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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-20 Bd Comm minutes3b(1) MINUTES APPROVED HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION APRIL 13, 2017 EMMA J. HARVAT HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Agran, Esther Baker, Kevin Boyd, Gosia Clore, Sharon DeGraw, Pam Michaud, Ginalie Swaim, Frank Wagner MEMBERS ABSENT: Zach Builta, Cecile Kuenzli, Andrew Litton STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow, Bob Miklo OTHERS PRESENT: Kumi Morris, Alicia Trimble RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action) CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Swaim called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was none. NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION: JOHNSON COUNTY SAVINGS BANK 102 SOUTH CLINTON (MIDWESTONE BANK). Bristow showed the location of the bank on a map of downtown Iowa City. She stated that the nomination includes the main, six -story tower built in 1913; the three-story building to the east of that, which is on the 1882 Sanborn map; and the 1984 addition to the south of that. Bristow said the nomination discusses the different sections of the bank and talks about it as if it were a column: the base, the shaft, the capitol. She said it discusses the different treatment of the exterior of the bank and how much of it has its original integrity. Bristow showed some photographs of the building. She showed the north facade and the lion heads right below the frieze. Bristow said those were on each side of the entries, which were modified and closed in over a period of time, beginning in 1921. Bristow showed a photograph of the three-story building. She said there was originally a three- story building on the site occupied by Johnson County Bank. Bristow said the bank needed to grow, so it then took down most of the corner, leaving the one single bay. She said the bank plans always included the second and third floors of that three-story building as part of the floor plan for the bank, so it was going to be continually occupied by the same space. Bristow said the National Register nomination discusses that in more detail and what happened with the first floor. Bristow said that the stone seen on the base is a 1963 change, so it is a modern or more simplified version of the stone pattern on the six -story tower of the bank. She said that when the six -story tower was built, the facade of the three-story building was updated to have more of a classical, revival feel, so it would fit more in the same language as the new bank building. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 13, 2017 Page 2 of 10 Bristow showed the connection between the six -story bank and the 1984 addition. She stated that there was always kind of a storefront entry in the space. Bristow said that when the addition was put on, the structure of the wall was changed a little to make the connection. She pointed out that the connection is recessed to create a "hyphen" between the original building and the addition as currently prescribed by the National Park Service. Bristow said that the bank did a simplified version of the stone facade along the street level, which ties it together. She said the facade is divided into three bays with six windows. Bristow said that in the new addition, the same kind of pattern is continued. Bristow showed an image of the interior, looking toward the corner, after the more recent remodeling. She said it brought back a lot of the original plan of the bank. Bristow stated that during the remodel some of the same column and ceiling details were brought back or exposed, and the floors remained or were refinished. She said the goal was to return to a lot of what the original bank had, which had been modified over time. Bristow showed an image from just inside the bank, from the south addition looking north toward Washington Street. She said there is a stair, and one of the old vaults was in the bump out. Bristow said one goes up to the second floor from this stair, and then there is a stair tower from the second floor to the sixth floor. Bristow showed a photograph from the third floor looking down the hall from Clinton Street east and into the third floor of that three-story building. Bristow said the nomination also discussed this building as an investigation into how Iowa City could handle having tenants in the upper floors. She said the bank was not originally going to occupy all of the floors, and so the bank investigated whether or not it would be able to get tenants. Bristow said it seems as though it was occupied throughout its history. Bristow showed the fourth floor as one looks east. She said this is where there is no longer a three-story building, so it is the end of the tower. Bristow mentioned the original flooring, stairs, and railing. She said that most of the woodwork around the windows, doors, and transoms is original. Bristow said there were a few places where things were opened a little bit in the recent remodel and that the trim was then moved to areas where the woodwork was missing. Bristow showed a view on the second floor looking south into the addition. She said it is where the tower stairs start and go up to the sixth floor. Bristow showed a view on the fifth floor looking south, over the top of the 1984 addition. Bristow said one of the important things done during the remodel was to remove a fire sprinkler stack running up and down the center core of the stair tower. She showed a view looking down through the stair tower. Bristow showed the sixth floor. She said there was a hidden skylight that was uncovered to make it a workable skylight again. Bristow showed a view looking east, toward the end of the building HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 13, 2017 Page 3 of 10 Bristow said staff went through this nomination. She said staff feels this is one of the premiere downtown buildings, is one of the first "fireproof' structures, and is the first high-rise. Bristow said the architectural integrity is really amazing in this building. She said the fact that the cornice was removed and then put back during the remodel really adds to the historic character of this. Bristow said it was replicated pretty well because of historic photographs. Bristow said that putting this property on the National Register would really be a benefit to the downtown. Boyd said he thinks this can serve as a model for other downtown businesses. He said it is a great opportunity to showcase people investing and can serve as a model for others. Swaim said she learned a lot of interesting local history regarding the banks in Iowa City in the 1930s during difficult times, as well as information