Redevelopment Commission

TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 21, 2018, 6:30 P.M. MUNICIPAL CENTER BUILDING I, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 50 E. CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, GILBERT, ARIZONA 85296 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Tyler Hudgins, Chair Peter Sciacca, Commissioner Boe Bigelow, Commissioner COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Ryan Hamilton, Vice Chair Tyler Jones, Commissioner COUNCIL PRESENT: Scott Anderson, Councilmember STAFF PRESENT: Jennifer Graves, Deputy Director, Economic Development Amanda Elliott, Redevelopment Administrator John Baird, Assistant Town Attorney Sydney Bethel, Planner II Amy Temes, Interim Principal Planner CALL TO ORDER Chair Hudgins called the regular meeting of the Redevelopment Commission to order at 6:39 P.M. ROLL CALL Amanda Elliott called the roll and declared that a quorum was present. COMMUNICATION FROM CITIZENS Chair Hudgins opened the floor to the public for any comments or communications on items not on the agenda. The Commission’s response is limited to responding to criticism, asking staff to review a matter commented upon, or asking that a matter be put on a future agenda. There were no communications from Citizens. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS 1. Meeting Minutes – Consider Approval of the Minutes of September 20, 2018. MOTION: Commissioner Sciacca moved to approve the regular meeting minutes of September 20, 2018; seconded by Commissioner Bigelow. Motion passed 3-0. 2. Study Session- S18-18 and DR 18-183: Aspire Heritage District. Staff will present these items to the Redevelopment Commission to gather input. No motion will be held at this time. S18-18 ASPIRE HERITAGE DISTRICT: Preliminary Plat and Open Space Plan for Aspire Heritage District, for thirty-two (32) residential home lots (Lots 1-32) on approximately 2.47 acres of real property generally located at the northeast corner of Vaughn Avenue and Palm Street in the Multi-Family/Low (MF/L) zoning district; and DR18-183, ASPIRE HERITAGE DISTRICT: Site plan, landscape, grading, drainage, elevations, floor plans, lighting, colors and materials, for approximately 2.47 acres, generally located at the northeast corner of Vaughn Avenue and Palm Street, zoned Multi-Family/Low (MF/L).  Gilbert Redevelopment Commission November 21, 2018 Page 2 of 3 Planner Sydney Bethel advised that the Preliminary Plat and Design Review have gone through a first review and staff has provided comments to the applicant. The Preliminary Plat and Open Space Plan will go before the Planning Commission for a study session on December 5, 2018, and staff will include comments and recommendations received from the Redevelopment Commission tonight. DR18-183 Design Review for Aspire Heritage District will be presented one more time for Redevelopment Commission recommendation of approval or denial. The 2.47 acre site is located at the corner of Vaughn Avenue and Palm Street and is within the Heritage District Overlay. The Preliminary Plat creates the lot dimensions, streets, and parking. The minimum lot dimensions are 21 by 51 feet up to 27 by 54 feet. The total density is 13.36 DU/Acre, which is within the density for the Multi-Family Low zoning district and the General Plan (up to 14). The site plan includes 32 two-story units between 2,017 and 1,633 square feet. There are three different types of units, with the C units having a rooftop patio option bringing the height up to 36 feet. There is one gated entry point to the south with a monument sign. The parking is contained on-site with two-car garages at the rear of each building. Eight guest spaces are provided near the amenity area and that number is within the code. The applicant is proposing on-street refuse containers. The landscape plan incorporates some elements of the Heritage District Plant Palette, although there are seven proposed plants that are not consistent with that list, such as such as the date palms at the entry feature. Staff is open to some variation for accent plants with the Commission’s direction. A pedestrian gate is located adjacent to the main vehicular entry. The entry gate features metal mesh similar to the Lofts project, creating a more open environment. A second pedestrian entry is provided, although staff is recommending an additional pedestrian entrance since the project is adjacent to downtown. The brick veneer, colors, and metal accent features are in line with the Heritage District. Elevations were reviewed. Ms. Bethel asked for the Commission’s feedback regarding the overall design, on-street refuse containers, elevations and materials, wall and fence design, and the landscape palette. Comments from the Commission: Commissioner Sciacca asked if the refuse containers would be picked up by the town and whether they would be screened or hidden from view. He understood that the proposed visitor parking was up to code, although this project is tucked away in a residential neighborhood. He suggested pushing