03/10/1998 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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2) Fairview West Physicians Center, 24700 Lorain Road Proposal to construct a three story addition to existing Physicians Center, which will include a new parking area and lot renovations. Mr. Libassi, architect and Mr. Wilson, representing the owner presented the proposal. In an effort to expand the parking to the 268 parking spaces required, Mr. Libassi explained they have acquired a parcel north of the site which is zoned residentiaL He noted part of the request should have been for a conditional use permit. Assistant Building Commissioner Rymarczyk agreed a conditional use permit would be required. W. Koeth questioned the use of the building extension. Mr. Libassi advised the first floor of the building would be an ambulatory surgery center and the upper floors will be a 5000 square feet expansion of the meclical office building. The members reviewed a colored rendition of the building and wondered if the colors were an accurate representation of the actual brick color. W. Wilson noted the brick will be a little darker then what is shown on the rendering. He advised the awniug would face Lorain Road. Mr. Brennan questioned if the block wall to the left of the awning can be broken up with the brick naaterial and windows to match the remainder of the building. Mr. Libassi pointed out an ambulatory surgery center will be consfructed on the first floor and surgery rooms do not have windows. Mr. Koeth noted the front of the building has no rhythm. He understood that there is a distinction, however he would like to see the windows continued so that there were not two big buildings. Mrs. O'Rourke advised the front of the bu.ild.ing looks like a rear storage area because of that block. Mr. Brennan stated this is something that should be refened to architectural review board for input. He suggested that the dumpster enclosure be composed of the same material as the bu.ilding and requested an explanation of the lighting and landscaping. Mr. Libassi was not sure of the exact pole heights, but noted they would be similar to the existing pole heights. He advised the hospital has met with the neighboring resident regarding landscaping and the resident did not have a problem with the expansion but requested some landscaping on his side of the fence which he agreed to maintain. Mr. Libassi explained the asphalt has been broken up by landscaping in various locations throughout the parking lot as noted on the plans. Mr. Brennan advised the city forester should be contacted in order to save as many of the existing trees as possible. He questioned if there were any roof top units on the ambulatory section. Mr. Libassi explained all the roof top units would be on the higher roofed facility. He noted there may be one exhaust fan on the lower root but they may remove it altogether. Mr. Brennan questioned what will be done with the driveway on to Columbia Road and was advised it would shift further north because it will improve site lines and leave more space to pu11 out towards Lorain. Mr. Brennan suggested removing access to Columbia Road and implementing two access points onto Lorain Road. W. Wilson explained the mass of the parking favors the Columbia Road access as this is a major artery. Mr. Brennan agreed it was a major artery, however this road was not designed to handle all this traffic. He noted this is one of those streets that went from a country road to a major thorouglifare, creating all kmds of traffic jaxns due to the design of the street, which is the reason he suggested possibly eliminating access onto Columbia Road. Mrs. O'Rourke questioned if the access onto Columbia Road is right turn only. Mr. Wilson explained there are no "right turn only" signs and it does not prove to be a problem. He noted typical traffic jam problems occur at the end of the day and this is a middle of the day organization. Mr. Brennan requested an explanation of the sign proposaL Mr. WiLson advised the sign at the Columbia Road entrance will be intemally illuminated. Considering most of the business takes place during the day, Mr. Brennan requested that the sign be non-illumiuated so as not to further encroach on the