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MINUTES <br />PLANNING COMMISSION <br />AUGUST 11, 2005 <br />CONCEPT Mr. Brian Bourassa, MFRA Associates, representing John Matthews, <br />REVIEW - appeared before the Commission to review the concept proposal for the <br />2962 AND 2968 development of town offices at 2962 and 2968 Rice Street. He reported <br />RICE that the property is approximately 2 acres in size and the concept is for <br />STREET - l5 town office units on this site. The design would be similar to that of <br />JOHN the Tacheny Town Offices located just north of this site. <br />MATTHEWS <br />Bourassa noted the City Planner's comments relative to traffic flow and <br />circulation within the site as well as a future connection to the property to <br />the south. Bourassa felt the buildings could be changed to two-story to <br />provide more room for interior circulation, and the grouping of the <br />buildings could be changed to accommodate a future access to the <br />property to the south. <br />Knudsen stated that his concern with the development of Chese two lots <br />into town offices is that this development would preclude a larger, more <br />desirable redevelopment of the area. Knudsen stated that he was not sure <br />this was the best long-term solution for the area. <br />Barraclough pointed out the menagerie of uses in this area, and questioned <br />how far south redevelopment would likely occur. Barraclough stated that <br />he felt the small office building to the south was along-term use, but <br />suggested that the MacDonald Battery site behind this office building <br />might be a redevelopment opportunity. <br />John Matthews stated that he was not opposed to extending the town <br />office development further south onto the MacDonald Battery property if <br />he is able to acquire that site. Matthews indicated that he will contact the <br />property owner to determine if there is a willingness to sell. <br />Barraclough also suggested that the building and parking lay-out be <br />repositioned so the view in from Rice Street is not a long, straight parking <br />lot. <br />Duray agreed there was the need for redevelopment in the area, and <br />supported a town office development. Duray agreed, however, that the <br />concept layout should be improved and the straight line of parking <br />eliminated. Duray felt a more creative layout would be preferable. <br />Knudsen stated that he would like to see a more comprehensive look at the <br />area, and was concerned that a straight strip of town offices precluded <br />other redevelopment opportunities. <br />Kim Desouky, tenant in the Tacheny Town Offices, reported that she <br />would like to see redevelopment of this property. Desouky pointed out <br />-9- <br />