HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-07-14 Planning MINASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
JULY 14, 1998
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairman Steve Armitage. Other Commissioners present
were Mike Morris, Chris Hearn, John Fields, Mike Gardiner, Marilyn Briggs, Anna Howe, and Russ
Chapman. Ron Bass was absent. Staff present were John McLaughlin, Bill Molnar, Mark Knox, Maria
Harris and Susan Yates.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND FINDINGS
The Minutes of the June 9, 1998 Regular Meeting were approved.
PUBLIC FORUM
No one came forth to speak.
TYPE II PUBLIC HEARING
PLANNING ACTION 98-055
REQUEST FOR A SITE REVIEW TO CONSTRUCT A POOL ADDITION AT THE ASHLAND FAMILY
YMCA
540 YMCA WAY
APPLICANT: Ashland Family YMCA
Site Visits or Ex Parte Contacts
Site visits were made by all Commissioners.
STAFF REPORT
McLaughlin reported there was a master plan from ten years ago with this proposal being the next step of
the phasing. The phasing was to happen upon demands of the community as well as community funding
and support. Overall, the design matches the original master plan approval and is in keeping with the
theme of the YMCA.
The applicant is proposing an additional 34 parking spaces in a lot that would expand the current Tolman
Creek Road parkin9 lot. Staff has looked at the parking demand for this type of use and given the wide
range of demand, they feel the spaces provided are adequate and in keeping with the ordinance.
The applicant has proposed site improvements that better reflect the amendment to the Site Design and
Use Standards that were not in effect at the time of eadier approvals. Those improvements are outlined in
the Staff Report.
Beginning July 1, 1998, Rogue Valley Transit District started a new route going down Tolman Creek Road.
RV'I-D found the route works better if the buses travel down Tolman Creek Road. The bus stop is on the
opposite side of Tolman. RVTD expects to be adding a route in the next one to two years and it would be
a route that would come up Tolman Creek Road going the opposite direction so a bus shelter will be
needed in the future. Staff is asking the applicant to plan for a shelter in the future.
The bike parking will be brought up to the City's current standards.
Staff noted there is an issue with access to the parking lot. The Y is proposing to close the Tolman Creek
Road access and direct traffic to the other entrance, thus consolidating access to one point. Staff
suggests instead of chaining off an entrance, curb the entrance and prohibit entrance/exit at this point.
With regard to parking circulation within the lot, the applicant has not made any provisions for a
turnaround. Staff believes two additional aisles should be considered near the middle of the lot.
McLaughlin handed out turnaround sketches.
Staff has recommended approval with the attached 15 conditions. Condition 12 refers to the transit
shelter and can be modified to plan for a pad only. Condition 15 addresses the turnarounds.
PUBLIC HEARING
KEN OGDEN, architect, Ogden/Schmitz & Associates, 295 E. Barnett Road, Medford and YMCA Board
Secretary gave a brief history of the site. The proposed natatorium is the third phase of the master plan.
He showed some sketches and the model of the proposed expansion. The new buildings will link to the
existing building.
Currently there are about 80 parking spaces on two split parking lots. There are another 78 spaces
adjacent to the property at the YMCA city park. Those spaces are being underutilized. They would like to
propose a link between the existing parking lot at the city park lot. The advantage would be a reciprocal
parking agreement. The soccer fields tend to be very heavily used on Saturdays and weekends at a time
when the YMCA is somewhat underutilized and vice versa. There is not a pedestrian link between the two
lots. A vehicular link could encourage people to park there and use those spaces. Ogden said inevitably,
the YMCA would like to propose the parking lot with the 34 spaces currently occupied by residences.
First, they are asking for approval of the reciprocal parking and review the situation in six to nine months
after the project is completed so they can determine if it is necessary to develop the additional 34 spaces.
There are two large trees on the site that are deteriorating and have been recommended for removal. The
trees will be replaced with younger trees. The applicant will follow the Tree Commission's
recommendations.
Ogden believes with regard to the parking lot, the blocking of the primary artery would be beneficial and is
in agreement with Staff. He does not see a need to create a loop. With the lower parking lot, if there is a
second phase it can be designed to create the wider aisle at that location so turnaround would be easily
maintained and designated as a turnaround space. The reduction of the curb cuts to Tolman Creek are
beneficial too.
