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October 24, 2017 1

Planning Commission Minutes

CITY PLANNING COMMISSION

Minutes of the Meeting of October 24, 2017 Beginning at 2:24 p.m.

PRESENT OF THE COMMISSION: Chairwoman Christine Mondor,

Gitnik (via telephone), Brown, Mingo, Askey (via telephone)

PRESENT OF THE STAFF: Layman, Hanna, Rakus, Kramer, Ray, Miller, Gregory

AGENDA ITEMS COVERED IN THESE MINUTES

Item Page No.

1. SSO #17-2, 1408 Chistlett Street, single family home 2

2. SSO #17-1, Grace Street at Mann Street 4

3. C-811 and 812, IMP 22 and ZCP #791, 3333 5th Ave., Carlow University

6

4. PDP #09-38, 433 Ft. Pitt Boulevard, Fort Pitt Hotel 9

5. PDP #17-044, 1430 Fifth Avenue, new mixed use building 11

6. Revision #32 to Summerset at Frick Park, 270-274 Parkview Blvd., 14 Ward

13

7. St. Joseph-Pearl Street Lot Line Revision, 4712 Liberty Avenue, 8th Ward

13

8. Revised Thompson Plan, Charlotte Street (48-S-191, 48-S-254), 6th Ward

14

9.Chan Real Estate LP Keystone Street Plan, 5409 Keystone Street, 10th Ward

14

10. Brereton Street Subdivision, 3115 Brereton Street, 6th Ward 15

11. Rivers Casino Consolidation Plan, 777 Casino Drive, 21st Ward 15

12. Alter-Ridge Lot Consolidation, 806 Fulton Street, 21st Ward 16

Ms. Mondor chaired today’s meeting and called the meeting to order. A. ACTION ON THE MINUTES

On a motion duly moved by Ms. Burton-Faulk and seconded by Ms. Mingo the minutes from the September 26, 2017 meeting were approved. On another motion duly moved by Ms. Mingo and seconded by Ms. Burton-Faulk the minutes from the October 10, 2017 meeting were approved. Mr. Brown Abstain from the October 10 meeting minutes.

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B. CORRESPONDENCE (See Attachment A for staff reports.)

Ms. Mondor stated that the Commission was in receipt of correspondence:

Referral Notice from the City Clerk’s office regarding Bill No. 2017-1930.

Letter from Chris and April Ragland regarding 433 Fort Pitt Boulevard.

Letter from the Firstside Group regarding 433 Fort Pitt Boulevard. C. DEVELOPMENT REVIEWS (See Attachment B for staff reports.) 1. Hearing and Action: Steep Slope Overlay #17-002, 1408 Chislett Street,

single family home, Parks

Mr. Layman made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Mr. Layman recommended approval of the proposal. Mr. Wally Reimer presented plans to construct a new single family dwelling at 1408 Chislett Street in Morningside. The site consist of parcel 2 parcels 82-B-45 and 82-B-53. The City of Pittsburgh has agreed to sell a triangular potion of the latter so that he may create a rectangular lot. Since the lot is part of Highland Park the city had to have it approved through Orphan’s Court. He bided on the property and was awarded and the agreement of sale is awaiting the quite title process. He would like request that the commission to waive the 50 ft. requirement set back line. They met the 14 of the 15 review standards. The setback provision would make the land unbuildable. He did get commitment forms for a number of the neighbors and submitted them for the commissioners’ review. They have also attended a number of community meeting and had no oppositions so far. He reviewed the site plan and showed views from the street. The site is relatively flat they hope to maintain it only minor disturbance during the basement completion and they will fix that by laying of the foundation. He also reviewed the Geotechnical report and it has been approved by the City. A stormwater management plan is not required for this project.

The Chairwoman called for comments from the Public.

