| 7/8/2024 | 0 |
CITY PLAN COMMISSION
| APPROVED CONDITIONALLY
Minutes note: Mr. Leichtling presented.
Appearing:
Michael Adetoro, FIT Investment Group
Amanda Koch, Engberg Anderson Architecture
Mr. Adetoro and Ms. Koch further presented.
FIT Investment Group is proposing to construct a 4-story building, known as the Bronzeville Creative Arts & Technology Hub, that includes 60 residential units and approximately 29,000 square feet of commercial space that will anchor the corner at 6th and North. There will also be 3 live-work units and a public plaza located along North Avenue. Uses within the commercial portion of the building are anticipated to include a first floor café and 150-200 seat flexible performance space. Upper floor tenants of the commercial space are intended to have a focus on arts, music and technology. A STEM tutoring use will be located on the first floor of the residential portion. The proposed uses are allowed by the DIZ overlay, but the STEM tutoring use is classified as a Community Center, which is a Conditional Use per the DIZ overlay and requires a public hearing by the City Plan Commission.
Public testimony in opposition:
Evelyn Boyles, resident, testified to residing on 6th St. near the site. She had concerns that the development would add to community issues in the area and negatively impact residents' lives due to adding density to the area. Concerns included the proposed development's lack of play space, impact on parking and traffic, lack of community engagement of immediate residents, lack of green space, elimination of main street sight lines for residents, height of the development being much larger than the homes in the area, lack of rent cost information, overpopulation of the site with 3 and 4 bedroom units, and lack of site remediation information.
Kendall Meyer, resident to the north, testified with concerns on the development. Concerns included lack of sustainability, lack of greenspace, lack of play space, lack of setback, and traffic and public safety issues with children playing in the streets and increased traffic coming into the area.
Marita Simmons, adjacent resident to the north on 6th St, testified that the development would obstruct her home's access to solar energy and line of site to North Ave. Other concerns included inadequate parking, traffic issues being exacerbated, lack of greenspace, and increased density to the area.
Public testimony in support:
Cade Gerlach testified that the development would bring residential affordability to the area and that the development should not be burdened to address the social issues of the area, which should be the City's role to address.
Mr. Adetoro and Ms. Koch commented. They were committed to work with Ms. Simmons to address her solar panel access concerns and landscaping as well as connect with other immediate resident neighbors. They were open to explore adding landscaping, especially to the north. The site was too small to feasibly install play space. The site will offer creative arts programming and lessons to community youths, students, and families. There will be onsite property management and security in place. His office will be located onsite. They are exploring making additional parking arrangements for the commercial components.
Member Washington moved conditional approval, seconded by member Sas-Perez. (Prevailed 6-0-1) Member Smith abstained.
Conditions:
That the developer submit an updated landscape plan that meets code requirements and includes additional elements along the portion of the northern property line adjacent to 2327 N 6th St. The developer has also agreed to meet with the adjacent property owner to review impacts of the proposed development on existing solar panels.
| Pass | 6:0 |
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