Downtown Development Review Board Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2007
Page 1 of 7
DDRB – Downtown Development Review Board
(DRC acting on behalf of the DDRB)
Police and FirePensionFundBuilding, 2nd Floor Board Room
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Meeting Minutes
Downtown DevelopmentBoard Members Present (DRC acting on behalf of the DDRB):Chair Roland Udenze, James F. Bailey, Jr., Oliver J. Barakat, Christopher D. Flagg, Jonathon R. Garza, Eric Lindstrom, Andy Sikes, andWilliam A. Stanly
Ex-Officio Members Present:Ken Ferrin (for Richard Ball), Michael Sands, Don Robertson, and Joel McEachin (for Brad Thoburn)
JEDC Staff Present: Executive Director Paul Crawfordand Staff Liaison Jim Klement
Representing General Counsel: Tracy Arpen
I.CALL TO ORDER
Chair Udenze called the meeting to order at 2:04 p.m.
II.ACTION ITEMS
Approval of the June 28 2007, Design Review Board Meeting Minutes
Discussion:
There was no discussion or comments.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER WILLIAM A. STANLYAND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER CHRISTOPHER D. FLAGGTO APPROVE THE JUNE 28, 2007, DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING MINUTES.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0.
DDRB 2007-015: Winn Dixie Downtown Remodel – Presenter: Dirk Anderson
Application DDRB2007-015 seeks final review to remodel the existing Winn Dixie (Store Number 37) grocery store. The applicant is proposing to remodel the store front, add approximately 3,100 square feet and re-work the parking area. The addition will include a new customer entrance/exit and police substation. Upgrades to the exterior will include providing an urban pedestrian-friendly widened sidewalk with landscaping. The existing parking area will be resurfaced and construction of a 6 foot wide walk will run the length of the parking area connecting sidewalks and bus stops. Ornamental fencing, landscaping, lighting, and reworked sidewalk/pavers are to be installed per City of Jacksonville design standards. As noted, the project is a renovation and improvement to an existing grocery store, which will need deviation’s to be in compliance with the design guidelines. Additionally, the improvements also include new signs, which will require a special sign exception.
Discussion:
Board Member Stanly stated that he had visited the project site. He stated that the Beaver Street elevation would be a challenge and needed to be addressed as it was the side that received the most foot traffic. The applicant needed to think of what else can be done to make the elevation more pedestrian friendly. He also remarked that signage would be better suited on the back elevation; it was a good marketing opportunity that the applicant was not taking advantage of. Mr. Anderson suggested a high and low landscaping plan for the Beaver Street elevation in order to make it more pedestrian friendly. Plus they would consider moving the signage to the back of the store.
Board Member Flagg was concerned as there were Palms depicted on the renderings but there were no Palms listed on the landscaping site plan. His other concern was there was no definite listing of plantings on the landscaping site plan which was unusual for a Final Approval. The applicant needed to have a tight landscaping plan in place. Mr. Anderson asked what they could address at this time to answer Board Member Flagg’s concerns. Board Member Flagg stated that he felt all applicants should be at equal level. Board Member Flagg agreed that the high and low plantings along with the texture would help the Beaver Street elevation along with some lighting. Board Member Lindstrom stated that staff had to approve the landscaping permit through Civil review, so a condition can be made for staff to note the Board’s concerns and make sure they are addressed before the permit is signed.
Board Member Stanly reiterated the need for signage on the back elevation of the project. He remarked that the public always complained that there was not a grocery store downtown when the Winn Dixie has been downtown for a long time. Winn Dixie needed to make the most of its marketing opportunities; signage on the back elevation would be seen from the Interstate to win the business back.
Deviations
Application DDRB2007-015seeks a Deviation to Section 656.361.11. Setbacks or “Build-To” Lines;to increase the setback distances from Union Street, Beaver Street, Market Street and Liberty Street. The building proposes a primary entrance facing Market Street.