about the various tenants who were in the community in the 1930s and 1940s. MOTION: Boyd moved that the Commission recommend that the application be approved for the National Register, under criterion C. Baker seconded the motion. The CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS 800 Brown Street, Happv Hollow Park Bristow stated that Happy Hollow Park is in the far northeast corner of the Brown Street Historic District. She said that the park structures are non-contributing. Bristow said the park currently contains a couple of structures under one roof comprising storage, restrooms, and shelter. She said the proposal is to remove the structure and in the same general location of that structure, there are plans to build a separate shelter and restroom with a smaller storage area in the back of it. Bristow said that the City owns the park. She said that the Parks and Recreation Department therefore went through some research of the Brown Street District and held some neighborhood meetings about this. Bristow said that Parks and Recreation looked at architecture in the district as well as the history. She said there was once a brickyard here, and nearby is a house built by the brickyard owners that served as its office. Bristow said the shelter facility would have a simple, standing seam metal roof. She said it would be a simple park -like structure. Bristow said the general design idea for both of these buildings is something in the Craftsman style, which would be more appropriate for a park structure than other, more formal styles. Bristow showed the columns with a limestone base. She said there would be an open structure for the roof. Bristow said the beams would extend out but not beyond the roof covering. She said it would be a simple, open structure. Bristow said there are a couple of options for the restrooms. She said that at this point, they would go with what works with the bidding. Bristow showed the base bid - the main proposal. She said it is a simple limestone -based structure with some lap siding, some trim, and the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 13, 2017 Page 4 of 10 standing seam metal roof. Bristow stated that there is an option to do an alternate version with columns. Bristow stated staff feels that maybe in a structure of this size, the columns would not be necessary, because columns would indicate a really formal entry or a porch. She said, however, that this is a park structure, and staff feels either option would be acceptable. Bristow said that if the bids come in such that the columns would be affordable, staff would be fine with using that design. Agran said that, in terms of the porch, he feels that either option would be fine. He said that all of the designs are so much better than the very first suggestions. Agran said the one with the little porch on it is nice, and having a little bit of shelter in front of the entrance makes it feel less like it is really adjacent to the elements. He said if that bid is possible, the little restroom will exist for the next one hundred years, so he hopes that it is not too much more expensive. Agran said that when he moved to Iowa City, he had no idea why that park was there or why it was shaped this peculiar way. He said there is a really fascinating story that is part of the history of the neighborhood in terms of the brickyard. Agran said there are a few Craftsman buildings here, but there are a lot of brick buildings here. Agran said the limestone hearkens him more to WPA/CCC-era park structures, which is fine. He said there are a few Craftsman properties around here. Agran said there maybe could be a material change on the foundations, using brick instead of limestone. Agran said the park is non-contributing, but that doesn't mean that the Commission cannot aim to have these be more contributing. He asked if there is any way that these buildings can tell a little more of the story of why this park is here. Miklo said he would not say that the park is non- contributing, but the current structures are non-contributing. Agran said the design would be fine but feels it is also an opportunity to tell a story. He said the park should not feel so random. Agran said the park is there because the material was dumped out into those houses and properties around it. He said that he would approve this like it is, but perhaps in the bidding or design process, if there is another option that feels right, this could utilize the material to tell that story. Agran referred to the map and said that when one looks down Lucas Street, there is a sight line in the neighborhood. He said there is a sight line to these buildings, to this park at the end of the street. Agran said that right now, that sight line goes to a parking lot and then to the awful building that is there right now, so it is great that it will be removed. Agran said that when he looks at the proposal and thinks about how to make this park look nicer, especially as related to what is seen from the neighborhood and how these buildings fit in the neighborhood, he thinks the placement of these buildings makes them feel quite clunky. He said the connections between them feel really disparate; they don't feel like a unified blueprint there. Agran said that in the old structure, even though it was not nice, it really looks in on the park. He said the park is a vessel, and it is a vessel by its very creation by having taken out all that HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 13, 2017 Page 5 of 10 clay and everything. Agran said the shelter doesn't really look into the park, which he says is kind of a strange orientation. He added that the restroom is also at this kind of oblique angle. Agran said the sightline is then towards the restroom, which is the very first thing one sees from the neighborhood. He said he finds that a little bit strange. Agran said the solution to him could be to have the sidewalk be one, graceful, long arcing curve that really embraces the park. He stated that it might only be tenuously related to the Commission's role, but the buildings will exist for a long time, and he would like them to be as contributing as they can to the park and really embrace the park. Agran said that right now they just feel a little bit plonked down there in a way that doesn't seem considered in terms of what that park is as a space in the neighborhood. He said he would vote to approve, but those are his thoughts as related to the park and the park's role in the neighborhood. DeGraw asked Agran what his priority would be in terms of the plans. Agran replied that it would be nice to see what the landscaping might be. He said that if the restroom was turned at more of a 90 degree angle to that path, one would see