.
The pre-Civil War structure sits on a portion of the bank's parking lot on West Second Street. Plans to subdivide three lots to create two new ones include adding some green space around the building, but commissioners wanted more and suggested reconfiguring the proposed lots to allow as much as 20 feet of "greensward" around it. Commissioners also suggested relocating two proposed ATM machines to make more room around the building.
At times the discussion veered off into what might become of the former Appliance-Arama building adjacent to the parking lot, now that a proposal for 148 apartments on the lot is defunct. On another topic, Larry Quirk wanted the bank's proposed ATMs to look more historic.
"The drawings look rather futuristic," he said.
It was revealed that the bank will relocate to the large office complex across West Second Street and close the ornate building that once was the headquarters of United National Bank, Developer Frank Cretella had in 2010 proposed retail use for the bank's first floor, with nightclubs above
Cretella's 148-unit apartment complex was to have required use of eight parking lot parcels, while the bank wanted just three melded into two for the ATMs. The PNC Bank team hinted Tuesday at possible development on the rest of the sprawling parking lot, but gave no details.
"The ultimate vision is a viable development on the property," Streker said.
After more back-and-forth over how much green space was sufficient, HPC Chairman Bill Michelson suggested that the team "articulate or come back" next month. Hickey first raised the issue of having to meet April 5 with the Zoning Board of Adjustment, but later said she would ask for the matter to be carried to the Zoning Board's May 3 meeting. The HPC agreed to carry the matter in turn to their April 25 meeting for further discussion and possible approval.
--Bernice
HPC is a great concept and sometimes operates reasonably, unfortunately it more often veers all over the place with sentences from Commission members starting with "this isn't in our purview but...." followed by some rambling request or observation. HPC needs to focus on sticking to their mission and also move things in a positive direction without costing applicants money by making them appear multiple times with professionals on the clock.
ReplyDeleteA good example of this is the request to make the ATM's look more historic. ATM's have only been around, in very limited form, since around 1970 and they were the size of a coke machine. Also - is the downtown area going to be Williamsburg and we haven't heard about it? Can the HPC please mandate that the PNC tellers all dress in historic outfits? How about we set-up a drive-thru machine that is only for customers riding in a carriage?
Just to be in compliance with the HPC, I am also writing this post by candlelight and will be sending it to the town cryer later.
I will write an ordinance amendment to give HPC the power to require employees in historic structures to wear clothing of a style compatible with its history. Thank you, Anonymous, for the idea!!
ReplyDeletePerfect - one less sentence that has to start with "this isn't in our purview but....". If we really work at it we can make this process as mind boggling and tedious as possible so home buyers and developers just drive right around Plainfield and invest their money elsewhere.
DeleteYou more than likely live in a aluminum sided house with vinyl windows. Stay there and leave the districts alone.
DeleteAnon 2:29 - someone is getting help with their clever blog comments it would appear. While your comment is cute it is also very wrong. I am a supporter of historic commissions - however pragmatism is required and "historic ATM's" is far from pragmatic. Attend an HPC meeting and similar requests that serve no purpose but to complicate the lives of applicants are made.
DeleteThe HPC and all the members sitting on these commissions seem to think that if they don't simply approve an application they're not doing their job. It's also a huge reason development avoids Plainfield like the plague.
ReplyDeletePlainfield's preferred developers don't like competition. This is a way to keep with the status quo.
ReplyDeleteIf the bank at some point is going to be a jazz club, who cares what the temporary atm looks like?? Lets focus on the poor design of the redevelopment for the site. Go up and free up some space for some grass or a tree or 2. This isnt the 80s anymore. You do nice work Frank. Make this look great too.
ReplyDeleteI got the impression that Frank's project was off the table, but another one may be in the wings. Stay tuned.
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