11-14-1979 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 27, 1979 Page Three While 38 spaces do not quite bring the shopping center into conformity, it is viewed as being a vast improvement. 2. Other Recommended Improvements. While parking is considered a major concern with regard to the shopping center, other problems were also noted in evaluating this request: a. Site access and egress. As shown on the Existing Conditions graphic attached, the entire front of the shopping center parking lot opens onto Lakeshore Avenue, allowing cars to enter and exit anywhere along the nearly 140 feet of street frontage. This h viewed as being potentially hazardous and contributing to traffic confusion and congestion at the Lakeshore Drive /Little Canada Road intersection. The existing zoning ordinance restricts curb cuts to a maximum 24 feet in width. R is recommended that in undertaking any parking expansion, the front of the shopping center be curbed with two 24 foot driveways at the north and south ends of the parking lot. The northern access drive as shown on the Proposed Improvements graphic is admittedly close to the intersection. This plan makes use of the existing curbing and will create the least amount of traffic congestion if the driveway is designated as an "exit only ". The islands created between the parking lot and the street should probably be surfaced with crushed rock in order to reduce maintenance problems. A minimal amount of landscap- ing could improve the site aesthetically. b. As previously mentioned, the driveway created at the south side of the building should encourage parking in the rear. Further improvements are recommended for the area in back of the building. Trash collection areas should be clearly defined (perhaps enclosed) and maintained. The trash bin presently located in the north- east corner of the property should be moved back on the property to improve traffic visibility at the driveway opening and lessen the visual impact. Parallel parking spaces should be clearly defined and shopping center employees should be encouraged to park there. c. Screening. A chain link fence currently exists along the south and east borders of the property. The applicant intends to maintain a fence around the property. If the request is approved, it is recommended that the southern fence and the 38 foot extension of the eastern fence should be replaced by a slatted chain link fence at least 48 inches in height. This will provide an effective screen between the commercial and residential properties. 3. Subdivision. The City can further ensure that the rezoned parcel will not be used for anything except parking by requiring the applicant to resubdivide the commercial property, legally combining the separate parcels into one lot.