more of the side of the building and not the front, from the Lucas Street vantage point. Agran commented that mostly he thinks it is strange that the buildings no longer look in on the activity of the park. Swaim asked if the sidewalk in the plans is already there. Bristow said that with the demolition of the structure, there would be a new sidewalk. Boyd said his first thought when he saw the plans was why brick is not involved. He said it seems like an obvious place to use some kind of brick in a structure that used to be in a brickyard. Agran said that if others on the Commission feel sympathetic to this, the Commission could vote on the motion saying it is approved as is, while allowing also for an option in the material. He said it would open that as some kind of option, if it is deemed desirable. Agran said he would not want to see this sent back to square one. DeGraw asked if it would be possible to use brick in an ornamental way, perhaps in the sidewalks. Miklo said that Morris, who is managing the project for the City was available for questions. Morris said that initially, the Parks and Recreation Department looked at brick, since it made sense for a facility in a former brickyard. She said that the first designs had brick in both the restroom facility as well as the shelter. Morris said there is about $150,000 budgeted for both structures on the site. She stated that most of the restroom facilities in the City have been coming in around $90,000. Morris said the budget is pretty tight for this. Morris said they then went back to the drawing board and had the architects, who are looking holistically around the neighborhood, look at prototypes that will be done at many of the park shelters. She said that one of the things to be careful about when putting together restroom projects or projects in neighborhood parks is the issue of equity. Morris stated that what is invested into one neighborhood park should not completely override what is done in other HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 13, 2017 Page 6 of 10 neighborhood parks. She said it is something to be careful about when considering materials and the investment. Morris said that a number of things with the restroom project were discussed. She said that in the second, third, or fourth iteration, when it was realized that using a complete brick structure would be completely out of the budget and would prevent construction of the shelter, it was toned down. Morris said they went to a partial limestone base with a split -face block with some kind of brick trim added in. She said that when they started to play with the language of the architecture, they realized that they were getting further and further away from what they were seeing in the context of the historic neighborhood. Morris said that what they ended up doing was going back to looking at houses and the construction. She said they were seeing limestone bases and, in terms of what could fit within the budget, Craftsman style, and that is how the plan was derived. Regarding placement, Morris stated that they looked at a number of things. She said they wanted to make sure there was enough of a distance between the shelter and the restroom. Morris said that, because of the budget, they wanted to align as closely as possible the utilities of the existing structure. She said that unlike many renovation projects, demolition will also be part of the $150,000 budget. Morris said they found that if they could align as closely as possible certain parts of the foundations and the existing utilities that more could be invested into the actual structures. Regarding another issue, Morris said that if one looks at the site where the shadow of the trees is, there are some low elevations and a lot of ponding. She said they want to keep the park as open as possible, but they are looking at natural landscaping to absorb some of the issues with the landscape moisture and ponding on the site. Morris said that the way the sidewalk is set up will allow for a fairly landscaped area in front of that as well. She said that is being worked on by the Parks Department. Boyd asked, outside of Commission members' roles, but as citizens, what the best way would be to weigh in on this. Morris said that anyone can send her an e-mail or send one to Julie Seydel-Johnson, the Director of the Parks Department. Miklo said that Bristow could forward on any e-mails sent to her. Swaim said that if the budget allowed for it, it would be nice to have a sign explaining who the park is named after or information about the neighborhood. Morris added that they are trying to find a way to fit brick into the design that makes sense aesthetically as well as historically. MOTION: Agran moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 800 Brown Street, Happy Hollow Park, as presented in the application including either Option A or Option B. Clore seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 8-0 (Builta, Kuenzli. and Litton absent). REPORTS ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF: Certificate of No Material Effect - Chair and Staff Review. 523 Grant Street. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 13, 2017 Page 7 of 10 Bristow said the garage at this address had a combination of a few different pieces of siding which are failing. She stated that it will be resided with wood to match the original siding profile. 228 Summit Street Apt. 4D. Bristow said that one of the apartments on the top floor needed vents in the roof. She said this was approved, and it was not going to damage anything nor would it be visible. Minor Review - Staff Review. 610 Jefferson Street. Bristow said this is a local landmark. She said that it has always had a very small entry deck on the back. Bristow said that it was rebuilt without a permit, and the owner needed to change the railing. Bristow said that during discussions of how to make the railing work to meet the guidelines, the owners came up with idea of enlarging the deck. She said it is still set in well beyond the sides of the house and will now be a usable deck instead of just an extended stoop. Bristow said it will be about 12 feet by 13 feet and will have a railing that meets the guidelines. 719 Ronalds Street. Bristow said this house will become a rental property. She said that a railing was needed at the stairs. Bristow said there was a railing in the garage, and the owners will re -use it if it fits the current stair configuration. She said that if it does not fit, it will be the model for the new site stairs. 