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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes SpecStdy 11-01-07of CA �VNONE y�A C i t y RTOMORROW o /NDIMAN CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION SPECIAL STUDIES COMMITTEE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2007 Minutes The Special Studies Committee of the Carmel Plan Commission met at 6:00 PM November 1, 2007 in the Caucus Rooms at City Hall, Carmel, Indiana. Members Present: Wayne Haney, Kevin Heber, Steve Stromquist, Madeleine Torres, Susan Westermeier. DOCS Staff in attendance: Alexia Donahue -Wold, Rachel Boone. John Molitor, Legal Counsel was also present. Alexia Donahue -Wold announced that items 8 and 9, Docket No. 07070003 Z, (Rezone) 146 Gray Rezone (146 St Office Complex) and Docket No. 07070004 PP, (Primary Plat) 146 St Office Complex were TABLED to November 29, 2007. Pro -Med Lane Holiday Inn, Docket 07030035 DP, and 07070009 ADLS, will be heard together. The Special Studies Committee considered the following items: 1. Docket No. 07090016 ADLS Amend: Vine and Table Signage The applicant seeks approval for a new ground and wall sign. The site is located at 313 E Carmel Dr. It is zoned B-8/Business. Filed by Mike Oswald of Sign Craft Industries. Mike Oswald, Sign Craft Industries, 8924 Corporation Drive, agent for Vine and Table appeared before the Committee. The petitioner is proposing a new ground sign and wall sign located at Kahn's Fine Wines, 313 East Carmel Drive, Carmel. Department Comments, Rachel Boone: The ground sign will be six feet tall, 32 square feet in area, internally illuminated. Mike Oswald further explained that the sign will be two sides, and the sign edge will be blue. The Vine and Table letters (changeable copy) will come through as red, the logo will also be color; the white will show through as black. Rachel Boone said that the wall sign will be 65 square feet in area, individual channel lit letters, and the canopy of the store will be light brown--one consistent color. Both the Wall and the Ground Sign fit within the requirements of the Ordinance. Committee: S: /P1anCommis Sion /Minutes/ Committees /SpecStudies /SS- 2007 /nov01 I ONE CIVIC SQUARE CARMEL, INDIANA 46032 317/571 -2417 Madeleine Torres asked if the shade of blue would be a royal blue or a lighter shade. Madeleine thought that the script of the sign took away from the logo; however, it is permitted. Mike Oswald responded that the back panel will be a soft blue, not a bright blue, and will be fluorescent at night. Kevin Heber asked whether or not the sign messages are manually placed. Rachel Boone responded that the Sign Ordinance prohibits electronic changeable copy. Madeleine Torres made formal motion to approve Docket No. 07090016 ADLS Amend, Vine and Table Signage, seconded by Wayne Haney, APPROVED 5 -0. 2. Docket No. 07090011 ADLS Amend: McClammer Accounting Signage The applicant seeks approval for one ground sign. The site is located at 10411 N. College Ave. and is zoned B-5/Business within the Home Place Business District. Filed by Vanessa Suiter of Express Graphics. Theresa Bartlett, Express Graphics, 620 South Range Line Road, Carmel appeared before the Committee. Express Graphics was hired by McClammer Accounting to seek approval for a suspended sign located at 10411 North College Avenue. The Sign Permit has already been filed; Ms. Bartlett displayed a drawing of the sign, 30 inches tall, 24 inches wide in the same style as a sign that is currently on site Centennial Remodeling. The signs will share a common pole, one sign suspended on either side. The proposal is to place the McClammer sign on the same post that exists for Centennial. Department Comments, Rachel Boone: This is a multi- tenant building, eight (8) tenants, and there is concern that the other tenants will also want Signage. One ground sign is allowed, and each tenant is allowed a wall sign. A wall sign would be easier, but the applicant wants a ground sign closer to the road and it is not permissible with two facing the same right -of -way. The allowable square footage is 62, the two signs are significantly under that. The proposed sign is a good compromise, and the Department recommends positive consideration. If both signs faced College, a variance would be required; the proposal is a good compromise. The Committee clarified that the McClammer sign background is to be burgundy and arched as the Centennial sign is arched. The sign post will also be burgundy. Madeleine Torres made formal motion to approve Docket No. 07090011 ADLS Amend, McClammer Accounting Signage, conditioned upon the proposed sign being a similar shape as the Centennial sign, and the sign post being burgundy; seconded by Susan Westermeier, APPROVED 5 -0. 