Committee commended quantity and size buffer plantings around parking structure, buffers should provide good opaque screen for views from Golf Course and Internal Roadway
Open parking deck of parking garage is a problem that community residents in the Sorrento and other towers were upset with
Community residents listed many complaints dealing with zoning related issues; setbacks and density were the biggest. WCI representatives explained to the public that those issues were dealt with during the DRI process for the overall development which took multiple attempts, but was approved
Committee questioned architectural consistency as related to the LDC based on the public’s comments. The proposed tower’s architectural style was not in question, but the new and never before proposed scenario of locating parking in a dedicated structure separate from the tower as compared to parking under the residential tower as previously implemented in the first four towers built in the Colony may be inconsistent
The committee also questioned if the new scenario would set a new precedent for the design of the future towers within the Colony which may also be designed and implemented in the potentially inconsistent design scenario as compared to the first four towers raised within the Colony
An example of aluminum trellises over parking spaces on uncovered top level was shown; this was not acceptable to the concerned public and questioned by the committee as an acceptable means of buffering the ugly views of the parking deck
Committee recommends the use of multiple elements to break up the open parking deck, larger roofed sections at corners of parking structure especially at stairwells, trellis structures with plantings, and covered/roofed parking spaces.
Committee recommends the county review staff provide a quantifiable standard to require a percentage of planting area/green space to the parking deck similar to the planting area requirements required in open surface parking areas. A certain percentage of green canopy should be required to help shield the cars on the open deck. This could be based on the percentage of canopy created in surface parking areas by the canopy trees required in the LDC.
WCI agreed to amend landscape plan to include littoral plantings to include trees, shrubs and herbaceous littorals along lake bank at south end of parking structure to aid in the buffering effort
Committee recommends that corners of parking structure be solid walls to prevent visibility through the parking structure
Committee recommends that such a large structure must be “broken up” by different design features
Because this project is a departure from prior projects (where the parking was underground), WCI should do as much as possible to ensure this new scenario is developed in keeping with the high level of style and design as the previous towers to maintain property values throughout the community
Committee has concerns about allowing this new scenario to become the new precedent and seemingly set a new lower development standard for The Colony
