PLAN COMMISSION
January 4, 2007
Members present: Breault, Koch, Yoerg, Mailloux, Gilbert, Caruso and Bieraugel
Others present: Scot O’Malley, Lee Wyland, Marc Putman, Roger Tomten, Gordon Conard, John Mingo, John Kromer, Ron Gagnon, Mark Gagnon, Al Burchill, Jay Griggs, Pat Smith, Jon Anthinson, Kraig Klund, Randy Hanson and Denny Darnold
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Breault at 7:02 p.m.
Motion by Yoerg, seconded by Koch
to approve the 12/14/06 meeting minutes.
Motion carried.
Review guidelines, standards and policies and architectural review of projects in the downtown business area – Putman Planning and Design and Community Development Director. Darnold noted that there will be a plan commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 18th at the St. Croix Marina to allow the public an opportunity to review the work progress of Putman Planning and Design and the plan commission in formulating the downtown development guidelines, standards, policies.
Marc Putman and Roger Tomtem, Putman Planning and Design reviewed the initial draft presented to the plan commission. Putman reviewed the following elements:
- introduction and summary, history, base information
- goals and policies – performance
- design guidelines – quality design
- application of guidelines
Darnold noted that this is the first draft presented to the plan commission and is subject to amendment. Breault commented that he will make a copy of the initial recommendations available for public review.
Putman emphasized that a foundation upon which the recommendations are made is that private / public cooperation is very important and a key to the successful implementation of good design within development projects. Putman explained that a successful downtown is a fabric of varied elements and that no one element stands alone.
Yoerg emphasized that quality architecture is important, but that the natural resource of the river and the relationship of the man made environment and the natural environment is a valued resource. Putman reviewed a photograph of the downtown area and sight lines to the river and focus points of the downtown area, much featuring views to the river.
Breault noted that there is a significant amount of
available land for development in the downtown area.
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January 4, 2007
Putman reviewed case studies of
Parking ramps were discussed with Putman showing examples of collar retail adjacent to parking facilities and parking structures. Putman also noted the significance of the price of parking and shared parking requirements.
Other issues highlighted by Putman included pedestrian
walkways, street improvements, sustainable development and architecture. Putman noted that the downtown area in
Putman reviewed the proposed use of virtual (three dimensional) models to demonstrate and analyze sight lines and perspectives of existing and proposed developments within the downtown.
Jon Anthinson noted that in
Breault asked the landowners in the audience if they had any
concerns. John Mingo, owner of
Mingo stated he has started the process to make improvements to his building and is concerned what he may have proposed will not be approved by the city. Darnold asked that he provide a copy of the exterior improvements so that it can be reviewed.
Jay Griggs emphasized that the city allow flexibility in design and not be too rigid.
Ron Gagnon stated that the property owners must have an opportunity to reinvest in their property and that it not become too costly so that property improvements are not affordable, such as the incorporation of underground parking.
Breault asked Putman to meet with the property owners in the four block study area to determine what is being proposed and how that fits with the recommendations being forwarded to the plan commission.
Plan Commission
January 4, 2007
Putman noted that they would not be reviewing one specific
design, but alternative designs.
Yoerg reemphasized that architecture and the natural resources both be considered in review of alternative development concepts.
Gilbert commented that height regulations must be flexible to allow a varied appearance of building and that not all rooflines will be flat or that buildings be built up to the maximum height to achieve a financial gain.
Koch stated that height is a concern and that buildings may
become too tall and have the appearance of some of the new structures on the
north end of the
Putman noted he is in favor of reasonable height limitations and that allowances or incentives should be provided to create higher quality design.
Bieraugel noted that the relationship of the economics of development and flexibility of design must take place to achieve quality design and reinvestment in the downtown area.
Caruso commented that he is pleased to see that incentives are being considered to provide opportunities for developers to achieve quality projects.
Pat Smith, one of the owners of
Putman concluded by noting that off-street parking and the incorporation of parking in downtown areas is a key element in the vitality of the downtown. Breault noted that investment has to be done economic feasibility.
No action was taken.
It was agreed by the plan commission that this item will be added to the January 14th plan commission agenda for further review and discussion.
Motion by Caruso, seconded by Gilbert to adjourn. Motion carried. 9:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dennis Darnold, Secretary