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Senior Planner Anderson stated that it was his recollection that the intention of The COR is to have <br /> r <br /> everything pulled closer to the street to create a sense of community where people can gather, <br /> rather than segregate in backyards. He believed that previous discussions focused on single-family <br /> homes related to the front porch issue. He stated that he was unable to find anything that captured <br /> the discussion in review of previous minutes. <br /> Commissioner VanScoy commented that there were discussions for both. He stated that at one <br /> time there was an architectural review committee that seems to have dissipated. He agreed that <br /> .the intent was to create a sense of community in an area that is pedestrian oriented. He stated that <br /> the idea was that if a porch was provided, people would sit out there and it would make for easy <br /> conversation between neighbors. He stated that the developer has presented his preferred style, <br /> which appear to be a covered stoop. He noted that many of those include pillars and architectural <br /> features which look nice. He stated that he would not consider purchasing this type of architectural <br /> style home. He recognized that not all the townhomes that have been constructed in The COR are <br /> pleasing to him in terms of aesthetics. He stated that the stoop is functional but does not stand out. <br /> He was unsure how a six by six front porch would reduce lighting in the interior of the home. <br /> Chairperson Bauer referenced examples of existing townhomes in The COR that were shown in <br /> the presentation and asked where those homes are located. <br /> Senior Planner Anderson identified the areas in which those homes exist. He noted that one the <br /> examples would face this potential project site. <br /> Chairperson Bauer invited the developer to address the Commission. <br /> Jason Palmby, property owner, thanked the Commission for its consideration and the ability to <br /> provide feedback. He stated that in his initial discussions with staff, the theme was to create a <br /> sense of community. He noted that one of the ways to do that was through a covered front porch. <br /> He stated that in the research he has done, there are not a lot of layouts that meet that current <br /> requirement with the various plans they have reviewed. He stated that this project has done very <br /> well in the Chicago market. He recognized that this model is a bit more urban than what is <br /> currently in that area. <br /> Emily Becker,representing the applicant, stated that she understands the significance of requiring <br /> a front porch as she was previously a City Planner. She felt that creating a sense of community is �. <br /> established with the patio and overhang and noted that the townhomes would still provide <br /> architectural significance. She stated that the customers of their townhomes like that the homes I: <br /> provide a lot of sunlight and the porch does block the sunlight. She stated that the porch also adds <br /> cost, which could hinder them moving forward with this project. She noted that this property has ;. <br /> been vacant for a number of years. <br /> Mr. Palmby stated that they are exploring the idea of creating a common area with picnic benches, <br /> or a barbeque area to create an added sense of community. He believed that would meet that <br /> desire. <br /> Planning Commission/March 24,2022 <br /> Page 13 of 18 <br />