332 Ellis. Bristow stated that because this building is one of the City's historic fraternity buildings and is eligible for the National Register, the Board of Adjustment put a condition for meeting the historic preservation guidelines on its exterior rehabilitation. Bristow said staff worked with the owners to make certain that what they plan do meets the guidelines. Bristow said she has a list of things that are relevant. She said this rehabilitation should help and greatly improve this property. Bristow said there is currently a window where the front door will go. She said the window will be removed, and an appropriate door will be installed in that location. Bristow said the owners need to come up with an ADA accessible first floor. She said therefore a ramp will be constructed to fit between the columns. Bristow said they will shorten the pilasters that are the trim, just against the wall next to the door, so the ramp can go in and up to the stoop, because it is a little bit raised. She said they are shortening the trim but not removing all the trim. Bristow said the owners are replacing all of the remaining exterior doors with fiberglass doors that would all meet the guidelines. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 13, 2017 Page 8 of 10 Bristow said that in the front, there are below grade egress windows and window wells. She said the owners are removing all of those and covering over the window wells along the front, so it will be more like the original, probably concrete, running along the front. Bristow said the owners are replacing all of the windows on the property. She said that when she visited the property, there were only storm windows on the first and second floors. Bristow said the building does have original windows on the third floor, but there are some that are missing and other issues. She said staff worked with the owners to come up with details for this.Bristow said that the top of the third floor window is an arched piece. She said the new windows will have that as well. Bristow stated that there is a stair tower on the north side that does not meet the guidelines. She said the owners will be replacing the bottom third of it and will match what is there for that part. Bristow added that if for some reason it is determined that the whole thing needs to be replaced, then the railing will meet the guidelines. Bristow said the dormer in the front has been altered so that it does not match all of the others. She said the owners will be rebuilding it to match what was originally there. Bristow said the owners will be adding some trim in the arched area above the first floor windows. She said there was never glass there, and it was never an arched window but was some kind of a wood -paneled area. Bristow said that now the owners will be doing an arched trim and a little bit of a pattern, which staff found to be appropriate. Bristow said the owners have some shutters and will be consistent with the use of shutters. She said they will be replacing them if missing or removing them if they shouldn't be there. Bristow said that there is original copper flashing in the vertical piece below every single window in the third floor at the Mansard roof. She said the ones in the front have been painted white or replaced with wood and then painted white. Bristow said the owners will either strip them if they are copper, replace them if they are wood, put in new copper, or something along those lines to make them match so that they are no longer white. Bristow said the building has its original slate roof, and the owners have been instructed to repair it because it appears to be in good condition. She said that was not part of their original plan, because the company that owns the house is also involved with Brava tile and intended to remove the roof and put on Brava tile. Bristow said the company will need to get approval before the roof work is done. Bristow stated that any deteriorated trim will be repaired and replaced with material that follows the guidelines. She said that there are a few windows on the back that are currently removed. Bristow said there will be a total of three windows on that back that will no longer be there. She said the owners will either come up with a matching brick that will be approved or put in a window like all of the others with black spandrel glass. Bristow said she thinks the owners will do a good job of bringing this back to having some historic character and helping save this area. She said the property is in the far east side of the overall Manville Heights Neighborhood. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 13, 2017 Page 9 of 10 CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR MARCH 9, 2017: MOTION: Boyd moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's March 9, 2017 meeting, as written. Agran seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 8-0 (Builta Kuenzli and Litton absent). COMMISSION INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION: Preservation Summit - Fort Dodge IA June 8-10, 2017. Bristow said the Preservation Summit will be held from June 8-10, which has led to the rescheduling of the June Historic Preservation Commission meeting. She asked any Commission members who would like to attend the Summit to let her know. Bristow said she would need to register anyone who is interested by May 11. Miklo said that travel expense, meals, hotel, and registration would be paid by the City. Copy of 2017 Annual Work Plan Report. Bristow said this is a copy of the report that she sent to the City Council. A3iii-Ti Agran said he received confirmation that perhaps in the next month or so, all of the concrete fagade extensions are coming down off the Jefferson Building, and maybe some of the original transoms and everything will be restored. He said it is unclear what is underneath them. Agran said that other downtown building owners may see how much improvement this makes and do it to their own buildings. He said he hopes it all goes according to plan. Trimble said that Friends of Historic Preservation has a couple of events coming up. She said that the Craft Your Environment Craft Fair will be on April 23. Trimble said she is still taking applications from vendors and added that it will be held at the East Side Recycling Center. Trimble said on that the weekend of April 28 - 30, Friends of Historic Preservation is having a garage sale to support the final push on the Houser -Metzger House. She said that it will be held at the Houser -Metzger House on College Street. Trimble said there will be another passive floor restoration class on May 6. She invited anyone interested to attend. Trimble stated that the Parade of Historic Homes, which will be in Manville Heights and River Heights, will be held on May 28. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:46 p.m Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2016-2017 NAME TERM EXP. 4114 5/12 619 7/14 8/11 9/8 10/13 11/10 12/8 1/12 2/9 3/9 4113 AGRAN, THOMAS 7/1117 O/E X X O/E O/E X X X X X X O/E X BAKER, ESTHER 7/1/18 X X X X X X X O/E X X X O/E X BOYD, KEVIN 7/1/17 — — — — X X X O/E X X X X BUILTA, ZACH 7/1/19 X X X X X X X X X O/E X X O/E CLORE, GOSIA 7/1117 X X O/E X X X O/E X X X 0/E X X DEGRAW, SHARON 7/1/19 X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X KUENZLI, CECILE 7/1/19 O/E O/E X X X X X X X O/E X X O/E LITTON, ANDREW 7/1/17 X O/E O/E X O/E X X O/E O/E X X X 0/E MICHAUD, PAM 7/1/18 X X X X O/E X X X X X X X X SWAIM, GINALIE 7/1/18 X X X X X X X X O/E O/E X X X WAGNER, FRANK 7/1/18 X X X X X X O/E X X X X X X KEY: X = Present 0 = Absent 0/E = AbsenttExcused — = Not a Member CITY O F IOWA C1TY MEMORANDUM Date: May 30, 2017 To: Mayor and City Council From: Bob Miklo, Planning & Zoning Commission Re: Recommendations from Planning & Zoning Commission _V_T;TT 3b(2) At their May 18, 2017 meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the May 4 minutes with the following recommendation to the City Council: 1. By a vote of 6-0 (Dyer recused) the Commission recommends approval of REZ17-00007 an application submitted by Iowa City Cohousing LLC for a rezoning of approximately 7.8 -acres to amend the preliminary OPD Plan to add three additional units to Prairie Hill, a 36 -unit cohousing development located west of Miller Avenue, south of Benton Street. 2. By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends approval of SUB17-00004, an application for a preliminary and final plat of Little Ash Subdivision, a 1 -lot, 21.48 -acre residential subdivision located on the east side of Maier Avenue. 3. By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends the City forward a letter to the Johnson County Board of Adjustment indicating that the City has no objection to the conditional use permit. 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 - Done MINUTES APPROVED PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MAY 4, 2017 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL MEETING E M M A J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Ann Freerks, Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Max Parsons, Mark Signs, Jodie Theobald MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Bob Miklo OTHERS PRESENT: Del Holland RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: By a vote of 6-0 (Dyer recused) the Commission recommends approval of REZ17-00007 an application submitted by Iowa City Cohousing LLC for a rezoning of approximately 7.8 -acres to amend the preliminary OPD Plan to add three additional units to Prairie Hill, a 36 -unit cohousing development located west of Miller Avenue, south of Benton Street. By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends approval of SUB17-00004, an application for a preliminary and final plat of Little Ash Subdivision, a 1 -lot, 21.48 -acre residential subdivision located on the east side of Maier Avenue. By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends the City forward a letter to the Johnson County Board of Adjustment indicating that the City has no objection to the conditional use permit. CALL TO ORDER: Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. REZONING ITEM REZ17-00007: Discussion of an application submitted by Iowa City Cohousing LLC for a rezoning of approximately 7.8 -acres to amend the preliminary OPD Plan to add three additional units to Prairie Hill, a 36 -unit cohousing development located west of Miller Avenue, south of Benton Street. Dyer recused herself and left the room during this discussion as she is on the Board of the Iowa City Cohousing LLC. Miklo noted that the Commission should all be familiar with this property, it is located on the west side of Miller Avenue on the south side of Benton Street. The surrounding properties for the most part are zoned RS -8, and to the north is Benton Hill Park which is zoned Public and to Planning and Zoning Commission May 4, 2017 — Formal Meeting Page 2 of 5 the south is zoned Community Commercial. Miklo explained that the planned development overlay that was approved included a private drive/street to serve 33 cohousing units. The proposal is to amend that plan to add one additional unit to the Common House (near the center of the development) and add two units to what was originally a duplex by adding a second floor. Miklo showed drawings of the previous proposal and then drawings of the new proposal. The new proposal also includes some minor design changes to other aspects of the plan, for example the townhouses will no longer be two stories, and they will be single floor units (but basically the same footprint). The garages would be slightly larger (extended by two feet) and there would be additional parking to accommodate the three additional units. In terms of density Miklo noted that this does fall in the RS -8 density, it is just under five units per acre, which is typical for RS -8 development. Staff is recommending approval of the amendment to the plan to allow the three additional units and design changes. Freerks asked if there was room for street trees along Miller Avenue. Miklo stated that yes there will be street trees along Miller Avenue. Freerks opened the public hearing. Del Holland , 1701 East Court Street, came forward representing the applicant to answer any questions. Freerks closed the public hearing. Hensch moved to approve REZ17-00007 an application submitted by Iowa City Cohousing LLC for a rezoning of approximately 7.8 -acres to amend the preliminary OPD Plan to add three additional units to Prairie Hill, a 36 -unit cohousing development located west of Miller Avenue, south of Benton Street. Parsons seconded the motion. Hektoen noted that this property is currently subject to a Conditional Zoning Agreement and those same conditions will remain in place. Miklo confirmed those would continue and not change. Freerks noted this is an exciting project that she is eager to see and the changes make sense A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0. DEVELOPMENT ITEM SUB17-00004: Discussion of an application submitted by Brian and Laura Wolf for a preliminary and final plat of Little Ash Subdivision, a 21.48 -acre, 1 -lot residential subdivision located on Maier Avenue SW in Fringe Area C. Miklo noted this property is located within the two-mile Fringe Area of Iowa City, but is well outside of the growth area and is not likely to be annexed into the city. The agreement with the County is the City is required to review and approve subdivisions within the two-mile Fringe Planning and Zoning Commission May 4, 2017 — Formal Meeting Page 3 of 5 Area. The subdivision is creating one buildable lot off from a larger parcel of property. Subdivisions outside of the growth area are required to adhere to the City Rural Design Standards contained in the Fringe Area Agreement. These standards generally conform to the County zoning and subdivision standards rather than typical City requirements for infrastructure and lot design. Staff recommends that SUB17-00004, an application for a preliminary and final plat of Little Ash Subdivision, a 1 -lot, 21.48 -acre residential subdivision located on the east side of Maier Avenue be approved. Freerks opened the public discussion. Seeing no one Freerks closed the public discussion. Parsons moved to approve SUB17-00004, an application for a preliminary and final plat of Little Ash Subdivision, a 1 -lot, 21.48 -acre residential subdivision located on the east side of Maier Avenue. Theobald seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0. CONDITIONAL USE ITEM CU17-00001: Discussion of an application submitted by Paula Boback to Johnson County for a conditional use permit to allow for a private school on property located at 3520 Osage Street. This property is located southwest of Iowa City in Fringe Area C of the Fringe Area Policy Agreement. Miklo noted this is the neighboring property from the one just discussed and again is well outside the City's growth area, although in the Fringe Area. The County's Zoning Ordinance allows schools in residential areas by a Conditional Use Permit. The County ordinance also requires that the City review the Conditional Use Permit within the Fringe Area. Miklo reiterated that this is not an area that is likely to be annexed into the city. He added if this area were annexed, the City also allows schools in residential neighborhoods by a special exception (similar to the County's Conditional Use process). Given the proposed use is not within the Growth Area and that the school use would not be incompatible with residential future growth, staff recommends that the City forward a letter to the Johnson County Board of Adjustment indicating that the City has no objection to the conditional use permit. Freerks opened the public hearing. Seeing no one Freerks closed public hearing. Signs moved that the City forward a letter to the Johnson County Board of Adjustment indicating that the City has no objection to the conditional use permit. Parsons seconded the motion. Signs noted in an effort to be transparent that the applicant's spouse is his personal doctor. Planning and Zoning Commission May 4, 2017 — Formal Meeting Page 4 of 5 Martin disclosed she one went camping with the applicants. Dyer noted it is a wonderful school proposal. A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0. CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: APRIL 20. 2017 Hensch moved to approve the meeting minutes of April 20, 2017. Theobald seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0. PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION: Miklo stated that the City is continuing to work with the consulting firm that is looking at the possibility of Form -Based Codes for the Northside and South Districts. The firm will be back in town next week and there will be a continuation of the workshops. On Wednesday the workshop will discuss the Northside and that will be at Horace Mann School 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Then on Thursday (again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm) at Alexander Elementary School to discuss the South District. Miklo asked that if the Commissioners plan to attend to let him know. Signs noted he will be attending the South District discussion on Thursday. Freerks will be at the Northside workshop. ADJOURNMENT: Hensch moved to adjourn. Parsons seconded. A vote was taken and motion carried 7-0. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2016-2017 KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused --- = Not a Member 6/2 7/7 7/21 8/4 9/1 10/6 10/20 11/17 12/1 12/15 1/19 2/2 3/2 3/16 4/6 (W.S.) 4/20 4/20 5/4 DYER, CAROLYN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X FREERKS, ANN X O/E X X X X X X X X X X X X O/E X X X HENSCH, MIKE X X O/E X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X MARTIN, PHOEBE X X O/E X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X O/E O/E X PARSONS, MAX X X X X X X X X X X X X O/E X X X X X SIGNS, MARK X X X X X X X O/E X X X X X X X X X X THEOBALD, JODIE X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused --- = Not a Member I ^•� CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: June 2, 2017 To: Mayor and City Council From: Bob Miklo, Planning & Zoning Commission Re: Recommendations from Planning & Zoning Commission At their June 1, 2017 meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the May 18 minutes with the following recommendation to the City Council: 1. By a vote of 6-0 (Dyer absent) the Commission set a public hearing for June 1, 2017 on an application for a Comprehensive Plan amendment item CPA17-00005. 2. By a vote of 6-0 (Dyer absent) the Commission recommends approval of REZ17-00005 a proposal to rezone approximately 0.6 acres of property at 513 S. Riverside Drive from Community Commercial (CC -2) Zone to Riverfront Crossings -West Riverfront (RFC -WR) Zone, subject to a conditional zoning agreement requiring dedication of land along the Riverside Drive frontage to widen the pedestrian area within the public right-of-way to a minimum of 20 feet measured between the inside of the street curb and the new front property line, and closure of driveways consistent with the City's access management standards. These conditions should be satisfied coincident with the City's street improvement project or prior to issuance of a permit for any improvements to the subject property, whichever occurs first. 