3. Docket No. 07100014 ADLS Amend: Smart Car Ph. II Signage The applicant seeks approval for three new signs. The site is located at 4000 E 96"' St. It is zoned B-3/Business. Filed by Jim Shinaver of Nelson and Frankenberger. S: /P1anCommis Sion /Minutes/ Committees /SpecStudies /SS- 2007 /nov01 2 ONE CIVIC SQUARE CARMEL, INDIANA 46032 317/571 -2417 Jim Shinaver, attorney with Nelson and Frankenberger appeared before the Committee. Also in attendance: Paul Pettenaro, owner and operator of World Wide Motors —now franchisee for Smart Car, and Mark Tworek, Baxter Sett. The application is for four (4) new signs. The first sign is on the eastern elevation for "Smart Center Indianapolis" wall sign located on the entry portal facing 96"' Street. The sign will consist of 14.54 square feet, and will be internally illuminated with individual channel letters, white faces. The sign will be white during the day and night. The second sign is a small directional sign facing Lake Shore Drive, consisting of 13.6 square feet. The total square footage allowed for directory signs is 20; the total square footage allowed for this frontage is 80; the total square footage is 48.11. The sign is white with black lettering and will be internally illuminated. The third sign will be farther down Lake Shore Drive for a second tenant —the Mercedes Benz Used Car Dealership. The sign will be 74.58 square feet in size and will read: "Used Car Center." The sign will consist of a black background with white letters, internally illuminated. The fourth sign will face Lake Shore Drive and is for "Service" customers of the Smart Car Dealership. The sign is approximately 2.06 square feet in size and is considered an incidental sign because it is less than three square feet; therefore no permit or variance will be required. The sign will be internally illuminated channel letters, white during the day and night. Department Comments, Rachel Boone: Three signs need approval: Smart Center Indianapolis, the directional sign, and the Used Car Center signs. All three signs are within the size requirement of the Sign Ordinance for each fagade. The petitioner received Variance approval last week for two signs to face 96"' Street and two signs to face Lake Shore Drive. The Smart Center Indianapolis sign is 42 square feet facing Lake Shore Drive -48 square feet combined. The Used Car Center square footage and color style fit for the second tenant. The Department is recommending positive consideration. Committee Comments: Susan Westermeier questioned the color for the Used Car Center sign. Jim Shinaver responded that the sign is black background, white letters. The signs are consistent with those signs previously approved, made in Canada. The petitioner is under an intense deadline to open for business and be able to sell products by the first week in January, 2008. Madeleine Torres made formal motion to approve Docket No. 07100014 ADLS Amend, Smart Car Ph. II Signage, seconded by Wayne Haney, APPROVED 5 -0. 4. Docket No. 07100015 ADLS Amend: Carmel Station Signage The applicant seeks approval for 1 new ground sign. The site is located at the corner of City Center Dr. and Carmel Garden Dr. It is zoned M- 3/Manufacturing. Filed by Fred Todd of the Carmel Station Home Owners Association. Fred Todd, 510 Beacon Street, President of Carmel Station HOA appeared before the Committee representing the applicant. Carmel Station is proposing one new ground sign to be located on City Center Drive and Carmel Garden Drive. Currently there is a sign on either side of a divided entry with a brick S: /P1anCommission /Minutes/ Committees /SpecStudies /SS- 2007 /nov01 3 ONE CIVIC SQUARE CARMEL, INDIANA 46032 317/571 -2417 flower box. A sign is being proposed at the opposite end of the property, the north entrance, where there is currently no identity; the sign would be within the common area. The sign would be limestone, black lettering —same logo, same configuration, except that the spikes would be eliminated and would be much safer for children. Department Comments, Rachel