HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes PC 05-15-01CARMEL /CLAY PLAN COMMISSION
May 15, 2001
MINUTES
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Carmel /Clay Plan Commission was called to
order at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers by President Marilyn Anderson.
Members present were Marilyn Anderson; David Cremeans; Leo Dierckman; Linda
Flanders; Wayne Haney; Ron Houck; Nick Kestner; Dianna Knoll; Norma Meighen; Pat
Rice; Paul Spranger; and Wayne Wilson.
Department of Community Services staff in attendance were Director Michael
Hollibaugh, Jon Dobosiewicz, Kelli Hahn, and Laurence Lillig.
John Molitor noted a hearing was held in the Leeper Electric case which has been
pending for a couple years, during which discussion included whether the court should
appoint appraisers due to a taking of the use of the property from the landowner. It is
anticipated that the judge will rule to appoint appraisers because of the continued delay in
approval of the Wingate project (item li. Under Old Business). We hope the judge will
adopt our proposed findings of fact rather than the plaintiff's.
Regarding litigation on the Parkwood West PUD, a tentative settlement was reached in
all three cases (re: the Open Door Law, the validity of the ordinance itself, and alleged
violations related to the redevelopment law). The settlements would mean the developer
would shift all improvements approximately 40 feet to the east, and provide additional
landscaping for the parking garage on the west part of the development. This does not
affect the ADLS petition on tonight's agenda (item 8i). However, it will affect the
Development Plan approved as part of the PUD part of the process. The ordinance
includes a provision for minor modifications to the Development Plan, which could be
renewed and approved by the Director. John Molitor recommended the Commission hear
the ADLS petition this evening, then Mr. Hollibaugh will be able to approve the
modifications to the Development Plan in order to get this lawsuit settled.
Mr. Dobosiewicz referenced a memorandum distributed to Commission members, which
affects the following agenda items:
Docket No. 39 -01 ADLS for Meijer Convenience Store, is tabled to June 19, 2001.
Docket No. 109 -99 DP /ADLS for Wingate Inn, is tabled due to pending litigation.
Docket No. 25 -01 Z for College Hills PUD remains at Subdivision Committee.
Docket No. 46 -01 ADLS for Dan Young Chevrolet is tabled to June 19, 2001.
Jon also asked Commission members to consider two exhibits attached to the
memorandum regarding Docket No. 42 -01 DP /ADLS for the Heart Hospital and Medical
Office Building, Meridian at 465. These were in response to a request for information
from the Department.
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The Chairman announced items tabled this evening. They are lh, Meijers Convenience
Store; li, Wingate Inn; 7i, College Hills PUD; 5j Dan Young.
H. Public Hearings:
2h. Docket No. 42 -01 DP /ADLS; Meridian at 465 -Heart Hospital and
Medical Office Building
Petitioner seeks Development Plan and Architectural Design, Lighting,
Landscaping Signage approval for a hospital and medical office building. The
site is located at the southwest corner of 106 Street and US 31. The site is zoned
B -6 /business and within the US 31 Overlay Zone.
Filed by Paul G. Reis of the Reis Law Firm for REI Investments, Inc.
Paul Reis, 12358 Hancock Street, Carmel represented the petitioner, along with Julie
Christiansen of REI Investments. REI is the property owner and co- developer of the
property with Bremner Wiley. Tom Ford of Pflum, Klausmeier Gehrum, traffic
consultants for the project, was also in attendance.
The site is 13.5 acres in size located at the southwest corner of 106 Street and US 31.
Thomson Consumer Electronics Headquarters is south of the site, while Meridian Office
Plaza is east, across US31. Indiana Farmers Insurance is across 106 Street, along with
Perkins Plastic Surgery Center, and residential areas. The site goes across Illinois Street,
and up to 106 Street, and is zoned B -6 which allows hospitals and medical office
buildings as permitted uses. The site is also subject to the US31 Overlay Zone
Ordinance. As such, the Plan Commission must approve the Development Plan for the
site, as well as the architectural design, lighting, landscaping and signage, access to the
property, site layout, parking, and site circulation.
The proposed development consists of an acute care cardiac hospital, as well as an
attached medical office building. Due to the specialized nature of the hospital, there will
be a chest pain center in lieu of a full emergency room, thus limiting ambulance traffic
coming to the hospital. Overall traffic will be considerably less than a general hospital,
and will also be less than the office development previously approved for this site.
The hospital building consists of two components; the acute care and support area on the
first floor, along with surgery room, radiology labs, and all the support dealing with the
cardiac surgeries. There will also be a service area that contains the mechanical
equipment for the building.
The second component is a patient bedtower, 3 stories above the first floor building,
which will house up to 120 patients. It is anticipated there will be approximately 200
employees at the hospital during the day shift. With the penthouse on top of the
bedtower, the total height will be 76 feet. The maximum height allowable in the B -6
district is 150 feet. The attached medical office building is a three -story structure, 53 feet
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in height, which will provide office space for the doctors practicing within the Heart
Hospital.
The elevations submitted with informational packets were described, along with a
computer generated perspective view from the south, looking northwest into the site from
US 31. The buildings have been designed to conform to the general character of the US
31 corridor, and to utilize the "golden section" with regard to scale and proportion. The
building exteriors consist of architectural, pre -cast concrete, metal, and glass. Material
samples were shown. The building has been designed to fully enclose the air
conditioning condensing units and chillers, and the emergency power generator. The
cooling towers are atop the buildings, enclosed by pre -cast concrete walls. The
mechanical equipment for the medical office building will be on top of the building, and
will be screened pursuant to the Ordinance with the pre -cast, concrete screening wall.
