Weinland Park Community Civic Association

Housing Committee
Notes from Meeting of March 11, 2014
Rory Krupp and Omar Elhagmusa, committee co-chairs, called the meeting to order about 5:40
p.m. at Godman Guild Association. In addition to Mr. Krupp and Mr. Elhagmusa, those in
attendance were Michael Wilkos, Erin Prosser, Terry Althouse, Doreen Uhas-Sauer, Sheila
Billingslea-Moser, Steve Sterrett, Laura Bidwa, Susan Keeny, Susan Weber, and Mark Dravillas,
neighborhood planning manager with the citys Planning Division.
Mr. Dravillas distributed information regarding the preparation of the University District plan,
which will be a land-use plan that can guide the citys staff in preparation of recommendations
regarding proposals for variances and zoning changes. The University District plan will include a
land-use plan, design guidelines and capital improvements recommendations. He urged folks to
respond to the draft plan and complete an online survey.
Mr. Dravillas said the land-use plan will use standards for floor area ratios to control density. He
said a draft recommendation is that the authority of the University Area Review Board (UARB)
be expanded to the whole University District. He asked for support for this recommendation. Part
of the expanded purview of the UARB would be greater participation of residents on the board.
One theme of the draft plan is to focus greater housing density on High Street and allow reduced
parking standards there as a way to relieve pressure for greater housing density in the
neighborhoods. Mr. Dravillas asked that folks comment on this approach to density.
Among the comments made during discussion of the draft plan were:

Laura Bidwa said that three persons from Weinland Park (Brandyn McElroy, Michael
Wilkos, and herself) are on the citys working committee for the plan. She supports
expansion of the area of jurisdiction of UARB and of its membership. She said the University
District is most dense neighborhood in city and, therefore, the city should provide additional
resources to permit the UARB to expand its jurisdiction.
Doreen Uhas-Sauer, president of the University Area Commission, said she supports
expansion of the boards membership.
Erin Prosser said development of the plan would help clarify the definition of such matters as
floor area ratio.
Michael Wilkos asked about a height maximum for areas designated as neighborhood mixeduse. Mr. Dravillas said that we may want to consider more density along East Fifth Avenue.

Mr. Wilkos cited the proposal for the buildings for Food District @ Weinland Park that might
be constructed along East Fifth as an example of greater density.
Mr. Wilkos asked about parking behind single-family homes. Mr. Dravillas said the division
is considering parking issues and how to define where parking will be allowed and a
minimum landscape area.
Susan Keeny suggested creation of other historic districts in the University District.
Steve Sterrett suggested that Mr. Wilkos, Ms. Bidwa, and Mr. McElroy bring
recommendations to the Housing Committee at its next meeting regarding the University
District plan.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:53 p.m.