CITY PLANNING COMMISSION - Pittsburghapps.pittsburghpa.gov/redtail/images/1503_Planning... · 2018-01-19 · Appointment of Acting Secretary ... obtained their support and have submitted

February 7, 2017 1

Planning Commission Minutes

CITY PLANNING COMMISSION

Minutes of the Meeting of February 7, 2017 Beginning at 2:00 p.m.

PRESENT OF THE COMMISSION: Chairwoman Christine Mondor,

Askey, Burton-Faulk, Deitrick, Dick, Pezzino

PRESENT OF THE STAFF: Gastil, Layman, Hanna, Rakus, Kramer, Ray, Miller, Gregory, Dash

AGENDA ITEMS COVERED IN THESE MINUTES

Item Page No.

1. PDP #17-007, Grandview Avenue, demolition of existing building

2

2. PDP #16-151, 5201/5225 Liberty Avenue, single story retail 4

3. LUC #813, C-805, 305 Wood Street, ticker sign Point Park University

6

4. PDP #15*149, Casino Drive, Hotel 8

5. Carnahan Plan of Lots, 1201 Chappel Avenue, 20th Ward 11

6. Nicklow Consolidation Plan, 3224 Harcums Way, 16th Ward 11

7. Frances Subdivision Plan, 3709 Melwood Avenue, 6th Ward 12

8. Revised Spring Garden Avenue Subdivision Plan, 824 Spring Garden Avenue, 23rd Ward

12

9. Workingmens Square Lot Consolidation/Subdivision, 816 East Ohio Street, 23rd Ward

13

10. URA – Tippins Plan, Butler Street at 62nd Street, 10th Ward 13

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

On a motion duly moved by Ms. Burton-Faulk and seconded by Ms. Askey the minutes from the January 24, 2017 meeting were approved. Ms. Burton-Faulk ABSTAINED. Appointment of Acting Secretary

On motion duly moved by Ms. Dick and seconded by Ms. Burton-Faulk, Ms. Sabina Deitrick was appointed Acting Secretary of today’s meeting. Roll call, all ayes. Motion carried.

February 7, 2017 2


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

Ms. Mondor stated that the Commission was in receipt of correspondence: Thank you letters – Pennley Park Peter and Leslie Kaplan Madeline Franke Jordan Romanus Gale Schwartz Dan Yablonsky Amalia Tonsor Julia Willis Carol Tabas

Rose Lynd Amy Fields Eva Westheimer Megan Good Bridget Coyne Derek Kendall-Morris Jane Kaminski

Letters of Support for Casino Project Manchester Citizens Council Councilman Lavelle Carnegie Science Center Richard Stanizzo, Building Trades Council Laborers Local 373, William Brooks Friends of the Riverfront, Tom Baster

C. DEVELOPMENT REVIEWS (See Attachment B for staff reports.) 1. Hearing and Action: Project Development Plan #17-007, Grandview

Avenue, demolition of existing building, GPR-1

Ms. Kramer made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Ms. Kramer recommended approval of the proposal. Andrew Moss of Moss Architecture representing Ronnie and Victoria Sansom, property owners presented plans for demolition of the house to make plans for future development. The site currently contains a 2 ½ story structure. Demolition will take place during normal business hours and they will use safety to ensure the dust is contained. The existing home does not have much to salvage therefore all materials will be taken to an adequate facility. The property owners have met with the MWCDC and obtained their support and have submitted a letter of support. The plans are to erect a new structure and will come back to the commission once the project is finalized. The design of the new home will add to safety related to parking and traffic pattern. The current structure has been

February 7, 2017 3


vacant for over five years. He showed pictures of the condition of the structure. The lot will be seeded once demolition is complete. 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. Ms. Deitrick asked if this was in the historic district. Mr. Moss stated no. 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 #17-007, for demolition at 520 Grandview Avenue and based on the application and drawings filed by Moss Architects, on behalf of Ronnie & Victoria Sansom, the property owners, subject to the following conditions: a. Demolition and construction management 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 the issuance of the demolition permit.

MOVED BY Ms. Pezzino; SECONDED BY Ms. Askey. IN FAVOR: Mondor, Askey, Burton-Faulk, Deitrick, Dick, Pezzino OPPOSED: None CARRIED

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2. Hearing & Action: Project Development Plan #16-151, 5201/5225 Liberty Avenue, single story retail, Baum Centre Overlay District

