ShawneeDispatch.com

An eight-space parking lot expansion at a Shawnee historical landmark was on the Planning Commission's agenda Monday night, but Commissioners likely won't act on the item until late June at the earliest.

Developers of the Caenen Castle site, 12401 Johnson Dr., first asked to withdraw the measure, then to table it, after a request to more than double the capacity for the building was turned down by the Commission.

Planning Commissioners don't have authority to allow occupancy changes at buildings zoned with a commercial neighborhood classification, and such concessions as valet or shared parking aren't normally implemented in that location.

Zoning regulations at the facility allow for two people for each parking spot to be inside the building at one time when the lot is full.

The developer first must gain approval from the city's Board of Zoning Appeals to modify the parking lot-building capacity guideline at the site before the Commission can approve a revised site plan.

Two parking lot plans already have been approved by the Commission.

The first allowed for 45 parking stalls along the southern edge of the site. About 18 of the proposed stalls extended west into the adjacent property, but the owner of that property declined to cooperate with project officials.

An alternate plan included the original south parking lot and nine additional stalls along the property's western edge.

Robert Junk, the architect for the proposal, submitted Monday a plan to add eight more spaces by extending the west parking lot north toward Johnson Drive. The revised site plan would allow for 40 spots or 80 people in the building at one time.

"The occupancy of the building is limited by the parking right now," Junk said.

In addition, Junk asked the Commission to approve an increased capacity of 172 people, or more than four people per parking spot, at the location.

"We don't expect there to be just one or two people in each vehicle at this type of business," Junk said.

The facility would host parties to supplement a catering business.

Instead, Commissioners informed Junk that building capacities in the zoned commercial neighborhoods only may be altered by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

"We don't have the authority to do what you're asking," said Commissioner Kevin Tubbesing.

Commissioners recommended that Junk allow them to approve the alternate site plan, which would have allowed the project to move forward regardless of a change to the building capacity.

Instead, Junk first asked to completely withdraw the site plan after he said that alternate parking options like valet and shared parking were turned down by city staff.

He then asked the Commission to table the request pending a Board of Zoning Appeals hearing, which could take place in May or June.

The Commission tabled the measure on an 8-0 vote and likely next will address the issue again during its June 21 or July 19 meeting.

In other action, Planning Commissioners:

• Approved a site plan for Monticello Park to be located in the 8000 block of Monticello Road. The 9.03 acre tract adjoins the 3&2 Sports Complex on the south and west. The park will feature two gazebos, a play structure and a concrete walking trail.
• Approved a site plan for a new Ray Marsh Elementary School, 5642 Rosehill Rd. The new school will be two stories tall. A cafeteria, kitchen and gymnasium will be on the lower level. The structure also includes plans for 30 classrooms, a media center and a library.
• Issued final plat approval for 57 lots in Estates of Highland Ridge, second plat, located in the 23700 block of 51st Terrace.