2001-79 AMENDING PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT - WEST TOWNE SQUARE

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Mr. Shampine asked if consideration was given to moving the apartment buildings onto Macon Street. He expressed concern that a lot of cars would be parking on the street were parking is already at a premium. Mr.Cochran stated that it was not proposed to move the buildings to Macon Street which is a cul-de-sac to the south and not a through street. There is parking on Macon Street. Mr. John stated that he was uncomfortable with construction taking place before the petition was approved. Mr. Cochran stated that there has been excavation and that he has worked with staff for four months on the proposed revisions. He stated that the development has not been underway without the awareness of staff and the petitioner was aware that this would come before the Plan Commission. Mr. Cochran stated that dirt can be moved on a property without a permit or the approval of Plan Commission or City Council. Mr. John stated that the alley was also removed although it was not yet officially vacated and a parking lot was poured. Mr. Van Steenhuyse stated that nothing has been paved outside of what was approved in the Planned Unit Development. It was noted that nothing has been done to prevent the public from using the alley should the petition be denied. Mr. Shampine asked about the people living in the house on Macon Street who are using a ladder to get to their steps. Mr. Romano stated that he owns the house on Macon Street and the people were notified on July 1 of this year to move by August 1. They are still living in the house although they are not paying rent and have no legal rights to the property. Mr.Romano stated that they were served a five day vacate notice yesterday. He stated that they have been living in the house for 60 days without paying rent. Mr. John inquired about posting of the property as there are no signs on the premises. Mr. Van Steenhuyse stated that the sign was posted in front of the construction trailer. It was missing and staff replaced it. Mr. Bragg stated that the sign had been posted in excess of 40 days but it was not unusual for signs to be moved at construction sites. There were objectors present: Ms. Jan Herbert, 1047 West Wood,was present and spoke against the petition stating that the lots should remain zoned R-6 and B-2 zoning should not be allowed to the east. Ms. Herbert distributed pictures of her house and stated that it was built in 1892. She has lived there 24 years. Ms. Herbert stated that she has supported the wlork of the Oakwood Business District which refurbished an area that was blighted. She stated that she had contacted the staff regarding this development and was shocked at the proximity of the apartment buildings to the existing house. Ms. Herbert stated that Mr.Romano had met with her and shared his plan to move the apartments back and remove the parking on Wood Street. She asked that the plan be changed to reflect the building width at 46 feet with eight feet of steps rather than a 60 foot wide buiding. Ms. Herbert asked how utility trucks would turn around in the alley and stated that she would like to see a plan for excavation. She stated that a Planned Unit Development could have more than one zoning and she requested that the zoning of R-6 remain and be included in the development. Ms. Herbert stated that she had not seen a sign posted at the site.