Planning 2019-08-22 Item 3 - Adoption of 6/27/19 Minutes

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Page 3 Public Meeting Minutes June 27, 2019 Commissioner Mann said because the traffic conflicts are so hazardous at the intersection of 65th Avenue South and Southcenter Boulevard maybe the Rapid Ride bus stop to the east of the intersection should be moved. Rachell Bianchi, Deputy City Administrator, Safety Plan Program Manager, said for the record, the traffic study says that once the Courts and Police are moved out of the buildings and once the Fire Station opens that an additional traffic study will be warranted at that time. Commissioner Strander said she would highly encourage some sort of light at 65th street. If the Fire Department is going to be on the campus it really needs to be addressed. Shawn Stankewich, Landscape Architect, for the applicant, wrapped up the presentation with an overview of the site and landscaping design concept. He said the design is based on trying to provide a flexible space where there is opportunity in the future for art or memorial installation in the area. He also went over site sections and plantings. Commissioner Martinez asked if the landscaping could be started on the north side of the property to provide a buffer for the residence. Emma Nowinski, for the applicant, said a lot of digging needs to take place for the retaining wall and the sewer and the landscaping will be done last to provide the safest environment for the investment of the trees. However, there will be on -going discussion between the residents and contractor during construction, and any issues that may occur can be addressed. Commissioner Stark said the building needed to be married to the landscaping, especially tight to the building. Mr. Stankewich said you don't pick up on it as much in the renderings but there is a focus on landscaping design. PUBLIC TESTIMONY: Chair Martinez swore in those wishing to testify. John Richards, resident, pointed out that the elevation on the north side of Fire Station 52 is going to be nearly as high as his house. He said it is going to be six inches below the top of his window on his upper floor. He said the rendering does not accurately show the location of trees within the setback area along the northern property line. Mr. Richards is also concerned with the maintenance of these trees as the tree limbs will encroach on his property and drop branches and leaves into his yard. He requested that the trees are eliminated along his property line because he does not want to keep up maintenance or see the wall be ruined by landscaping brushing against the building. Jason Konieczka, Tukwila Fire Fighter addressed a question regarding the design of the building and whether it has proper flow for the fire department. He said they are very pleased.