HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes PC 07-17-07
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CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION
JULY 17,2007
Minutes
The Carmel Plan Commission met at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City
Hall, One Civic Square. Carmel. Indiana. The meeting opened with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Commission members present: Leo Dierckman, Kevin Heber, Rick Ripma, Sally
Shapiro, Steve Stromquist, Madeleine Torres. Sue Westermeier, thereby
establishing a quorum.
DOCS Staff present: Mike Hollibaugh, Director; Angie Conn, Planning
Administrator. John Molitor, Legal Counsel was also present.
The minutes from the June 19,2007 meeting were approved as submitted.
John Molitor, Legal Counsel indicated that it had been intended to have a
meeting of the Executive Committee to discuss possible initiation of litigation and
then to discuss proposed rules of procedure in a regular meeting of the Executive
Committee. Because of some confusion regarding the notice, neither of those
meetings occurred. Therefore, we can discuss at a later time when those
meetings will be rescheduled, perhaps in conjunction with our regular committee
meetings the first week in August.
Department Announcement, Angie Conn: Request to place Docket No. 07020020
OA: US 31 & 421 Overlay Architectural Design Amendment, on the August 7, 2007
Subdivision Committee agenda, rather than the August 7 Special Studies agenda, due to
agenda length. This will take just a simple vote ofthe commission. Also, both Holiday
Inn items have been tabled per the petitioner's request-Dockets Number 07030035 DP
and 070070009 ADLS. There has also been a request from two Plan Commission
members-not present at this time-that the Irwin Bank: agenda item be moved to the end
of the meeting to allow for arrival and vote on that item.
The last item on the Agenda will be presented by Adrienne Keeling, DOCS staff.
Adrienne Keeling, DOCS asked that the Commission refer to the materials distributed
this evening. Adriem1e indicated last month that the City Council passed a resolution
directing the Plan Commission to prepare and evaluate a proposal to amend the zoning
ordinance. Their request is for the Plan Commission to consider eliminating the
provisions which exempt lots in qualifying subdivisions which are ROSa lots, exempting
them from the minimum lot area and set-back standards. The Council's request is for the
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colors were reviewed. Leo asked how you would define this architecture. Todd Williams
responded that it is considered modern architecture with clean, crisp lines.
Rick Ripma - indicated that he does not find the building attractive. Also discussed at
this time was the need for "green spaces."
Sally Shapiro said the vacuum tubes are exposed and asked if there was any way to
enclose them and not have the pipes hanging down.
Todd Williams sard they might be able to take the horizontal portion of the tube and put
in under the canopy and possibly drop something down to cover it. Trying to enclose the
tubes would be difficult. Irwin Bank does not do underground vacuum tubes. They were
exposed intentionally, but since this is a modern building we do not feel we have to hide
things, we need to study them.
Sue Westermeier commented that it is not the most attractive building.
Further discussion revolved around the architecture, site location, etc.
Jim Shinaver reviewed the ordinances for this area which are all met by the project.
Rick Ripma made formal motion to approve Docket No. 07040021 DP/ADLS: Irwin
Union Bank, Carmel Science & TechPark, Block 11, Lot 3 with the exception of the
"green" spaces (there are no green spaces) Madeleine Torres seconded the motion. The
vote was 5 in favor, two opposed (Shapiro, Heber.) No Action Taken.
Sue Westermeier then made formal motion to approve Docket No. 07040021
DP/ADLS: Irwin Union Bank, Carmel Science & Tech Park, Block 11, and Lot 3,
seconded by Sally Shapiro, Approved 6 in favor, one opposed (Ripma.)
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-The applicant seeks -development plan"approval for "fi\je-buiIClihg~:L-The site is.
located at the NE corner of US 31 (Meridian) and W. Main Street and is zoned B-
6/Business within the US 31 Overlay.
Filed by Jamie Browning of Browning Real Estate Partners.
Jaime Browning presented. Mr. Browning was accompanied by Chris Wiseman, Paul
Cripe, Civil Engineers and Matt Skelton, Esq. with Baker and Daniels. This is the
second reading of our development plan for our project. As you may recall we subm.itted
a rezone application earlier this year which was approved by the Plan Commission and
City Council. Our development plan contemplates 4-5 structures, whrch would consist of
office space, possibly medical office space, retail in the building on 131 sl and
Pennsylvania. As I noted with the Commission and City Council, our request for retail
would require us to return for a variance. I did assure the Council that I would restrict the
amount of retail to no more than 15% of the gross area of the development.