Boone: The sign Ordinance permits subdivisions to have one sign at each entry. The sign will be retro- fitted, and the limestone with the black lettering will look good. The sign being proposed in approximately 17 square feet and meets the requirements of the Ordinance. At this time, the Department is recommending positive consideration. There is a sign on either side of the entry on Clark Street, and one proposed on Garden Center. This same structure will be replicated at the second entry. Committee Members: The Committee suggested covering the top of the stakes on the existing sign with a black, split garden hose for safety. Madeleine Torres suggested changing the top of the sign to arch rather than being straight across. Susan Westermeier made formal motion to approve Docket No. 07100015 ADLS Amend, Carmel Station Signage with the top of the proposed sign arching to match the existing signs, seconded by Madeleine Torres, APPROVED 5 -0. 5. Docket No. 07100017 ADLS Amend: Citi Smith Barney Signage The applicant seeks approval for I new wall sign. The site is located at 800 E. 96"' St. in Parkwood Crossing East. It is zoned PUD. Filed by Kay Goldsberry of Visual Sign Co. Kay Goldsberry, Visual Sign Co., 401 South Alabama, Indianapolis 46204 appeared before the Committee. The proposed new wall sign will be located on the east fagade of the building; the letters will be black in the day, illuminated white at night. The size of the sign will increase to 57.64 square feet; 60 feet is allowed. The "Citi" logo is being added. Department Comments. Rachel Boone: Previously, a variance was granted to allow this sign at this particular placement on the building. The new wall sign will be completely black during the day and white at night. The sign fits within the requirements of the Ordinance and the architectural features of the building. The sign also meets the PUD requirements. At this time, the Department is recommending positive consideration. Committee Comments: Color: The letters will be black during the day and white at night—required by Duke as a part of the Center. The "Citi" logo will not be red. Madeleine Torres made formal motion to approve Docket No. 07100017 ADLS Amend, Citi Smith Barney Signage, seconded by Wayne Haney, APPROVED 5 -0. 6. Docket No. 07100030 ADLS Amend: Crystal Flash Signage The applicant seeks approval for a remodel of the gas station with 4 new signs. The site is located at 545 S. Rangeline Rd. and is located in the Carmel Dr. /Rangeline Rd. overlay zone. It is zoned B -1. Filed by Michael Barnes of Ryne Wood Builders, Inc. S: /P1anCommission /Minutes/ Committees /SpecStudies /SS- 2007 /nov01 4 ONE CIVIC SQUARE CARMEL, INDIANA 46032 317/571 -2417 Michael Barnes, Ryne Wood Builders, 400 West McGalliard Road, Muncie, appeared before the Committee. Also in attendance: Andy Batt, Crystal Flash. The petitioner is requesting consideration to allow white on the corner of the canopy with the gold slash. The petitioner would like to have lettering on the canopy, but understands that the Department will not support that request. Regarding the ground signs, the petitioner is using a ground sign that is 5.2" wide by 6 feet in height. The sign will be illuminated with changeable letters for pricing. An additional sign will be located above the front door under the canopy and will consist of the Crystal Flash logo. A photograph was shown of the newly renovated Crystal Flash store in Fishers. The pump signage is considered incidental signs. Department Comments, Rachel Boone: Crystal Flash has one frontage on Range Line and is allowed one sign. The signs along the tops of the canopy would need a variance —the Department feels it is not necessary to have those signs, however, the Dept is in support of the color change —red, white and gold. There is a previous variance for the ground sign to be located in the right -of -way and the price sign. That variance gives the petitioner two signs. The ground sign and the wall sign above the entrance combined are under the amount allotted. The petitioner has agreed to remove the second ground sign "CF" and consolidate into one ground sign and the other above the entrance at 18 feet. The sign above each gas pump is under three square feet and similar in character to other gas stations on Range Line Road. The Department has no problem with the red and white on the canopy. One of the pumps is imaged for Ethanol 