High School Motorcycle Parking, Fairview Avenue Home Addition Continued by Planning Commission
On February 11th, the Planning Commision met in Piedmont’s City Council Chambers at five o’clock. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss variances and design review of building applications within Piedmont.The session began with an approval of minutes from the prior meeting, followed by a public forum.
I, Brock Settlemier, spoke out on an individual issue that was not on the Planning Commission’s agenda. There is an absolute lack of motorcycle parking in the City of Piedmont. An initiative taken by the city was the “Complete Streets Plan”, to balance the transportation system of Piedmont, making it compatible for all cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, and senior citizens. However, they left out the minority group of motorcyclists in Piedmont. As a licensed motorcycle driver, owner, and student of Piedmont High School, I strongly voiced my concerns and advocated for the creation of motorcycle parking for the school. The possible benefits would be a more balanced transportation system, a new way to commute to school for students/faculty, safer roads for motorcyclists, a reduction in greenhouse gasses, and a new modernization for the City of Piedmont.
The major issue discussed at the meeting was item four of the agenda, 110 Fairview Avenue Variance and Design Review. The owners, Mike Smith and Anne Beth, wanted to add a second story of 1,278 sq/ft to their home. They live in a small, one story, Dutch Colonial home. With their disabled son, grandchildren’s toys, and a lack of a decent socializing space, the applicants wanted to build up by adding the second story. This proposed second floor would contain a bedroom, bathroom, and closet. Their most convincing argument was that their addition would be more compatible with the neighborhood, where most of the houses are two stories and 2000 sq/ft or more. This addition would make 110 Fairview more similar to the other homes in the area. The architect was commended by Aradhana Jajodia for maintaining the style of the home, building up and saving space in the backyard.
Mike and Anne were met with heavy resistance from nearby residents about their second story addition. The owner of 129 Nova Drive, opposite the house, stated that the addition would be an issue of privacy. He stated that, “A net 17 windows looking onto my back garden and into the house.” This was one of the major issues of the design plan and was a repeated concern throughout the other neighbors’ statements. Luckily, the owner was open to future conversation to find an alternative.
The contractor of the house took the podium next. He worked on 110 Fairview Ave ten years before, and was in support of the proposed plan. His argument was clear. The house would not expand on its small, original footprint. The plan was underdesigned, and would not meet the maximum square footage that the city allowed. The second story addition would not be too monumental.
Down the street, Terry London voiced his concerns against the project. He stated that the building would block their only view of the Piedmont Hills, completely obstructing the master bedroom’s view and seventy percent of their guest room. In a later interview with him, he stated that the rules and regulations guiding development in Piedmont, “Don’t always take into account the specifics of particular situation, like height, topography, and the surrounding homes.” He will remain involved in the future of the project.
The meeting was a textbook example of how our government works efficiently in the United States. Opening up the agenda to the public gave all the neighbors the opportunity to voice their opinions to the officials, who thoroughly considered and questioned each individual on their opinions. Voices from both sides of this argument were effectively dealt with in the Commission’s final decision.
The Planning Commision made a final deliberation on the issue in front of the audience, but closed to further opinions. Planning Commissioner Tony Theophilos spoke out first from the Commission by addressing the issue of privacy. He believed that there should be a reduction of windows, and finding a balance could be feasibly found.
Next, Commissioner Aradhana Jajodia said the architect did a quality job on the design, except the back of the house was unpleasant looking from the neighbors point of view.
Commission Chair Eric Behrens believed 108 Fairview Ave was the only house with a significant view of the Piedmont Hills. He said “it seemed a little too big to me.” Behrens suggested the applicants build down rather than up, such as a basement.
Finally, Commissioner Jajodia made a motion to reject the design. It did not comply with the design review view guideline and the design presented a scale and mass violation. Her perception was that the building should not overpower or dominate any of the surrounding homes. The item was delayed to another meeting to allow a new plan by the architect.
The Planning Commission meets once a month for a net four hours at minimum.
By Brock Settlemier, Piedmont High School Senior