The circulation around the site includes a proposed interchange to be constructed at
13151 Street and Pennsylvania; also there is a plan contemplated to extend 1315t to Old
Meridian via Grand Blvd. This part of 131 sl is slated for interchange as part of the
State's "Major Moves" program. We have submitted our utility drainage plans both to the
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City Engineer and the County Surveyor. We have received their comments and have
made modifications as requested.
The petitioner submitted a tree survey to Scott Brewer for his review. Regarding the
buffer zone, it is the intention not to remove any more trees than allowed by the
Ordinance. Also, we intend to leave as many trees as we can between the development
and the adjoining residential property. Since the last Plan Commission meeting, the
petitioner met with a group of the residents, discussed all of the issues, and unless there
is anything to the contrary, it appears that all concerns have been effectively address at
this time. In regards to open space, Mr. Browning displayed a visual showing the
coverage rate to be 57%, the maximum coverage rate in the ordinance is 65% and the
petitioner is well within the allowable; we hope to maintain this green space as we move
forward. Some concern was voiced that we will not be using green building practices or
LEED certified practices. Our detention area which fronts on US 31 is a terminology
called Best Management Practices in terms of water quality. This is an EPA certified
. program that is also embraced by the City.
Currently we are seeking Development Plan approval-any issues related to ADLS
approval would be submitted on an individual basis and information provided at that
time. In that regard, we will do our very best to incorporate the suggestions of the Plan
Commission related to green building practices.
Steve Stromquist reported for the Special Studies Committee. Regarding the DP and
ADLS-there is a lot of concrete and not enough green space. The petitioner did
commit that no more than 15% of the development would be retail.
Jamie Browning: Subsequent to the Special Studies, we made changes to the
secondary entrance. The concern of the Committee was that there was a roundabout to
manage the traffic and secondly, the road really did not function well with the alignment
with Grand Blvd. The request was to take that road and make it more of an ancillary
road, more of an emergency use for fire trucks, so we have made that change and have
highlighted that on the plan.
Steve Stromquist said the petitioner agreed to green grass pavers for fire truck entrance
and for emergency vehicles to enter and exit the site. The Committee voted
unanimously to go forward with this project.
Angie Conn, DOCS noted that the petitioner does comply with all requirements of the US
31 Overlay, however, the Department would still like to see a site that is more pedestrian
friendly with buildings grouped closer together, more walk-able, since it is adjacent to the
Old Meridian District. However the Department does recommend approval.
Steve Stromquist commented that depending on who the tenant may be, there is the
possibility of a parking garage being built.
Madeleine Torres clarified that what is before the Commission at this time [s the
Development Plan; any changes made by the petitioner would require a return to the
Plan Commission.
Rick Ripma asked why the Department is recommending approval if they still want the
petitioner to do something different.
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Angie Conn: The Department hopes that the petitioner will take our suggestions;
however, they do meet the Ordinance.
Leo Dierckman indicated that this meets all the requirements of the ordinance and the
petitioner is working within the ordinance. If we do not like the ordinance, we need to
change it-this proposal is within the rules
Sally Shapiro reviewed her comments of last month and said that this proposal is piece-
meal and the ADLS is to follow. At the end of the day, if we approve this, the petitioner
can return and say, "Well, I have had 5 buildings on there all the time." I don't like the
piece-meal of this project.
Madeleine said that this has been done other times and the final product has been ok.
Leo wanted to see further improvements made by the Petitioner regarding additional
green space as requested.
Sue Westermeier made formal motion to approve Docket No. 07040024 DP: 1328~1440
West Main Street, seconded by Stromquist, Approved 6-0.
J. New Business
TABLED:
1J. Docket No. 07070009 ADLS: Holiday Inn at Pro Med Ln
The applicant seeks architecture/design approval for a proposed full-servIce
hotel. The site is located at 136th Street and Pro Med Lane, and is zoned B6,
within the US 31/Meridian Street Overlay.
Filed by Dave Coots of Coots, Henke & Wheeler for Midwest Hospitality Group,
Inc.
There was no further business to come before the Commission and the meeting
adjourned at 8: 1 0 PM.
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Leo Dierckman, President
File: PC-2007-0717.doc
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