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MINUTES OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE November 14, 2022 Auditorium Present: Councilmembers Bullock, Kepple, Litten, Marx, Shachner Also Present: Law Director Vargo, Planning Director Leininger, Assistant Planning Director Milius Motion by President Litten, seconded by Vice President Kepple to excuse the absences of Councilmembers Baker and Rader. All in favor. Motion passed. Approval of the minutes of the November 7, 2022 Committee of the Whole. Motion by President Litten, seconded by Vice President Kepple to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. All members in favor. Motion passed. Update from the Planning Department regarding the proposed downtown development. Director Leininger noted that there has been some new activity on the project since Committee of the Whole last met. He stated that there have been 17 public meetings on the project so far, and that the Architectural Board of Review (ABR) has met twice regarding the Curtis Block building. ABR determined that it would not be appropriate to add units in an addition over the top of the Curtis Block based on the design of the building. ABR's various changes to unit ratios and building alterations resulted in a 20 unit loss to the project, 10% of the project's total units. CASTO is reconfiguring that quadrant of the project based on ABR's feedback. Other designs, concepts, and historic features were reviewed, noting that the facade of the Curtis Block building will be saved. Director Leininger stated that losing 20 units is a huge economic loss to the project. The northern third of the project is complete with ABR's process. ABR is now examining the southern parts of the development, with townhomes anticipated to come at a later date in the future. Director Leininger added that there is no update on the Cleveland Clinic parking situation, as they have not responded to the city's request for re-examination. President Litten asked whether ABR was good with the project as it is now being presented to Council. Director Leininger confirmed ABR is comfortable with the massing and scale, but now needs to figure out what colors and patterns are incorporated into the project. Councilmember Shachner asked when the decision will be made on the project's certificate of appropriateness. Director Leininger indicated that decisions need to be made on color and other project details, with anticipated completion in January. He indicated ABR support for some additional units to be added on top of the Curtis Block roof. The developer is analyzing what impact these new concepts might have.