06/27/1995 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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laudscaping would conforin to what was on the property now, but the landscaping around the building would have a western theme. Mr. Brennan pointed out that there was a neon band on the building. Mr. Tallon advised that the city did not have a problem with neon signs, but there was a problem with neon outlining the building and the commission had denied tlus treatment for other businesses. Mr. Colson presented a photograph of au existing building and maintained that they way they are doing it now, it is not garish and is part of their look. He stated that they did not get into Forbes magazine by having a garish image. Mr. Kaufinauu connected a lighted model of the neon in a green channel which was supposed to cut down on the glare. The members agreed this was more subdued, but stated that it could still be seen a mile away. Mr. Colson believed that this is part of their image and that image this was one reason they were on the Forbes; the members disagreed stating that the product was what has promoted them. Mr. Brenuan noted that the commission has denied other proposed neon bands, and do not want to set a precedent for them now. Mr. Tallon was sure that they would be successful without the neon. He reminded Mr. Corsi, representing the owner of the property, Biskind Development Co., that when the other restaurants were proposed, the Commission had requested that no more restaurants be built until there were more office buildings on this property. He asked if there was any change in what was being planned. Mr. Corsi, responded that there was no need for office space at this time and their vacancy rate in their existing offices is quite lugh. He understands that the original preliminary plan that was approved duriug the Cluli's and Macaroni Grill proposal did show three separate free standing service buildings. It is ]us understanding that there was a discussion in the minutes about a need for more office buildings, and he pointed out that he was not with the developer at that time, but he does not think that the approval was based on that coutiugency. He further advised that they have had few inquiries about land for office space, but they have had some investigations for other uses which are not office, but are not restaurants either. Mr. Tallon noted that the original Mixed Use zoning did not allow free standing restaurauts, but this was changed when Chester's Restaurant was proposed. Mr. Conway advised that there were two separate master plans, one for parcel "A" across the street (where Chester's was), and a separate master plan for this parcel. 1VIr. Tallon thought they there was an overall plan for all the parcels, and when it was changed, it was changed with the proviso that they would be developing the land with buildings other than restaurants. Mr. Conway remembered that the prelimiuary plan for this parcel showed tluee free standing service build'vigs, and when the developinent plans were discussed later, it had been stated that the commission did not want any more free standing restaurants but the preliminary plan had approved the three. He believed that the Assistant Law Director had made the statement that if the parcel was not viable as a Mixed Use District, the developer should make a presentation to rezone, because the concern is that they are getting beyond the Mixed Use concept. Mr_ Corsi believed that there was still viability for a Mixed Use development and there will not be restaurants going all the way down the streets. Mr. Tallon stated that the cominission does not want an "eat street", and if the property cannot be developed under. the Mixed Use codes, they should apply for a rezouing. Assistant City Engineer McDermott stated that they must still review a detailed plan. Mr. Colson stated that the lighting will match the existing fixtures aud will presents cuts and heights on that at the next meeting. He further advised that if the commission removes the neon, there is a possibility that they might ask for signage adjacent to I-480 since the neon is important to their statement. Mr. Kaufinann advised that if they cannot have the neon that would be one of his recommendations. Mr. Colson stated that he was uot going to say that they would do that, but he wanted the commission to be aware that they might consider that. He fiu-ther advised Mr. Brennan that there was already some signage facing I-480. Mr. Brennan believed that the city was being to look like a commercial junk yard and noted that tlus signage would be in plain view of residential areas across the freeway. Mr. Kaufmann advised that a marketing study done by the Uuiversity of Notre Dame determin.ed that about 37.6% of customers made a destination decision based ou ou-premise advertising signs.. R. Tallon moved to refer the Lone Star Steakhouse located on the south 4