width requirements of the
two -way aisle between the parking spaces, would be between this parking lot and the
McDonalds site and whatever they can achieve with planters along their building, which will
require some pedestrian access and ramps.
Eastham asked if the City will have the authority to approve whatever paving material is used for
the parking lot so that it won't deteriorate over time due to the soil conditions on this site and
become unsightly. Howard replied that the City does have standards for construction of parking
areas, and the developer will have to make sure the soils are appropriate as a base for a
parking lot built to City standards.
Dyer said she thought in the Riverfront Crossings Plan the parking was supposed to be in back
of buildings rather than in front. Howard replied that there are two frontages at this property,
Benton Street and Riverside Drive. She said for the new building along Benton Street the
parking would be located to the side and underneath the building with the building located closer
to the street. She said there is an agreement between the developer and Staples that any new
building can't be placed further forward than the Staples building. She explained that this west
riverfront area doesn't lend itself well to a form -based code because it's not a typical urban area,
so the Code will have a lot of flexibility to mitigate for existing conditions. The goal would be to
improve this corridor incrementally over time by increasing the mix of uses and improving
conditions for walking and biking.
Theobald asked if a reduction in the river buffer zone would preclude public access to the trail.
Howard explained that if the applicant can't fit the trail into that space, staff is suggesting that
this plan not be approved.
Eastham asked who will have responsibility for maintaining the trail on both this property and its
extension. Howard said it would be the City's responsibility.
Holecek added that the City will secure public access through a public access easement over
the trail.
Thomas asked if the retaining wall would also be maintained by the City. Howard said it would.
Eastham opened public discussion and invited the applicant to speak.
Kevin O'Brian of 351 Hutchinson Avenue said if there couldn't be a trail they would not be
interested in developing this site, as it would be to the residents' and merchants' advantage to
be able to walk and bike downtown. He said they hope that once the river is improved perhaps
even for whitewater kayaking this site will be a trailhead and become a gathering point. He said
he owns the McDonalds franchises in town, and he hopes that the corporation will let him use
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 7, 2013 - Formal
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materials for a remodeling of the adjacent McDonalds that will match those used in the
proposed building. O'Brien said that this project will create connectivity from Benton Street to
Riverside Drive.
Thomas asked if the applicant would be able to modify the landscape on the McDonalds site.
O'Brien said they would probably wait until they remodeled the McDonalds site and tie in that
landscaping with what they are proposing for the Mums site.
O'Brien explained that they brought a concept plan to the Board of Adjustment that would have
revamped the McDonald's site to look similar to the Mormon Trek site, but the property owners
weren't willing to allow the drives to be combined because of what might happen if McDonalds
wasn't there in the future. He said he hopes that completion of the proposed project will show
the McDonalds landowners that this is a long -term project, but he can't guarantee that.
Martin asked what the engineers' findings were of how flooding and moving water will affect
erosion underneath the proposed site as time goes on considering the density of this project.
Matthew Barron of 1924 Muscatine Avenue, engineer for the applicant, said he has thoroughly
reviewed the geo- technical report and said the riverbank conditions have existed for a
significant amount of time and the soils are ones that remain after extensive river erosion and
the existence of the proposed buildings will not affect that condition.
Theobald asked how removing organic soils and replacing them with non - organic materials for
back -fill will affect run -off into the river. Barron explained that their standard building practice is
to strip away the top layer of decomposable organic material within the footprint of the building
and replace it with soil material that's structurally sounder. He said the soil that would be taken
out would be under the building footprint for the foundation and that the organic soils
surrounding the building would remain as is.
Theobald said she assumes that when the DNR looks at flooding, they look at that. Howard said
that's one reason staff has suggested they work with the applicant to get an enhanced
landscaping plan for the portion of the site where they aren't encroaching into the buffer.
Thomas asked about wall height above the river and what the wall would be made of.
Mark Seabold, an architect for Shive - Hattery, said that will fluctuate with the height of the river
and the trail system and follow the profile of the trail system.
Mike Muhlenbruch, civil engineer for Shive - Hattery, said the retaining wall constructed to
support the trail will likely be three to four feet above the water surface and will most likely be
cast in place concrete. Thomas asked if the trail had to come down closer to the river how high
above the river would the trail be. Muhlenbruch said it would be a couple feet above normal river
elevation.
