VILLAGE OF EVENDALE
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
February 19, 2008
EVENDALE MUNICIPAL BUILDING
The regular February meeting of the Evendale Planning Commission (EPC) was called to order by Chairperson Dick Shaffer at 6 PM on February 19, 2008. Attending were EPC members Doug Lohmeier (Council Representative), Rob Adams, Dick Shaffer, Susan VanAmerongen, and Dan Frank. Supporting the EPC were James Dobrozsi (Architectural Review Board Member), Ralph Terbrueggen (Architectural Review Board Member), James Jeffers (Village Engineer), Jack Cameron, Kathy Farro, Linda Fitzgerald, and Pam Morin.
Public Hearing
1) Diamond Glass, 10800 Reading Road
Conditional Use Permit
No Comments
New Business
1) Diamond Glass, 10800 Reading Road
Conditional Use Permit
Mr. Joe Rippe requested a conditional use permit to allow Diamond Glass to operate at 10800 Reading Road.
A motion was made by Doug Lohmeier and seconded by Dan Frank to approve the conditional use permit.
The motion passed by a 5 yes 0 no vote.
Public Hearing
1) Arcadia Communications, 10209 Plainfield Road, Rest Haven Memorial Park
Wireless Communication Facility
Mr. Steve Carr, Arcadia Communications – presented the proposed wireless communication facility as a 150-foot tall tapered structure that can accommodate a total of 4 wireless company antennas and provide coverage for an area that is currently not served or underserved in Evendale and Blue Ash. The sponsoring wireless service is Cricket and TMobile has expressed interest in co-locating at the site.
Mr. Mike Behbehani, 3753 Monets Lane – expressed concerns about the health effects of the use of electromagnets and the frequencies generated by wireless communication towers. He also asked for lists of people requesting the additional service. He requested that an additional balloon be flown so that residents could take their own pictures.
Ms. Susan Deroos, 3738 Monets Lane – asked about the Village officials that suggested this as a site, why existing towers could not be used, proving demand for this service, and the FAA process for approval of cell towers near airports, and expressed concern about the precedent this would set.
Mr. Steve Moore, 3765 Monets Lane – expressed concerns about the health effects of these types of facilities. He believes that it will be an ‘eyesore’ and is better suited for an Industrial zone. He does not see the benefits that outweigh the potential risks.
Mr. Alan Flaherty, 3451 Fawnrun – is a TMobile customer and would be happy to see this facility as the service is less than desired. He believes the health hazards are minor and have never been proved.
Ms. Jessica Shaw-White, 3343 Carpenters Creek – is a TMobile customer that does not want the new facility.
Mr., Arthur Richards, 10 Hollow Oak – requested that new pictures be taken when the leaves are off the trees.
Ms. Linda Fitzgerald, Village Economic Development Director – asked about alternative sites within the commercial areas of Blue Ash that were examined. Mr. Carr replied that there were alternate sites looked at, but the rooftop locations that are available did not allow for the installation due to airport restrictions on height.
Mr. Steve Burke, 3707 Carpenters Creek – is concerned about the cemetery setting being disturbed by this tower (his parents’ plots are located near the proposed facility). He asked why there was no flag on the pole. He suggested that the Village should look in to building cell towers in order to maintain more control.
Ms. Lynn Nordstrom, 8 Hollow Oak – is concerned about visual impacts from her deck. Mr. Carr stated that they were open to adding additional landscaping
Ms. Ann Bebehani, 3753 Monets Lane – is concerned about aircraft flights hitting the tower without some type of light on the top of the structure.
Ms. Shari Torbeck, 3836 Monets Lane – is a registered nurse and is concerned about the health effects to children in the area. Mr. Carr reminded the Commission that the FCC regulations are very clear that because there have been no proven health effects from wireless communication towers, that health effects can not be a reason for denying the installation of such equipment.
New Business
1) Arcadia Communications, 10209 Plainfield Road, Rest Haven Memorial Park
Wireless Communication Facility
Due to the public concern and the schedule of meetings, it was determined that no Commission decision would be made at tonight’s meeting. The following questions/issues were addressed:
· Maps of the coverage for the lower antenna installations were asked for.
· Another balloon will be floated and the community notified when it is in place.
· Decision to not ‘hide’ the antenna in a sculpture or flag pole was made due to the height and the possibility that the camouflage would bring more attention to the tower.
· Rest Haven would have to commit to keeping this area wooded to protect for visual impacts.
· Current Village ordinance on cell towers does not restrict them from Residential zones.
· Suggestion that a different site on Rest Haven may be possible with fewer visual impacts.
· Commission requested a topographic map so that the changes in terrain can be assessed.
2) Evendale Office Condos, 2920 - 2950 Glendale Milford Road
PBD Design Review
Ms. Kathy Schwab, Al Neyer, presented the revised landscaping changes at the Evendale Office Condo development.
A motion was made by Susan VanAmerongen and seconded by Doug Lohmeier to approve the revised landscaping plan with the following caveats:
- Include landscaping on the proposed trellis (east and west side)
- Change trees along Exon Drive to something other than the Box Elder Maples – need to have Ralph Terbrueggen approve alternate tree species.
- Updating map to reflect the landscaping around the proposed ground monument sign near the entrance at Glendale Milford Road.
- Leaving the ‘gathering place’ between buildings A&B as the original plan showed.
- Committing in writing to the maintenance of the new landscaping beds located on the adjacent property.
The motion passed by a 4 yes 0 no vote (Mr. Frank was not present during this vote)
3) Dan Beard Council, 10078 Reading Road
Schematic design review
Brady Mick, BHDP, Lupe Lopez, BHDP, Greg Simms, and Tracy Techan, Dan Beard Council presented the design and answered questions.
James Jeffers, Village Engineer, had the following comments:
- Retention pond location in proximity to the public sidewalk – how is the general public protected.
- Emergency overflow of retention pond – What direction does the flood waters take.
- Dedicated curb cut and access drive to Duke Energy transformers.
- One way parking areas-How will you sign/stripe.
- Angle parking – need dimension of parking spaces.
- Number of spaces – Need computation from applicant on space uses (dimensions of building).
- How are spaces to be shared between BSA and GHF.
- Sidewalk from building to proposed shelter crosses existing detention area for GHF.
- Is sidewalk above ADA compliant?
- How is mechanical equipment screened.
- Potential conflict with previous hotel foundation/pool.
- How the proposed building would be expanded.
- GHF signage and BSA proposed signage.
- Landscaping Island in parking lot – Are they necessary.
A suggestion was made that it may be more productive to have a joint meeting with the Dan Beard Council, Planning Commission, Village Council, and the Farm Board. Jack Cameron was to check into that possibility.
Old Business:
1) Proposed text amendment to chapter 1262, Signs
This item was tabled until next month’s meeting.
2) Proposed text amendment to Chapter 1258, Off Street Parking and Load
This item was tabled until next month’s meeting.
Internal Business:
On a motion to adjourn the meeting by Doug Lohmeier and seconded by Susan VanAmerongen, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 PM by a 3 yes to 0 no vote. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2008 at 6:00 PM.
____________________________________
Dick Shaffer
Chairperson, Evendale Planning Commission
Attest:
____________________________________
Rob Adams
Secretary, Evendale Planning Commission
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