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11/10/1998DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER November 10, 1998 Present: William McCann Chair Robert Herberich Board Member Alex Plisko Board Member Howard Hamilton Board Member 7th Seat Vacant Absent: Kathy Milam Vice Chair Mark Cagni Board Member Also Present: Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Antonia Gerli Senior Planner Gwen Legters Board Reporter To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions, and review of meeting procedures. Minutes Approval – October 27, 1998 Member Hamilton moved to approve the minutes according to copies submitted in writing to each member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Proposals for Design Review 1. (cont. from 10/27/98) DRB 98-020 - Mace Kingsley Clearwater 900 Grove Street (Exterior Modifications) This item was continued with a request for the applicant to provide a site plan and elevation drawings to illustrate the proposal. Senior Planner Antonia Gerli presented background, stating staff recommends approval. Representative Thomas Füegel submitted a site plan with parking layout and four elevation drawings. He said the parking plan meets the current code and no changes will be needed, as long as the permit is issued before the new development code goes into effect. Staff recommended approval. General discussion ensued regarding poor condition of Grove Street. In response to questions, it was indicated the proposal is for a building face lift and a 6- to 8-foot-deep covered porch along the back. Interior renovations of the 6,000 square foot building will convert the existing 8 or 9 units and storage into a single-occupancy office use. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Member Hamilton moved to approve DRB 98-020 as submitted. The motion was duly seconded. Concerns were expressed the overall facade design lacks aesthetics, resembles a warehouse with French doors, and is monotonous. It was felt the parking plan is not sufficient for a 6,000 square-foot space. A suggestion was made to substitute windows for many of the French doors to lessen the impression that the building is a collection of rental units. Mr. Füegel said the window frames will be white, or buff, and the existing gray asphalt gravel shingle roof will remain. A gazebo on the site will be used as a lunch area. A continuance was suggested and the applicant agreed to revisit fenestration and exterior symmetry. An interior floor plan was requested, if the window placement is required due to interior configuration. The motion and second were withdrawn. Member Plisko moved to continue DRB 98-020 to the meeting of December 8 for submission of new elevation drawings. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 2. DRB 98-023 Club More -- “Flash” Gordon C. Williamson, Owner 703 Franklin Street (Signage) The applicant is requesting approval of a 48-square-foot sign on the rear wall, and neon tubing along the length of the east wall of his multi-use building. The sign will advertise the jazz club. Maximum sign requirements, applicable design guidelines, and density bonus criteria were reviewed. Discussion ensued regarding existing conditions on the property, and success of the business. Questions were raised regarding whether this application should be before the Design Review Board (DRB) before sign code compliance is determined. The applicant was not present and was not represented. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Member Plisko moved to continue DRB 98-023 to a date to be determined by staff, to determine sign code compliance. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. DRB 98-024 Theta Townhome of Clearwater 900 Block of Laura Street (New Development Proposal) The applicant proposes to construct 21 attached townhomes in two rows on a .79-acre vacant site. The required landscape buffer along each street frontage has not been shown on the plans submitted for DRB review. Since the buildings face the property’s interior, the drawings provided do not illustrate the true impact of the development on the surrounding neighborhood. No information regarding color, building, or roof materials was provided. Proposed heights are compatible with surroundings. Larry Daum, with the architectural firm representing the applicants, outlined the townhome proposal, designed to give an open feeling in front. A large retention pond is on the Laurel side, and a large specimen oak tree is on the east side. One unit was cut from the plan to save the tree, based on the Environmental official’s comments. He responded to questions regarding one-way traffic flow and parking requirements within the gated development. Concerns were expressed one parking space per unit is not sufficient for the proposed 3- to 4-bedrooms units. Mr. Daum said the development was marketed to a European clientele who demanded the number of bedrooms. He said 70% of the units have sold. Concerns were expressed with the inconsistent width and placement of shutters, insufficient head clearance for mechanical rooms, and lack of rear elevation drawings. Concerns were expressed the development overuses the property. It was indicated additional floor plans to give rationale for exterior design features would be helpful. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Member Plisko moved to continue DRB 98-024 to the meeting of December 8, 1998 to allow the applicant time to bring complete exterior elevation drawings to the next meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4. DRB 98-025 -- Perfectly Balanced Books, Lessee 5. DRB 98-026 – Ray G. Behm, Jr., DDS, Lessee 6. DRB 98-027 – Family Life Health Center & VAX-D Centers of Tampa Bay, Lessee Joel Briskman, Owner -- 127-133 Garden Avenue North (Signage) The owner is requesting approval for four signs in a small office complex that caters primarily to the medical profession at the corner of Garden Avenue and Drew Street. The signs are compatible in color, scale, and location, with the proposed site and its surroundings. Discussion ensued regarding maximum allowable square footage for signs. It was indicated zoning staff has approved the request. The applicant was not present and was not represented. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Member Plisko moved to approve DRB 98-025, DRB 98-026, and DRB 98-027, for signs on the north, provided total signage does not exceed 48 square feet. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Board & Staff Comments Chair McCann announced TV Channel 3 is airing a Frank Lloyd Wright special tonight at 9:00 p.m. Discussion ensued regarding the City Commission’s schedule for review and adoption of the new development code. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.