pages: PlanningBoard/2007-09-24.pdf, 14
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PlanningBoard | 2007-09-24 | 14 | page 8, that the proposed alternative of the second sidewalk created a physical and visual separation between Building A and the rest of the retail center. She noted that it was a sidewalk, not a wall. She noted that the sidewalk in front of the building did not create a visual separation. She was not willing to let go of the north/south sidewalk. Member McNamara believed the different types of texture, particularly mixing metal with wood, would provide good variation. She encouraged more use of canvas or softer materials to soften the maritime effect. She believed there was an excessive amount of trees in the landscaping plan, and that when they matured, it would create a problem. She appreciated the use of the trees to create a neighborhood atmosphere in front of the Building A. She did not see where the ventilation units would be placed, and would like that to be addressed, because that would definitely affect the design of the building. Regarding the north/south sidewalk, she did not like the recommendation that was made to the Board. She noted that it was important to acknowledge the parking spot issue, and noted that some of the constraints and logistical issues at Towne Centre may warrant increased pedestrian traffic. She believed that without the use of sidewalks and the parking spots, pedestrian safety was placed at risk. She believed there should be an alternative traffic pattern to help with the overflow of traffic, and she did not see the traffic flow on Fifth Street as a detriment. She did not have a solution to the north/south sidewalk, and did not like the current recommendation. Member Lynch noted that he had recently walked along the rear area of Santana Row, and noted that the subject site's back parking configuration was extremely similar. He noted that the configuration worked, and noted that if this site were to be as successful as Santana Row, it would attract enough people to make a significant difference to the General Fund. He complimented the applicant for listening to the Board's comments and integrating them into the design. He added that he had reservations regarding the configuration and sizing for the retail, but that decision has been made. President Cook invited a motion to extend the meeting because of the lateness of the hour, and would like sufficient time to address the questions. Vice President Kohlstrand moved to extend the meeting until 11:15 p.m. Board member Lynch seconded the motion, with the following voice vote - 5. Absent: 2 (Cunningham, Mariani). The motion passed. Vice President Kohlstrand expressed concern about the 67-foot height for a one-story building and the massing of the building for a non-functional reason. She would like the heights to be reduced considerably throughout the complex. She was also concerned about the frontage on Stargell and along Mariner Square Loop, and believed the proposed treatments along the large blank walls were very creative. She liked the historic scenes, as well as the vegetative walls and backlit glass. She noted that would be a very long frontage along Stargell with no doors or windows. She liked the pedestrian orientation of Fifth Street. She believed that one or two light towers would be sufficient, but that five would be too many. She believed there was additional site improvements to be done on Page 14 of 18 | PlanningBoard/2007-09-24.pdf |