pages: PlanningBoard/2007-09-24.pdf, 15
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PlanningBoard | 2007-09-24 | 15 | Stargell, which appeared to be one of the concerns raised by the Mariner Square management. She believed that the issues regarding the Stargell intersection and the north/south roadway needed to be resolved. She agreed with Members Ezzy Ashcraft and McNamara regarding the north/south roadway, and respectfully but strongly disagreed with staff's position and the findings that were made. She noted that most shopping centers were built with autos in mind, and were not built to accommodate pedestrians. She believed that something better could be done in that regard, and she was not willing to give that possibility up. She liked the design study, and believed it should be adopted and implemented. President Cook shared the comments on the circulation system and liked the alternative plan, which she believed solved a lot of problems that have occurred at South Shore. She believed it was unsafe to cross the parking lot at South Shore, and would like to avoid that problem at this center. She appreciated the work that had been done to increase the variation of the façades, but was concerned with two of the large blank walls. She believed that the applicants could make Building A more visually interesting on the façade. She noted that the façade on Buildings B, E and G look quite large and blank, and suggested a landscaping solution. She was very concerned about the entrance roadways that are the entrance to Alameda Point. She was concerned that Building H on the corner had become very squared, which would not give people the impression of arriving in Alameda Point. She would like more attention to be given to all the entrances, including the Loop. She would like vegetation to be placed in front of the screens for the mechanical equipment. She wanted to ensure the historic billboards retained that historic character. Mr. Thomas noted that the condition placed on the site plan in June was that the consolidated sign program would come back for City approval. In response to an inquiry by President Cook whether Building A could accommodate two stories, Mr. Thomas replied that technically, it was feasible, but that Alameda Point was limited by the Master Plan cap of 300,000 square feet of retail. The applicant's architect noted that in order to minimize all of the mechanical equipment, they raised the sides of the building and the parapets so they incorporate the mechanical screen, which would become part of the mass of the building. He believed that would be a nicer look, as opposed to having "hats" on top of the buildings. He noted that the tower element reached the 67-foot height, and that could be brought down. He noted that the lighting towers provided illumination for the parking lots, and reduction of the five towers to two towers would require the incorporation of parking lot standards, which would give the shopping center a more typical look instead of the more iconic towers. President Cook noted that it was 11:15, and inquired where the Planning Board should go with respect to the rest of this item. Mr. Thomas noted that the applicant would be going to City Council with the DDA and the DA amendments. He suggested passing a motion with the condition that they did the sidewalk, and inquired whether the Board would be comfortable conditioning some of the Page 15 of 18 | PlanningBoard/2007-09-24.pdf |