Board of Zoning Appeals

AREA BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS OF TIPPECANOE COUNTY LAFAYETTE DIVISION October 19, 2020 The City of Lafayette Board of Zoning Appeals met in regular session on Monday, October 19, 2020 at 4:00 PM. Members present were: Jackson Bogan, Tracy Walder, Dave Williams, Jake Gray and Dick Murray. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Bogan. Ms. Walder moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as distributed; second by Mr. Williams. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. NEW BUSINESS 2020-17 UPPER MAIN DEVELOPMENT LLC Variance to reduce the amount of required parking spaces from 158 spaces to 112 spaces for a proposed apartment building. Property located at 631 MAiN ST. Ms. Walder moved to hear and approve the petition; second by Mr. Williams. Chris Shelmon, agent for the petitioner, presented the petition. Andy Gutwein, the petitioner, was also present. Mr. Shelmon stated that the existing parking iot at 631 Main Street has existed there for a long time. This proposed apartment building project would essentially fill that void and add to the character of the downtown area. The parking request provides 14 more spaces than the somewhat accepted standard of 1 space per unit around the downtown area. These 14 "additional" spaces will provide parking for visitors and shoppers. This building will add 10,000 square feet of retail space along Main Street and there would be two floors of parking. It was designed so the Long Center still has alley access from the rear of the project. This project provides more excess parking than any of the other large scale developments downtown. Mr. Shelmon believes the parking standards in the ordinance are not really designed for downtown living. He believes the project will be beneficia! to the community and respectfully asked for approval. Mr. Murray asked if all of the access to the parking garage was from the alley. Mr. Gutwein stated that the access is off of Columbia Street in the alley that runs north and south. Mr. Williams asked if they were providing parking spaces for Valley Oaks. Mr. Gutwein stated that Valley Oaks was moving out of their current space. For clarification, Mr. Began reiterated the proposed access off of Columbia Street through the alley. Mr. Gutwein confirmed this access and stated that there will not be an access off of Main Street. Mr. Murray asked about the status of the proposed parking garage and building next to City Hall. Mr. Shively stated that he believed the project was stiil moving forward but he did not have any knowledge of a timeframe. The plan is to have hundreds of uncommitted spots in this proposed garage and Mr. Murray pointed out its ciose proximity to the current proposal and close access point to the discussed alley. Tom Eisman, property owner of 634 Main Street, spoke in opposition of the variance. He has owned 634 Main Street for 37 years and has been part of the business community downtown for Just as long. He and others En the downtown area always believe that the number one issue affecting this area is that there is never enough parking. Mr. Eisman believes the parking reductions granted to other areas in ciose proximity still don't provide enough parking, He believes that maintaining the downtown business area is essential to the flavor and health of the community. Mr. Eisman also asked how many businesses they are planning on adding to the commercial component of the project. Mr. Gutwein stated that it would be dependent upon whoever leases the space(s). Mr. Bogan asked Mr. Shively if the previous variance approvals of approximately 1 space per unit around the downtown area have had parking issues. Mr. Shively was unaware of any issues with the parking in these previous approvals. Mr. Eisman clarified that he did not mean that new apartment buildings didn't have enough parking for their particular uses but that the parking that has been provided for these new apartment buildings have not done anything to alleviate the parking issues downtown. He believes it has only made the downtown parking issues worse. Mr. Sheimon added that none of the existing Main Street businesses provide parking and that this proposed project was designed to meet its anticipated parking demand. They don't believe it will increase street parking. In addition, all street parking is timed on Main Street for the businesses while they are open during business hours. Futhermore, the proposed building wouid provide upwards of 100 to 150 new consumers. Mr. Shively stated he also received a letter of remonstrance from Bloom Kids Collection at 634 Main Street. This is Mr. Eisman's current tenant. Mr. Shively read the letter and it mirrored Mr. Eisman's concerns about a lack of parking in the downtown area. They believe people will begin shopping elsewhere. Mr. Bogan added that this isn't a discussion about whether there is enough parking downtown, rather it is about whether or not this proposed project is providing enough parking for its intended use. The Board voted by ballot: 1) 5 yes 0 no. Petition GRANTED. The next meeting of the Lafayette Board of Zoning Appeals will be on Monday, November 16, 2020 at 4:00 PM. There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 4:15 PM. Secretary