Ms. Rakus made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Ms. Rakus recommended approval of the proposal. Dusty Elias Kirk representing CJV Associates introduced Keith Andrecko of Integrity Designs they are the architectural consults for the project he presented information on the building. The plans are to construct two new structures with approximately 28, 0000 square feet. The proposed uses of the new structure will be commercial and likely restaurants and/or retail spaces. A fence will be erected to act as a buffer between the structure and residences. There will be 24 bike parking spaces and an active breezeway. They did a light study for the parking lot to keep the fixtures as low as possible. He reviewed the landscaping plans and showed materials composition, and roof screenings. The storm water management plan and transportation study has been submitted for review. Ms. Kirk reviewed the results of the community meetings stating that they worked with the community to address any concerns. The public benches in the breezeway have been removed as the community requested. Cindy Jampole of Trans Associates reviewed the results of the traffic study and reported that there will be 59 parking spaces, four ADA spaces, and 24 bicycle spaces. Signage will also be in place to show direction of the traffic in the parking lots. The Chairwoman called for comments from the Public. Pattie Medansky of the Bloomfield Citizens Council spoke in support of the plan. CJV worked well with us and made sure that everyone involved was satisfied. Jake Delonibus spoke in support of the project. Frank DeShantz spoke in support of the project. Gloria LeDonne of the Bloomfield Business Network spoke in support of the plan, her only suggestion is no restaurant in the building. Lenore Williams of the Baum Centre Initiative spoke in support of the plan and would like to see the water reclamation on the site to irrigate the landscape is maintained. Christina Howell of the Bloomfield Development Corporation spoke in support of the plan.

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There being no more comments from the Public, the Chairwoman called for questions and comments from the Commission members. Ms. Mondor stated it is great to see this block become active and the bike inclusion, and the quality around the whole building. Ms. Mondor asked about the left turn at the light can they make a turn onto Atlantic or Baum Boulevard. Is there any thought to a mid-walk crossing. Ms. Janpool stated that mid-block is more hazardous. She has spoken to Public Works about this and she will review to make sure there is a pattern that everyone can understand. Ms. Deitrick asked about street parking and the mailbox. Ms. Jampole said yes except for the 1 space on each side be removed for site distance. They will also work with the postal service to get the mailbox removed. Ms. Dick asked about an audible crosswalk at Pacific. Ms. Jampole stated that is not the appropriate location to do that. There is one at Atlantic Baum and Liberty. 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. #16-151 for the new construction of two, one-story structures at 5201-5225 Liberty Avenue as filed by CJV Associates, applicant and property owner, with the following conditions: 1. Final construction plans including final site plans and elevations shall

be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to approval of an application for a building permit.

2. Final landscaping plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to issuance of an occupancy permit.

MOVED BY Ms. Askey; SECONDED BY Ms. Pezzino IN FAVOR: Mondor, Askey, Burton-Faulk, Deitrick, Dick, Pezzino OPPOSED: None CARRIED

February 7, 2017 6


3. Hearing & Action: Conditional Use Application No. 805, Land Use Control File #C-813, Electronic Message Sign, 305 Wood Street, Point Park University

Ms. Rakus made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Ms. Rakus recommended approval of the proposal. Shawn Gallagher of Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney representing Point Park University presented plans to erect an electronic message sign. The sign will show things that are happening at the center as well as news headlines. The have met all the requirements for the Zoning. They have met with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and Pittsburgh Downtown Community Development and Wood Street Residence and everyone supports the sign. We have submitted support letters for your file. We have looked into adding an audible functions of the sign and it is not feasible at this time. The Chairwoman called for comments from the Public. Magalene Jenson CEO of YWCA Pittsburgh the property owner spoke in support of the sign. She believes the sign is reinvigorating and exciting on the corner. David Demko of Scenic Pittsburgh spoke in opposition of the sign because it is ugly, the content cannot be controlled, terribly distracting to drivers and will be a safety issue and offers no service to anyone.

There being no more comments from the Public, the Chairwoman called for questions and comments from the Commission members. Ms. Mondor asked Mr. Layman to clarify the conditional use. Mr. Layman stated each application is considered on their own merits. Ms. Deitrick asked about how the content will be driven. Chris Hill Vice President of Operations of Point Park stated that the students will add the content and news headlines and events at the campus. There being no more questions or comments from the Commission, the Chairwoman called for the motion. MOTION: That Conditional Use Application No. 805, for one, 80.67 square foot electronic message sign at 305 Wood Street, be recommended to City Council for approval.

February 7, 2017 7


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

OPPOSED: None CARRIED

February 7, 2017 8


Ms. Burton-Faulk recused herself from the Casino Hotel Project.

4. Hearing & Action: Project Development Plan #15-149, Casino Drive, Hotel, DR

Mr. Layman made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Mr. Layman recommended approval of the proposal. Andrea Geraghty representing the Rivers Casino spoke stating that they are seeking to amend the master plan and this is part of the riverfront IPOD but the application was in place prior to adoption of that plan. The plan includes building at 214 guest room hotel on the eastern side of the casino. Craig Clark the General Manager of the Rivers Casino spoke about casino and gave a history of the casino including the dimensions of the facility that has been open since 2009. The hotel will be 100% valet parking at 51 million dollar project that is fully funded. The construction will create 1400 new jobs, 120 additional jobs will be created in the hotel. Claudia Salden of Strada Architecture gave the specifics of the hotel landscaping plans and the hotel will include a restaurant, bar, spa, and associated outdoor amenities. No additional parking or loading spaces needed because they can use the Casino garage. She also showed views of the streetscape and explained the sidewalk expansions. She showed the valet lanes stating that 1 lane will be dedicated to hotel customers. There will also be small meeting rooms in the hotel with terraces Luigi Fronstantino of Sistanti Architecture stated the lobby will be a two story volume and they will have connections to the lobby and casino. He showed renderings of the hotel which will be steel and concrete structure. He also showed the west wall of the casino and stated that the water well will go into the rain garden. Accessibility will be maintained 5% accessible rooms and there will be additional elevators. Ramon Hart Director of Community Relations, Rivers Casino spoke about the community engagement that the casino has stated that they volunteer in the community with the residents on service projects. They have held meetings with various community groups Building and Trades Union Carnegie Science Center, Councilman Lavelle, Friends of the Riverfront, and the Northside Leadership Conference. Cindy Jampole of Trans Associates reviewed the results of the traffic study submitted for this project and there will be enough parking to