Eastham asked if the river elevation that occurred this spring and early summer have put this
trail under water. Muhlenbruch said with the preferred trail level, which is at an elevation of 742
feet with the wall, the water would not have topped the wall.
Martin asked if the removal of some of the larger trees for this project will affect the eagle
population in the area. She asked if they would have a problem with eagles nesting on the
rooftop garden. The applicants said they would work with it.
Eastham asked if there are regulatory considerations where eagles and ospreys may be nesting
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 7, 2013 - Formal
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now that would affect development plans. Martin said they are migratory, so they will be here
later, and she doesn't know how or if the building and the landscaping will affect that population.
Seabold said their landscape architect had visited the site and seen no birds, but they probably
would relocate nearby in wooded areas.
O'Brien said they think this project will be the gateway for Riverfront Crossings as well as help
with the redevelopment of Riverside Drive. He said the applicants would like to expedite the
planning process and work with the City in getting the DNR permit and in getting the trail at the
desired height. He said they don't want to wait to start work on the rest of the site until they
know if they can get the higher trail. Howard stated that they would need to discuss that, but that
the understanding was that the modeling would have to be completed prior to commencing
construction.
Eastham asked what parts of the trail on the west side of the river will be flood -prone between
the proposed building and Burlington Street. Muhlenbruch said the point under the Benton
Street Bridge will be the lowest point. Eastham asked if there is a way for trail users to get
around the trail on this property if it is lower and floods. Muhlenbruch said at the southern end of
the property there will be a walk that comes up from the trail. Howard said there are still
adjustments to be made to some of the pedestrian connections to ensure that there is a clear
route through the property to Riverside Drive and to Benton Street, which would become the
alternate routes for the trial if it were to flood.
Eastham asked where the air conditioning units will be placed. Seabold said it's an
approximately 10,000 square foot roof, and there will be mechanical equipment on it that they
will screen from view.
Thomas asked how the corridor wall running along the west side of the building will be
constructed. Seabold replied that it would be a glass wall looking to the west with a vegetative
screen on the outside. He said they are still working on the design of the west facade.
Theobald asked how much green space there will be on the roof. Seabold said it would be
beyond the ten percent required.
Dyer asked if there are plans to seek LEEDs certification for this proposed building. Seabold
said not necessarily, but they are looking at all the sustainable strategies they can use.
Howard informed the Commission that she received a phone call and an email before the
meeting from Tom Bender, a business owner located to the south of the proposed site, and he
expressed his support of the development and particularly the extension of the trail that can be
extended south to provide benefit the larger area. (Due to a computer glitch Howard was not
able to print the email and distribute it to the Commission prior to the meeting, so she wanted to
verbally inform the Commission. This correspondence will be distributed to the City Council with
the other meeting materials).
Eastham asked for public comment.
Ruth Baker of 515 Benton Street said this project is something that should be approved. She
said O'Brien does a good job of taking care of his properties. She asked for clarification about a
sidewalk going out to Riverside Drive. Howard showed Baker how a sidewalk could be
integrated into the parking lot. Baker asked if there is a vision for the smaller building on the
south side of the site.
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 7, 2013 - Formal
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Eastham pointed out a concept plan for that building and said the use has not been determined
yet. Howard said the idea is that the building should meet the goals of the Riverfront Crossings
Plan.
Baker said she liked the idea of taking up some of the Staples large concrete parking expanse.
She said this project would be encouraging for other businesses in the area and hopefully a
starting point to improve the appearance along Riverside Drive.
Eastham closed public discussion.
Thomas moved to recommend approval of REZ13- 00022, a rezoning of approximately 2.5-
acres of land from Community Commercial (CC -2) zone to Planned Development
Overlay /Community Commercial (OPD /CC -2) for property located at 21 West Benton
Street and 820 South Riverside Drive and that it be approved subject to the five
conditions entered into the record by staff during the presentation this evening.
Martin seconded.
Theobald said she thinks this is a beautiful building and has obviously had a lot of thought put
into it. She said her one concern is the way it addresses the river, and she thinks the eagles are
a huge part of that area. She noted that she had recently seen an osprey swooping over the
river in that area, and she hopes in the process of more detailed landscape plans that is taken
into consideration. She said she thinks the wildlife and the river are a big part of the
attractiveness of the area and could be an asset for the building. She said she's really excited
about the project.