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There being no comments from the Public, the Chairwoman called for questions and comments from the Commissioners. Mr. Brown asked if there are any concerns about the retaining wall. Mr. Reimer stated that they don’t need a retaining wall. They are 20 or so feet from the corner once the basement wall is but the slope will be the retaining wall. Mr. Layman stated there are recommendations on the geotechnical report and the condition in the motion. Ms. Mondor wanted to know if the area needed rezoned. Mr. Layman stated that it does not need to be. There being no more questions or comments from the Commissioners, the Chairwoman called for the motion. MOTION: That the Planning Commission of the City of Pittsburgh approves Steep Slope Overlay Application 02 of 2017, and granting a waiver to the Steep Slope Overlay standard number 6, requiring a 50 foot setback from the ridgeline for construction of a one-story single family dwelling at 1408 Chislett Street, based on the application and drawings filed by Wally Reimer, property owner, with the following conditions: 1. All measures recommended in the applicants’ geotechnical report

shall be implemented; and 2. The portion of lot number 82-B-53 under agreement of sale by the City

must clear/quiet title prior to issuance of a building permit.

MOVED BY Ms. Burton-Faulk; SECONDED BY Mr. Brown. IN FAVOR: Mondor, Gitnik, Brown, Burton-Faulk, Mingo OPPOSED: None CARRIED

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2. Hearing & Action: Steep Slope Overlay #17-001, Grace Street at Mann Street

Ms. Kramer made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Ms. Kramer recommended approval of the proposal. Tyson Miller of KD Resources presented plan for a new subdivision development with nine new single family dwelling on parcels 4-E-28, 4-E 61, 35, 34, and 66 not far from the Wabash Tunnel. The property has 5 lots and part of Rubicon Street. He showed various views of the site and renderings of the proposed development once completed. The plan proposes a street vacation and lot recombination for the northern end of Rubicon Street. The development includes a shared driveway for the nine new single family homes, supported by two retaining walls. The Mann Street sidewalk will need to be re-designed and re-constructed to accommodate the proposed, shared driveway. The landscape plan including the tree replacement and slope re-vegetation is under review by the Department of Public Works Urban Forestry Division and the Department of City Planning, He also noted the the construction management plan was submitted and is under view by the City. The Chairwoman called for comments from the Public. Greg Panza of the Mt. Washington Community Development spoke in support of the project. There being no more comments from the Public, the Chairwoman called for questions and comments from the Commission members. Ms. Mingo asked for views from the rear of the development. Mr. Miller said the views are from Rubicon Street are the best view that can be provided. Ms. Mondor asked how tall the back wall is. Mr. Miller said that two tiers is about eight feet. Ms. Mondor asked about the underpinning of the road. Mr. Brown asked how wide the driveway in the back is and wanted to know about the storm water management plan.

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Mr. Miller stated 18 feet driveway and the access road is 16 feet. Two inlets to drain to bio swale that will flow into the existing PWSA sewer. Ms. Mondor stated that she appreciated the applicants’ willingness to rebuild the city steps. Ms. Mingo stated that the motion does not address the outstanding issues. Ms. Kramer stated that number 3 addresses the concerns from the Urban Design targets. Ms. Burton-Faulk stated that she appreciates the end caps on the last building. There being no more questions or comments from the Commission, the Chairwoman called for the motion. MOTION: That the Planning Commission of the City of Pittsburgh approves the Steep Slope Overlay Application SSO #17-001, for the subdivision development located on parcels 4-E-28; 4-E-61, 36, 34, 66, and 57; and unopened section of Rubicon Street, based on the application and drawings filed by Synergy Capital, Inc., on behalf of Grace Street Development, LLC and Synergy Capital, Inc. property owners with the following conditions: 1. The vacation of Rubicon Way Right-of-Way and the associated

recombination plan of lots shall be approved and completed prior to the issuance of a building permit;

2. The Stormwater Management Plan shall be approved prior to issuance of a land operations permit or a building permit;

3. Final construction plans including final site plan, elevations, and construction management plan shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to an approval of an application for a building permit addressing concerns as stated in the design letter;

4. Right-of-Way improvements including rebuilding street side retaining wall, the sidewalks along Grace Street and Mann Street shall be reviewed and approved by the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure prior to the issuance of a building permit; and

5. Final landscaping plans shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to issuance of the final Certificate of Occupancy.