85 (E -85) and that will not be changed. The other five pumps are being converted to a new image by putting on an aluminum composite face —the existing pumps look dated. The tenant panel would require a variance for its sign. If requested in the future, the petitioner would return for a second sign at the approval of the tenant. Currently, Firehouse Pizza is located in the building and has a separate entrance; they have a sign in their window. Madeleine Torres made formal motion for approval of Docket No. 07100030 ADLS Amend, Crystal Flash Signage, with the understanding that the tenant panel would pertain only to Crystal Flash and only on the wall with another tenant sign; the canopy allows the yellow slash—no wording on the corner, seconded by Wayne Haney, APPROVED 5 -0. 7. Docket No. 07100031 ADLS Amend: Timber Creek Condominiums Signage The applicant seeks approval for 2 new ground signs after the demolition of their existing signs with the construction of City Center Dr. The site is located at City Center Dr. and Timber Creek Dr. It is zoned M -3. Filed by Ron Koster and Joe Apparito of Timber Creek HOA. Ron Coster, 1076 Timber Creek Drive, President of Timber Creek HOA, and Sandy Weedman, Secretary Treasurer of Timber Creek HOA appeared before the Committee representing the applicant. The request is for the replacement of signs after the demolition of their existing signs by the City. The new signs will be etched limestone and will say "Timber Creek Condominiums." The lighting will be up-graded—fluorescent S: /P1anCommission /Minutes/ Committees /SpecStudies /SS- 2007 /nov01 5 ONE CIVIC SQUARE CARMEL, INDIANA 46032 317/571 -2417 lighting to light the sign itself, and mushroom -type lights around the landscaping. The signage basically replaces the previously existing. The sign would be set lower to improve visibility. Department Comments, Rachel Boone: The Subdivision is allowed to have a 54 square -foot sign, and this has been evenly split between two signs at the one entrance, one on either side of the masonry entrance limestone sign; the signs are etched with black letters "Timber Creek Condominiums." The Department has no concerns with the signs and recommends favorable consideration. Madeleine Torres made formal motion to approve Docket No. 07100031 ADLS Amend, Timber Creek Condominiums Signage as presented, seconded by Susan Westermeier, APPROVED 5 -0. 8. TABLED: Docket No. 07070003 Z: 146th Gray Rezone (146th St Office Complex) The applicant seeks approval to rezone 11.6 acres from S -1 /Residence to B- 1/Business for an office /retail development. The site is located at the southeast corner of 146"' St. and Gray Rd. Filed by Kelli Lawrence of Hearthview Residential, LLC. 9. TABLED: Docket No. 07070004 PP: 146th St Office Complex The applicant seeks primary plat approval for 5 lots on 11.6 acres. The site is located at the southeast corner of 146"' St. and Gray Rd. and is zoned S -1 /Residence, pending a B -1/ Business rezone. Filed by Kelli Lawrence of Hearthview Residential, LLC 10. Docket No. 07030035 DP: Pro -Med Lane Holiday Inn The applicant seeks site plan approval for a proposed full- service hotel. ADLS is under another docket no. below. The site is located at 136th Street and Pro -Med Lane, and is zoned B- 6/Business within the US 3I/Meridian Street Overlay. Filed by Stacey of DeBoy Land Development Services, Inc. for Justus Home Builders, Inc. 11. 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 136"' Street and Pro Med Lane, and is zoned B6, within the US 3I/Meridian Street Overlay. Filed by Dave Coots of Coots, Henke Wheeler for Midwest Hospitality Group, Inc. Note: Items 10 and 11 were heard together. Dave Coots, Coots, Henke Wheeler appeared before the Committee on behalf of the petitioner. Also in attendance: Mike DeBoy, Engineer, and Sanjay Patel. Certain changes have been made to the site plan. Initially, the site was underparked parking is now provided beneath the structure to meet the limitation on lot coverage; 153 spaces are required per the Ordinance and parking is provided for hotel convention and employees. Comments were received from Scott Brewer, Urban Forester, and the petitioner believes he has complied with the changes requested. There are still some changes to be made to the drawings and submitted to the Department. The biggest issue has been the tree preservation requirement for this site; 24% of