11/09/2004 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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' Mr. Bajko with HSB Architects and Mr. Priscak with Rosati's Custard came forward to review the proposal. The applicants said that the building is very small and in order to have sufficient space within the building the cooler needs to be placed on the outside of the building. There will be no outside access to the cooler and their ability to make outside changes to the building are limited as they are leasing the building. The cooler will be 7-8 foot by 9-10 foot and an interior door will be cut in the exterior wall which will be sealed and allow access to the walk-in cooler. The Commission questioned why the applicant did not incorporate all the Architectural Review Board suggestions. The applicant indicated that the main reason was due to budget constraints and the landscaping is preexisting and not on their property. They incorporated what they could i.e. bilce rack, planter boxes and exterior seating. Adding canopies will not add space to the building and would require more variances. Mr. Koeth asked the applicant to speak with the State to see what they would allow them to do as far as improving the landscaping. The applicants suggested that once the business takes off they would look at making further improvements to the building and property. The Commission questioned the existing lighting. The applicants indicated that the existing lights are wall packs and the existing light pole is abandoned and will not be used. Mr. Koeth wants the abandoned light pole removed or painted. He felt that more landscaping is required to buffer the cooler from view. They questioned if it was not the responsibility of the landowner not the tenant to improve the exterior of the building and landscaping for the tenant. Assistant Law Director O'Malley advised that the issue before the board is the development plan application, not the relationship between the landlord and tenant. All aspects of the development application are before the Planning Commission including abandoned light poles, old landscaping, new landscaping, and the building as presented. The Commission does not have the ability to approve a plan subject to a landlord supplying required improvements. The Commission has the right to review a plan and impose conditions that make for a good plan. If the applicant did not propose the cooler addition, the proposal would not be before the Commission; however he chose to make alterations to the building. Some of the board members felt that they should take the opportunity to help the tenant improve the building as it has been vacant for some time, and it could be due to the appearance of the building and site. Mr. Koeth felt the commission would be doing an injustice if it did not take the opportunity to improve this site. The applicants did not believe that the requested exterior changes were going to solve all the problems of the site. They believe that they have agreed to do more than what should be required to work with the City. As the business grows, he would be willing to invest the money to improve the site. Mr. Yager suggested the applicant concentrate on a dynamic sign package to help improve the site. The applicant indicated that they were currently working on a sign package for submittal. Assistant Building Commissioner Rymarczyk indicated that the applicants sign package was not required to go before the Planning Commission. The Commission asked if any additional lighting would be added to the site. The applicant said there would be two for the parking lot, three lights that are under the canopy along the front and they will replace the non-functional light. The chairman encouraged the applicant to take out the abandoned light pole and to worlc with the City Planner to improve the landscaping. Mr. Rymarczyk indicated that if the applicants expand their landscaping plan they would be required to irrigate the landscaping or apply for a variance. Mr. Yager encouraged the applicant to show the Board of Zoning Appeals the layout of the interior of the building to help show how every possible inch is already being used. 3