SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMISSION

CONCEPT PLAN PROPOSAL COMMENTS

 

 

Subject:                       Eastowne 501 Office Building - Concept Plan Proposal

 

Meeting Date:           September 17, 2003

 

Recommendation:      That the comments of the Commission be forwarded to the applicant and the Town Council.

 

Vote:   Unanimous to forward comments by members present:  Richard Barrett, George Cianciolo, Dale Coker, Chris Culbreth, Terry Eason, Thatcher Freund, Laura King Moore, Scott Nilsen, Charlotte Newby (Vice Chair), Amy Ryan, Polly Van de Velde. 

 

Commission member comments:

 

DESIGN

1.      Several Commission members expressed disappointment that the current proposal does not include a parking area under the building (as proposed and approved with the 2001 Special Use Permit).  It was particularly noted that a design incorporating underground parking typically results in reducing overall impervious surface area.

 

2.      One Commission member expressed support for the current proposal noting that it is “smaller” that the approved Special Use Permit.  Another member liked the two story design (approved Special Use Permit included a three story structure). 

 

3.      A Commissioner described the Special Use Permit plan as an “interesting building footprint” in contrast to the “simple footprint” shown on the current proposal.

 

ACCESS AND CIRCULATION

4.      The proposed design included two “non-functional” parking spaces (inadequate car movement area for backing-out).

 

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

5.      A Commission member was pleased to note that the proposed concept plan will conform to the new stormwater requirements in the recently adopted Land Use Management Ordinance.

 

OTHER COMMENTS

6.      A Commissioner expressed mild disappointment that the approved Special Use Permit, nor the current concept plan, did not seem to adequately respond to the following comments from the Community Design Commission’s February 21, 2001 review:

 

·        A Commission member expressed concern that the proposed Providence Road entrance is located too close to the neighbor’s entrance. [Community Design Commission comment, February 21, 2001]

·        Several Commission members requested that the applicant consider locating the building closer to Eastowne Drive, in order to leave more undisturbed natural space behind the building. [Community Design Commission comment, February 21, 2001]

Prepared by:   Charlotte Newby (Vice-Chair)

Gene Poveromo, Staff