MOVED BY Ms. Mingo; SECONDED BY Mr. Brown IN FAVOR: Mondor, Gitnik, Brown, Burton-Faulk, Mingo

OPPOSED: None CARRIED

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3. Hearing & Action: File Number C-811 and 812, IMP 22 and ZCP #791, 3333 Fifth Avenue, Carlow University

Ms. Rakus made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Ms. Rakus recommended approval of the proposal. David Meadows the Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer of Carlow University introduced members of the Design Team Bob Ward of Cannon Design presented the request for approval of an Institutional Master Plan (IMP) for the existing campus in Oakland. Carlow Campus is approximately 14 acres that spans from Fifth Avenue at Craft Place on the southern edge to the current surface parking about Terrace Street. The Sisters of Mercy Convent is located just south of Terrace Street and is not park of this Institutional Master Plan. The engagement and work has fed into the improvements being requested. The IMP will address a number of needs of the university allowing them to expand and update facilities with limited exceptions and IMP must be submitted and approved prior to any development within an EMI District. This IMP identifies two significant projects being proposed within in 10 years. One on Fifth Avenue and one on Terrace Street. Both are currently sites for surface parking and structured parking is proposed for both future developments. He reviewed the plans the university has for the area including LEED certification as well as green areas for student and staff enjoyment. New plantings signage will be installed for wayfinding. The building heights will be within the residential requirements for the area. Rezoning of the St. Agnes parcel will support this aspect. The building stock will support the student population. Cindy Jampole of Trans Associates provided a summary of the traffic study. The existing parking on the campus there are 406 parking spaces via lots and additional on the driveways as shown. Lot D driveway will remain barricaded at all times unless a special loading activity or emergency. All the access driveways will remain as they are. The traffic study has been approved by the city. The Chairwoman called for comments from the Public. Wanda Wilson of Oakland Planning and Development Corporation spoke requesting a continuance to have the applicant provide more information

October 24, 2017 7


and to protect the neighborhood. As it stands we have not had a productive community process. Nadine Taylor of the W. Oakland Neighborhood Council is also requesting a continuance due to the lack of communication with the university. They have not met with them since August. The hearing notices were not adequately posted. She would also like to know if the neighbors would have access to the Athletic Facility. Rod Colbert of Robinson Street spoke in opposition of the project. He is really concerned about the lack of parking. He believes that the applicant is not being transparent with the plans.

There being no more comments from the Public, the Chairwoman called for questions and comments from the Commission members. Mr. Layman stated the notices are posted in accordance with the code. Ms. Mingo asked about the change of zoning to EMI. Ms. Rakus pointed out the area that is on the agenda to be rezoned. Ms. Mingo asked about the differences. Ms. Rakus said it would allow for different uses there are no proposed new structures right now. The list of uses are different for the EMI versus Residential. Ms. Mingo asked how long the non-conforming property been vacant? Mr. Meadows stated that the property has been vacant for at least 3 years. There is no plan for that parcel to be parking. There are no plans for the structure at this point. Ms. Mondor said there is a lot of information here that is missing or vague. There is nothing to evaluate. Not enough information to support this request, therefor she is moving for a continuance. There being no more questions or comments from the Commission, the Chairwoman called for the motion. MOTION: To Continue

MOVED BY Ms. Mondor; SECONDED BY Ms. Mingo

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IN FAVOR: Mondor, Brown, Mingo ABSTAINED: Mr. Gitnik and Ms. Burton-Faulk


MOTION: To Continue

MOVED BY Ms. Mondor; SECONDED BY Ms. Mingo IN FAVOR: Mondor, Brown, Mingo ABSTAINED: Mr. Gitnik and Ms. Burton-Faulk


Mr. Brown wants the applicant to complete a more robust community process. He wants Carlow to know what needs to be done to solidify this process. Mr. Layman stated that the applicant will work with staff and Ms. Rakus and Mr. Dauphin to ensure the community that there will be no re-notice. Mr. Brown asked that the applicant provide letters of support from the community groups.