Martin said she completely agrees with that. She asked if there are laws stopping property
owners from actively trying to shoo eagles away. Holecek said she didn't know.
Eastham asked if staff might give some thought to the Riverfront Crossings Plan's provisions for
paying attention to wildlife habitat along the river corridor.
Miklo said they discussed at staff level that this was one of the few places where it perhaps
made sense to reduce the fifty foot buffer because it's right at the Benton Street Bridge, and it
has access to the Ned Ashton Park.
Martin said she agrees with where this is at at this stage of the design, but she wants to bring
the wildlife habitat issue up so the Commission is thinking about it as there is more
development.
Eastham asked if during the development of the Riverfront Crossings Plan there was discussion
if a fifty foot buffer was enough along both sides of the river for wildlife to use as habitat.
Miklo said farther to the south on the east side much of the land will be under public control so
there will be a much wider natural area. He said that by reducing the buffer at this site, they are
not committed to reducing it anywhere else. It will be on a case by case basis.
Thomas said this is a difficult site. He said he thinks the project complies with the Riverfront
Crossings Plan in terms of building height and density, but the real challenge is with the context.
He said the project succeeds as it relates to the riverfront, and he appreciates the idea of using
the trail as a means of connection, but he feels that on the west side of the project there is no
connectivity to Riverside Drive. He said as the process continues, he would like to see that
addressed so that the area won't simply be an automotive experience, but also a pleasant
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 7, 2013 - Formal
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pedestrian experience for people in the neighborhood. He said he really would like to see the
site plan taken further before signing off on it. He said he would like to see this as an opportunity
for the applicant to redesign the whole corner of Benton Street and Riverside Drive.
Theobald asked if the trail on Highway 1 will connect to this one. Miklo said currently it is not
planned, but in the long -term they hope to.
Swygard said she views this project as very positive for this neglected and under - developed
part of town. She said one of the goals with the Riverfront Crossings Plan was to create more of
a view of the river, and the proposed building actually will block it from the west. She said the
second building blocks any sort of visual corridor, but she likes the way it was designed to blend
in with Staples and start to create a visual cohesion for the area. She likes the breeze -way in
the center of the main building that will provide for river viewing. She would like to see more
windows on the north wall of the second building to open up the building as viewed from the
north. She would like rails on the trail to ensure public safety.
Eastham said he sees the difficulties in trying to make pedestrian attractiveness fit with this part
of Riverside Drive. He said this may be helped by the fact that three -fifths of this building will be
residential, unlike any other building currently in this area on the west side of the river. He said
the design of the building is very attractive. He said orienting the balconies to face the northeast
is a brilliant idea. He said at least they are trying to make some sort of pedestrian utilization of
this area. He said they do need to pay attention to the wildlife habitat as they go forward with
development of the area. He said this project is a good idea.
Swygard said she has a big concern about the two drives, especially the one closest to the
bridge, as traffic makes a left -hand turn out of it extremely difficult.
Dyer said she's been hoping for years that someone would build a building that's not just a
rectangle, but this one is a pretty nice rectangle. She's pleased that it's not privatizing the river.
She said interest in maintaining the trail is really important.
Eastham commended the staff for working so hard to get the proposal to this point.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0.
Consideration of Meeting Minutes: October 17, 2013
Swygard moved to approve the minutes.
Theobald seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0.
OTHER
Holecek introduced Eric Goers from the City Attorney's Office who will be staffing the
Commission's meetings during Sara Greenwood Hektoen's absence.
ADJOURNMENT:
Swygard moved to adjourn.
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 7, 2013 - Formal
Page 10 of 11
Dyer seconded.
The meeting was adjourned on a 6 -0 vote.
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM =�-
Date: December 6, 2013
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Bob Miklo, Planning & Zoning Commission
Re: Recommendations from Planning & Zoning Commission
At their November 21, 2013 meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission made the following
recommendation to the City Council:
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of SUB13- 00022, a request for preliminary
plat approval of a 3 -lot, 0.75 -acre residential subdivision located at 220 Lexington Avenue
subject to review by the City Engineer.
