CITY PLANNING COMMISSION - Pittsburghapps.pittsburghpa.gov/redtail/images/1312_Planning... · 1. Hearing and Action: Project Development Plan #17-047, 523 Grandview Avenue, demolition

April 4, 2017 1

Planning Commission Minutes

CITY PLANNING COMMISSION

Minutes of the Meeting of April 4, 2017 Beginning at 2:07 p.m.

PRESENT OF THE COMMISSION: Chairwoman Christine Mondor,

Gitnik, Brown, Askey, Burton-Faulk, Deitrick, Dick, Pezzino

PRESENT OF THE STAFF: Gastil, Layman, Hanna, Rakus, Kramer, Ray, Miller, Gregory, Palomo, Lavin-Kossis

AGENDA ITEMS COVERED IN THESE MINUTES

Item Page No.

1. PDP #17-047, 523 Grandview Avenue, demolition 2

2. PDP #17-046, 520 Grandview Avenue, new construction/single family home

4

3. FLDP #17-026, Station Square Drive, new construction/residential/commercial

6

4. St. Augustine Plan of Lots, 3600 Butler Street, 6th Ward 12

5. Northeast Trade House 39th Street Subdivision, 337-9 39th Street, 6th Ward

12

Ms. Mondor chaired today’s meeting and called the meeting to order. A. ACTION ON THE MINUTES

On a motion duly moved by Ms. Dietrick and seconded by Ms. Askey the minutes from the March 21, 2017 meeting were approved. Ms. Deitrick, Ms. Pezzino, and Mr. Gitnik abstained.

B. CORRESPONDENCE (See Attachment A for staff reports.)

Ms. Mondor stated that the Commission was in receipt of correspondence:

Letter from Councilman Kraus’ office in support of Station Square East development.

April 4, 2017 2


C. DEVELOPMENT REVIEWS (See Attachment B for staff reports.) 1. Hearing and Action: Project Development Plan #17-047, 523 Grandview

Avenue, demolition

Ms. Kramer made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Ms. Kramer recommended approval of the proposal. Anna Foster of Moss Architecture presented plans for demolition of one structure in the Grandview Public Realm. The site currently contains a 2 story structure at 523 Grandview Avenue. There will limited sidewalk closures and minimum traffic impact. Dumpsters will be placed within the property line and all demolition will be 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The contractor is Sienko construction and they will hose the demolition daily. The area will be used for staging and will undergo abatement and will keep the driveway for the parking across the street. The staging area will be seeded and prepared for future development. They have met with the Mt. Washington CDC and have their full support and a letter was submitted with the application. The Chairwoman called for comments from the Public. There being no comments from the Public, the Chairwoman called for questions and comments from the Commissioners. Mr. Gitnik stated the way the owners have deconstructed the dwelling was done very professionally. Mr. Gitnik asked if they own all the lots on the other side of the street. Ms. Foster stated they own the house to the left and right and a few down the street and the property across the street. Mr. Gitnik asked that they speak with St. Mary’s on the Mount regarding the community center asking if they could work with them regarding the parking. There being no more questions or comments from the Commissioners, the Chairwoman called for the motion. MOTION: That the Planning Commission of the City of Pittsburgh approves Project Development Plan #17-047, for demolition at 523 Grandview Avenue and based on the application and drawings filed by Moss Architects, on behalf of Ronnie and Victoria Sansom, the property owners, subject to the following conditions:

April 4, 2017 3


a. Demolition and construction managements plans, including all off-site

locations, shall be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator and the Department of Public Works prior to the issuance of a demolition permit; and

b. Approval of any demolition or parking on any other properties necessary for this demolition shall obtain necessary Planning approvals, prior to issuance of the demolition permit.

MOVED BY Ms. Pezzino; SECONDED BY Ms. Dick. IN FAVOR: Mondor, Gitnik, Askey, Burton-Faulk, Deitrick, Dick,

Pezzino OPPOSED: None CARRIED

April 4, 2017 4


2. Hearing & Action: Project Development Plan #17-046, 520 Grandview

Avenue, GPR-A

Ms. Kramer made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Ms. Kramer recommended approval of the proposal. Anna Foster of Moss Architecture presented plans for demolition of the existing structure that was previously approved as a Project Development Plan on February 7, 2017. The proposal is for new construction for a 3-Story, single family home. Construction staging will be located at 523 Grandview Ave. The construction will be a modern townhome with off street parking and a turnaround in the basement. Traffic issues will be alleviated by eliminating the curb cut. They will work with public works to work on street closures. Showed current view of the area and an illustration of what the area will look like when complete. The materials will be cut limestone and concrete panelized or heavy duty metal, a metal roof and glass handrails. They have met with the Mt. Washington CDC and have their support and submitted a letter along with the application. They are working with the Shade Tree Commission about the park next to the property. The property across the street will serve as a staging area for this development. The Chairwoman called for comments from the Public.

