| Sugar House Community Council Meeting Minutes – December 3, 2008 Trustees Present: Maggie Shaw, Elaine Brown, Rawlins Young, Judi Short, Phil Carlson, Sarah Carlson, Russ Callister, Derek Payne, Grace Sperry, Ed Sperry, Larry Migliaccio, Benny Keele, Cabot Nelson, Dolores Donohoo, Laurie Bray, Michael G. Kavanagh, Barbara Green, Ray Pugsley, David Mulder, Steve Sheila O’Driscoll, Ruth Price, Susan Petheram, Pattie DeNunzio, Barbara Green, . Absent: Andrea Wargula, Steve Wilson, and Greg Carter.Call to Order – Maggie Shaw, Chair.
Approval of Minutes – Motion by Cabot Nelson that we strike the phrase, “These minutes have been abbreviated in the interest of space – a complete version is available on the SHCC website: http://www.sugarhousecouncil.com/wiki/index.php/MainPage,” and replace with “This is the official version of the minutes. There is supplemental information posted on our website:http://www.sugarhousecouncil.com/wiki/index.php/MainPage.” Second by??? Motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report – Dolores Donohoo. Opened an account with Key Bank in the amount of $5,101.61. Checks will require two signatures. Next statement will reflect a check written for $500 to the Sugar House Merchants’ Association towards the Turkey Trot, holiday lighting, and Santa Shack operation.
Public Comments:
- Andrew Mitchell was recognized and applauded for his successful efforts to provide lighting for the skateboard area of Fairmount Park.
- Adriane Juarez, Sprague Librarian, announced an open house on Friday, December 5 from 2-4 to celebrate the Sprague Library’s 80th anniversary, hailed as “the most beautiful library,” at its 1928 grand opening.
Presentation, “Learn to Protect Your Home and Vehicles during the Holidays.” Officer Smart and Brandon White, former convict and professional burglar. Prior to the presentation, Salt Lake Police Eastside Division Commander, John Cordova introduced himself and provided his contact number, – 799-3111. In response to an audience question on how to respond to solicitation, Commander Cordova stated that he was on his way to another meeting, but would attend the next meeting at which time he could respond to specific questions. Brandon White introduced himself, informing the audience that prior to his arrest and conviction, he was a professional burglar who broke into businesses, primarily, but also residences to support a drug addiction. He, and others like him, consider this activity their work and take it seriously since it is their livelihood, and often supports a drug habit like Mr. White’s. Regarding automobiles, he stated not leave valuables in cars, especially not purses, wallets, identification (including registration information which should be removed to purse, carryall or briefcase when driver is not in the vehicle due to potential identify theft from that info), laptops and other electronic equipment or purchases. Regarding the latter, Mr. White went on to state that shoppers should not place packages in either the car or the trunk and continue to shop since if a burglar notices, s/he can break into the car/trunk after the owner leaves the vehicle, whether or not the car/trunk is locked. It is better to do all of your shopping and leave. He reminded drivers not to start their car to warm it up and leave it unattended, and especially not to leave purse, laptop or any other valuable in the car either even if the driver locks the vehicle (because s/he has another key) since a burglar can easily break a window and drive off with both the vehicle and any valuables left inside. Regarding residences, lights on are good and Mr. White advised residents to respond to the doorbell since not doing so may lead a potential burglar to assume the resident is not home, although he did also indicate that if a burglar finds someone home or someone comes in while a burglar is at work, s/he usually want to leave as quickly as possible since the intent is stealing items for income, not hurting a resident/occupant. In response to whether or not neighborhood watch is effective, Mr. White states it is, since it deters burglars/break-ins. When asked what residents should look for, he advised unknown vehicles or loiterers in the neighborhood. Regarding businesses, Mr. White states that they are particularly vulnerable to break-ins because the police do not respond to alarms going off. To deter burglary, business owners should consider shatter-proof glass and bars, even though they are often considered unsightly. Also, he reminded business owners to be sure to put identifying information away—tax ID, financial records, etc. where a potential burglar cannot obtain, preferably in a safe or locked storage.
Sugar House Merchants’ Report – Barbara Green stated that that the group held its monthly breakfast meeting earlier that day and it was very successful. She stated that the Santa Shack is up and will operate from 1-7 most days as well as later on Friday and Saturday prior to Christmas. Robert Muir Photography staff will be taking photos—not sure of the cost, but very high quality. The Santa is very good as well. She thanked the Council for the $500 in assistance to help offset some of the costs of the Santa Shack, lighting, and Turkey Trot activity. She reminded the trustees of the number of great stores with great potential for holiday shopping.