Additional action (check one)
No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
_X_ Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APPROVED
NOVEMBER 21, — 7:00 PM — FORMAL
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Charlie Eastham, Anne Freerks, Phoebe Martin,
Paula Swygard, Jodie Theobald, John Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
None
Bob Miklo, Eric Goers
Cindy Parsons, Patricia Koza
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of SUB13- 00022, a request for
preliminary plat approval of a 3 -lot, 0.75 -acre residential subdivision located at 220
Lexington Avenue subject to review by the City Engineer.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
Subdivision Item
SUB13 -00022
Discussion of an application submitted by Parsons Properties for a preliminary plat of
Lexington Green, a 3 -lot, approximately 0.75 -acre residential subdivision located at 220
Lexington Avenue.
Miklo showed a location map of the subject property. He said the property is zoned RS -5 Low
Density Single Family, which allows single family homes to be constructed on lots of at least
8000 square feet and a width of at least 60 feet. He showed images of the subject property and
the neighborhood. He showed a plan of the subdivision and said that all three lots meet the size
requirements. He said the Comprehensive Plan shows the subject property as well as the
surrounding area as being appropriate for low density single family residential. Miklo said the
plat is laid out in accordance with the Subdivision Ordinance. He said unless a preliminary plat
doesn't conform to the City's requirements or there is a health or safety issue, the City is
obligated to approve a conforming proposal.
Miklo said there are steep slopes near the back of the proposed lot #1 but there is no grading
proposed within the steep slopes of this subdivision. He said there are some large trees on the
proposed subdivision site but there are not enough to constitute a grove, which is regulated by
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 21, 2013 - Formal
Page 2 of 5
the Sensitive Areas Ordinance. He said the applicants have indicated that they will work with the
City Forester to save as many trees as possible. He said there's a good chance that the trees
on the northern portion of the property will be saved, and it may be possible to save some of the
others.
Freerks asked how far shy it is of a grove. Miklo replied that a grove requires at least ten trees
at least twelve inches in diameter, and there are seven trees on this property that meet that size
requirement.
Miklo said the proposed design will require three curb cuts onto Lexington, which should not be
an issue because of the low volume of traffic.
Miklo said the amount of neighborhood open space required is so minimal (700 square feet) that
staff is recommending that fees be paid in lieu of and those fees could be used in the nearest
park, which is City Park.
Miklo said this area has been studied by the Historic Preservation Commission and deemed
eligible for the National Register of Historic Properties. He said the Historic Preservation
Commission had a neighborhood meeting three years ago to discuss a historic district in this
area, but due to some property owner opposition no steps were taken for historic district status,
so at this time no Historic Preservation requirements apply to the subject property.
Martin asked what the fees are for the green space. Miklo replied that they would be the
equivalent of the value of 770 square feet, based on an appraisal or the price of the property.
Eastham asked if the sidewalk will be maintained as the subject property is developed. Miklo
said it would have to be maintained or replaced to City standards if it is damaged during
construction. Eastham said since storm water detention is not required on the subject property
can the City make sure that any increased storm run -off be directed toward the street. Miklo
said that can be done by the way the gutters are routed, but for developments of this size, run-
off is usually insignificant.
Freerks opened public discussion.
Cindy Parsons, one of the applicants, said she's here to answer questions or address concerns.
Martin asked if there will be requirements for what type of housing needs to be on those lots.
Parsons said there is nothing definite decided, but most likely the three houses will be built to be
compatible with the neighborhood.
Patricia Koza of 209 Lexington Street said during demolition of the house formerly on this lot,
the sidewalk was unusable and people had to walk in the street. She asked if during demolition
and construction an alternative sidewalk has to be provided. Miklo said he did not believe so,
but if there is concern staff can work with the applicant to see that the sidewalk closure is
minimized during construction.
Koza said that trees were removed on the subject property so that they no longer constitute a
grove.
Freerks asked Parsons if there were trees removed in the grove area. Parsons replied that she
didn't think there was a grove area as defined in the Code.
Freerks closed public discussion.
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 21, 2013 - Formal
Page 3 of 5
Eastham moved to recommend approval of SUB13- 00022, a request for preliminary plat
approval of a 3-lot, 0.75 -acre residential subdivision located at 220 Lexington Avenue
subject to review by the City Engineer.