The site was designed to provide functionality and efficiency to the project, as well as to
address safety, traffic, noise, and lighting issues. Due to the footprint of the building and
the unique physical characteristics of the site (narrow to the north and wider to the south
because of the existing Illinois Street), the project provided certain challenges.
Significant issues addressed were: 1) Preservation of the existing tree stand in the
northeast corner of the site. While some of the trees will be removed for surface parking,
and there are also drainage issues in the area, the trees will be preserved as much as
possible. 2) Location of all parking located east of Illinois Street. Two entrances to the
hospital have been designed. One entrance will segregate the employee and service
traffic from the general traffic for patients and visitors. This will also provide a service
drive for the physicians to enter their reserve parking in the front, and to allow them
quick access to the hospital. The second entrance provides the fire department with
access to the service drive around both buildings. The petitioner has added and enhanced
the landscaping along US 31 because of the parking that is being located within the 90-
foot build -to line area; this will keep all the parking east of Illinois Street and still
function efficiently for the hospital. We have also been in contact with INDOT, and the
site plan is consistent with the current plans on file with US 31 improvements. The
petitioner is also preserving trees on the west side of Illinois Street, and will be adding
trees on the west side of Illinois Street to further screen the adjacent residential areas
from the project.
The lighting plan is on file with the Department, and is in conformance with the
requirements of the Overlay Zone. By placing all parking east of Illinois Street, the
lighting is reduced to zero illumination at the northbound lane of Illinois Street.
Proposed signage was illustrated in the packets. A sample of the internally illuminated
lettering proposed on the buildings was shown.
The development will be an acute care, cardiac hospital, which differs significantly from
a general hospital, or the previously approved office development. Traffic consultants
indicate the project will have a negligible impact on the surrounding streets, particularly
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during the AM and PM peak hours. No additional traffic control modifications are
anticipated for the project.
At the time of filing in March, two different site plans were presented -one with a parking
garage, the other with surface parking only. Once the size of the Heart Hospital was
defined, it was determined that the parking would fit within the surface parking area. The
cost of building a parking garage is not economically feasible, and the number of spaces
would not be necessary based on the size of the hospital and the medical office building.
The petitioner has filed variances to be able to locate parking within the 90 -foot build -to
line, but the intent is to keep all of the parking to the east, away from the adjacent
residential area.
The petitioner is in the process of making some minor revisions to address concerns of
the Technical Advisory Committee. Resolution of these issues is anticipated this week.
Members of the public were invited to speak in favor of the proposal.
Jeff Reynolds, Property Manager representing Thomson Multi- Media, Inc, 10330 North
Meridian Street, spoke in favor of the proposal because construction of the vacant land
will decrease their common area maintenance charges for the office park. In addition, the
continued ability of REI to be pro- active in the planning; i.e. the landscape plan as well as
the traffic issues being addressed, and bringing a client to the land that provides a much
lower impact on rush hour traffic was lauded. He also feels the stated plan (locating all
the HVAC equipment at the far end of the facility and having it completely enclosed) will
enhance the livability of the area.
Dr. Steve Perkins, 106 and Meridian, Meridian Plastic Surgery Center, is in favor of the
proposal from the standpoint that the number of employees in this project would have
less impact on the area than an office building. The shift hours would vary from the
typical office (8 -5) hours and would not negatively impact the current traffic, which is
helpful due to the increase in traffic on 106 Street. The proposal is also an upstanding
medical facility, which will enhance the area.
Organized remonstrance began with Steve Mears, attorney, 8395 Keystone Crossing,
Indianapolis, representing the neighbors residing west of the property, the Reserve 2.
Their concerns are light spillage, location of the detention pond, removal of the trees and
installation of a landscape buffer. The neighbors want to ensure they will not be able to
hear the mechanical equipment. Traffic will have a potential of a 24 -hour operation. The
neighbors also hope for a commitment from the petitioner that they will not come back to
seek approval of a helicopter pad. The current proposal may result in the property being
overbuilt.
Norm Tabler, 313 Millridge, whose backyard abuts the property line of this proposal,
spoke of concerns with appearance, traffic, and noise. He feels it is overbuilt, with a sea
of asphalt. More land and trees would provide a buffer. We are talking about a 24 -hour,
7 days a week operation, involving shift changes, which also involves traffic at all these
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times. The entrances (on Illinois) and ingress /egress at shift changes would be better off
106 Street. The emergency entrance chosen is the closest possible to the residential
area /and will become the after -hours entry. This puts a burden on the neighbors that
should be avoided. Noise from a 24 -hours a day, 7 days a week operation could be a
continuing burden and disturbance. The thought of a helicopter is terrifying, and trash
pick -up is another item that needs to be considered from the standpoint of the neighbors.
Dave Fronek, 373 Millridge Drive, Reserve Subdivision, is concerned about the few trees
that will be left at the corner of 106 and Meridian and on Illinois at the retention pond.
The site will be overbuilt in terms of parking, and noise is a big concern. They already
suffer from a Lilly building with noise pollution.
The public hearing was closed.
Staff comments -Items are addressed in the Memorandum referred to earlier.
Mr. Reis said the petitioner is very sensitive to the issues raised by the neighbors and he
will endeavor to address those. The retention pond is the site of the one previously
approved for an office project that had been approved for this site. The number of
parking spaces proposed is felt to be appropriate for the operations planned at the site.