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 - Done MINUTES PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MAY 18, 2017 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL MEETING E M M A J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL APPROVED MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Freerks, Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Max Parsons, Mark Signs, Jodie Theobald MEMBERS ABSENT: Carolyn Dyer STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Karen Howard OTHERS PRESENT: Charles Graves RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: By a vote of 6-0 (Dyer absent) the Commission set a public hearing for June 1, 2017 on an application for a Comprehensive Plan amendment item CPA17-00005. By a vote of 6-0 (Dyer absent) the Commission recommends approval of REZ17-00005 a proposal to rezone approximately 0.6 acres of property at 513 S. Riverside Drive from Community Commercial (CC -2) Zone to Riverfront Crossings -West Riverfront (RFC -WR) Zone, subject to a conditional zoning agreement requiring dedication of land along the Riverside Drive frontage to widen the pedestrian area within the public right-of-way to a minimum of 20 feet measured between the inside of the street curb and the new front property line, and closure of driveways consistent with the City's access management standards. These conditions should be satisfied coincident with the City's street improvement project or prior to issuance of a permit for any improvements to the subject property, whichever occurs first. CALL TO ORDER: Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEM (CPA16-00005): Consider a motion setting a public hearing for June 1, 2017 on an application for a Comprehensive Plan amendment to amend the North District Plan for approximately 70 acres west of Dubuque Street, south of Interstate 80, and north and east of Mission Point Road and Mackinaw Drive, to modify the land use map, adopt a sensitive areas survey, and add certain housing, transportation and design goals. Howard reminded the Commission that a Comprehensive Plan Amendment needs a public hearing so this item is just to set that public hearing. Planning and Zoning Commission May 18, 2017—Formal Meeting Page 2 of 6 Theobald asked if a translator will be present at the meeting when this item is discussed. Hektoen stated she believes the applicant is bringing a translator. Hensch moved to set a public hearing for June 1, 2017 on an application for a Comprehensive Plan amendment item CPA17-00005. Parsons seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0. REZONING ITEM (REZ17-00005): Discussion of an application submitted by 513 Riverside, LLC for a rezoning of approximately .62 -acres from Community Commercial (CC -2) zone to Riverfront Crossings -West Riverfront (RFC -WR) zone for property located at 513 S. Riverside Drive. Howard presented the Staff report and stated this property is located at the corner of Riverside Drive and Myrtle Avenue, which is at the very north edge of the Riverfront Crossings West Riverfront Zone. The property to the north is owned by The University of Iowa and they have not indicated their future use of the property. To the west are some high density multi -family properties and the other properties surrounding the area are zoned Community Commercial (CC -2). Howard explained that one of the goals of the Riverfront Crossings Plan for this area is to improve conditions along Riverside Drive for pedestrians and to improve the aesthetics of the corridor, so when an upzoning to Riverfront Crossings zoning is requested, the City has been requesting additional property to widen the pedestrian area along street frontages. This particular property has a poor frontage condition. There is no sidewalk, and very little room between the travel lanes and the private property to even provide a safe sidewalk to support the new residential and commercial uses allowed by the proposed rezoning. The current zoning of Community Commercial (CC -2) is not compatible with the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan as it allows low -scale commercial development, limited housing above the commercial, and a very auto -oriented area. Therefore, with additional land to enhance the public area along the street to make it safe for future residents and customers, the change to Riverfront Crossings Zoning is the appropriate zoning for the area. With regards to the compatibility with the neighborhood, rezoning this property will bring the property closer to compliance with the future vision for the area. Howard stated the largest issue for this property is to make sure any new development has the kind of pedestrian facilities necessary to support it. Howard showed images from the Riverfront Crossings Streetscape Master Plan that was adopted last year. Riverside Drive is a State highway, there is no on - street parking, and it has higher speeds than a typical residential or commercial street in the downtown area. It is currently a four -lane arterial street with only about 60 feet of street right-of- way. The City is planning improvements to the corridor to construct a pedestrian tunnel through the railroad embankment located to the south of the property, extend a new sidewalk north to the intersection of Myrtle Avenue, and signalize the Myrtle/Riverside Drive intersection to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and traffic circulation in the area. Howard stated that as properties are rezoned along Riverside Drive, staff recommends requiring a dedication of land to improve conditions for pedestrians and to ensure that the streetscape and frontage area improvements required in the Riverfront Crossings form -based code can be achieved. The cross-section in the South Riverside Drive Streetscape Master Plan calls for a minimum of 20 feet between the street curb and the front property line. This pedestrian area would include a 6 -foot sidewalk, 8- Planning and Zoning Commission May 18, 2017 — Formal Meeting Page 3 of 6 foot wide area for street trees, and 6 -foot wide area between the street curb and the trees for snow storage and utilities. The applicant has agreed to enter into a conditional zoning agreement to dedicate land along the frontage of the subject property to create a right-of-way that achieves the minimum requirements (the 20 feet) specified in the streetscape master plan and the improvements necessary for signalization of the intersection and also to reduce the number and location of driveways to be consistent with the City's access management standards. The applicant has agreed to close the driveways closest to the intersection that don't meet current access management standards. This should improve safety for pedestrian, bicyclists, and for drivers. Howard explained that it may also be necessary to close the other driveway on Riverside Drive, but depending on what the applicant chooses to do with the property (whether it is just commercial or mixed-use), that a right -out only driveway might work. Howard explained that the developer doesn't have a concept plan for the property at this time because the applicant is unsure whether the project will be solely a commercial building or a mixed use building. Since the form -based zoning standards in the Riverfront Crossings code will ensure that the building is built in a manner consistent with the goals for the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan and there is an imminent City project planned to improve conditions along Riverside Drive, In addition, the developer is supportive and will participate in helping to achieve a safer and more pleasant environment along the street to support future redevelopment. Therefore, staff is supportive