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Commission defers Subway site modification after commissioners note unapproved material and parapet changes
Summary
Commissioners deferred action on a Subway site modification after staff said the builder lowered a parapet and substituted exterior materials without approval; the motion to defer passed 6-1-1 (one abstention/recusal).
The Planning Commission voted to defer consideration of proposed revisions to a Subway building on New Shackle Island Road, citing significant changes made during construction without prior approval. The motion to defer to the next meeting unless the issues can be resolved at staff level passed with 6 yes, 1 no and 1 abstention (Commissioner Hardwick recused).
Why it matters: staff had previously approved elevations in 2022; during construction the builder lowered the height of a walk-in cooler parapet and installed Hardie plank in place of an approved porcelain tile pediment finish. Staff said the walk-in cooler/condensing units now sit behind a shorter wall (7 feet 7 inches) rather than the approved 14-foot parapet; the architect said the owner agreed to extend the parapet by about 3 feet to conceal rooftop equipment and will brick the extension to match the building.
Caitlin, the project planner, told commissioners that some elements of the revised work were approved by staff through post-review but that the parapet height change and the material substitution were more significant than staff felt comfortable approving administratively. Architect Greg Mayo said the owner would extend the parapet and conceal rooftop condensing units with a brick parapet rather than a roof-mounted screen, while maintaining ventilation.
Several commissioners said the constructed elevation differed materially from the approved plans and expressed frustration that the change occurred without prior review. Commissioner Slattery called the situation “not acceptable” and suggested the commission consider deferral until the owner returns with corrected elevations or staff can negotiate acceptable changes.
Chair (unnamed) moved to defer the item to the next meeting, with a second from Commissioner Slattery; the motion passed 6-1-1. Commissioner Hardwick recused because he had represented the property owner in a prior transaction.
What’s next: staff and the architect indicated they would attempt to resolve the outstanding parapet and material issues at the staff level before the next meeting; if staff cannot reach an agreement, the applicant will return to the Planning Commission with revised, documented elevations.