The 32 spaces for physicians are important as to the function of the facilities. The
petitioner plans to landscape this so it is not visible from the highway. Denial of some
parking spaces would not adversely affect the operations, but the petitioner feels their
suggested number of parking spaces is needed to make this a premier facility.
There is a building in the (area) development that creates considerable noise, and is one
reason for the design of the equipment for this facility. The service area where trash
pick -up will occur is designed far away from the residential area, and hours of use can be
addressed. Some trees that will be removed are to promote proper drainage for the site.
At this time there are no plans for a helicopter pad for this facility.
Mr. Houck questioned the "at this time" regarding a helicopter pad, and suggested
neighbors would feel better if they knew there would be no helicopter pad any time.
Julie Christensen, REI, compared the proposed Heart Hospital to the Methodist Medical
Plaza at I -465 and Meridian, an out patient surgery center. This, however, is a Heart
Hospital, and along with one proposed by Community Hospital, would be the first two in
this area.
Ron Houck asked if the retention pond might be reconfigured to minimize the number of
trees impacted, or to have more than one retention pond. Ms. Christensen said there are
other options that might affect more trees. The Chairman suggested this topic be
addressed at Committee.
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Mr. Dierckman asked who will be the ultimate operator of the facility. Ms. Christensen
said it would be a partnership of Central Indiana Health Systems, which will develop a
business that will allow for physician ownership. Ms. Christensen said they estimate a
maximum of 25 physicians on staff, and during a typical day shift a possibility of up to
200 employees.
Paul Spranger said the Heart Hospital seems a suitable use for this site, but he wanted to
address the US 31 Corridor issue. A great effort has been made for the appearance of
structures oriented to US 31. The Committee needs to take a hard look at the appearance
from that standpoint, and consider also the trees that will lose their leaves in the winter,
thus affecting the view.
Pat Rice asked about the emergency runs. It is not anticipated there would be a heavy
load of emergency vehicles, and there will be commitments for the emergency vehicles to
turn off their sirens when exiting US 31, unless specifically needed.
Mr. Cremeans would like to make sure the Urban Forester is on top of the situation
regarding tree removal and replacement, even if the retention pond stays in the location
now proposed.
Mr. Houck wants the Committee to address the building footprint, perhaps considering
the consolidation of two, one -floor buildings into one, two -story building, thus adding
open space, and perhaps considering the re- location of the emergency room farther away
from residences.
Julie Christensen said there are practical difficulties in structuring surgical suites on
multiple floors. The hospital was designed from the inside out, determined by
operational needs; then the footprint was established. Proximity of the operating rooms
to the pre -op rooms, to the chest pain center, catherization labs, etc. need to be designed
with certain proximity to each other. The petitioner is willing to take a look at the
suggestions.
The project will proceed to Special Study Committee on June 5, 2001 at 7 p.m.
3h. Docket No. 47 -01 CA; the Retreat
Petitioner seeks Commitment Amendment approval to revise the approved
Preliminary Site Plan and No Build Zone. The site is located north of I -465 and
west of Westfield Boulevard. The site is zoned R -4 /residence.
Filed by Harry F. Todd of Gibraltar Properties, Inc.
Harry Todd of Gibraltar Properties stated that in 1999 nine commitments were made at
the time of the rezone for this property. The petitioner is seeking to modify some of these
commitments. Commitment 3A was to build according to the preliminary site plan. The
petitioner would also like to vary a commitment for a 150 foot no -build area. There are
four modifications to the site plan; two require no amendments, since governmental
agencies requested them as part of their commitment. One change is along the northern
border of the property, and is a result of a suggestion by the Technical Advisory
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Committee to keep a rolling area at this boundary for aesthetic benefit, thus moving three
buildings to another location. The second change regards the walking trail around the
lake. The Army Corp of Engineers determined this area included pre- emergent wetlands,
so the walkway has been eliminated in order to keep the wetlands intact. The third
change was a developer mistake. The tennis court has been moved north of the
clubhouse. For liability reasons, they would like to remove a pier from the plans for
safety. In addition, a 24 x 36 square foot maintenance building was omitted from the
preliminary site plan, and has been built within the 150 foot no -build zone parallel to I-
465. That no -build zone was originally for County Highway benefit, and County plans
have changed since that time. There are 360 units on the site plan.
Members of the public were invited to speak in favor of the proposal. None appeared.
Ray Snyder, resident of the Retreat, said he was not noticed of the petitioner's plans to
change the original commitments; none of his neighbors has been noticed either.
Mr. Todd apologized for the lack of communication with residents. He does feel
prospective residents were shown the current layout rather than the original site plan for
the Retreat. The Chairman questioned management showing prospective residents plans
that had not been approved, and not communicating with residents.
The Department said there are a lot of issues to be discussed, and suggests these be
addressed at Subdivision Committee. It also needs to be determined whether proper
notice was achieved.
Pat Rice asked about resident access to the lake if the walkway has been withdrawn, since
lake access was offered to prospective buyers /renters.
Dave Cremeans was very concerned about the location of the maintenance building being
at a focal point from I -465, and how these typically deteriorate as time goes on. The
petitioner committed to screen the building as much as possible with landscaping, since it
is highly visible from 465.
The Chairman said that this project will be reviewed on June 5, 2001 at 7:00 PM by the
Special Study Committee.
I. Old Business:
li. Docket No. 109 -99 DP /ADLS; Wingate Inn
Currently Tabled due to pending litigation
2i. Docket No. 186 -00 Z; DePauw Rezone
Petitioner seeks favorable recommendation of a rezone from the S-
2 /residence district to the B -5 /business district on 1.87 acres. The site is
located northwest of West 131s Street and North Meridian Street. The site
is zoned S -2 /residence.
