March 23, 2009 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

Meeting Archive

Regular meeting: March 23, 2009

A special meeting of the Village of Riverlea Planning Commission was held March 23, 2009. Members present were Michael Jones (Planning Commissioner), L. Keith Beachler, Bryce Jacob, Jody Croley Jones, and Lisa J. Morris. Pamela M. Colwell served as Clerk. Also present were Gary J. Alexander, Taylor and Suzanne Surface, Jeff Pisching, Linda and John Mercer. Michael Jones called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.

1. An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness and a Variance for an addition to the home of Taylor and Suzanne Surface at 5849 Olentangy Boulevard was presented by Gary J. Alexander, Architect. The master suite addition projects 9’6″ into the front setback. The front face of the addition aligns with the front face of the garage. The variance is required because the setback line is not parallel to the front of the house. The addition will balance the front of the house and make the front door more prominent. The Commissioner pointed out that a 2 ft. variance was granted for the garage around 2000. The Commission expressed their concern for setting precedence by granting a variance. Alexander pointed out it was more expensive to add onto the rear of the home because it would require extensive interior remodeling. It also impacted the neighbor’s view in the back. The Commission discussed the need to guard the setback on the Boulevard, that the setback was contiguous to the homes on both side. Croley Jones did not see how the front door was more prominent with the addition. There was some discussion about the cultured stone and the great room addition in the back.

   Beachler moved and Jones seconded a motion to approve the application for a Variance and Certificate of Appropriateness. The Commissioner asked those present to comment on the motion. John Mercer approved of the addition. He noted that there were not many neighbors in attendance so they must not object to it. He said approving it would be the appropriate thing to do. Linda Mercer concurred with her husband. She approved of the addition. Pisching was very excited about it. He felt it enhanced the Boulevard and added value to the homes. He would like to see the addition approved. Suzanne Surface explained that they had invited their neighbors to review the plans. She said they were all in favor of the addition. Beachler said the design was balanced and it did not look like there was an encroachment. The Commission discussed other alternatives but the Surfaces noted that cost was a factor and if the variance was not approved they may not add a master suite. Bryce noted how the Surfaces tried to maintain the character of the neighborhood in the design and that there were not any negative comments from neighbors. The Commission expressed their appreciation of the comments residents made. The following was recorded on the motion: yea, 2; Beachler and Jacob: nay, 3; Croley Jones, Morris and Jones. The Motion failed 2-3.

   Croley Jones moved and Jacob seconded the motion to adjourn. The following was recorded on the motion: yea, 5; Beachler, Croley Jones, Jacob, Morris and Jones: nay, none. The Motion carried 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm.

The Commission took no additional action. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.

Attest to the above: