Commission approves rear concrete paving but denies proposed front charcoal pavers; landscape plan advanced for 192 Thurman

The German Village Commission on July 2 split and processed a comprehensive application for 192 Thurman Avenue that proposed new front‑yard paving and a low masonry retaining wall at the sidewalk, removal of an existing iron front fence, new rear‑yard paving and hardscape, and planting/landscaping changes.

Because the package mixed landscaping with hardscape and masonry details, the commission asked staff and the applicant to separate the material into three parts: (a) softscape (plantings, planting beds, lighting and small raised planters), (b) vertical elements (retaining wall and front fence), and (c) horizontal paving (front and rear walkways and driveway/parking surfaces). Commissioners voted on each part separately.

Part A — softscape and plantings: The commission approved the planting plan, raised planting beds and small decorative lighting as presented. The applicant had provided a sample of the proposed Unilock Sienna segmental wall and agreed to the planting palette and to preserve the large street tree in place; staff confirmed the wall blocks would be the three‑course (≈21 inch) units shown at the hearing. The approval includes minor staff review of final planting sizes and lighting fixtures.

Part B — vertical elements (wall and fence): Commissioners deferred final action and continued consideration of the proposed masonry retaining wall and removal of the historic iron fence to allow more time to examine alternatives. Several commissioners said they were open to a sensitively designed low masonry wall but wanted additional options that used softer materials or stone to better align with typical German Village treatments; others urged retention or restoration of the existing iron fence where feasible. The applicant agreed to return with additional details and additional masonry/stone options and to explore a design that minimized impacts to the large front yard street tree.

Part C — horizontal paving: The commission split horizontal paving into front (Part C‑a) and rear (Part C‑b) because public views differ and the board wanted separate votes. For the front yard (Part C‑a) the applicant had proposed 2.5‑in modular charcoal pavers (herringbone pattern) laid over a concrete base. Staff and several commissioners said the German Village guidelines emphasize traditional brick paving on public frontages and generally discourage exposed concrete or non‑brick facing materials on the front sidewalk. After discussion the commission voted to deny the front pavers as proposed, citing the guidelines’ preference for traditional brick patterns and sizes for front yards and public walkways.

For the rear yard and parking area behind the proposed fence (Part C‑b), the commission approved the proposed concrete/engineered pavers for the rear yard and driveway because those surfaces are not directly in the public sidewalk and are more commonly allowed in rear‑yard applications. The approval includes standard installation details and the requirement that staff approve final paver color and the edge restraint.

Ending: The commission concluded the planting and rear paving pieces can move forward but asked the applicant to return with alternative front‑yard paving options (brick in traditional size, a darker brick paver option, or other materials that match the sidewalk context) and additional masonry/stone wall options for the front yard. The wall/fence item will return with alternative proposals.