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Filed by E. Davis Coots of Coots Henke Wheeler for CH Land LLC.
3i. Docket No. 187 -00 Z: DePauw Rezone
Petitioner seeks favorable recommendation of a rezone from the S-
2 /residence district to the B -5 /business district on 9.42 acres. The site is
located northwest of West 131s Street and North Meridian Street. The site
is zoned S -2 /residence within the US 31/Meridian Street Overlay Zone.
Filed by E. Davis Coots of Coots Henke Wheeler for CMC Properties
Inc.
4i. Docket No. 188 -00 Z; DePauw Rezone
Petitioner seeks favorable recommendation of a rezone from the S-
2 /residence district to the B -5 /business district on 10.02 acres. The site
is located northwest of West 131s Street and North Meridian Street. The
site is zoned S -2 /residence within the US 31/Meridian Street Overlay
Zone.
Filed by E. Davis Coots of Coots Henke Wheeler for DePauw
University and Earlham College.
Mr. Dobosiewicz stated that as of today, the Department has not received specific plans
regarding the intersection at 131s Street and US 31, and since receipt of such information
was a condition before returning to full Commission from Committee, this project will
remain at Committee.
Mr. Dave Coots spoke on behalf of the petitioner and stated this is a rezone application,
not an ADLS application, or a construction permit. His understanding was that the
petitioner was required as part of the ADLS review to have consideration and approval by
the City Engineer of the proposed Meridian Corners intersection (the entrance to both
tracts) and the filing and approval of a development plan and ADLS application. He
requests that the rezone be voted on this evening and forwarded to the City Council,
knowing that ADLS approval will be contingent on resolution of issues referred to
earlier.
Mr. Molitor commented that there has been an exchange of letters between Mr. Bramen
(representing DePauw University) and him with regard to the reservation of a certain
number of acres, item 4i. in particular. There is a concern that all three items need to be
considered as a package when they go before City Council because the reservation of
some or all of the 10.02 acres may be a condition of moving forward.
Mr. Dierckman stated the curb cut issue was to be dealt with prior to this evening, and
that this should be tabled until this issue, and others, are resolved.
These applications will be returned to Special Study Committee for further review on
June 5, 2001.
5i. Docket No. 14 -01 Z; USTA PUD (Pending Subdivision Committee action
5/10)
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Petitioner seeks favorable recommendation of a rezone from the R -1 /residence
district to a PUD /planned unit development district on 1.920 acres. The site is
located on the northwest corner of East 96 Street and the Carmel/Clay Monon
Greenway. The site is zoned R -1 /residence.
Filed by John K. Smeltzer of Bose McKinney Evans for the Midwest Youth
Tennis Foundation.
John Smeltzer, attorney with Bose McKinney Evans, 600 E. 96 Street, appeared
before the Commission representing the Midwest Youth Tennis Foundation and the
USTA Midwest Section. Mark Saunders, Executive Director of the USTA was in
attendance, along with Jay Hacker, Board Member, and Steve Granner, Planner with
Bose McKinney and Evans.
In an attempt to assist the full Commission in their deliberations, hand delivered packets
were provided to the Commission members last Friday detailing changes made to the
PUD between initial filing and the final changes proposed by the Subdivision Committee
on May 10 The May 11 cover letter details the major changes, including the red -lined
version of the PUD Ordinance. Revised color renderings of the building showing
different brick colors are also included. The yellowish brick has been eliminated as well
as the tennis player depicted on the south elevation.
Both the USTA and the Committee would like to reach a consensus on ADLS and the
petitioner has agreed to review some of the landscape and design issues raised at the
Subdivision Committee level. The Subdivision Committee forwarded a favorable report
to the full Commission, and Staff also recommends favorable consideration.
Mr. Houck, Subdivision Committee Chairman, said the Committee attempted to identify
all of the issues regarding the PUD. The Committee discussed traffic, compatibility with
the area, impact and proximity to the Monon. The Committee also re- visited the history
of this property back to the Five Seasons. Although the history was somewhat confusing
and clouded, it was clear that a determination needed to be made on this project today
regarding compatibility and sensibility for the area. With that, an approval was reached,
4 -1, to return to the full Commission.
Mr. Houck said the Ordinance had been gone over section -by- section, page -by -page,
line -by -line, and a number of changes were made to improve the project and minimize
impact on the adjacent area.
Dave Cremeans recollected that this land was dedicated, open greenspace when the Five
Seasons was originally approved.
Ron Houck said this was definitely part of the confusion referred to earlier. Dating back
to the 1994 Five Seasons rezone, there were four parcels —three of which were combined
to make the current Five Seasons, and this particular parcel was split off. Confusion
probably resulted from parking landbanking was originally provided for parking, and
other space was found for parking on the three parcels. Again, when the three parcels
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were combined, the fourth one was split off and it is probably unclear, but the sense is
that it was still under the Special Use originally applied for, even though it was split off.
Even if that were the case, the petitioner had the right to request the change. The
Committee's scope of review for Today was, "Did that change make sense
Dave Cremeans reiterated his thought that this was to have been dedicated open space. It
is not known that this was a formal commitment, but that was certainly the general
feeling among the members of the Plan Commission. This is a great project and a good
use of this parcel, but the concern is more global than this issue; and does this establish a
precedent. The concern is where the line is drawn.