Thomas seconded.
Eastham said that the Commission's review of applications for subdivisions is limited to ensure
that the proposed use and lot areas meet the zoning requirements, and all that appears to be in
order in this case. He said there appear to be no requirements that are imposed by the storm
water management or other City codes.
Thomas said he's concerned about the definition of a grove and the possibility that trees were
removed during the demolition of the house. He said he doesn't like to hear that actions have
been taken to try and skirt the City's regulations. Miklo said he's looking at a plat that shows the
subject property before the house was removed, and it doesn't look like there were enough
trees greater than twelve inches in diameter to constitute a grove. He added that if there had
been a grove, the Ordinance encourages the retention of as many trees as possible, but doesn't
require it.
Eastham asked if there are trees that meet the definition of a grove on a property, do the
Ordinances prohibit the issuance of a demolition permit and allow the property owner to remove
enough trees so there's no longer a grove as defined by the Ordinance. Miklo said if someone
owns a single family lot, which the subject property is, and it has a grove of trees, there is
nothing that prevents the owner from taking that grove down. He said, though, that if you have a
development site and propose a subdivision, then you are not allowed to remove the trees
without going through the review process. He said based on the information, he doesn't think
that is the case here because the trees didn't constitute a grove. Miklo said if it's done with the
intention of developing the site and it's a vacant site, then the Ordinance does apply.
Eastham said the way the ordinances exist now, an owner could sell property to a buyer who as
a condition of the purchase requires the owner to remove a grove of trees. He said he wasn't
talking about this particular instance.
Freerks said she does think that is something for the Commission to discuss. She told the
applicant that she thinks it's in their best interest to keep the trees that are such an asset to the
neighborhood and will make the lots more desirable. She said if the neighborhood and the
community are interested, they should pursue historic preservation and contact the City
because this is something that will probably continue to occur in this and other neighborhoods
where there are large lots scattered in desirable areas. She said she thinks it's up to the
neighborhood to say that they want to have something done about that. She said this
application complies with all the zoning standards, and she will be voting in favor.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
Consideration of Meetina Minutes: November 7, 2013
Eastham moved to defer the minutes.
Theobald seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 21, 2013 - Formal
Page 4 of 5
OTHER
ADJOURNMENT:
Dyer moved to adjourn.
Swygard seconded.
The meeting was adjourned on a 7 -0 vote.
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MINUTES APPROVED
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, November 7, 2013
CITY MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM — CITY HALL
Members present: John Engelbrecht, Rick Fosse, Tam Bryk, Mike Moran, Bill
Nusser and Brent Westphal
Not present:
Staff Present: Marcia Bollinger, Jeff Davidson
Public Present: None
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 3:31 pm.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Brent Westphal introduced himself as an architect working for Neumann Monson Architects in
Iowa City. Brent has an interest in art of various scales and understands its importance to the
community.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
No new business.
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 4TH, 2013 MEETING
MOTION: Fosse moved to approve the April 4th, 2013 meeting minutes as amended.
Engelbrecht seconded. Motion passed 6:0.
HIEU PHAM OF THE MONSOON UNITED ASIAN WOMEN OF IOWA ORGANIZATION
PRESENTED A PROPOSAL FOR INSTALLATION OF INSIDE /OUT POSTERS ON THE
COURT STREET TRANSPORTATION CENTER
Bollinger introduced Hieu Pham who then presented a proposal for installing the Inside /Out
posters on the Court Street Transportation Center. The Monsoon United Asian Women of Iowa
Organization is a statewide non - profit who assists domestic violence and sexual assault victims
from the Asian - pacific islander communities. The office wanted to make a social statement to
spread awareness about issues related specifically to the Asian - pacific islander community.
Pham wanted to bring the Inside /Out project to Iowa City and presented a film on the global art
effort. The organization took 25 pictures of people of different ages, ethnicities and they want to
increase the size and post the pictures on the Court Street Transportation Center. Pham also
mentioned Des Moines, IA as a potential location if the project was not implemented here in
Iowa City. Private funding for the project is secured and there will be no cost to the City of Iowa
City. The paste used to post the pictures is made of wheat and the degradation of the pictures is
a part of the artwork. Pham ended her presentation by asking the committee if they think the
project is a good fit for the city. Pham also mentioned the alley behind the Englert as another
potential location to post the artwork.
