Planning 2015-08-27 Minutes - Board of Architectural Review Public Hearing - Holiday Inn Express Hotel

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Public Hearing Minutes August 27, 2015 Plan vision and it reflects the new standards of development desired in the future. In order to develop the proposed 68 foothigh hotel the applicant is applying for a height incentive, which allows a maximum 70 foot height. The frontage requirements for this height incentive have been included in the site design. The project also meets the landscape requirements. Staff recommends approval of the project with three conditions as listed in the staff report dated August 19, 2015, which will be approved prior to issuance of the building permit. Staff also recommends approval of the frontage modification request on Christensen Road. Staff addressed several questions for the Commission. Commissioner Mann suggested signage on Christensen Road indicating parking stalls are open to the public using the Green River Trail. Commissioner McLeod was in support of Commissioner Mann’s suggestion. Commissioner Mann also inquired on whether the Hotel had on-site meeting facilities, and if so, do they have the ability to accommodate parking for meeting attendees if the hotel is full. Jack Pace , Director, Department of Community Development provided clarification regarding questions raised by Commissioner Strander on the developer’s restoration payment. Dale Sweeney , Architect, for the applicant, responded to questions raised by the Commission. David Clark, for the applicant, provided some clarification for the type of uses the proposed facility provides. Trent Grantham , Landscape Architect, for the applicant also answered questions. There were no further comments. The public hearing was closed. The BAR deliberated. Commissioner Mann thanked the developer for taking on the project and improving the area visually. She said she would still like to address inviting the public to park in the stalls adjacent to the trail on Christensen Road. Commissioner McLeod said he thinks parking will be an issue and it’s important to make good signage indicating where people can or cannot park. The Commission were all in consensus that it is a good project. Motion: Commissioner Maestas made a motion to approve Case Number L15-0027 with staff’s finding recommendations and conclusions with three conditions and the applicant’s modification. Commissioner Alford seconded the motion. All were in favor. Director’s Report: Jack Pace, Director, Community Development, noted the following:  The Washington Place project is in progress.  The Northwest Arena project is in progress.  The City Council adopted the recommendation that the Planning Commission forwarded to them for Medical Marijuana Regulations.  The City Council directed staff to prepare the final adoption Ordinance for the Comprehensive Plan Amendments for Neighborhoods, Tukwila International Boulevard and Housing elements. This item is scheduled to go to the City Council for adoption in October. Page 2 of 3