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infrastructure, including the concrete streets that were installed in the 60's and are breaking up. Mr. Thomas questioned how long had the structures in the target areas been in such a condition as to be considered substandard. Mr. Tressler, who did the survey work, responded that the area in the center of the City had been an established I.T.A. since the early eighties; the residential area was new. However, he believed that there were other portions of Lorain Road which had been considered I.T.A.'s earlier, but are no longer, and this information could be provided if it is needed. Mr. Thomas believed this information would be helpful. Mr. Tressler went on to explain that the I.T.A. surveys were started in 1984 and that originally the studies stopped at municipal boundaries, but this is not necessary now, and since all of Lorain Road in Fairview Park has been targeted, that I.T.A. could probably be extended somewhat across the City line. A Synopsis of Aesthetic Conditions of Existing Commercial and Industrial Development in North Olmsted had been presented earlier, and Ms. Kulokowski, from CeP.C., presented slides illustrating some of the points that were made: unsightly pole signs, oversized and projecting signs, un-coordi.nated signs and window signs; parking areas immediately adjacent to the sidewalk (no landscape buffer). Other slides illustrated the different character of western end of Lorain Road which is less urban, with a mix of residences and homes converted into offices. She presented a slide showing the North Olmsted entrance sign on the northwestern li.ne and suggested that the City consider a landscaped ground sign. Slides of the Great Northern Plaza South parking area showed the lack of landscaping islands to slow down and direct traffic; and some showed examples of lack of buffering between comercial and residential, and dumpsters in view of homes. There were also examples of positive conditions: coordinated signage on Plaza South; a well landscaped ground sign; landscaping between a parking area and the sidewalk; example of a new retail building with coordinated architectural design, signs, and landscaping; and an example of a well landscaped office building with a landscaped ground sign. There were several illustrations of various types of buffering: berms, fences, and landscaping. She explained that the slide„ of the Baker!s Square sign, and landscape buffer in North 07msted had been used frequently as an example of good parking lot buffering. Mr. Gorris pointed out that most of the examples of good bu.ffering were newer developments that have been approved under the more recent codese Ms. Kulokowski stated that the North Olmsted sign and buffering codes are very extensive, but the codes for the business district could be expanded somewhat. Mr. Gorris advised that. the Planning Commission does have discretionary powers to require additional landscaping. Regarding the statement pertaininro to " Lack of Human Scale'.', Ms. Kulowski explained thi.s basically would be in the mall area, with its expanse of asphalt with caxs coming in every direetion. She believes that landscaping islands would help this and would also direct traffic. Mr. Thoma.s asked if examples of well laid out parking lots which are similar in size to Great Northern could be presented. Mr. Tallon pointed out that it is necessary to have enough open area in parking lots for snow removal, and that is why in the newer portions of the Great Northern lot there is a raised area at the end of every other aisle to direct traffic. Mr. Schultz will bring in a shopping center parking lot plan that had been laid out with more ca.re. In reference to the oversize signs, the new code allows an amortization period and all non-conforming signs, including pole signs, must be removed by January l, 1998. Mr. Schultz advised that the State Legislature has allowed municipalities to shorten the amoUnt of time allowed before a non-conforming use can be declared abandoned, previously it had been two years (as is also required in the North 0]msted Code), ? ?- ? - ? ? ? .? Qe" 3