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Commission approves Grey Cloud Elementary additions including gym/storm shelter and special‑education classrooms
Summary
The Planning Commission voted 7‑0 Sept. 22 to recommend City Council approval of a site plan for Grey Cloud Elementary that adds a 6,500‑square‑foot gym designed to serve as a storm shelter and a 3,400‑square‑foot classroom addition for special‑education use, along with stormwater and site adjustments.
The Cottage Grove Planning Commission voted 7-0 on Sept. 22 to recommend approval of a site plan submitted by Tacoma Architects for additions to Grey Cloud Elementary, located at 9525 Indian Boulevard South on a 109‑acre parcel shared with Cottage Grove Middle School.
Planning staff (Max) said the proposal includes a 6,500‑square‑foot gymnasium intended to act as a certified storm shelter and a 3,400‑square‑foot classroom addition for special‑education use. The applicant also proposes a new private stormwater pond to meet current stormwater standards and to connect to an existing pond; an easement amendment will be required so the city can continue to maintain the expanded stormwater pond, staff said.
The site currently has 153 standard parking stalls; city code requires 52 stalls for the proposed additions and the applicant is proposing to remove 10 stalls along the east side of the building to relocate a playground closer to the new classroom addition. Staff said the proposed parking count and circulation meet city code and that school staff confirmed no traffic issues were observed on site.
The applicant reported the removal of 23 trees to accommodate the additions, 11 of which staff identified as significant tree caliber; staff said the removal will not require on‑site mitigation. Utility work includes connecting the gym to an existing private utility connection and connecting the classroom addition to sewer via an existing manhole on Indian Boulevard South; the latter will require a right‑of‑way permit and a sewer/water permit from the city.
Commissioners asked whether moving the playground was required; staff and the applicant explained the playground relocation was proposed to place play areas nearer the new special‑education classrooms and is not a regulatory requirement. The commission moved and seconded the staff recommendation; the motion to recommend approval passed 7‑0.
Staff noted required follow‑up actions include recording the amended easement for the stormwater pond, obtaining ROW and sewer permits, and final coordination on tree removals and landscaping per the staff report.