Ron Houck understood Dave Cremeans' sentiments. However, there was some
confusion at the time of original presentation about the combining of parcels. At some
time, this parcel was split off. There are two schools of thought: How the Committee
reviewed it, and what was done in terms of recording the parcels and combining the
parcels at the time of recording in Noblesville. There was obviously a legal process that
occurred that seemed to differentiate this parcel from the remainder, and the Committee
needed to consider it in the project before them.
Pat Rice said this came through the Board of Zoning Appeals as a Special Use for the
entire parcel, and the parking was that part which was to be used for future parking and
then discovered that it was not needed. Unbeknown to the BZA, the community, and
anyone, that piece was split off and recorded in Noblesville, but it did not come through
the Plan Commission, so none of us knew. Yet the original agreement had a binding
agreement for successors for Special Use, to keep it Special Use. Pat said she did not
participate in the second Committee discussion because, in her opinion, "From the very
beginning, we've been given less than truthful assertions, both by Five Seasons' letter
with a number of things that are simply not truthful, as well as a representative of
USTA." The integrity of this body is being compromised by being asked to approve a
rezone under the PUD on inadequate to outright false representation.
Wayne Wilson said he has been a member of the non for profit athletic organization
business for a number of years and feels it is good that the USTA has chosen to bring this
facility to Carmel. He feels the Committee has done an excellent job in its consideration.
While unaware of past history on the parcel, it is important for the community, and for
accessibility to the Monon trail nearby. The building is very compatible with the Five
Seasons and with the area.
Marilyn Anderson asked if the commitment for use of the parking lot and access to the
Monon would be binding upon successors.
Mr. Smeltzer said they had not made a commitment, but if that is part of the process, as
far as use of the parking lot, they would be willing to do that. There was a question as to
a trail connecting between the Monon and the right -of -way. Mr. Smeltzer explained that
the right -of -way has been dedicated to Hamilton County. A letter was sent to Les Locke,
the County Engineer, and Mr. Locke requested specifics on the materials to be used, and
the width of the path.
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Leo Dierckman asked why these commitments were not made and included with the
package PUD at the Committee level before it was sent to full Commission.
Ron Houck explained that there is already a plan for the parcel east of the Monon to
become a trailhead with parking and facilities. The Committee did not specifically ask
the petitioner to provide a written commitment, we asked for their commitment to
provide access to the Monon from their parking lot and to make their parking lot
available to users of the Monon. The petitioner volunteered to make their building
facilities available to the Monon during such times as the building was staffed. The
Committee did not ask for this to be a written commitment, but if that is desired, the
petitioner is willing to do that.
Marilyn Anderson asked for a commitment that if the building is sold, the commitment
will remain in force with the property, no matter who owns the building.
Mr. Smeltzer said the commitments would run with the land. The petitioner will make a
written commitment to provide the connection to the Monon, for use of the parking
facilities after office hours and on weekends, and reasonable use of the restroom facility
during such time that the building is staffed and open. This is an office building and
there must be some control. We are hoping the trailhead will have restrooms that will be
used by most users of the trail.
Dianna Knoll said the main point, with regard to the Monon, is that the trailhead itself is
at the Gibraltar site previously presented. The landscaping will be comparable and blend
well with the other areas to make a connection for access to the Monon.
In response to questions from Linda Flanders, Mr. Smeltzer said the signage will be US
Tennis Association. The reason for this site is for the exposure in Carmel as well as 465.
The USTA Hall of Fame will be on the first floor; the second floor will be leased. This is
an office building; currently, USTA is in Castleton in an office building.
Mark Saunders, 371 Bolin Court, Carmel, Executive Director of the Midwest Youth
Tennis Foundation, U.S. Tennis Association addressed the Commission. The USTA
currently leases about 5,000 square feet of office space in Castleton. The mix is mostly
corporate, and USTA is the only sport association in the current building. In the
proposed building, it is anticipated that the first floor will be occupied primarily by tennis
organizations and the Hall of Fame. The petitioner hopes to bring the Foundation,
District Office of the Central Indiana Tennis Association, MJTL Chapter, the Hamilton
County Community Tennis Association, and the Indianapolis Community Tennis
Association to this site. Other national bodies have not been approached, but it is hoped
they might be encouraged to come to this facility. The national organization owns its
own office building in White Plains, New York and has 17 sectional associations across
the country, of which we are the second largest. USTA will own this building fully.
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Pat Rice inquired about the percentage of the facility that would be occupied by tennis-
related businesses. Mr. Saunders said there are 5,100 square feet on the main floor and
2,800 square feet for the Hall of Fame; all under their jurisdiction. Approximately 3,000
square feet on the main floor would be tennis associations we hope to attract. The second
floor will be leased to other NGB's, although they haven't gone further in the process yet
to know specific tenants. Initially, they would need to generate income from leasing the
second floor. We will occupy approximately 75% of the main floor, and perhaps 25 -30%
of the overall structure. It is their intent to be in the facility long term. The U.S.T.A. is
already very visible in the community, and this will be enhanced with the presence of this
facility.
Medical and office space have been removed as possible tenants in the PUD, per Mr.
Saunders.
Ron Houck moved to approve Docket No. 14 -01 USTA PUD, seconded by Mr. Wilson.
The vote was 6 in favor, 6 opposed (Anderson, Cremeans, Dierckman, Flanders,
Meighen, and Rice).
Following a brief recess, Ms. Anderson clarified the vote on Docket No. 14 -01 USTA
PUD. The 6 -6 vote was a NO DECISION vote; this item will be forwarded to City
Council.