Red Mountain Development – Eric Nelson stated that the reason for the second visit to SHCC for the purpose of community input prior to meeting with the Planning Commission is that Red Mountain has made modifications to their original development plans including increased density, configuration, courtyards between building, changes in parking, height changes, and the addition of a hotel. They also want to capitalize on the trolley stop. There will be no significant changes to the retail/commercial plans and no changes to the Granite Furniture Building. The goal for the later is to restore its original façade including the windows with original lead etching and then combine a mix of old and new as the development continues around the corner. Specific changes include a maximum height change from 60 feet to 79 feet (6 stories) and an added level to residential units and more parking to accommodate, and the hotel. In response to questions, Mr. Nelson stated that:· Financing is in place for retail/commercial, residential and hotel with some contingencies. Lender is “green” and wants buildings to reflect that with Leeds certification.· Additional parking will eliminate the connection from Wilmington to Elm.· There is no allowance/clearance that would enable developer to open up the east side of the A-1 building – can’t pierce the wall.· Timeline – 90 days for development changes to go through Planning Commission. Project to start during second quarter of next year, with renovation of existing building first and then new construction. Total of 2 years to complete project.· The hotel will have 180 rooms – no restaurant so that guests will patronize surrounding area restaurants – plan similar to Hilton Garden design model. · 320 resident units affordable in line with existing Sugar House real estate market versus executive type condos with a mix of industrial lofts, 2000 square foot space, and studio, 1,2, and 3 bedroom units, but more starter homes or single family dwellings.· Development will include trees and low density lighting. · Project complies with code.· Will extend Wilmington through Sugarmont if possible.· Necessary traffic studies have been completed; more will take place if necessary.· 2100 South side will reflect original 1900 façade – wrap around will be contemporary with some corrugated metal face – an industrial look similar to that of Trolley Square – wrapped columns and glass – more light on south/McClelland side; colors won’t be drastic – total look will fit in with existing structures in Sugar House. · Don’t have exact details on whether retail/commercial tenants will be small or large – lots of inquiries – no big box retailers and possibly establishments that incorporate outdoor eating.· There will be a staging plan to minimize construction disruption.· Parking will be on ground level as well as two below ground levls.· Sidewalks will be 8-10 feel wide between Elm and Highland Drive, but no sidewalks on Sugarmont due to rails.· No info on daycare – haven’t looked at it specifically, but may be among interested vendors.· No plans to incorporate existing canal/trail.View of Valley – Renaldo Hunt discussed his plans for the existing Sugar House Village property west of the DoDo Restaurant/View Street. He will meet with the Planning Commission in January in hopes of combining three separate lots currently zoned C-N into a building lot comprising 26,905 square feet, which exceeds a maximum lot size. He describes his project as a functional one combining business and residential use. Ground floor units will range from 1,500 to 3,600 square feet for business and retail; second floor units will be residential ranging from 800 to 1,200 square feet (1-2 bedroom units) with views to Sugar House Park. The commercial/retail units will be condo units, i.e., tenants will own a piece of real estate. The zoning will be retail for ground level and residential for second floor only with no access from retail to residential units. ***As it was approaching 9:00 p.m. Grace Sperry made a motion to adjourn and postpone all further business to the next meeting and start that meeting at 6:00 p.m. The motion did not pass. Ray Pugsley made an amendment to the motion to adjourn after Mr. Hunt’s presentation and that was amended to adjourn after the presentation of petitions for new trustees. Cabot Nelson seconded the motion. The amended motion was approved.*** There were concerns expressed regarding the planned architectural style, which did not appear to comply with historical and traditional neighborhood architecture as well as the limited access that only appears to include View Street. A member of the public express concerned about lack of time and limited public input. Mr. Hunt asked if he could return in January and be first on the agenda.
New/Renewed Trustee Petitions – New trustee petitions were presented by Sally Barraclough, Wilford Neighborhood and Amy Barry and Lynn Olsen, Westminster Neighborhood, which were approved. Renewal petitions were presented by Phil Carlson, Grandview Neighborhood and Barbara Green, Westminster Neighborhood, which were also approved.
Adjournment. |
