Planning 2020-09-24 Minutes - Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters Design Review

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BAR Public Hearing 9/24/20 Page 2 Comment Letters - entered into the record by st Explanation was given regarding two public comment letters received from Greg and Vanessa Zaputil, which were forwarded to the BAR. The intent was to include the original letter, dated April 1, 2020 in the public hearing agenda packet. However, the electronic version was not available in time. Also, a letter dated September 22, 2020 was submitted. Staff requested to enter the comment letters into the record as Attachment H. Staff went over several concerns raised in the letters. A few of the issues raised were the relocation of the waste container, perimeter landscaping along the eastern property line, and sidewalk frontal improvements. As well as the Zaputil's request for written confirmation regarding the resolution of the easement drainage issue on their property. Staff contacted Public Works regarding the request for sidewalk frontal improvements, and Joanna Spencer, Engineer, Public Works Department responded with a memo. She stated the applicant is only required to construct frontal improvements along their S. 151st street frontage. The sidewalk improvements along 51st Ave. S. were waived by Public Works since it would not connect to existing sidewalk along 51st Ave. S. Staff requested to enter the memo into the record as Attachment I. Staff and the applicant answered clarifying questions for the Commission. Tom Rieger, Project Manager, Thomas Architecture Studios, the applicant showed a slide show of the proposed project. He also introduced the project team. The applicant and staff answered several additional questions for the Commission. The Commissioners expressed concern with the sidewalk issue, and trash location. Commissioner Simmons said she wanted to address her comment to staff specifically concerning the S 151st St. sidewalk disconnect issue, stating it was hazardous for walkability. She said due to the bus stop and light rail in the area she does not want to lose sight of the separation of the sidewalk. Staff has offered to discuss the issue with the Public Works Department, although it is not part of the decision before the BAR. Commissioner Watters said she felt the project was lacking in large trees for the size of the building and urged the applicant to consider including some larger trees. Virtual Public Testimony Vanessa Zaputil, citizen, owner of the triplex and duplex located along the East property line of the proposed project said the development is not planning for the usual required sidewalks along 300 ft. of its own frontage along 51st Ave. S. And that it is a mistake and does not align with City goals. She urged the Commission to require the sidewalks. She said there are many residences that would benefit due to the lack of safe pedestrian access along 51st Ave. S. She said it would be safe routes to schools, to access the bus stops and the rapid ride in the Tukwila urban district for families. She said they are established standards that need to be upheld to the highest level and not waived. She asked for consideration for the extension of the 52nd Ave sidewalk to the proposed sidewalk on S. 151st Street. She said the increased traffic would significantly and negatively impact the community, which is extremely dangerous for pedestrians. She was strongly opposed to the trees along the eastern side of the applicant's property line. Stating that the three large species will encroach on her property because they are planted 6 ft. from her property line. And they would be a burden due to leaf collection, pruning and debris, and they would dwarf her trees, which will hurt them. She listed three options to address the issue 1) increase the size of the buffer, so the applicant can accommodate the Phone: 206-433-1800 • Email: Mayor@TukwilaWA.gov • Website: TukwilaWA.gov