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286 <br /> <br /> Mr. Bill Daggett of Daggett and Grigg Architects, <br />questioned whether the development proposed for Vinegar <br />Hill South was viable without the parking garage. <br /> <br /> Mr.. Buck stated that the project was viable but would <br />be a better one with the addition of the garage. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja stated that a decision concerning the grant <br />would be made by the end of September. <br /> <br /> Mr. Jones questioned whether a public hearing would <br />be held before a developer is chosen for the Vinegar Hill <br />South project. <br /> <br /> Mr. Buck stated that design criteria had been <br />developed and there had been a public bidding process for <br />the project. <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING: GRANTING SPECIAL PERMIT FOR EXPANSION OF THETA <br />CHI FRATERNITY AT 600 PRESTON PLACE <br /> <br /> Mr. Barnes stated that he would abstain from <br />consideration of this matter. <br /> <br /> Mr. Buck stated that a public hearing had previously <br />been held by Council and the Planning Commission, with the <br />Planning Commission recommending approval, and the Council <br />denying the permit by a split vote. Mr. Buck stated that <br />Council had agreed to reconsider the matter and to allow <br />further opportunity for comment by the neighborhood. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja summarized the zoning and proposed <br />expansion, noting that the number of fraternity <br />members would not increase. Mr. Huja listed the following <br />reasons for the Planning Commission's recommendation to <br />approve the special permit: 1) It is in harmony with the <br />Land Use Plan of the Comprehensive Plan, 2) It will not <br />have a significant adverse impact on the surrounding area, <br />if conditions are met, and 3) The proposed use is <br />compatible with most surrounding uses. The approval was <br />conditional upon the following: administrative approval <br />of the site plan with supplemental screening around the <br />deck. Mr. Huja added that the staff had also recommended <br />approval of the special permit. <br /> <br /> Mr. Bill Daggett, developer of the project and <br />secretary/treaSurer of the Theta Chi Alumni Association, <br />summarized the proposed project which included sound <br />deadening panels and a design which would enable the <br />fraternity to block off living areas of the house during <br />large parties. Mr. Daggett pointed out that several other <br />similar special permits in same area had recently been <br />approved. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question by Mr. Towe, Mr. Daggett <br />stated that no parking spaces would be lost due to the <br />expansion. <br /> <br /> Mr. Towe questioned whether the Theta Chi Fraternity <br />has done anything positive for the neighborhood. <br /> <br /> Mr. Daggett stated that $100,000 was being spent on <br />renovating the fraternity and that a fining system was <br />being put into place. Mr. Daggett added that the police <br />have stated that Theta Chi is not a problem fraternity and <br />indicated the fraternity's willingness to work with the <br />neighborhood. <br /> <br /> Mrs. Gleason questioned whether it.would be possible <br />to require that the fraternity appoint someone as a <br />liaison to work with the neighborhood as a condition of <br />the special permit. <br /> <br /> <br />