February 7, 2017 9


accommodate the hotel even at a maximum time of the casino. The loading facility at the casino can accommodate the hotel. The Chairwoman called for comments from the Public. Renee Rosensteel of Chateau Street spoke in support of the casino and hotel. Everything they promised to do they have done. Jamie Younger of Shadeland Avenue is the Vice President of the Brightwood Citizens Group spoke in support of the casino stating that the casino is a wonderful supporter of the Northside they receive no public money and they still support the community and minority practices. Ariane Abliney of Manchester spoke in support of the casino. Carol Washington of Life’s Work spoke in support of the casino and the positive energy they bring to the community and to Life’s Work. Vivien Lee CEO of Riverlife spoke in support of the casino. Her only recommendations were to enhance the riverfront.

There being no more comments from the Public, the Chairwoman called for questions and comments from the Commission members. Ms. Deitrick thanked the design team for a great presentation. Ms. Mondor thanked the applicant for their thorough presentation, the addition is very exciting and would like to see that corner do something active. 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 Project Development Plan #15-149 for a new 7-story hotel addition to Rivers Casino, and amendment to the Master Development Plan, based on the application filed by Strada Architects of Holdings Acquisitions Co. LP, property owner, with the following conditions: 1. That the final site plans and elevations shall be reviewed and approved

by the Zoning Administrator prior to approval of an application for a building permit;

2. That a final landscaping plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to issuance of an occupancy permit;

3. The flood plan application shall be approved by City Planning Staff prior to issuance of an application for a building permit.

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

OPPOSED: None CARRIED

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E. PLAN OF LOTS (See Attachment C.) 5. Carnahan Plan of Lots, 1201 Chappel Avenue, 20th 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 Carnahan Plan of Lots, submitted by Windsor Place Associates, LLC, and received by the Planning Commission February 7, 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. Deitrick; SECONDED BY Ms. Burton-Faulk. IN FAVOR: Mondor, Askey, Burton-Faulk, Deitrick, Dick, Pezzino OPPOSED: None CARRIED

6. Nicklow Consolidation Plan, 3224 Harcums Way, 16th 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 Nicklow Consolidation Plan, submitted by Benjamin P. Nicklow and Danitza A. Nicklow, and received by the Planning Commission February 7, 2017 be approved and the signatures of the proper officers of the Planning Commission be affixed thereto. (No improvements or monuments needed.)


February 7, 2017 12


7. Frances Subdivision Plan, 3709 Melwood Avenue, 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 Frances Subdivision Plan, submitted by Pittsburgh PH Real Estate, LLC, and received by the Planning Commission February 7, 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. Deitrick; SECONDED BY Ms. Burton-Faulk. IN FAVOR: Mondor, Askey, Burton-Faulk, Deitrick, Dick, Pezzino OPPOSED: None CARRIED

8. Revised Spring Garden Avenue Subdivision Plan, 824 Spring Garden

Avenue, 23rd 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 revised Spring Garden Avenue Subdivision Plan,

submitted by John McGrath and James Delgreco, and received by the Planning Commission February 7, 2014 be approved and the signatures of the proper officers of the Planning Commission be affixed thereto. (No improvements or monuments needed.)


February 7, 2017 13


9. Workingmen’s Square Lot Consolidation and Subdivision Plan, 816 East Ohio Street, 23rd 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 Workingmens Square Lot Consolidation and Subdivision

Plan, submitted by October Real Estate Holdings, LLC, and received by the Planning Commission January 24, 2017 be approved and the signatures of the proper officers of the Planning Commission be affixed thereto. (No improvements or monuments needed.)


10. URA-Tippins Plan, Butler Street at 62nd Street, 10th 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 URA-Tippins Plan, submitted by the URA, and received by

the Planning Commission February 7, 2017 be scheduled for final approval on February 21, 2017.

MOVED BY Ms. Dick; SECONDED BY Ms. Burton-Faulk. IN FAVOR: Mondor, Askey, Burton-Faulk, Deitrick, Dick, Pezzino OPPOSED: None CARRIED

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Director’s Report Director Gastil introduced Mr. Johnathan Kline who will present on the Principles of Design Action Plan for the City. He also introduced new City Planning Staff members Yesica Guerra, Public Art and Civic Design Manager, and Grant Ervin, Resiliency Officer. D. ADJOURNMENT: 4:51 p.m. APPROVED BY: Sabina Deitrick ACTING 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/1503_Planning... · 2018-01-19 · Appointment of Acting Secretary ... obtained their support and have submitted