The following is a summary of the May 26^th Advisory Team meeting for the SoBro Planned Development District (PDD).  This meeting was held to solicit response regarding the four alternative subarea plans for the district, and to gain consensus on one.

Jackie Turner of RATIO presented a PowerPoint that began with the subarea alternatives that had been posted by Louisville Metro on Limehouse for more than 2 weeks. Steve Sizemore reported the comments that he had received. At the meeting, Herb Fink, Tori Murden McClure and Bob Bajandas expressed their preference for Scenario #1. Suggestions were made for modifications to that scenario including:

• Extend the Campus subarea further south to Kentucky Street.
• When possible, attempt to set boundaries for subareas to rear property lines or alleys instead of street centerlines.
• The portion of the Neighborhood Core west of Crystal Alley may warrant a different character for land use and development.
• Specific streets within a subarea may have additional standards.
• Attempt to fine tune boundaries to comply with existing land uses or ownership patterns.

Herb Fink expressed concern that the mix of uses permitted within a subarea could include light industrial uses. Staff and the consultant gave some examples of what sort of uses could be included: businesses similar to the Glassworks, ceramic studios with a kiln, apparel and electronic assembly, research and development. Jacki mentioned that light industrial uses do not emit odor, noise, vibration or dust. The uses are fully enclosed. There is minimal to no truck traffic and outside storage of vehicles or product is not permitted.

Staff mentioned planning tools that are available to ensure uses are compatible include identifying specific uses or types as Limited uses which require approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals. 

The subarea maps presented located structures with National Register or Local Landmark status. Herb Fink wanted to know if the PDD could also identify contributing structures and also create a Local Landmark District. It was explained that that is not part of the PDD Zoning process, but a local group interested in pursuing this could make a proposal to the City.

Patrick Piuma questioned if there will be a minimum floor-area-ration (FAR) for new development to maximize lot coverage for a more urban form. We discussed addressing lot coverage minimums and maximum setback as standards in the PDD.  

Jackie showed slides of a proposed outline for the PDD and samples of a page layout which included graphics that would illustrate ordinance standards. Bob Bajandas said that would be very helpful to future plan uses. Slides with existing SoBro structures were juxtaposed with examples that contained the same uses and retained the positive character.

Herb Fink expressed disappointment that this meeting and presentation did not present any solutions for the Family and Children’s Place proposed development Kentucky and Fifth Streets. Jackie and Ken Baker explained that the PDD was not a parcel specific process involving site specific design. Ken acknowledged that the PDD guidelines and standards could influence the development proposal for the FCP project and that an accepted development proposal from the CFP petitioner could likewise influence the PDD for that area. It was suggested and agreed by all that a small group including Dan Fox, Herb Fink and representatives from Metro Council, parks, Planning and Design, Public Works, and Memorial Auditorium need to meet with the FCP site designer to brainstorm site layouts that will meet the needs of the FCP, Parks Department, and the surrounding neighborhood.

Jackie estimated that portions of a draft of the PDD may be available in early to mid July and that the Advisory Team would have an opportunity to view and comment. Team members will be notified of the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:50p.m. 

Any additions or corrections to this summary should be submitted to RATIO Architects, Inc. Otherwise, this summary stands as correct and will be posted to the project’s website at www.communitycollaborate.com.  Following any corrections or updates to this meeting summary, a copy will be provided electronically to the Advisory Team members.