is very proud that Easter Seals, a well-regarded non-profit organization, is in the process of
converting space here at the corner of 32nd and Allegheny at the ground level. There's also
artisan industrial and business professional and related uses at the ground level. It's an immense
structure for which the full 100% industrial use is no longer viable, creating the need for
adaptive reuse based on the existing structure in place. The project fits into the neighborhood
vision as demonstrated by the record support that I've mentioned. Moving, if I may, to the notice
of refusal. The language is long, but there's only one refusal, and that is residential household
living of any type is not permitted in the district. The district, which we've already
shown, actually has a good bit of residential around it. So we're looking for compatible uses,
and we're very appreciative of the support and the working relationship with RAH.
Here you can see photographs of immediately surrounding properties. This is 32nd Street looking along Willard Street. And another photograph also there. So continued industrial use at the location is not practicable.
The glance at the zoning map, the aerial photos, the neighborhood photos shows that the surrounding properties are mixed, skewed towards residential, with the need for the mixed use that's being proposed thoughtfully by the developer for this immense site.
The 2035 plan, the neighborhood strategic plans, the partnerships in place recognize that the proposed mixed use is the highest and best use of the site, not the maintenance of an outmoded warehouse.
Here are some additional renderings showing a dedicated residential apartment entry off of Allegheny.
Through the use of landscaping, estate style fencing, this mix of uses that I've described is very thoughtfully able to coexist with one another.
In partnership with the architectural team, we have found a way to preserve and enhance the building, to convert the property, to benefit the neighborhood, desiring of increased opportunities for compatible residential living.
here is that entrance to the residential and in the back separate and apart are the other uses
that coexist the the light industrial if you will the commercials etc moving to the floor
Moving to the floor plans, and I'm almost finished. I know the hour is late. The first floor calls for the mix of offices, Easter Seals, as I had shown, the warehouse at the rear, and the entry, the dedicated entry to the proposed apartments.
plans and I'm almost finished I know the hour is late the first
the second through fifth floors of the existing structure would be a mix of 29 studios 125
one-bedroom units 11 two-bedroom units that breaks down to approximately 46 apartments per floor
studios beginning at 515 square feet approximately to the two bedrooms at 1100 square feet
approximately the authorization of variance relief will not alter the character of the
neighborhood or district in a detrimental way. It will only enhance what the neighborhood has
been working for. The proposal fits into the surrounding neighborhood as evidenced by the
intent of coordinating or speaking to the PCPC vision, the neighborhood vision through the
coordinating RCO support, and the district council members support. Speaking of relief being a benefit
to the public and within the spirit of the zoning code. This is one variance, one single variance,
and this will represent the minimum variance to afford relief, the least modification possible
of the regulation at issue. This will not substantially increase congestion in the public
streets, increase the danger of fire, or otherwise endanger the public health, safety, or general
welfare. This Pep Boys headquarters site, which is a defining part of the neighborhood, will be
upgraded uh in a way that uh is good for the neighborhood good for the property owner good
for future uh tenants based on the condition of the property this will be a tremendous improvement
this will not adversely affect transportation or unduly burden water sewer school park or other
public facilities there's an abundance of parking available and dedicated and we're very proud to
have the opportunity to move this forward. Mr. Bates is available. Mr. Chairman, when you say so
to raise his virtual hand. Why don't we do that right now? Okay, Mr. Anthony Bates, would you
kindly raise your virtual hand? I see it's raised. Hi, could you state your name and spell it for the
court reporter, please? Hi, I'm Anthony Bates, A-N-T-H-O-N-Y, Bates, B-A-T-E-S. Right. Do you
swear or affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth? Yes. Proceed,
counsel. Thank you. Good afternoon, Mr. Bates. Have you been present for the entirety of this
virtual hearing? Yes. Would you adopt and affirm the testimony that I have offered as your own?
Yes. Thank you, sir. Questions from the board? No, Mr. Chairman. No, Mr. Chairman.
Questions or comments from the virtual audience?
I say no handshare.
Planning Commission.
We're on Bednar City Planning.
While this property is currently indicated for industrial commercial mixed use on the city plan,
given the physical circumstances of the site, we support its regeneration fully consistent with our 2035 comprehensive plan.
And therefore, we recommend the requested unity of use variants be granted.
Thank you.
MI 2022-002-132-3111 West Allegheny Avenue, I vote yes.
Thomas Sullivan, my vote is yes.
James Snell, my vote is yes.
Ismail Shahid, my vote is yes.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you, Mr. Laver.
Have a good evening.
is there anyone from the 3 30 list in the virtual audience whose case has not been heard
i see no handshare thanks everyone a little late tonight but we got an awful lot done i appreciate
it thank you all okay goodbye good night good night