the overall site is tree preservation area. Scott had additional questions regarding how utilities were being accommodated with the tree material being used and the tree preservation area as designated. Dave Coots said he believes all of those issues and questions have been addressed. The drawings will be revised and submitted for one final review by the Department and Scott Brewer. S: /P1anCommission /Minutes/ Committees /SpecStudies /SS- 2007 /nov01 6 ONE CIVIC SQUARE CARMEL, INDIANA 46032 317/571 -2417 The Engineering Dept. has said that they will not support this application until there is a traffic study submitted. Meridian has been closed due to the construction traffic and Steve Fehribach has been unable to complete a traffic count. However, the Department has agreed that the 2005 Traffic Report can be utilized for this project with 3% augments per year. Gary Duncan, Engineering will have to give consent for the traffic count numbers to be used for this project. The concluded traffic study will be available by the middle of next week. The retaining wall runs along the south boundary to a point and then along the boundary adjacent to 136' Street. The reason for the retaining wall is to avoid having to slope away from the parking lot at a 3:1 side slope that would extend farther into the tree area. The retaining wall would be a more effective way to prevent encroaching into the tree preservation area The Department recommended narrowing the traffic aisles to 23 feet —the petitioner has agreed to that and it will be incorporated in the drawing. Item 94 showing structure column locations of the underground parking area —the petitioner believes he has clear span and there will not be support structures in the parking area. The building materials on the building elevation were previously submitted to the Department with the drawings. EFIS is used at the lower level and crown, otherwise, the balance of the building will be brick material. The lower course material is a textured row and smooth with limestone breaks in between. The parapet does conceal the HVAC units. The building is 4- stories; the trash dumpster will be all brick; the petitioner will submit details prior to the next meeting. The mechanical equipment has been addressed. Sign Issue: The petitioner will re- locate the sign on the east wall to the north wall of the building facing Pro -Med Lane and 136 Street, thereby eliminating the need for a variance. The sign will be day /night plex. There is a trademark requirement by Holiday Innif permitted, will do it proposed sign is Holiday Inn Green. Mike DeBoy explained the pervious pavers and said they would also act as a stormwater quality device; by Ordinance there must be two devices in series and since we drain into the central detention area on site. The vast majority of the parking areas will be pervious pavers —also a nice, architectural asset as well as a stormwater quality device. Regarding the parking, the parking now complies with the Ordinance and no variance is needed. In addressing whether or not this proposal is the highest and best use for this land —the land use has been established by the zone classification and the hotel is a permitted use within the zone classification. The petitioner complies with the elements of the Ordinance. The fact that someone might like to see something different on this parcel does not really weigh in on the issue of whether or not this building meets the criteria of the Ordinance. Once all of the drawings and plans have been submitted, that question will be moot. Sign sizes have been omitted from the architectural drawings and will be submitted. The Engineering comments will be submitted prior to the next meeting. Department Comments, Alexia Donahue -Wold: As stated, the petitioner is working on the traffic study and the Engineering Department will not give approval to move on without compliance. The landscape and tree S: /P1anCommission /Minutes/ Committees /SpecStudies /SS- 2007 /nov01 7 ONE CIVIC SQUARE CARMEL, INDIANA 46032 317/571 -2417 preservation plan is also to be finalized. At this time, the Department is recommending that this item be tabled to the November 29 Committee meeting. Madeleine Torres commented that this evening has been an incomplete presentation for this development. Madeleine was also in favor of Tabling. Steve Stromquist asked about the one level parking garage and whether