Meeting Minutes

Public Meeting
May 9, 2007
5:00 P.M.
The Estero Recreation Center
9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd.

Meeting Time:                        5:00 P.M.
 
Members in Attendance:        Gordon Lyons, Tom O’Dea, Nancy Cohen,
Jim Wallace, Gerald Simons, Bill Prysi
Absent:                                   Al O’Donnell
 
Chaired By:                            Gordon Lyons
 
Minutes By:                            Ramona Thomas
 
Meeting called to order.
 
Approval of the minutes of the April 11th meeting was called for.  A motion to approve the minutes was made, seconded and carried unanimously.  Minutes were approved with no changes.

Applicant: Orion Bank at Coconut Crossing

Location:                       Coconut Crossing, north of Coconut Road
 
Fee:                              Paid
 
Presented by:                Scott Beauchesne, Hole Montes
 
Discussion:

Scott Beauchesne from Hole Montes, and Bruce Gora & Cristina Meyer of Gora McGahey Associates in Architecture presented plans for Orion Bank located at Coconut Crossing on the north side of Coconut Road.  Connectivity is provided to existing sidewalk; Entry faces south; US41 & Saffron elevations are more prominent including parapet, cornices, wood doors, trellis on east, colored store front windows, pavers along site, trellis on east side will be wood tone or white to complement the building.

Comments included:

• Fire department should have seen plans prior to EDRC review.
•  Very attractive building, great architectural detail, fabulous example of a commercial job.
•  Great landscape plan.
•  Would like to post plans on web site for a reference example to other developers.

Applicant: Copperleaf Clubhouse Expansion

Fee                                 Paid
 
Location                        The Brooks off Three Oaks Parkway.
 
Presented by                 Caleb M. Janus, Architect.
 
Discussion:
Caleb Janus presented plans for the 1,000 sq. ft. addition to the existing Copperleaf Clubhouse.  This project will not affect parking or drainage.  The addition will be constructed of concrete block & stucco to match existing structure.  The addition will be barely noticeable and provide more usable & effective space.
 
Comments included:

• Concerns about sufficient parking.  Applicant stated that sufficient additional parking was put in place as part of the original development of the Clubhouse.
•  EDRC members were in favor of the expansion.

Applicant: Coconut Trace

Presented by                 Coconut Trace between US41 and Lynden Drive
 
Fee:                             Paid
 
Presented by:                Barry E. Jones from Dyers, Riddle, Mills & Precourt, Inc.
 
Discussion:
 
Barry Jones presented revised preliminary plans for Coconut Trace to include Panda Express, a 26,000 sq. ft. building with retail on the first floor and corporate offices above, located in Coconut Trace between US41 and Lynden Drive.  This project was originally reviewed by the EDRC at the April meeting and is being presented to address the concerns from the committee’s comments at the April meeting.

Comments included:

• Add plantings at center of building east elevation along base.
•  Add tall palms at for framing signage on building at top floor.
•  Bump out Panda Express and frame with royal palms.
•  Recommend moving dumpster over one parking space for straight in & out for truck to empty dumpster.
•  Make windows recessed to add architectural detail, creating shadow & reducing glazing.
•  If code permits, explore the possibility of projecting the fascia wall above the Panda Express entrance in order to create more relief at the entrance.
•  Landscape plan is not correct; submit revised landscape plan, west & east plantings must show on plans.
•  Submit new building plans with changes.
•  Complete signage to incorporate elements for tenants, add more detail. Submit a sample to the committee.
•  Submit plans for monument sign.

Barry Jones and his team will come back for next month’s meeting with the recommended changes for review by the EDRC.

Old Business:

A letter was sent out regarding the Stoney’s sign and no response was received. Gordon Lyons will follow up with it.
 
The Enclave at Rapallo in Estero is prepared to plant 160-180 sabal palm trees on neighboring property between their development and Coconut Point Mall.  No permission to plant has been received from Coconut Point Mall yet.  Tom O’Dea will send an email to Tom Schneider informing him that Jim Wallace at Rapallo is ready to proceed with the plantings.
 
A letter has been sent out regarding the unapproved Walgreens sign and no response has been received back.
 
Meeting adjourned.
 
Next Meeting:                         Next EDRC Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at the Estero Park Community Center.