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Commissioner Blank stated that this project reminds him of a proposal where someone <br /> came to the Commission with a two-story home in an area where only one-story homes <br /> were permitted, but the proposed two-story house actually had a lower roofline than the <br /> single-story homes in the area. He indicated that he is sensitive to the argument that it <br /> is not just the square footage, as some single-story homes are massive and should <br /> never have been built, while some two-story homes look less massive than some <br /> one-story homes. He added that he did not think a home should be disqualified simply <br /> because it is different than the homes around it; one must look at the massing as well <br /> as how the home fits in with the street architecture. <br /> Commissioner Blank stated that because he was not present at the Work Session and <br /> the first public hearing, he has not seen all of the changes in detail; however, looking at <br /> what was before and what was done afterwards, it appeared to him that the perceived <br /> massing of the home has been significantly reduced. He indicated that he is inclined to <br /> approve the project. <br /> Commissioner Pentin applauded everybody's efforts, including those of staff and the <br /> Commissioners, for working on the project and in reducing the perception of the <br /> massing. He stated that he believes the Cunninghams have brought a project to the <br /> Commission that complies with everything the City and the Commission asked them to <br /> do at an earlier workshop. He indicated that he still feels the same as he did the last <br /> time and voiced support and approval of the project. <br /> Commissioner Olson stated that he totally agrees with Commissioners Blank and Pentin <br /> and indicated that he will not change his vote. <br /> Commissioner Pearce stated that she very much appreciates the Cunninghams' <br /> willingness and good faith effort to meet with her and Chair Narum last week. She <br /> noted that it took a lot of time, and the Cunninghams have taken the time to make many <br /> changes to the house. She indicated that she thinks they are moving in the right <br /> direction but believes the house still does not meet Policy 17 of the Downtown Specific <br /> Plan, which refers to perception and excessive lot coverage concerns, which she feels <br /> are still present as demonstrated, however crudely, by the perceived FAR of the lower <br /> lot. She stated that, given that she still has concerns about the massing, she would not <br /> support the project. <br /> Chair Narum stated that this is a tough one but appreciates the Cunninghams' efforts in <br /> meeting with Commissioner Pearce and herself and in coming up with some proposed <br /> changes based on their comments, and then making further changes based on <br /> comments made at a subsequent meeting. She noted that her comments three weeks <br /> ago had to do with the appearance from the street and the relationship to the buildings, <br /> and believes that with the changes now, she can support the project and make the <br /> findings. She stated that if this project goes forward, she hopes for harmony in the <br /> neighborhood at some point as well. <br /> Commissioner Blank agreed that this is always very tough, and people need to heal <br /> when this is all over. <br /> EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, November 30, 2011 Page 5 of 6 <br />