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@ <br />applicant was cautioned that in the future if there is work required for the sanitary line the <br />monument sign would have to be removed and reinstalled at the owner's expense. <br />Mr. O'Maliey said that the proposed signage was before the Board of Zoning Appeals within the <br />past year or so and he believed that it was either denied or withdrawn. If denied the request <br />would be required to be decreased by 25% however if the request was withdrawn prior to being <br />denied the reduction issue would be moot. Mr. Conway said that the applicants withdrew prior <br />to being denied. <br />Mr. Chuppa, the General Manager for Nissan, and Mr. Ningard, CJI General Contractor, were <br />present to address the proposal. Mr. Ningard advised that there is a monument sign which is 12 <br />feet high which could be used in lieu of the 18 foot shown. The building will be painted silver <br />and a number of signs including directional were removed from the site. He believes that the <br />square footage of the three proposed wall signs was below their square footage allowed. Mr. <br />Chuppa advised that the renovations are required by Nissan headquarters. They want all their <br />stores to have the same look and style. Mr. Lasko aslced what in the ground sign would be <br />illuminated. Mr. Ningard said that the dark gray Nissan letters and the red vertical columns <br />would each be internally illuminated. <br />1VIr. Yager said he opposes painting the brick; the brick should be stained. What is being <br />proposed is the most stripped down version of the Nissan prototype there could be. It is almost <br />not worth approving the proposed renovations as they are so far less aesthetically acceptable then <br />what other dealerships are doing throughout the city to improve their sites. He noted that the <br />designer of the site was not present to address the commission. Nissan has a beautiful design <br />program for their dealerships, which is not seen in the proposed plan. <br />Mr. Bohlmann said he did not like the red area of the monument sign being illuminated and <br />noted that the plans didn't show any landscaping. Mr. Malone said that since the update was <br />taking place there should be a landscaping plan submitted, including a front walkway and more <br />plantings along the front of the site. Mr. Ningard said that there are no modifications to the <br />existing landscaping plan proposed. Mrs. Meredith said it seemed that Nissan was trying to <br />create a,sleek contemporary style but the proposed plan falls short of what other sites have dorie <br />to achieve the contemporary style. The photos presented have nice landscaping plans and look <br />sleek/stylish which is not the case with the proposal. There are no existing paths to guide patrons <br />to either entrance and it could be difficult to maneuver the area for patrons with special needs or <br />children. The existing landscape plan at the site now is lacking and very poor to say the least. <br />Mr. Cotner said that a neighbor by the name of Mr. Mortach submitted a letter advising the <br />commission that a fence was supposed to be erected when the expansion was approved but never <br />came about. Mr. Lasko advised that the Building Commissioner would be looking into what was <br />approved and gave the applicants a copy of Mr. Mortach's letter. <br />Mr. Raig asked whether brickscape should be included in the right-of-way. Ms. Wenger said it <br />is only required for new curb cuts, but other applicants have chosen to add it voluntarily. <br />Mr. Lasko advised the applicant that if the proposed plan as shown were to be voted on as <br />submitted it appears the commission would deny the proposal as there is an opportunity to <br />enhance the appearance of not only the building but the entire site. However it is up to the <br />applicant if they wish to proceed and the commission would then make recommendations to the <br />Board of Zoning Appeals regarding the variance required. The commission is also open to <br />tabling the matter to allow the applicant the opportunity to consider additional upgrades and <br />landscape modifications. Mr. Ningard felt that the owner may be willing to work with the City if <br />the commission would then recommend favorably on their variance request. A copy of the letter <br />2