There being no comments from the Public, the Chairwoman called for questions and comments from the Commission members. Ms. Dick asked if it was a single family home. Ms. Foster stated yes. There being no more questions or comments from the Commission, the Chairwoman called for the motion. MOTION: That the Planning Commission of the City of Pittsburgh approves the Project Development Plan No. 17-046, for new construction of a single-family home at 520 Grandview Avenue and based on the application and drawings filed by Moss Architects, on behalf of Ronnie and Victoria Sansom, the property owners, subject to the following condition:

a. The final construction plans, including site plans, landscape plans, elevations, and construction management plan, shall be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to approval of an application for a building permit.

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MOVED BY Ms. Pezzino; SECONDED BY Gitnik IN FAVOR: Mondor, Gitnik, Askey, Burton-Faulk, Deitrick, Dick,

Pezzino

OPPOSED: None CARRIED

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Ms. Mondor recused from item #3.

3. Hearing & Action: Final Land Development Plan #17-026, Station Square Drive, new construction/residential/commercial

Ms. Rakus made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Ms. Rakus recommended approval of the proposal. James Murrray Coleman representing High Street Residential gave an overview of the plans to construct two new five and six-story residential structures with 319 dwelling units total. The structures are connected via pedestrian bridge over private property and through the partially below ground integral parking. The FDLP has not changed dramatically from the PLDP 3200 square feet of retail/restaurant space and 340 parking spaces and 135 bicycle spaces and 2 electrical charging stations. 1st floor bicycle parking and 1 repair station. The project will improve bicycle and pedestrian connections. Riverlife, CDAP and the Southside residents have been vetted including numerous community organizations. Dan Derozo the Landscape Architect gave an overview of the sustainability goals and the desire for LEED for homes version 4. There will be a significant decrease of impervious surface. Wellness is a major factor in the design of the site. Energy star appliances and energy efficient windows are part of the plan. There will be a few ADA compliant ramps and accessibility from multiple locations. The connection from the corner of the bridge will remain the same. Chris Harvey Architect for the project showed a 3D overview of the project. They have decided to brand the building as to what happen in past years. He showed night illustrations and how the building reflects off of the water. The mechanical units will be a soft gray color to blend into the roof. Reviewed the retail element and views from west to east there will be an outdoor terrace. He also reviewed the material list to avoid redundancy of material. There are a mixture of metals, masonry, steel and glass. Some of the amenities include a fitness center and a pool. Most of the windows are dark tinted throughout the building. Ms. Rakus clarified the concerns regarding the height of the podium. The podium is 5 feet. Mr. Harvey stated that there will not be a parapet wall so there will be lots of places for people to look up and down.

April 4, 2017 7


The Chairwoman called for comments from the Public. Vivien Le of Riverlife spoke in support of the project stating that the developer has been very responsive to their comments. She would like to encourage the use of trail lighting along the trail and together with the City of Pittsburgh are committed to the maintenance along the trail. Roy Weil of 533 Darlington Road wanted to know if the trail will be closed during the construction phase. There being no more comments from the Public, the Chairwoman called for questions and comments from the Commission members. Ms. Deitrick asked if there is a view from the river. Mr. Harvey stated that they do not. Ms. Deitrick asked if the trail will be closed. Mr. Harvey stated yes during construction for about eighteen months. Hopefully the trail could be re-routed. Ms. Deitrick asked about the accessibility and rent. Mr. Harvey stated that it will be split approximately 60% one bedroom and studios 30% two bedroom. They have a number of Jr. Type rooms that have a study or a loft. The rent will be $1,400 for a one bedroom and penthouse will be about $3,000 there are twenty-three different unit types in the building. Ms. Dick asked about the ADA accessible. Mr. Harvey stated that eveything is accessible all comply with the Fair Housing standards. Mr. Gitnik asked if on this phase of the project will all that green be included. Mr. Derozo stated yes. Mr. Gitnik asked about the maximum height of the podium and Mr. Derozo stated that the actual grade is over 727 at the lowest point. Mr. Gitnik asked about overlook for engagement. Mr. Harvey thought at the lowest point there will be a pod. Mr. Gitnik wanted to know about the public restroom. Mr. Harvey stated that there is not one at this time. There are water fountains with a dog bowl and they will work with the restaurant owners to accommodate patrons.