Discussion:
There were no further comments or questions.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER WILLIAM A. STANLY AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER OLIVER J. BARAKAT TO GRANT WINN DIXIE DOWNTOWN REMODEL, DDRB# 2007-015, A DEVIATION TO SECTION 656.361.11, SETBACKS OR BUILD TO LINES; TO INCREASE THE SETBACKS FOR MARKET STREET, BEAVER STREET, LIBERTY STREET, AND UNION STREET TO ACCOMMODATE THE EXISTING STRUCTURE AS SHOWN ON THE SITE PLAN PRESENTED ON JULY 26, 2007.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0.
Application DDRB2007-015seeks a Deviation to Section 656.361.13. Entrances; to delete the required entrances from Union Street, Beaver Street, and Liberty Street. The building proposes a primary entrance facing Market Street.
Discussion:
There were no further comments or questions.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER WILLIAM A. STANLY AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER ANDY SIKES TO GRANT WINN DIXIE DOWNTOWN REMODEL, DDRB# 2007-015, A DEVIATION TO SECTION 656.361.13, ENTRANCES; TO ALLOW THE DELETION OF ENTRANCES FROM BEAVER STREET, LIBERTY STREET, AND UNION STREET FRONTAGES.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0.
Application DDRB2007-015seeks a Deviation to Section 656.361.16. Off-Street Parking Overlayto reduce parking requirements.
Discussion:
There was discussion among the Board Members concerning the number of parking spaces. It was decided that the deviation was to reduce the parking requirements from 79 parking spaces to 72 parking spaces.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER WILLIAM A. STANLY AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER CHRISTOPHER D. FLAGG TO GRANT WINN DIXIE DOWNTOWN REMODEL, DDRB# 2007-015, A DEVIATION TO SECTION 656.361.16, OFF-STREET PARKING OVERLAY; TO REDUCE PARKING REQUIREMENTS FROM THE REQUIRED 79 SPACES TO 72 SPACES.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0.
Application DDRB2007-015seeks a Deviation to Section656.361.17. Surface Parking, Trash, Storage and Loading Area Screening;to reduce screening requirements as per design for Liberty Street area.
Discussion:
There were no further comments or questions.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER WILLIAM A. STANLY AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER OLIVER J. BARAKAT TO GRANT WINN DIXIE DOWNTOWN REMODEL, DDRB# 2007-015, A DEVIATION TO SECTION 656.361.17, SURFACE PARKING, TRASH, STORAGE, AND LOADING AREA SCREENING; TO REDUCE THE SCREENING REQUIREMENTS AS PER DESIGN FOR LIBERTY STREET SERVICE AREA BASED ON THE REVISED PLANS PRESENTED JULY 26, 2007.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0.
Application DDRB2007-015seeks a Deviation to Section 656.361.18. Transparency;to reduce transparency requirements.
Discussion:
There were no further comments or questions.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER CHRISTOPHER D. FLAGG AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER JONATHON R. GARZA TO GRANT WINN DIXIE DOWNTOWN REMODEL, DDRB# 2007-015A DEVIATION TO SECTION 656.361.18, TRANSPARENCY; TO REDUCE FROM 50% TO 0% THE TRANSPARENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR STREET FRONTAGE OF UNION STREET, LIBERTY STREET, AND BEAVER STREET BASED ON USING LANDSCAPING FOR THE FAÇADE.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0.
Application DDRB2007-015 seeks a special exception to install an additional sign, a total two (2) signs on the North side of the building facing Union Street not exceeding a total of 300 square feet for both signs. One sign will be located on the building façade and one sign to be located on the “tower structure” of the development.
Discussion:
This request was withdrawn by the client at suggested by the Board. Board Member Stanly stated that the applicant was missing out on a marketing opportunity by not putting the signage on the East Elevation, as it would be seen. The applicant agreed and made the decision to withdraw the request and move the sign.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER ANDY W. SIKES AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER CHRISTOPHER D. FLAGG TO GRANT WINN DIXIE DOWNTOWN REMODEL, DDRB# 2007-015, FINAL APPROVAL.