or not the height of the water table had been tested. Mike DeBoy responded that the site will have some drainage issues, but because it is a parking garage And there is a good outlet at the southeast corner of the property, no problem is anticipated. Steve Stromquist said this could be a MAJOR problem with this project. Also, what is the date of the 2005 Traffic Study? The previous study was done in June, and December /January when school was not in session —the previous traffic study is a farce! Dave Coots responded that he was given permission to use the traffic study if it were increased by 3 Dave said he would meet with the Engineering Department again. This is a development plan —this may also be a limited access for a hotel. When Meridian is torn up it will be even worse. John Molitor commented that the State and City show this area as a major interchange on the plans. Susan Westermeier asked that the petitioner not return to committee without Engineer and Urban Forester approval because the committee cannot proceed. This does not seem like the place for a hotel and it does not seem like the place for additional traffic. Steve Stromquist said that the kids from the west side drive this road (Smokey Row) to the high school, it is a heavily traveled road—traffic is a major concern at this location. Put a counter out there and we will see! If this were an office building proposed, it would be just the opposite situation. Madeleine Torres commented that in view of all of the outstanding issues, the Traffic Report, the interchange at US 31, limited access, etc., it feels as if we are putting a round peg in a square slot; this may not be the best place for a hotel. The Committee concurred with the Department— Docket No. 07030035 DP, Pro -Med Lane Holiday Inn and Docket No. 07070009 ADLS, Holiday Inn at Pro -Med Lane were TABLED to the November 29, 2007 Committee meeting. 12. Docket No. 07070037 Z: Dixie Highway Addition, lot 5 pt The applicant seeks approval to rezone 0.41 acres from R -3 /Residence to B- 1/Business within the Home Place Business District. The site is located at 10696 N College Ave. Filed by E. Davis Coots of Coots, Henke Wheeler, and P.C. Dave Coots, Coots, Henke Wheeler appeared before the Committee representing Levi Investments, owner of this parcel. The petitioner is requesting a rezone from R -3 /Residence to B- 1/Business. The parcel is located at 10696 North College Avenue, within the Home Place Business District. The petitioner intends to develop the parcel as low density retail/office use. S: /P1anCommission /Minutes/ Committees /SpecStudies /SS- 2007 /nov01 8 ONE CIVIC SQUARE CARMEL, INDIANA 46032 317/571 -2417 Beginning at 106' Street, to the south is a closed service station, an acupuncture /chiropractor office that is "for sale," a single family residence immediately to the south of this parcel, the parcel (building) requested for rezone, and to the north, a B -1 property two properties north of 108' Street. This particular piece is located within the Home Place Overlay Zone and it is the intention of the Overlay that College Avenue becomes commercial use. After the rezone, the petitioner would return for ADLS review and approval. Department Comments, Alexia- Donahue -Wold: A site plan has been provided; as stated, the petitioner will return for DP /ADLS review and approval. To date, there has been no approval from the County Surveyor or the County Highway. The Department is recommending favorable consideration of the rezone, subject to County Surveyor and County Highway approval. Committee Comments: Wayne Haney had questions regarding the existing building. Dave Coots responded that the owner will tear down the existing garage but will not do anything to the exterior until a tenant requires it. Sue Westermeier made formal motion to forward Docket No. 07070037 Z, Dixie Highway Addition, lot 5 pt. to the City Council with a positive recommendation, conditioned upon approval from the County Surveyor and the County Highway prior to the November 20, 2007 full Plan Commission meeting, seconded by Wayne Haney, APPROVED 5 -0. There was no further business to come before the Committee and the meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM. Steve Stromquist, Chairperson Ramona Hancock, Secretary S: /P1anCommis Sion /Minutes/ Committees /SpecStudies /SS- 2007 /nov01 E ONE CIVIC SQUARE CARMEL, INDIANA 46032 317/571 -2417