Title
Resolution to Approve 601 Forest Site Plan and Development Agreement, 2.05 Acres, Southeast Corner of South University and South Forest Avenues (CPC Recommendation: Approval - 8 Yeas and 1 Nay)
Memorandum
Attached is a resolution requesting approval to construct a 464,314-square foot, mixed-use building comprised of two residential towers along South University and South Forest. The proposed buildings will consist of 342 apartment units with 1,142 bedrooms, 16,140 square feet of retail space, and 3,242 square feet of office space. A landscaped second-story central courtyard will be provided for residents of the building, as well as two levels of underground parking containing 235 spaces. Twenty-four metered surface parking spaces will also be provided, for use by retail customers and residential drop-off and pick-up. The subject property consists of five parcels that will need to be combined in order to develop the project. All existing buildings on the property are proposed to be demolished.
A development agreement has been prepared to address public and private utilities, a future special assessment district for improvements to South University and South Forest, landmark tree preservation, park contribution, a street tree planting escrow, on-site storm water management, footing drain disconnections, and elevations. While the elevation provisions are a slight departure from the standard language (see paragraph P-17), the City Attorney's Office and the petitioner have discussed and come to a mutual agreement regarding this matter. The Attorney's Office has reviewed the agreement and the petitioner has acknowledged concurrence with its provisions.
The City Planning Commission, at its meeting of June 3, 2008, recommended approval of this proposal, subject to providing adequate sanitary sewer capacity and obtaining necessary variances. The Zoning Board of Appeals, at its meeting of June 25, 2008, granted the one necessary variance for the drive opening along Forest Avenue leading to the solid waste facility and the entrance to the surface parking and loading area.
Staff
Prepared By: Laurie Foondle, Management Assistant
Reviewed By: Mark Lloyd, Planning and Development Services Manager
Jayne Miller, Community Services Administrator
Approved By: Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, University Village-Ann Arbor, LLC has requested site plan approval in order to construct a 464,314-square foot, mixed-use building comprised of two residential towers along South University and South Forest Avenues;
Whereas, A development agreement has been prepared to address public and private utilities, a future special assessment district for improvements to South University and South Forest, landmark tree preservation, park contribution, a street tree planting escrow, on-site storm water management, footing drain disconnections, and elevations; and
Whereas, The Ann Arbor City Planning Commission, on June 3, 2008, recommended approval of said request;
Whereas, The contemplated development will comply with all applicable state, local and federal law, ordinances, standards and regulations;
Whereas, The development would limit the disturbance of natural features to the minimum necessary to allow a reasonable use of the land, applying criteria for reviewing a natural features statement of impact set forth in Chapter 57; and
Whereas, The development would not cause a public or private nuisance and would not have a detrimental effect on the public health, safety or welfare;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the Development Agreement, substantially in the form of that attached, dated August 8, 2008;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to sign the Development Agreement after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the 601 Forest Site Plan, upon the conditions that (1) the Development Agreement is signed by all necessary parties, (2) all terms of the Development Agreement are satisfied, (3) adequate sanitary sewer capacity is provided, and (4) the individual development parcels are combined into one parcel.