April 4, 2017 8


Mr. Gitnik said the stair tower is a good idea. They should be open so people will use them. Mr. Gastil stated that he really appreciates the design elements. Ms. Burton-Faulk stated the community process is very important. There being no more questions or comments from the Commission, the Chairwoman called for the motion. MOTION: That the Planning Commission of the City of Pittsburgh approves Final Land Development Plan application No. 17-026, to construct two six story residential structures in accordance with the application and drawings submitted by Hord Coplan Macht, on behalf of Forest City Station Square Associates, property owner, with the following conditions: a. Applicant shall provide an open space development schedule to the

Zoning Administrator for review and approval prior to approval of an application for a building permit;

b. Final building construction plans shall be submitted for review and approval by the Zoning Administrator prior to approval of an application for a building permit;

c. Final design of the streets, riverfront trail, and riverfront connections,

including materials and landscaping, shall be reviewed in staff design review with final approval by the Zoning Administrator prior to issuance of a final Certificate of Occupancy;

d. Final landscaping plans shall be reviewed and approved by the Zoning

Administrator prior to issuance of a final Certificate of Occupancy.

e. Construction management plan detailing an alternate bike route be submitted.

MOVED BY Ms. Pezzino; SECONDED BY Ms. Dick IN FAVOR: Gitnik, Askey, Burton-Faulk, Deitrick, Dick, Pezzino RECUSED: Mondor

OPPOSED: None CARRIED

April 4, 2017 9


E. PLAN OF LOTS (See Attachment C.) 4. Smallman Red, LLC Consolidation Plan (2949-51 Smallman Street), 6th

Ward

ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA

5. Felix Subdivision, 2919 Harcum Way, 16th Ward


6. Fahrion-Constance Plan of Lots (1000 and 1004 Constance Street), 23rd Ward


7. Bailey Park Science Street Subdivision, Science Street (3-H-223, 3-H-

220), 18th Ward


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8. St. Augustine Plan of Lots Revised (3600 Butler Street), 6th Ward

Mr. Miller made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Director Gastil stated that the subdivision committee had met and recommends approval of the plan. The Chairwoman called for a motion. MOTION: That the St. Augustine Plan of Lots Revised, submitted by the At.

Augustine Catholic Church and received by the Planning Commission April 4, 2017 be approved and the signatures of the proper officers of the Planning Commission be affixed thereto. (No improvements or monuments needed.)

MOVED BY Ms. Burton-Faulk; SECONDED BY Ms. Askey. IN FAVOR: Mondor, Gitnik, Askey, Burton-Faulk, Deitrick, Dick,


9. Northeast Trade House 39th Street Subdivision (337-39 39th Street), 6th

Ward

Mr. Miller made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Director Gastil stated that the subdivision committee had met and recommends approval of the plan. The Chairwoman called for a motion. MOTION: That the Northeast Trade House 39th Street Subdivision, submitted

by Northeast Trade House, LLC and received by the Planning Commission April 4, 2017 be approved and the signatures of the proper officers of the Planning Commission be affixed thereto. (No improvements or monuments needed.)

MOVED BY Ms. Burton-Faulk; SECONDED BY Ms. Askey. IN FAVOR: Mondor, Gitnik, Askey, Burton-Faulk, Deitrick, Dick,


April 4, 2017 11


D. DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Grant Ervin presented the 1 Pittsburgh Plan video and the City of Pittsburgh’s Resiliency Plan.

E. ADJOURNMENT: 3:25 p.m. APPROVED BY: Paul Gitnik, Esq. SECRETARY Attachments DISCLAIMER: The official records of the Planning Commission’s meetings are the Minutes of the Meetings approved by the Commission’s Secretary, Paul Gitnik. The Minutes are the ONLY official record. Any other notes, recordings, etc. are not official records of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission cannot verify the accuracy or authenticity of notes, recordings, etc., that are not part of the official minutes.

Documents

CITY PLANNING COMMISSION - Pittsburghapps.pittsburghpa.gov/redtail/images/1312_Planning... · 1. Hearing and Action: Project Development Plan #17-047, 523 Grandview Avenue, demolition