Moran thinks the project would be a great mural for the North wall of the Transportation Center.
Davidson said no upcoming projects (within 1 -2 years) would interfere with the visibility of the
artwork. Pham finally asked about the replication of the images in other places as well as the
QR code that would be posted on the images to allow people to get information about the
artwork. Pham identified May as being a great month to post the images because it is Asian
American Pacific month and it will be warm but she was open to other dates. Bryk asked if the
photographs were all Iowans and the answer was yes which will give it a tie to Iowa City and
help in promoting the project. Nusser asked if there were statements from all of the individuals
and Pham said there were. Engelbrecht mentioned he was concerned with the size of the
images on the building. There was a discussion of the actual sizes of the images and whether or
not the size was in inches or feet. Pham said she would double check the size. Engelbrecht
asked if there were any requirements for the surface of the building and Pham said what was on
the Transportation Center would work. The committee agreed the project was reasonable and
would work well in Iowa City on the Transportation Center. Bryk moved to approve the project,
stating the committee considers the Monsoon United Asian Women of Iowa Organization and
Inside /Out project for the Court Street Transportation Center or other potential sites in Iowa City.
Nusser seconded and the motion passed 6:0. Bollinger will work with Pham on a contract for the
project.
Engelbrecht discussed the partnering of the Downtown District with the Public Art Advisory
Committee as a way to support the downtown projects in order to save resources such as time
and money. Engelbrecht proceeded to say that the partnering would entail reviewing project
concepts, leveraging funding to increase opportunities for local artists and advocating for
stronger arts in Iowa City. Nusser said the PAAC could partner with the Downtown District in
order to work towards the same goals. Bryk wants to see more murals in Iowa City because it is
a big draw especially when the projects are done with quality. Nusser said there is a heritage of
downtown murals in Iowa City. Engelbrecht also said it would be important to get the biggest
bang for their buck in regards to coordinating staff resources. Bollinger stated that Engelbrecht
offered to coordinate the public art Facebook page to help promote art in Iowa City. Engelbrecht
mentioned the list serve that is in the process of being developed to send out information to all
local artists. Bryk went into detail about the individuals that will be contributing to the local artist
list serve. Bryk thinks partnering with the Downtown District is a perfect fit.
IOWA CITY PUBLIC ART PLAN UPDATE
Bollinger started by describing the Public Art Plan and the time that went into the rough draft.
She said the intent was to establish a framework of what a plan could be because the Public Art
program has never had a specific process of implementing artwork within the City. Moran
commented and said the 'Terry Trueblood Recreation Center is actually called the Terry
Trueblood Recreation Area.' He also stated that some of the parks listed in the plan are not
large enough for artwork so the question would be if we need to include them in the plan. Fosse
asked Bollinger if she had access to the plan Karen Franklin put together years ago which was
similar to this plan. Bollinger said she would sift through her documents to see if there was a
guiding document for the Public Art Committee. Fosse suggested we include 'Master' in the title
of the plan. Fosse also asked if we could include management and maintenance of the
inventory of public art under the mission statement because we are the caretakers of the art.
Fosse also suggested everyone read over the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1997 which describes
the context in which the committee works. The guide to the act is as follows:
httr): / /www.law.harvard.edu /faculty /martin /art lawlesworthv.htm Nusser asked if we could
include the Pedestrian Mail as a gateway. Bollinger said it is a priority to present the plan to the
City Council to give them an indication that we are looking forward to the plan for Public Art
associated with funding opportunities. Bollinger also stated that she and Nancy Bird talked
about a grant offered by the National Endowment of Public Arts as an option for funding the
production of a Public Art Plan. Bollinger said she is looking for initial comments and funding
options from the committee. Bollinger ended with saying recruitment of members to draft initial
sections may be necessary in the future. Also a recommendation to expand the committee by
two people would be ideal.
OTHER
The committee is still in need of one member.
ADJOURNMENT
Engelbrecht motioned and Nusser seconded a motion to adjourn at 4:58 PM.
Minutes created by Emily Ambrosy.