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Planning commission flags fire‑access, lighting and streetscape questions for 210–214 West Washington 'Axis Square' plan
Summary
Commissioners reviewed design details for the Axis Square proposal at 210–214 West Washington, discussed planter boxes, street‑lighting style and a narrower turning radius option to address fire‑truck access and pedestrian safety, and asked staff to seek consultant responses and tree‑commission confirmation before the next vote.
At its work session the Planning Commission reviewed design and engineering comments for the Axis Square proposal at 210–214 West Washington and asked staff to resolve several technical and design issues before the item returns for a vote.
The applicant presented updated plans showing pedestrian doors in rear elevations, proposed planter boxes on Washington Street, wall‑mounted door lights and existing nearby cobra streetlights. Staff and commissioners discussed a resident and consultant concern about curb radii at intersections and vehicle turning — in particular whether the proposed corner treatment would permit fire‑truck access while also protecting pedestrian safety and the pedestrian stairways adjacent to the curb.
Commissioners and the project’s consultant agreed to pursue a design that balances fire apparatus access and pedestrian scale. Options discussed included a mountable curb with a reduced 10‑foot radius or a flush curb with decorative pavers in the mountable area so large‑vehicle access is preserved without the broad, truck‑friendly radius that can encourage higher turning speeds. The commission indicated it may include language in its upcoming motion recommending a mountable or decorative flush curb solution and asked the applicant and staff to present the preferred treatment to borough council if a waiver or council permission is required.
On lighting, the applicant said the project proposes wall‑mounted door lights and timed controls; the immediate blocks also have four existing cobra‑style streetlights. Commissioners noted the borough code includes a street‑lighting requirement and asked whether a waiver from council is needed for decorative or wall‑mounted alternatives. Staff said a council waiver may be required and that any recommendation from the commission would be forwarded with the motion.
Other items commissioners asked staff and the applicant to confirm before the voting session included: tree commission comments (the applicant reported receipt of one regular tree‑commission letter and staff will verify whether remaining comments were resolved), a minor building‑height calculation discrepancy the applicant said does not affect compliance, the stormwater/impervious calculations (applicant reported compliance with stormwater regulations), and inclusion of the trip‑generation data in the application appendix. Commissioners also encouraged the applicant to provide a planting and maintenance schedule for the proposed planters and to coordinate lighting solutions with the borough’s downtown lighting standards.
No formal vote was taken. The commission expects the applicant to provide the clarified consultant reviews, a written tree‑commission response and any requested technical revisions in advance of the voting session next week so the commission can prepare a motion.