AN AMENDED MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER CHRISTOPHER D. FLAGG AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER WILLIAM A. STANLY TO GRANT WINN DIXIE DOWNTOWN REMODEL, DDRB# 2007-015, FINAL APPROVAL WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
- Staff review a more detailed landscaping site plan before signing permit.
The applicant was asked when the project was to begin. Mr. Anderson stated that as soon as the everything was ready they would start the permitting process. Mr. Sands stated that the applicant could speed the process up by submitting drawings for review only, then when the ten-sets were submitted, the process would be further along and the process time would be shorter.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0.
DDRB 2007-018: 140 West Monroe/Dalton Agency- Presenter: Erik Kasper
Application DDRB2007-018 seeks final review for the Dalton Agencyremodel to an existing building and façade. The proposed renovation is for 27,577 gross square feet of existing building to office and commercial type space. The proposed renovation will restore the building to the original design of the mid-1980’s.
Discussion:
Board Member Bailey asked about the parapet. He remarked that Mr. Kasper was to address that point from the last meeting. Mr. Kasper stated that it was still under demolition but the plan was to remove all of the additions from the 1980’s to restore the façade to its original look from the 1950’s.
Board Member Flagg asked about the tree issue, if it was to be discussed at a later date. Mr. Kasper answered that it would be discussed at a later date. His architectural firm would not be involved in the issue,his firm would only be concerned with the façade of the building and the interior. Board Member Flagg asked where the property line was located. Mr. Kasper answered that the property line was at the building. The trees were on City property and the removal would be a City issue.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER CHRISTOPHER D. FLAGGAND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER ANDY W. SIKES TO GRANT 140 WEST MONROE, DDRB# 2007-018,FINAL APPROVAL.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0.
DDRB 2007-020: Churchwell Lofts Parking – Presenter: Robert Pavelka
The site is a .038 acre site that is presently vacant and being used for parking. The surface is unimproved and there is existing vegetation on the site consisting of Palm Trees and two (2) Laurel Oaks. The applicant is proposing to develop an improved parking lot to be used in conjunction with the Churchwell lofts located on Bay Street.
Discussion:
Board Member Lindstrom went through the packet with the Board Members and gave a brief history of the project and stated that the City had leased him the land for 50 years.
It was asked of Mr. Pavelka if the present driveway was to be widened and if it was to be the only entrance and exit to the parking lot. Mr. Pavelka answered that the whole lot would be redone and landscaped, the present driveway would be dug up and widened, and it would be the only entrance and exit to the lot. The fencing would be broken up with grey stucco columns that would be the same grey as the bricks on the Churchwell building. Mr. Pavelka showed the Board the sample of the fencing. The only signage would be in the middle of the arch.
There was also discussion if the distance from the driveway to the intersection would meet requirements. It was decided that it did meet the requirements.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER JAMES F. BAILEY, JR. AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER WILLIAM A. STANLY TO GRANT THE CHURCHWELL LOFTS PARKING, DDRB# 2007-020, CONCEPTUAL AND FINAL APPROVAL.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0.
III.INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
There were no comments or questions.
IV.OLD BUSINESS
There were no comments or questions.
V.NEW BUSINESS
DDRB Bylaw Subcommittee Report
Sub-Committee Chairman Sikes gave a brief report on the previous Sub-Committee meeting. He asked the Board their thoughts on Standing Committees and Ex Parte Communication and informed them of the Sub-Committee’s thoughts on both subjects. Mr. Arpen suggested that one Standing Committee be a nominating committee. He also suggested in regards to Ex Parte Communication that the Office of General Council give a presentation on the Sunshine Laws. He also remarked that Ex Parte Communication was a tricky matter. The Planning Commission dealt with it by not allowing any Ex Parte Communication and the City Council dealt with the matter by having any member having had conversations with an applicant about his project, to declare it to the Council.
VI.PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no comments or questions.
VII.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chair Udenze adjourned the meeting at 3:20 p.m.
WitnessDowntown Development Review Board
______
Print Name: ______Roland Udenze, Chair
Vote:
In Favor: _____ Opposed: _____ Abstained: _____