05/14/2002 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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..I-- out the chapel is used for smaller services. Mr. Dan Chambers came forward and indicated the idea behind the chapel is to use it for only funeral home services. There would not be any wakes at the same time. Parking is a concern at their locations, especially at this location, and they want it to satis,fy all of their needs. He added that according to the ordinances that they have met, their needs havf: been satisfied. He pointed out it is hard to determine how big a funeral will be and difficult to determine exact parking needs but they have met the City's requirements. They do not see having the four visitation rooms and the chapel in use at the same time. Mr. Spalding expressed further concern aboirt the parking. Mr. Chambers indicated they would, if need be, rely on auxiliary parking at the mall across the street, or valet parking if they had to. Mr. Koeth said he is looking at land-banking the spots in the front. He said there are 5 large trees there. He indicated it is good they will keep 3, but said if they can keep more it would be better. Mr. Grusenmeyer said there are 16 or 17 spaces they gained by having the parking there. He was told by Mr. Chambers in the early stages of the project, that based on his experience which is substantial, that having 90 spaces would be adequate for their needs. Mr. Grusenmeyer said he does not believe they can eliminate all the parking in the front in orde.r to save the trees. They do want to keep 3 of the 5 larger trees. He referred to the drawing and poin.ted out that the drive comes in at an angle along the property line. The drive is about 10 feet off the line. They will straighten it out, which is actually better for ingress and egress from Lorain Road. The one tree sits right there on the drive, and the other sits in a tough spot, so it became difficult to save: them. Mr. Koeth said he would like to emphasize the fact that they would like 3 of the 5 trees to remain. Mr. Grusenmeyer said they plan to do that. Mr. Koeth asked if anyone on the Board is opposed to the land banking. Mr. Spalding mentioned they are very much in favor of savirig as many trees as possible. Mrs. O'Rourke pointed out there is no lighting plan for the parking lot. Mr. Grusenmeyer said they would like to keep the same lighting they have now which is indicated in the site plan. They have 3 fixtures that are roof-mounted, one at the rear, one in a corner, and one on the side. The lights are directed downward toward the parking lot and they would like to maintain that. Theiir lighting requirements are minimal. They do not want to over-light the parking lot. Their everiing hours are limited. They are anticipating using those existing lights and some additional exterior lights, which would be on the building and mostly decorative in nature. Mrs. O'Rourlce asked if there will be any lights in the back parking lot. Mr. Grusenmeyer indicated there is one light that is currently mounted on the building that is directed down onto the parking lot. They have avoided placing any light along the rear or side. The lighting level now seems appropriate for them. They would like to keep it looking stately and classy. There are few places that maintain property better than funeral homes. They do not want it to look commercial. They would like a more residential feel to the facility. They believe it will have a nicer look from Lorain on the two main elevations and give them more lighting where most of the pedestrian traffic will be. Mrs. O'Rourke inquired about their opei•ating hours. Mr. Dan Chambers indicated they are open 365 days per year and the set hours for visitation usually end by 9:00 p.m. He said 7:00-9:00 are the normal hours for visitation. Mr. Spalding asked if it is correct that the flow of traffic will be around the building. Mr. Grusenmeyer indicated that is correct and referred to the plans. Cars would enter from Lorain and can park in the front, or side, or in back. There is an island where they can circulate all the way around. They would come around and exit onto Lorain. Mr. Lasko asked for the distance between the edge of the north park:ing lot and the residents' property at the south end of their property. Mr. Grusenmeyer said it is appt-oximately 6 feet. There is an existing paved parking area. Mr. Lasko pointed out it will now be extended further to the east and toward the northeast corner. Mr. Grusenmeyer confirmed that. Mr. Lasi:o said that given the proximity of the existing parking and the way it is designed, he has concerns aboirt the limited use of that property right now, and the additional traffic that will come in. He does not believe the proposed landscaping will be adequate to serve the residents' needs there. He is also conc;erned about what will happen during the winter months. He inquired about snow removal. Mr. Gru;>enmeyer indicated they have all the setback areas. They have 20 feet to the west; they have 10 5