09/04/1991 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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5. Biskind Realtv Comnanv. Countrv Club and Great Northern Boulevards. Request for variance (1123.12). Request variance for temporary leasing sign (off property) for combination sign for Great Northern Corporate Center'and Technology Park; also request extension of previous variance for temporary sign for Corporate Center (off property). Violations of Ord. 90-125, Section 1163.12(g). Chairman Gomersall called all interested parties before the Board. The oath was admi.nistered to Mro Papandreas, representing Biskind Development, Counci]man D. McKay, and residents, Mr. Depenbrok, Mr. and Mrs. Krejci, and Ms. Montilla, president of the Clareshire Court Condominiums Association. Mr. Papandreas explained that they were requesting to extend a variance that was granted to them previously on signage that faces I-480 and, secondly, to add the name "Technology Park" to a 4 by 8 sign which exists on the corner of Great Northern and Country Club Boulevards. The purpose of these signs is to promote leasing activities; he pointed out that in the past year economic conditions have been such that they have not been able to lease new space or even to maintain previous levels of occupancy. He maintains that the signs on I-480 are visible only to people travelling on I-480 and the corner sign at Great Northern and Country Club is visible on those streets. He clarified that they are asking for a 1 year extension and that the signs are not illuminated. Building Conmissioner Conway advised that this is the third request, the initial request and one previous extension. Mr. Restifo is concerned that they will return again next year for another renewal. Mr. Papandreas stated that the leasing activity in the past year is the worst tha.t they have ever experienced, and at this point anything that can be done to improve the condition is necessary. Mr. Grace pointed out that the last time this was requested, the representative stated that only a one year extension would be necessary, hecause if they did not get results from it in that time, it would be taken down. Mr. Papandreas was not present at that meeting and cannot respond to that statement. Law Director Gareau advised out that those in the City administration, the Mayor, Finance Director, etc. have met because there is concern that this office space has not be leased. From an economic standpoint it is vital that this space be occupied to generate income taxes. He did not know how much good these signs will do, but he wanted the Board to k-iow that this is a concern of the City. Mr. and Mrs. Kreche objected because they can see these signs, as well as the Radisson Inn sign, from their kitchen, and in the wi.nter they can also see a sign for Bridlewood Apartments. They stated that they lived there before I-480 or the office buildings. Councilman McKay pointed out that this is an .off-site, temporary sign and if they have not gotten results in past 2 years, another year would not help. Mr. Gomersall did not believe a sign was the answer to their leasing problems, and suggested that they use other means to advertise their office space, television, business publications, etc. Mr. Papandreas stated that they are not saying these signs will solve all their problems, but since the market is so tight, they might help. He maintai.ned that there have been walk-in prospective tenants. Mr. Gomersall does not believe prospective tenants drive around trying to find office space. Mr. Papandreas asked the Board to weigh the benefit that would be gained versus the detriment to the health, pub3ic safety, and welfare of the comrrnm;ty. He pointed out that this is a critical situation, that they have removed all the temporary signs in the retail campus, that even though they no longer are involved in the mall, they are attempting to maintain a strong presence in the comrmn-ity. Mr. Depenbrok stated that he had no problem with the signs, but some of he neighbors received notices of the meeting and he did not. This will be checked. He pointed out tha.t there used to be signs on the vacant lot adjacent to his property and they were removed. Mrs. Montilla stated tha.t she is concerned because the City always had to compromise something because of what Biskind wants. She does not believe that 3