of the rezoning. Staff recommends approval of REZ17-00005 a proposal to rezone approximately 0.6 acres of property at 513 S. Riverside Drive from Community Commercial (CC -2) Zone to Riverfront Crossings -West Riverfront (RFC -WR) Zone, subject to a conditional zoning agreement requiring dedication of land along the Riverside Drive frontage to widen the pedestrian area within the public right-of-way to a minimum of 20 feet measured between the street curb and the new front property line, and closure of driveways consistent with the City's access management standards. These conditions should be satisfied coincident with the City's street improvement project or prior to issuance of a permit for any improvements to the subject property, whichever occurs first. Hensch asked if there was an anticipated date or year when the street improvement project will be complete. Howard stated it is under design currently and is budgeted for 2018. The City is currently negotiating with the railroad for the pedestrian underpass. Freerks asked if negotiations are complete with the other property owners to the south closer to the railroad tracks so that the sidewalk improvements can be completed. Howard is unsure if what conversations have taken place so far. However both property owners were contacted by the City during the design of the Streetscape Master Plan. Hensch asked if this was as far north as the Riverfront Crossings Plan goes. Howard answered yes as everything to the north is University property. Signs stated he did have a conversation with the applicant several months ago when they first bought the property as he was expressing an interest in possibly doing some affordable housing there and Signs directed him to the appropriate staff to have those conversations. Freerks opened the public hearing Planning and Zoning Commission May 18, 2017—Formal Meeting Page 4 of 6 Charlie Graves (13 Woodcrest Lane NE) stated he just closed on the property about three weeks ago. Kum & Go, the previous owner, was required to make sure it was a clean site as part of the purchase agreement and the DNR just gave clearance. Graves has been in conversations with the City and is aware of their planned improvements to the area and until he knows exactly where his boundaries area and the setbacks required he cannot design a project. They are imagining a commercial use or multi-use building for the property. Martin asked if they are also purchasing 517 Riverside Drive or what the overall plan for the area might be. Graves said there have been preliminary conversations with that property owner but the owner doesn't wish to sell and the tenant of that property just signed a multi-year long- term lease extension. Martin asked then if the entrance/exit to his property then would be on Myrtle Avenue and Graves confirmed that but said that they are exploring a right out only onto Riverside Drive as well. Parsons asked if the right-out only drive would directly abut the neighboring property or would a buffer be maintained between the properties. Graves noted there are some Department of Transportation requirements that a driveway be so many feet from a signal, so if there is a drive they would try to have it as far from the intersection as possible. They would do their best to maintain the buffer between properties. Hektoen noted that Riverside Drive is a State Highway so any access points will have to be approved by the Department of Transportation. Howard stated that additionally the City also has access management requirements and this will all have to be reviewed once a development plan is proposed. Graves added the timing on this project is such that it takes them about six months to a year to plan a project and get it designed. Therefore, it is imperative that they can get started so they can work in parallel with the City doing the street improvements. Freerks asked what the distance for building required would be from the RM-44 that is to the west. Howard said the setback would be 10 feet from the adjacent property. Freerks asked if there was any stepping required due to height. Howard stated that the stepping in the West Riverfront Crossings is required only where a property abuts a single family zone. Freerks noted her concern about not having a concept plan prior to approving this zoning change, but acknowledged that approval of the rezoning at this time would be beneficial to working together to achieve the necessary pedestrian improvements. Graves noted that to draw up a concept plan and present something to investors they have to be sure the footprint they are working with is correct, and in this case could not do so without knowing the zoning is approved and what the setbacks required will be. Freerks understands that for this case, but cautions that is not something the Commission will necessarily relax on in the future. Freerks closed the public hearing. Hensch moved to approve REZ17-00005 subject to the conditional zoning agreement as outlined in the Staff Report. Martin seconded the motion. Planning and Zoning Commission May 18, 2017—Formal Meeting Page 5 of 6 Hensch noted he feels it is a great step up to go to a Form -Based Code in this area as the current layout is extremely dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles. The applicant dedicating the land for the improvements is much appreciated and needed. Signs added that the lot has a steep hill behind it and the neighboring properties are much higher so if a future building is taller on this site, it will not look out of place or be a hindrance. Several others on the commission noted their agreement that the sloping site will help to mitigate concern about a taller building on the site. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0. CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: MAY 4. 2017 Hensch moved to approve the meeting minutes of May 4, 2017. Theobald seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0 PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION: None. ADJOURNMENT: Martin moved to adjourn. Parsons seconded. A vote was taken and motion carried 6-0. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2016-2017 KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused --- = Not a Member 7/7 7/21 8/4 11/17 12/1 12/15 1/19 2/2 3/2 3/16 4/6 4/20 4/20 5/4 5/18 DYER,CAROLYN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O/E FREERKS,ANN O/E X X X X X X X X X O/E X X X X HENSCH, MIKE X O/E X T10/6 X X X X X X X X X X X X MARTIN, PHOEBE X O/E X X O/E X X X X X X O/E O/E X X PARSONS,MAX X X X X X X X X O/E X X X X X X SIGNS, MARK X X X O/E X X X X X X X X XTHEOBALD, JODIE X X X X X X X X XX X X X X X KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused --- = Not a Member