the visitors to the parking garage. He noted that the gate looked solid on the plans and asked whether the metal mesh was see-through. Ms. Bethel stated at this time, staff is not aware where the refuse containers will be located outside of the roll- out days. The Town now collects refuse and recycling on the same day, so both bins would be out. That is one of staff’s concerns. In terms of pushing visitors to the new or existing parking garage, she would have to look into the possibility of signage. Even though the surrounding zoning is multi-family, there are single- family homes in the surrounding area. The Vaughn Manor Condominiums are currently the only other multi- family in the vicinity. The front entry gate features corrugated metal that is not see-through. Ms. Bethel will confirm that with the applicant. Commissioner Sciacca asked if it would be appropriate to have the gate see-through for oncoming traffic or pedestrian and bike safety. He suggested looking at other options for the gate. Chair Hudgins felt that it would be good from the view perspective looking down that road to make sure the metal had a see-through appearance. Commissioner Sciacca asked about the mechanical screening and whether the HVAC units would be hidden by the parapet walls. Ms. Bethel will consult the applicant as it is not indicated on the elevations where all the mechanical is being concealed. Chair Hudgins was glad to see this project at this location and felt there is high demand from people who want to live in downtown. He echoed staff’s comments to have the tree palette more in line with the district and consider some variation in accents, although he would not approve date palms in the downtown. It is  Gilbert Redevelopment Commission November 21, 2018 Page 3 of 3 important to maintain the heritage in the district. He would like to see some alternatives for trash. While he understood that the eight visitor parking spaces do meet code, his concern was that the guests would pour into the on-street parking in the residential area. Many of the residential driveways are small and those residents utilize on-street parking. He asked how the applicant could encourage guests to use the parking garage and how that could be enforced. He noted a frequent problem in condos is that people park alongside the garages, which makes it difficult to pull out. He asked how that could be monitored. Ms. Bethel stated the on-street parking is public parking, and the guests would have as much right to park there as the homeowners. Staff can look into signage or some other measures to encourage use of the parking garage. She advised that the garages have a 3-foot apron to avoid the issue of people blocking the garages. That will not stop people from parking sideways, but only allowing that amount of concrete should mitigate some possible parking issues. Chair Hudgins suggested the applicant come back with some proposed signage as well as a plan to educate the homeowners regarding visitor parking, as that is a potential problem. Commissioner Bigelow felt this was an awesome project. He agreed on the tree palette, although he noted that the project is on the corner of Vaughn and Palm Street. He would like to see other types of trees such as shamel ash or sycamore that would replicate what is already in the district. He had some concerns with the visitor parking, although it is up to code. At Agritopia, the houses were built on top of one another. He stressed making sure that the streets are wide enough not only so cars could pass, but to be comfortable. He was not involved with the District Lofts, although he knows the people who built it. He stated with impact fees, streets, and other construction costs, it is usually the finishes that are cut out. He felt it is important to maintain what is being presented with the brick veneer and metal accents down to the garage doors to make sure that the quality is there in the finished product. Ms. Bethel will note these items for the applicant and will include the Commission’s comments in the staff report to the Planning Commission. COMMUNICATIONS 3. Report from the CHAIR on current or future events. Chair Hudgins had no report. 4. Report from COUNCIL LIAISON on current or future events. Councilmember Anderson thanked Chair Hudgins and Amanda Elliot for their presentation to the delegation from Antrim-Newtownabbey, Ireland. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. 5. Report from COMMISSIONERS on current or future events. There were no reports. 6. Report from STAFF LIAISON on current or future events. Amanda Elliott provided an update on the catalyst project for the 9.1 acre site. Staff is currently in negotiations with DMB and LGE on that site and hopes to bring a development agreement to Council in December. She thanked the Commission for all the hard work put into the Redevelopment Plan. It is exciting to see that plan come to fruition. ADJOURN With no further business, Chair Hudgins adjourned the meeting at 7:03 P.M. ___________________________________ Tyler Hudgins, Chair