October 24, 2017 9


Commissioner Paul Gitnik left the meeting. Commissioner Jennifer Askey joined the meeting via phone. 4. Hearing & Action: Project Development Plan #09-38, 433 Ft. Pitt

Boulevard, Fort Pitt Hotel

Mr. Layman made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Mr. Layman recommended approval of the proposal. Keith Andryko of Integrity Designs presented plans for the demolition of an existing two-story structure at 433 Fort Pitt Blvd., and for the new construction of a 12-story hotel with 80 rooms, with frontage on Fort Pitt Blvd and Cherry Way. He showed the location of the site and renderings of the building upon completion. The design reflects a substantially similar project from that which was conditionally approved by the Commission in 2011. The redesign on the First Avenue side have been made to reach an agreement with the objectors. The refinement to the parapet design and treatment of the corner façade element as requested by the City will be made. Cindy Jampole of Trans Associates reviewed the traffic study and parking considerations for the hotel. All parking will be valet and trash pickup will be on Cherry Way. There will be 12 parking spaces in the lot and 10 spaces on site. Patrick Cooper of Gateway Engineers presented about the landscaping aspect of the area and all have been reviewed by DPW and DCP and approved. The Chairwoman called for comments from the Public. Daniel Gray Attorney for 1st Avenue Partners and Condominiums would like to withdraw the complaint. They do not fully support the plans but they are in agreement with it. Todd Palcik of 422 1st Avenue spoke in support of the project.

There being no more comments from the Public, the Chairwoman called for questions and comments from the Commission members. Mr. Brown asked about the accessibility. The applicant replied that 5 rooms are ADA accessible as required by the code.

October 24, 2017 10


There being no more questions or comments from the Commission, the Chairwoman called for the motion. MOTION: That the Planning Commission of the City of Pittsburgh approves Revised Project Development Plan No. 09-38, for the new construction of a 7-story hotel at 433 Fort Pitt Boulevard, based on the application and updated drawings filed by The Forza Group, property owner.

MOVED BY Ms. Burton-Faulk; SECONDED BY Ms. Mingo IN FAVOR: Mondor, Brown, Askey, Burton-Faulk, Mingo


October 24, 2017 11


5. Hearing & Action: Project Development Plan #17-044, 1430 Fifth Avenue, mixed use building

Ms. Kramer made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Ms. Kramer recommended approval of the proposal. Joe Serrao of TK Architects presented plans for construction of a new mixed-use building in the UNC of the Uptown Interim Planning Overlay District. The plans are for new construction of a 6 story building with 35 dwelling units; first floor retail on Fifth Avenue and 12 integral parking spaces. He showed the location of the building and renderings of the completed building. He also reviewed the building materials and the sustainability narrative. The Construction Management Plan has been submitted to the City for approval and they will work with the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure on sidewalk closures. The Chairwoman called for comments from the Public. David Roth of Colwell Street spoke in support of the project. Jean McNutt of Uptown Partners spoke in full support of the project. They had 3 conditions the canopy, the building and windows. The applicant has worked well with our requests and they met our every condition.

There being no more comments from the Public, the Chairwoman called for questions and comments from the Commission members. Mr. Brown stated that he appreciates the way everyone participated to get this project approved. Is this project working with the 20/30 district and is it ADA compliant. Mr. Serrao said the building is all type B units. And they received approval of the submitted storm water management plan. Mr. Layman stated that they are hopeful that Council will adopt the Zoning Changes. Ms. Mondor stated that she would like to see them work with the City more to do something with the corner of the building. Mr. Serrao stated that they would work with everyone to see this project successfully completed.

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There being no more questions or comments from the Commission, the Chairwoman called for the motion. MOTION: That the Planning Commission of the City of Pittsburgh approves Project Development Plan #17-044 for construction of a new mixed-use building, based on the application and drawings filed by TKA Architects on behalf of J & H Commercial Holdings, the property owner, with the following conditions: 1. Final construction plans including final site plan, elevations, and

construction management plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the Zoning Administrator prior to an approval of an application for a building permit;

2. The applicant will continue to work with the Zoning Administrator to address the outstanding design concerns prior to approval of an application for a structural building permit; and

3. The Stormwater Management Plan shall be reviewed and approved prior to the issuance of a building permit.

MOVED BY Ms. Burton-Faulk; SECONDED BY Mr. Brown IN FAVOR: Mondor, Brown, Askey, Burton-Faulk, Mingo


October 24, 2017 13


E. PLAN OF LOTS (See Attachment C.) 6. Revision #32 to Summerset at Frick Park, 270-274 Parkview Boulevard,

14th Ward

Mr. Miller made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Director Gastil stated that the subdivision committee had met and recommends approval of the plan. The Chairwoman called for a motion. MOTION: That the Revision No. 32 to Summerset at Frick Park Plan of Lots, 14th Ward, City of Pittsburgh, County of Allegheny, prepared for MRRC Summerset II, Inc. and received by the Planning Commission October 24, 2017 be approved and the signatures of the proper officers of the Planning Commission be affixed thereto. (No improvements or monuments needed.)

