East Franklinton review board tables 85-unit West Town Street project over design, parking and activation concerns

The East Franklinton Review Board on an unspecified date continued (tabled) a certificate-of-approval application for a proposed four-story, 85-unit apartment building at 511 West Town Street (COA2400032), citing unresolved design details, ground-floor activation and a shortfall in required parking.

Board members and staff told the applicant they needed clearer materials specifications, revised landscaping and solutions for screening mechanical equipment and dumpsters. The project team said the building had been revised since its prior concept review — including a shift to a three-over-podium design to accommodate parking — and offered that siding would not be vinyl. "It's not our intention to have that be vinyl. Everything will be hardy board, or other approvable material by the board," said Tom O'Brien, an applicant representative.

Why it matters: The board flagged several recurring issues that would affect the project's compliance with East Franklinton development standards and future precedent for stepback and ground-floor treatment on Towne Street. Board members also raised concerns that approving the current design without changes could alter how similar projects are reviewed in the future.

What the board and staff said - Staff reported the proposal combines six parcels and would add structured parking, green space, bike storage and enhanced pedestrian access. Staff also said the proposal exceeds the East Franklinton Arts & Innovation Subdistrict's recommended maximum density; staff concluded the excess density was partly mitigated by higher-quality design but asked for revisions. - Staff asked the applicant to specify the vertical siding materials shown on the elevations, to provide an updated landscape plan clarifying green-space treatment along Towne Street, and to fully screen dumpsters and ground-mounted mechanicals on all sides. - Board members pressed the applicant on the absence of a clear Third-Floor stepback and the loss of ground-level unit entrances or "activation" along Towne Street noted in an earlier approved design. One member said…