Ron Houck then made a formal motion to send the USTA PUD on to City Council with a
"No Recommendation" vote, seconded by Mr. Cremeans. The motion was APPROVED
by a vote of 9 in favor, 3 opposed (Spranger, Kestner, Wilson).
Mr. Houck clarified that if the item is approved at City Council level, the USTA will
return to the Commission for ADLS review.
6i. Docket No. 22 -01 ADLS; Mayflower Park Subdivision
Petitioner seeks approval to establish a Subdivision sign. The site is zoned
I -1 /industrial within the U.S. 421 Overlay Zone.
Filed by James W. Browning of Browning Investments
Ron Houck moved to TABLE this item up to thirty days or if the petitioner appears this
evening, seconded by Leo Dierckman. This item is Tabled for a period of time up to 30
days, since the petitioner was not present when this Docket was called.
Later in the evening, Ron Houck moved to remove this item from the table so that it
could be heard. This motion passed 11 -0.
At this point, Linda Flanders asked to be recused from this item, and the request was
granted.
Jamie Browning of Browning Investments appeared on behalf of the petitioner.
Mayflower Park is located between 96 and 106 Streets and Michigan Road. Mr.
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Browning referred to documentation for the exact location on 99 Street south of the RCI
Headquarters and north of the proposed Chrysler /Jeep dealership. The major portion of
the sign is in stainless steel; the background of the lettering is white baked enamel. The
proposed sign is 21 feet long and 8 feet tall, however the tallest letters are only one foot
and the smaller letters are actually eight inches. The purpose of the sign is to designate
the business park, which caters mostly to office and warehouse uses, and also to
designate 99 Street.
The landscape plan includes seasonal flowers, trees, and ground cover. The site is
approximately 20 feet off Michigan Road, and there are no visibility or line -of -sight
issues with the sign.
Ron Houck reported that Mr. Browning has appeared before the Subdivision Committee
twice, and there are no outstanding issues. The Committee voted unanimously for
approval.
Dave Cremeans referred the Department to TAB 9, and said the petitioner had
incriminated himself with a "flapping in the wind," yellow sign. Mr. Browning said he
believes the sign in question is no longer there.
Mr. Houck made a motion to approve Docket No. 22 -01 ADLS, Mayflower Park
Subdivision, seconded by Norma Meighen. The vote was APPROVED 10 in favor,
none opposed, Linda Flanders recused, No Vote -Paul Spranger.
7i. Docket No. 25 -01 Z; College Hills PUD (Pending Subdivision
Committee action on May 10)
This item remains at the Subdivision Committee for review.
8i. Docket No. 37 -01 ADLS; Parkwood Crossing West, Buildings A, B,
C
Petitioner seeks Architectural Design Lighting, Landscaping Signage
approval for an office complex. The site is located on the northeast corner
of West 96 Street and Spring Mill Road. The site is zoned PUD /planned
unit development.
Filed by John K. Smeltzer of Bose McKinney Evans for Dukes -Weeks
Realty.
Blair Carmissino with Dukes -Weeks Realty, 600 East 96 Street, represented the
petitioner. Mr. Carmissino referred to the lawsuits commented on earlier by John Molitor
and stated that these have now been settled. A condition of the settlement included
moving the buildings and parking 40 feet to the EAST, and this has been done on a
preliminary basis. This can be done without an adverse impact on the ADLS plans
submitted with this application. The final engineering has not been done as yet, but most
of the landscaping and lighting will be the same, and all architectural design will be the
same.
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Inasmuch as the Director has the authority to approve changes up to 10 the petitioner is
seeking a favorable recommendation for the plans as submitted. Allen Tucker of CSO is
present this evening to answer any architectural questions.
Mr. Dobosiewicz feels there will be no substantive changes to the ADLS; if so, it would
require a return to the Commission for approval. At this time, the ADLS as submitted is
appropriate to be acted upon this evening.
The Commission asked the petitioner to briefly identify the issues addressed at
Committee.
Mr. Tucker showed the decorative light poles at the entrance; the vertical lines of the
building have been extended horizontally across the plaza by stained concrete, with the
grid going north- south. The same grid on the building is being picked up in the east /west
direction via landscaping. The landscaping is mostly junipers, grasses, etc. and is less
formal than the rendering. There are large trees on the outer end of the elipse, and in the
center there are more large trees. There is a stone wall with seeding areas for signage,
and more decorative light fixtures for the pedestrian connector colonnade.
The parking plazas (A B) make the stair towers the feature. They extend with covered
access to the upper deck, using windows, pre -cast detailing similar to the buildings with a
standing seam metal roof. The higher height is where it steps over the road, allowing
truck access, then lower to a pedestrian scale. Where the connectors join the parking
structure to the main courtyard, it is done very simply with metal columns and a pre -cast
base and a standing seam metal roof. We treat it differently in the colonnade. Looking
from the northwest, we see the treatment on the spandrels of the parking structure using
the same pre -cast that is on the building, off -white with red, horizontal reveals, and
finishing it with landscaping of evergreen trees to minimize the view. The connector
coming across is a very understated look and that was the intent.
Mr. Dierckman reported that the Committee voted 5 -1 to recommend approval of the
project. Leo was appreciative of Duke's efforts in working with the Committee.
Leo Dierckman moved for the approval of Docket No. 37 -01 ADLS, Parkwood
Crossing West, Buildings A, B C, seconded by Paul Spranger. The vote was 12 in
favor, none opposed, Motion APPROVED.