MOVED BY Ms. Burton-Faulk; SECONDED BY Ms. Mingo. IN FAVOR: Mondor, Brown, Askey, Burton-Faulk, Mingo OPPOSED: None CARRIED

7. St. Joseph-Pearl Street Lot Line Revision, 4712 Liberty Avenue, 8th Ward

Mr. Miller made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Director Gastil stated that the subdivision committee had met and recommends approval of the plan. The Chairwoman called for a motion. MOTION: That the St. Joseph/Pearl Street Plan of Lots, 8th Ward, City of Pittsburgh, County of Allegheny, received by the Planning Commission October 24, 2017 be approved and the signatures of the proper officers of the Planning Commission be affixed thereto. (No improvements or monuments needed.)


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8. Revised Thompson Plan, Charlotte Street (48-S-191, 48-S-254), 6th Ward

Mr. Miller made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Director Gastil stated that the subdivision committee had met and recommends approval of the plan. The Chairwoman called for a motion. MOTION: That the Revised Thompson Subdivision Plan, 6th Ward, City of

Pittsburgh, County of Allegheny, received by the Planning Commission October 24, 2017 be approved and the signatures of the proper officers of the Planning Commission be affixed thereto. (No improvements or monuments needed.)


9. Chan Real Estate LP Keystone Street Plan, 5409 Keystone Street, 10th

Ward

Mr. Miller made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Director Gastil stated that the subdivision committee had met and recommends approval of the plan. The Chairwoman called for a motion. MOTION: That the Chan Real Estate LP Keystone Street Plan, 10th Ward,

City of Pittsburgh, County of Allegheny, received by the Planning Commission October 24, 2017 be approved and the signatures of the proper officers of the Planning Commission be affixed thereto. (No improvements or monuments needed.)


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10. Brereton Street Subdivision Plan, 3115 Brereton Street, 6th Ward

Mr. Miller made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Director Gastil stated that the subdivision committee had met and recommends approval of the plan. The Chairwoman called for a motion. MOTION: That the Brereton Street Subdivision Plan, 6th Ward, City of

Pittsburgh, County of Allegheny, received by the Planning Commission October 24, 2017 be approved and the signatures of the proper officers of the Planning Commission be affixed thereto. (No improvements or monuments needed.)


11. Rivers Casino Consolidation Plan, 777 Casino Drive, 21st Ward

Mr. Miller made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Director Gastil stated that the subdivision committee had met and recommends approval of the plan. The Chairwoman called for a motion. MOTION: That the Rivers Casino Consolidation Plan, 21st Ward, City of

Pittsburgh, County of Allegheny, received by the Planning Commission on October 24, 2017 be approved and the signatures of the proper officers of the Planning Commission be affixed thereto. (No improvements or monuments needed.)


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12. Alter-Ridge Lot Consolidation, 806 Fulton Street, 21st Ward

Mr. Miller made a presentation in accord with the attached staff report. Director Gastil stated that the subdivision committee had met and recommends approval of the plan. The Chairwoman called for a motion. MOTION: That the Altar-Ridge Lot Consolidation Plan, 21st Ward, City of Pittsburgh, County of Allegheny, received by the Planning Commission on October 24, 2017 be scheduled for final review on November 7, 2017.

MOVED BY Ms. Burton-Faulk; SECONDED BY Ms. Mingo. IN FAVOR: Mondor, Brown, Askey, Blackwell, Burton-Faulk,

Mingo

D. ADJOURNMENT: 5:10 p.m. APPROVED BY: Lashawn Burton-Faulk ACTING SECRETARY Attachments DISCLAIMER: The official records of the Planning Commission’s meetings are the Minutes of the Meetings approved by the Commission’s Secretary, Paul Gitnik. The Minutes are the ONLY official record. Any other notes, recordings, etc. are not official records of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission cannot verify the accuracy or authenticity of notes, recordings, etc., that are not part of the official minutes.

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