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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 15, 2003 Page 6 10 Todd Christopherson, Amcon Construction and Michael Morn, Project Architect, provided the 2 Commission with a brief background on the project. Mr. Christopherson stated that he has been 3 working closely with City staff adding that they hope to close on the property approximately 4 September 8, 2003. He explained that they would begin asbestos abatement immediately with 5 construction beginning a week later. He stated that it is their plan that once demolition begins, 6 they would then move into the construction phase this fall with a projected completion date in 7 the spring in late May 2004. He stated that they are in the process of working out agreements 8 with various tenants noting that they could possibly have a flower shop, a nail/beauty boutique 9 and an insurance company. He confirmed that they have received commitments from the City 10 Liquor Store and the Spectators Restaurant group. 11 12 Mr. Monn stated that he has been involved with the project since December 2002 working 13 closely with City staff, the City Engineer and WSB. He stated that they have several goals for 14 this project that improve the aesthetics to the entry of the City that would include re-pavement of 15 the parking area, adding green space improved lighting, for safety purposes, and provide a better, 16 overall facility that would be fully occupied. He stated that this would also improve the tax base 17 for the city in addition to pedestrian access. 18 19 Commissioner Tillman asked what the peak hours of operation would be for the restaurant 20 versus the retail and how it would affect parking. Mr. Christopherson stated that they are 21 anticipating that most of the retail users would be higher traffic with short-term visits, whereas the restaurant would have lunch hour and dinner hour peaks. He stated that the liquor store 10 would close at 8:00 p.m. on weeknights and 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. 24 25 Mr. Morn reviewed the conditional uses of the property with the Commission stating that their 26 focus is on the variance requests. He reviewed the urban retail in area, noting that it is a tight 27 knit, street-front type of feel in the retail areas. He explained that many cities are reversing 28 themselves regarding setbacks and are planning more street edge requirements. He explained 29 that in reviewing the area they tried to determine how to bridge the three streets that come 30 together noting that this is what defines the actual corner. He explained that because of the 31 nature of the site layout and their parking requirements it was decided to begin working south to 32 north. He stated that they want to utilize the existing drive and enter to the back of the building 33 for trash and employee parking. 34 35 Mr. Monn reviewed the property line and curb line with the Commission stating that they would 36 be coming back approximately 35-feet from the existing location and lot. He reviewed the rear 37 yard setback stating that it is behind the liquor store. He provided a review and overlay of the 38 existing building as it compares to the proposed location of the building to the Commission 39 noting that the variance is for a very small portion of the site. He reviewed the variance request 40 for the parking area stating that most of his experience has been that as retail is winding down 41 the restaurant begins getting their clientele. He stated that they have been working closely with 42 Spectators on the parking issue and also reviewed the proposed retail parking needs with the 43 Commission. 4) Commissioner Tillman asked if there would be outdoor seating. Mr. Morn stated that Spectators 46 would like a small patio area along the Kenzie Terrace/parking lot side. Commissioner Tillman