J. New Business:
lj. Docket No. 33 -01 ADLS; Merchants' Square, Carrabba's Grill
Petitioner seeks Architectural Design, Lighting, Landscaping Signage
approval for a restaurant. The site is located on the northeast corner of
Keystone Way and Keystone Way East. The site is zoned B -8 /business
and lies partially within the SR 431/Keystone Avenue Overlay Zone.
Filed by James J. Nelson of Nelson Frankenberger for Outback
Steakhouse, Inc.
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Jim Nelson, 3663 Brumley Way, Carmel, represented Carrabba's Italian Grill. Also
present were Mark Wibel of Carrabba's and Barbara Eden of Carson Design.
Carrabba's Italian Grill is a division of Outback Steak House and has selected Carmel for
a site, the first in this area. The property is one acre in size, and is located at the corner of
Keystone Way and Keystone Way East, between MCL Cafeteria on the south and the
Tucker building on the north. Carrabba's began in Houston, Texas and was acquired by
Outback Steak House in 1995. Today there are 81 Carrabba's restaurants, primarily in
the east. Mr. Nelson has eaten at two of these restaurants, both in Florida, and feels they
are deserving of their fine reputation as a high- quality family restaurant that offers
excellent food at a very reasonable price. Gary Linder says the best way to evaluate a
restaurant is from their menu, so Mr. Nelson has provided Commission members with a
menu, including some newspaper articles, as the restaurants opened in their communities.
Carrabba's will be open only in the evening, and will go toward the Linder Company
goal to attract and retain quality companies in the Merchants Square area. The property
is zoned B -8, and therefore requires Commission approval of the ADLS plan.
The site plan shows the orientation of the building to the north, with the front facing
south. One point of access is from Keystone Way, the other from Keystone Way East.
The parking area was identified, and the landscaping as a primary feature was shown. A
definitive plan of the landscaping is on file, and is not only in the perimeter, but also in
the 30 -foot greenbelt along Keystone, within the parking area, with foundation plantings
around the building. There will be a planter box running the entire dimension of the front
elevation. A ground sign will be at the Keystone Way entrance, shown on the site plan as
being perpendicular to Keystone Way. It is the prototype ground sign used many times in
Merchants Square.
The predominant building material is Smithsonian brick. This will adorn not only the
front, but the three remaining elevations as well. Accents to the brick are wood trim at
the windows and a wooden entry door. The front elevation was displayed showing the
Carrabba sign over the entryway. The trash area is enclosed and constructed of the same
material as the building. A wall sign will be on the Keystone elevation, visible to people
traveling north and south on Keystone Avenue. Carrabba's has three frontages and is
therefore entitled to three signs (one on the Keystone elevation, one on the front of the
building, and the ground sign).
Mr. Nelson showed a photograph of an existing Carrabba's Restaurant, which illustrates
the unique feature of a roof garden. This is the new national identification trade mark of
Carrabba's and is symbolic of its Italian heritage and countryside. The roof garden
consists of live plant materials indigenous to Indiana, and will be soft lighted. The Urban
Forester has reviewed the plans for the roof garden in this Carrabba's. There is no
dining on the roof.
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Mr. Nelson said the Staff recommends this petition be forwarded to the June 5 Special
Study Committee meeting.
Mr. Kestner asked what kind of commitment will exist if the "theme restaurant" was no
longer on this site. Mr. Nelson will discuss this with the petitioner and report back.
Mr. Spranger asked for a commitment that plant material on the rooftop will be live, and
will not be replaced by artificial materials at a later date. Mr. Nelson does not see a
problem with this requirement.
Docket No. 33 -01 ADLS, Merchants' Square, Carrabba's Grill was forwarded to the
Special Study Committee for review on June 5, 2001 at 7:00 PM.
2j. Docket No. 40 -01 ADLS; Merchants' Pointe Lot 2, O'Charley's
Petitioner seeks Architectural Design, Lighting, Landscaping and Signage
approval for a restaurant. The site is located southwest of East 116 Street and
North Keystone Avenue. The site is zoned B -8 /business.
Filed by Byron Bohrman of Design and Enginering, P.C.
Mr. Jim Nelson asked if this item and the next, might be heard together since they are on
contiguous lots in Merchants' Pointe, then voted on separately. This was approved.
3j. Docket No. 41 -01 ADLS; Merchants' Pointe Lot 3, Longhorn
Steakhouse
Petitioner seeks Architectural Design, Lighting, Landscaping and Signage
approval for a restaurant. The site is located southwest of East 116 Street and
North Keystone Avenue. The site is zoned B -8 /business.
Filed by Warren Koch of WD Partners.
Mr. Jim Nelson, 3663 Brumley Way, Carmel represented both O'Charley's Restaurant
and Longhorn Steakhouse. Also present are Roy Williams from O'Charley's and Ed
Cochrun from Longhorn Steakhouse. The request is for ADLS approval for an
O'Charley's restaurant on lot 2 in Merchants Pointe, and a Longhorn Steakhouse on lot 3
in Merchants' Pointe.
Merchants' Pointe is located at the southwest corner of Keystone and 116 Street and
was presented as a 7 -lot commercial subdivision. By way of background, ADLS
approval was received for the first 3 lots in Merchants' Pointe; lot 5 (Borders Book
Store), lot 6 (2 -story office building)), and lot 7 (retail service and office building.) We
began with those lots because they set the design theme. The consistency of building
materials (brick and stone) and consistency of traditional design for the three buildings
were intended to provide a backdrop for the four lots that front directly on 116 Street.
These may be more individually designed building material, since three of the lots were
to be theme restaurants. You will see tonight that what we are providing is a design that
is complementary, specifically with regard to design and more specifically, the building
materials.
