HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-2008
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ciTv oF DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT
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COMMITTEE
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~ August 6, 2008
~ ~a` WASHINGT~N
MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Lynn Norman called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. in the Council
Conference Room located on the first floor of Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street,
Auburn, WA. Committee Members present were: Chair Lynn Norman, Member Sue
Singer and Member Gene Cerino.
Staff members present included: Mayor Pete Lewis, Planning, Building & Community
Director Cindy Baker, Principal Planner Elizabeth Chamberlain, Economic
Development Manager Dave Baron, Public Works Assistant Director Dennis Selle,
Information Services Director Lorrie Rempher, Finance Director Shelly Coleman,
and Planning Secretary Renee Tobias; Troy Humphrey and Ron Thomas.
Audience Members present were: Ronnie Roberts.
II. REVIEW DRAFT AUBURN JUNCTION DESIGN STANDARDS
A. Staff proposed that 1 st Street SW/SE be open to vehicles, but in a limited
capacity to promote a pedestrian friendly environment. The Committee
discussed this matter and there was a consensus on the staff recommendation.
B. Staff presented three options for street light standards for the Committee's
consideration. It was suggested that an existing street light be painted as a test.
Committee agrees to repaint what is in use and agrees that consistency is key.
Committee and developers discussed who would be responsible for design,
payment and construction of streets, sidewalks and the promenade. It was
agreed that the items used by the public (e.g. plaza, promenade) would be the
City's responsibility. Ron Thomas suggested that the City take a lead on the
design and the developers provide input and do the construction to save money.
It was suggested that an urban landscape designer be contract with to create a
master plan, including pricing, for Auburn Junction and the City Hall Plazas.
Mayor asked that the designer and developers meet to discuss and the
Committee agreed. Committee agreed that each corner in downtown should be
a mirror of what is being done for the Aubum Junction - on a smaller scale, tying
in the same elements to corners and corridors.
C. Committee and developers discussed Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and what should
the standard be. Further discussion is needed on this at a subsequent meeting.
D. On page 11 of the draft design standards, there are two proposals for upper story
setbacks. The first is what have been in the design standards since originally
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Downtown Redevelopment Committee Minutes Auaust 6, 2008
adopted as part of the Downtown Urban Center (DUC) zone. The second was
suggested by the Stratford Company.
Mr. Thomas suggested allowing the building to project out over the walkway
above the second floor. He suggested changing the language from "shall have
20% of upper level set back a minimum depth of 3 feet" to "may have 20% and
then 3 feet or more". The committee asked Mr. Thomas to bring an example of
the 20% and then 3 feet or more" to the next meeting. Committee agrees that
buildings must avoid a`canyon' feeling or look.
E. The Committee discussed land uses, as outlined on page 16 of the draft design
standards. The Committee prefers retail, restaurant or personal service uses
along Pedestrian I streets. Staff recommends keeping the first floor commercial
only along Pedestrian I Streets and especially along Main and Division Streets.
It was agreed that that 1 B on page 16 will be deleted. Other changes suggested
were 2B "Water run-off from canopies/awnings should be controlled and delete
the second part of the sentence. The committee asked staff to provide specifics
for retail, commercial and service; it was noted that restaurants are included
under retail.
Discussion about standards as requirements versus goals occurred.
Additionally, height of buildings and facades were discussed. It was agreed that
Troy Humphrey and Mr. Thomas will bring images of various building height to
the next meeting. .
III. INFORMATION
Next meeting will be on Tuesday, August 12, 2008.
IV. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Downtown Redevelopment
Committee, Chair Norman adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
APPROVED THIS L ~ DAY OF CA-Q\QQJ~-- , 2008.
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y n Norman, Chair Renee Tobias, Secretary
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