Ogden does not mind allocating a place for a slab for a future bus stop.
Howe suggested since there is considerable roof area on the existing and proposed buildings, that the
applicant think about the use of solar hot water heating.
Howe wondered if Ogden had thought about broadening the landscaping strip along Tolman Creek Road
to create a buffer. Ogden said if they could get the reciprocal parking they could afford to lose a few
spaces and add to the landscaping. Howe asked where the access point would be between the two
parking lots if the reciprocal parking is instituted. Ogden suggested the pedestrian walk be brought next to
the retaining wall which would remove about 25 feet of the wall. They would have to address the change
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
JULY 14, 1998
in grade.
ALAN DEBOER, 2260 Morada, has been involved with the Y project since 1989. They are asking for the
right to keep the existing house until the new parking lot is introduced so Condition 10 would be deleted.
They would like the option to put the third parking lot in if they cannot get the easement from the Parks
Department to the soccer parking lot. In addition, they would tike Condition 15 deleted because if they add
the new parking lot, they will make it wide enough to turn around in the new parking lot. Condition 12:
They will relocate the transit shelter and pre-plan for it. He is not sure they want to put in a concrete pad
yet.
DeBoer said if they put in a ~lriveway in the center of the parking lot, that will take away eight parking
spaces. There are some pedestrian problems so they would like COT~dition 15 deleted.
McLaughlin said the change mentioned in parking is a new part of the application not yet reviewed by
Staff. No findings have been provided explaining parking or parking calculations. If the parking is not
going to be provided this would create a Variance. DeBoer's proposal would require approval from the
Parks Commission since presently there is an informal agreement which would need to be formalized.
DeBoer said he would like approval this evening and bring back a request for a Variance.
Armitage read comments from JED MEESE, 88 Granite Street, and LISA MOLNAR, 155 Hillcrest,
favoring the project.
Rebuttal
The applicant had no further comments
COMMISSIONERS' DISCUSSION AND MOTION
Howe moved to approve Planning Action 98-065. Delete Condition 15. Modify Condition 12: All plans
associated with the transit shelter be indicated on the maps and plans with the understanding it will be the
YMCA's responsibility to install such a shelter at time RVTD travels that route. Gardiner seconded the
motion.
Armitage liked the idea of widening the green area between the parking lots and Tolman Creek but it is
difficult to do when it is not part of the proposal. McLaughlin said the Commission has the power to
amend the plans with additional landscaping.
Howe would like to see this part of the existing motion. She believes the proposal with the two parking lots
should not have any less green area than the Y park area between Tolman Creek and the lot. The
streetscape along Tolman Creek will be very spare unless the Commission requires more landscaped
area.
Fields also feels this would be a good time to thicken the park row buffer. He is not certain about the
parking proposal presented tonight and just exactly what they would be approving.
Armitage is inclined to approve the application as it is and let the parking discussion take place at the time
of a Variance. Howe disagreed and felt they should act on the proposal before them which she believes
needs a wider landscaping buffer.
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REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
JULY 14, 1998
Fields said the Tree Commission suggested more trees for shade and he wanted to be certain that was
added as a Condition.
McLaughlin said the key issue is the parking since the building is master planned. Does the parking work
and what is the relationship of the parking to the street. He would agree with Howe that it be done with
this application and not deferred to another point.
Armitage reiterated Condition 15 would be eliminated (Staff Exhibit S-1) which means the proposal before
the Commission says there is adequate turning space without the center row. Approximately five or six
spaces will be lost by widening the greenway.
Howe moved to amend the motion that the buffer landscaping area between Tolman Creek Road and the
parking lot be increased to a width of 16 feet, eliminating five parking spaces. Condition 10 remains as it
is.
McLaughlin asked if the Commission would want to assign one space for a turnaround. Howe is
concerned that space would be parked in.
Howe further amended her motion to add Condition 16 to push the parking lot to the north about five feet
(widen the lower area to provide adequate turnaround space) with Staff approval.
Condition 12 has been modified to provide bus service when RVTD is ready and in the meantime it will
show on the plans.
