10-13-2016 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 13, 2016 Duray asked if there is still a median in the pickup window area. The City Planner stated there is and it will keep the drive-thru traffic separated from the adjacent 2 -way traffic. He noted that after the retaining wall is moved further north, there will be more drive aisle room than there is now. Duray asked if CVS is agreeable with the changes. The City Planner stated that CVS has agreed on the plan and some of the changes were from CVS. Duray asked if headlights would shine through the existing fence. The City Planner stated that the City Code requires a complete screening so not to allow any headlight glare. He clarified that the restaurant itself is a permitted use in this zoning district, but that it is the drive-thru aspect that requires the conditional use permit. Joseph Christensen, attorney, representing the applicants, stated that the applicant has made many changes to address the concerns of neighbors. He noted that the drive-thru is also a permitted use but with conditions. He stated the applicant will be making several other improvements to the property and the existing fence will be fixed and made to completely block headlights. He noted that there is 10 feet of separation for the neighbor to the north with the four foot retaining wall and a six foot fence on top of that. Mr. Christensen noted that there will be cars and traffic here no matter what use is in the space. He stated the planner's conditions in the staff report are acceptable, and CVS is in agreement with this plan, and he has correspondence from them with their requirements. Sandell asked if the Valvoline owner is in agreement. Mr. Christensen stated that the owner, Anwar, has been consulted and the new plan gives more room for the Valvoline traffic. Duray asked the hours of operation for Little Caesar's. Mr. Christensen stated it is around 10:OOam40:OOpm, or maybe 11:00pm. He noted that Valvoline closes at 6:OOpm, and Little Caesar's highest traffic time after 6:OOpm. Duray stated he would have more concerns if the restaurant was open very late. There were no comments from the public. Schwalbach stated that as a City it can be hard to balance businesses and residential. He noted that there is traffic at this mall 24 hours a day anyway with the Anytime Fitness here, and the owners are going to fix up the mall which is really needed. He stated that the applicant has gone out of his way to address concerns of the neighbors and adjacent businesses so he is in support of the request. Schletty-Flores stated she agrees with Commissioner Schwalbach, and noted the volume of traffic that a Little Caesar's brings in is not anywhere near as much as a MCDonalds. She stated the mall needs some significant improvements and this will help the City. Sandell stated his only concerns were with the safety of the 2 -way traffic, not with the restaurant or drive-thru use. -3-