Item 2D: MUPTE Application for Parkside Place Apartments

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Sustainability features of this project include: • Ideal location for bike commuting or walking to the University or to the immediately adjacent commercial area; • Use of high-efficiency, low-emissive coated windows in vinyl frames; • Traditional attic roof construction to allow gravity ventilation of heat build-up; west windows to provide solar insulation; • Use of highly efficient insulation and weatherization; • Most units will include gas fireplaces which allow an alternate fuel for heating, reducing reliance on hydroelectric power; • Some units to use natural gas for water heating; • Parking garage to use a time clock and occupancy sensors for control of efficient fluorescent lights; • Use of photocell-controlled exterior lights at common areas to reduce energy and enhance safety; • Use of electricity and gas metered for each unit to encourage personal conservation; • Most vehicle maneuvering and parking areas will be under living units or under high canopy trees, resulting in a minimal contribution to the “heat island” effect of concrete and asphalt exposed to the sun; • Waste generated in the construction process will be minimized due to designer’s familiarity with standard sizes and construction systems, and a well-integrated approach to value engineering throughout the design-build process. Builder also recycles materials. Recycling area is conveniently located; • Many products produced from sustainable forestry practices, or smaller diameter, non-old growth materials will be used for construction materials; • A balance between architectural interest and contextual compatibility has been sought; • Indoor air quality will be enhanced by use of cabinets, doors and interior trim that are pre-finished offsite, as well as provision of more operable window areas than the code requires. Exhaust fans will be provided with timers to reduce moisture problems in units. All units will provide washers and dryers to reduce need for transporting laundry; and • Landscaping will be incorporated on all sides. Plants will be selected for low water usage, ease of maintenance and aesthetic considerations. Many native species will be used. There are currently three structures and four housing units on the combined property that includes both the Quinney’s existing private property and the City’s West University Park site. One of the buildings is on the reconfigured property that will contain the new apartments. None of the structures are identified as an historic resource. The applicant did inform the City of the intent to demolish on April 28, 2006, and again on May 24, 2006. This satisfies the required 60-day notification requirement. The City and other local taxing districts forgo revenue when property is exempted from taxes. This project proposes new construction on a property that has been partially vacant. The land continues to be taxed during the exemption period. The improvements will bring substantial revenue after ten years beyond what is currently being collected. The neighborhood and community will gain the resource of a new park. Currently there are no city parks in this neighborhood. The MUPTE Standards and Guidelines require both an opportunity for the Planning Commission to comment and publishing a display advertisement in the Register-Guard, followed by a 30-day comment period. The display advertisement was printed on June 16, 2006. The Planning Commission received notice on June 28. Staff received no negative comments and one supportive comment on this proposal from the Planning Commission. L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060724\S0607242D.doc