The original Condition 15 is deleted. The new Condition 15 pertains to the green strip.
Fields seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND FINDINGS
JUNE 9, 1998 HEARINGS BOARD
Howe moved to approve, the motion was seconded and the Minutes and Findings were approved.
JUNE 9, 1998 REGULAR MEETING -Approval of Findings
Briggs moved to approve, the motion was seconded and the Findings were approved.
PLANNING ACTION 98-059
REQUEST FOR SITE REVIEW AND OUTLINE PLAN APPROVAL OF A 24-LOT, 24-UNIT MULTI-
FAMILY SUBDIVISION UNDER THE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS OPTION.
458 AND 460 CLAY STREET
APPLICANT: GREG ADAMS
Site Visits and Ex Parte Contacts
Everyone had a site visit except Armitage. Fields knows the next door neighbor and they had a short
discussion but nothing of interest to the application.
STAFF REPORT
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
JULY 14, 1998
Molnar reported this is a three acre site subject to site review and outline plan approval. There are some
existing structures on the site that are all proposed for removal. The proposal involves the construction of
24 single level homes. This unit size will be approximately 1600 square feet. Access to the site is from a
private access road with a circular turnaround at the end of the road. Two pedestrian walkways are
proposed in the project. Five units will front Clay Street but none will have direct access onto Clay Street.
Staff would like to have a couple of parking bays along Clay. There is an ample 60 foot right-of-way.
Elevations are included in the packet. The project is being geared towards individuals 55 years of age
and older. The required open space has been included.
Staff has had some anxiety over the dead end street design, however, the applicant has proposed public
pedestrian/bike easements allowing public access. No on-street parking is required. The applicant is
providing double car garages for each unit. There is a 20 foot wide apron behind each garage. Since
there will be an improvement to Clay Street, Staff has included a condition requiring a design at Final Plan.
Staff believes the application complies with the Site Review and Outline Plan approval. There has been
no discussion of phasing. Staff has recommended approval with the attached 14 conditions.
Molnar said the applicant made a change on Lots 19 and 20. Instead of garages accessing the rear, the
applicant created larger back yards.
Briggs did not see how the ODOT road can link with the YMCA road. Molnar said Sta~s thinking is long-
term. It is not part of this proposal but he showed a transparency outlining some possible street linking in
the future. Briggs likes the idea of a sidewalk/bike path but right now they only lead to someone's
property. Molnar said there could be some design changes that could discourage people from
trespassing. The improvement is required so everyone will know there is an intent to eventually provide a
link.
Howe wondered what Staff's reaction has been to the overall plan layout with houses all lining up exactly
the same. Molnar would like to see a variety of housing types. They discussed with the applicant and the
applicant has three different housing types. The site review addresses orientation toward the street. The
applicant in this case has a specific age bracket or clientele he is focusing on.
PUBLIC HEARING
GREGG ADAMS, 123 Princeville Drive, Eagle Point, OR, concurs with the Staff Report, Findings, and
Conditions of approval. The basic idea is to build single level houses for older folks on a fairly level site.
The site is close to services that seniors would want to use. Adams felt running a through street would be
duplicating what the State Highway Department has done south of their property. There is no traffic
generated south of this property.
Adams said most of the affordable housing being done is two-story and not conducive to seniors. He will
be doing extensive landscaping.
Armitage asked if Adams had any concerns with Condition 10. Adams responded that there is a 60 foot
right-of-way. It is his understanding the parking can be accommodated within the right-of-way which
Adams feels is reasonable.
Briggs wondered if Adams would recycle the pine trees in the turnaround. Adams said if it was feasible he
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REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
JULY 14, 1998
would move them.
COMMISSIONERS' DISCUSSION AND MOTION
Hearn moved to approve with the attached Conditions. Gardiner seconded the motion. Chapman is glad
to see Staff presenting the first outline of the master plan of the area as this area needs an overall master
plan. After reviewing the Transportation Plan, Chapman noted that streets should be multi-purpose public
spaces. The applicant says it is a private road and though he has met the applicable ordinances,
Chapman would hate to see this done in a large scale development.
The motion carried unanimously.
OTHER
There will be no July Study Session.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
JULY 14, 1998