08/05/1988 - 09:00 AM PUBLIC HEARING
August 5, 1988
9:00 a.m.
*Present:*
K.N Ayers, Hearing Officer
*Also present:*
John Richter, Planning Official
Susan Stephenson, Deputy City Clerk
*Issue:* Antonio Markopoulis for variances 1)of 15 ft. to permit building zero
ft. from Coronado Dr. and First St. rights of way, 2) of 29.5 ft. to permit building zero ft. from S side property lines, 3) of 32.5 ft. to permit building zero ft. from rear (west)
property line, 4) of 25% open space to provide zero% open space for lot, 5) of 50% front yard open space to provide zero% open space for front yard, and 6) of 55% building coverage to
allow 100% building coverage, at 200 Coronado Dr., Lloyd White Skinner, Lots 44 47, 90 97, and Columbia Sub., Blk. A, Lot 1, zoned CR 28 (resort commercial).
*Case No. 88 2453*
*Appearances:*
William J. Kimpton, attorney representing appellant
Miles Lance, Assistant City Attorney, representing the City of Clearwater
*Exhibits submitted by City:*
Exhibit #1 Aerial photograph of are defining subject lot in red
*Appellant's exhibits submitted:*
Exhibit #1 Photograph of site
Exhibit #2 Photograph of site
Exhibit #3 Photograph of site explaining angle from which taken
Exhibit #4 Photograph from hotel looking north
Exhibit #5 Three photographs of surrounding views of area
Exhibit #6 Letter to Mr. Markopoulis from Planning and Urban Development
Mr. Kimpton stated all the requested variances are overlapping and needed in order to construct the 310 space parking garage (reduced from original request due to required increase
of size of each space), which requires 100% usage of the lot. He stated 125% usage is typical of past development in the area.
Miles Lance stated the first variance was approved because the lot is substandard. The remaining five variances were denied because the requests were not minimum and there is no unnecessary
hardship.
Mr. Kimpton stated the 95 ft. X 105 ft. site is currently a parking lot at 125% use and does not supply the needed parking for the existing 86 unit hotel. He stated many of the hotels
do not have sufficient parking, and the public lots are overcrowded and closed during the night. City rights of way are currently being used for needed parking.
Keith Crawford, Traffic Engineer, stated the parking garage would alleviate some of the right of way parking. As designed, the parking garage requires use of the whole lot.
John Carter, of Richland Associates, engineering consultants for the parking garage, stated a feasibility study showed the complex would need 340 to 350 parking spaces to accommodate
the complex. The garage as proposed would alleviate congestion in the area.
It was stated plans for the complex include two restaurants, the 85 unit hotel, a banquet/meeting facility and ten to twelve shops. An estimated 202 parking spaces will be needed.
John Richter, Development Code Administrator, stated non conforming uses are allowed to continue by grandfathering in, but are not encouraged to survive or be replaced. The existing
business can be rejuvenated and the lot in question has been approved for development; but he feels the parking garage is motivated by financial gain and not in the spirit and interest
of development
in the area.
One citizen spoke in favor of the parking garage, stating parking facilities are necessary for the success of the hotels, and stating City parking facilities are not dependable.
One citizen spoke against the construction of a parking garage stating development has been directed toward casual, less intensive uses. She stated there will always be a shortage
of parking, and the need for the proposed facility is based on speculation of proposed businesses.
In closing, Mr. Kimpton stated City officials encouraged rejuvenation of the property. A parking garage is the only reasonable use of the lot, the additional parking is needed and the
variance request is the minimum required.
The hearing officer advised any findings of fact, conclusions of law and orders must be submitted within 20 days with a transcript.
The meeting adjourned at 11:49 a.m