MEMBERS PRESENT
William Jacobs
Paul O'Neill
John Sperlazza
Sabina Weitzman

MEMBERS ABSENT
Paula Raudenbush
Helen Ross
Barry Waldman

CITY STAFF
Erik Nelson, Senior Planner

The Board met in a second floor conference room to review issues related to developing a parking lot at the corner of William and Princess Anne Streets. There were three individuals present representing the Fredericksburg Baptist Church, including Darrell Caldwell, Cathie Cleaver, and Dennis Sacrey.

Mr. Jacobs called the meeting to order. Mr. Caldwell presented the church's plans for the parking lot, with amplifying details on landscaping and brick wall construction. He emphasized that they understood the need to respect the streetscape of the Princess Anne and Amelia Street corridors. He also indicated that they had studied other brick walls downtown, at both commercial and residential properties, and meant to use a consistent design of brick walls with shrubbery behind.

Ms. Weitzman stressed the need to provide a visual orientation between the parking lot and the front doors of the church. She recognized why the parking was planned to be laid out in rows perpendicular to the axis of the church, but still thought some sort of visual relationship should be explored.

Mr. Jacobs agreed with Ms. Weitzman's observations and suggested a break in the brick wall, opposite the front doors of the church.

Mr. O'Neill noted that the ARB likes buildings and doesn't like parking lots. He said that what was proposed was a shopping center parking lot that was not very imaginative. He said it was critical to preserve the existing building.

Ms. Weitzman observed that there may be too many things going on in the parking lot. Perhaps a lesser variety of plant materials would work better.

Mr. Sperlazza said he had done web research and found many good ideas for parking lot plantings at a Virginia Tech site.

The group discussed the feasibility of preserving a portion of the existing bank building. After looking at sight line drawings and reevaluating the relationship between the church and the parking lot, discussion revolved around enhancing the corner feature. A stronger focal point at the corner would reduce the overall number of parking spaces but would also tie in with the church more effectively. Mr. Caldwell said he would rework this design and provide additional construction details for the brick walls. He also agreed to provide the lighting plan.

Ms. Cleaver ran through a design study the engineering firm had developed as they had designed the parking lot.

Meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.