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O'Charley's Restaurant is proposed to be 7,062 square feet in size and will face 116
Street. Its prominent building material is red brick. There is currently an O'Charley's
under construction in Glendale, and one in operation at 86 Street and Michigan Road.
The primary building material is a muted red brick with a ceramic tile band accent at the
entrance; striped awnings; wall- mounted, crook lights; and green tinted glass with green
mullions for the window treatment. The roofline is highlighted by a green neon band,
which runs around the entirety of the building. Elevations for the west, east, and south
were shown. The two signs include one on the building and the prototypical ground sign
approved for Merchants Pointe.
The Longhorn Steakhouse proposed for lot 3 will be a single story building of 5,072
square feet, Also facing 116 Street. The primary building material will be a hard plank
painted siding, as well as stacked stone for the wainscot and columns. The siding is both
lapped and vertical, and is a form of concrete, and possesses a 50 -year warranty. The
roof is asphalt shingle. An alternative material of brick is provided in the packet,
although the stacked stone is preferred by the petitioner because it will match better with
improvements coming on lot 1.
Signage for Longhorn: Three signs are proposed, since there are three frontages; one on
the south, one on the front, and the ground sign.
As a point of information, the Carrabba's site, the Longhorn site, and the O'Charley's site
are all land leases. At the termination of use by a certain tenant, the building remains
under the ownership and would be up for re- letting by Linder, so there is control over the
future use of the buildings.
Mr. Houck asked for clarification of the neon. Mr. Nelson said O'Charley's has a green
neon band, and Longhorn has red channelized neon accents in the roofline. Mr. Houck
asked the committee to address this, and also the colors. Mr. Dierckman agreed, and
suggests the visibility might not need to be as great here as compared to locations
needing visibility from a highway.
Pat Rice recommended the client come prepared with an alternative for signage. Both
items were referred to the Special Study Committee on June 5, 2001 at 7 p.m.
4j. Docket No. 42 -01 ADLS; Merchants Square, Donatos Pizza
Petitioner seeks Architectural Design, Lighting, Landscaping Signage approval
for a restaurant. The site is located at 1422 Keystone Way. The site is zoned B-
8 /business and is located partially within the SR 431/Keystone Avenue Overlay
Zone.
Filed by Kevin Cavanaugh for Donatos Pizza Restaurant.
Kevin Cavanaugh, Consultant for Donatos Pizza with office at 7705 Andrew Pass,
Plainfield, Indiana, appeared on behalf of the petitioner. Also present were Jeff Cruder,
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construction project manager for Donatos; Steve Canada, Donatos area real estate
manager, and George Lucas of Lucas, Mann Associates, civil engineers.
The site is in the northwest quadrant of 116 Street and Keystone Avenue, currently the
Noble Roman Pizza building. The plan is to demolish this building, and to build a
Donatos Pizza on the same site, utilizing the same entry from Keystone Way East, and
access points from a shared drive with MCL Cafeteria. We have placed our building in
the exact location as is Noble Roman. Our landscape plan has been expanded to include
approximately 460 square feet of foundation plantings around the building edge. We
have also arranged to preserve some existing plantings along the northwest corner, and
another tree at the southwest corner. We have complied with requests of the Urban
Forester to change the species of the canopy and shade trees. There will also be a
privacy, shadow -box fence along the west property line as a visual barrier from the back
of the existing facilities, and behind the proposed Donatos. The building materials will
be red brick and a lighter buff -brick that will be the accent band along the wood face
block. Kevin Cavanaugh showed samples of the canopy awning material, and of the
metal roofing material that is an integral part of the entry tower of the building.
One elevation shows proposed signage, the Donatos signature oval on the tower and the
Donatos individual letter sign on the central side of the building. Since they are in excess
of permitted signage, a variance has been requested. There is also a third, directional sign
proposed for guiding customers to the pick -up window.
This is a prototypical Donatos building, designed for easy customer recognition as they
expand their market in new communities. Photographs of existing buildings were shown.
The lighting plan has been modified as a result of Technical Advisory Committee
concerns about the light levels at the south property line, adjacent to the Car -X site. The
modified proposal now calls for .3 foot candle at the property line. A typical building
accent incandescent light fixture was shown, and the style of shoebox lighting for the
parking lot was noted in the packets.
Staff has no outstanding concerns, and recommends this project go on to Special Study
Committee on June 5, 2001.
Mr. Houck suggested the Committee consider the color of awnings, as well as the number
of signs. It was noted that there are Donatos buildings at 106 and Michigan Road, and
one on 116 Street in Fishers that are substantially like the one proposed for Merchants
Square.
Docket No. 42 -01 ADLS, Merchants Square, Donatos Pizza, was referred to the
Special Study Committee on June 5, 2001 at 7:00 PM in the Caucus Rooms.
Docket No. 22 -01 ADLS was heard at this point, a summary of which is in the original
agenda order.
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Mr. Molitor requested the Commission schedule an Executive Session at 6:30 p.m.,
immediately prior to the Committee Meeting on June 5, 2001, in order to review a
settlement agreement on the lawsuit regarding the Parkwood West project at 96 and
Meridian Streets.
Mr. Dobosiewicz announced that the June 5 committee meeting might be facilitated by
members submitting concerns ahead of time about any items they would like petitioners
to address. There are a significant number of items (11 or 12 items) on that agenda, and
time might be used more efficiently in this manner.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was
adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
Ramona Hancock
Marilyn Anderson, President
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