Public Meetings - Germantown, Tennessee

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., the Germantown Planning Commission met in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Chairman John McCreary, with a quorum present (Commissioners Clark, Jacobs, Salvaggio, McCreary, and Mayor Palazzolo). The primary agenda item was the approval of a preliminary and final site plan for the Madonna Learning Center campus expansion. The meeting also included approval of previous minutes, liaison reports, and adjournment. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the February 4, 2025, meeting were approved by unanimous roll-call vote (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke for or against the agenda item during the public hearing. Discussion Items - Case 15‑512 – Madonna Learning Center, Inc. Campus Expansion The applicant, Madonna Learning Center (represented by Greg Marcom of the Reaves Firm and Executive Director Jo Gilbert), requested approval of a preliminary and final site plan for a school campus expansion at 7007, 7035, and 7045 Poplar Avenue (8.306 acres, zoned R Low-Density Single-Family Residential). The proposal includes: - An adult education Monarch campus (16,000 sq. ft.) at 7035 and 7045 Poplar, serving up to 100 adult students and 30 staff. - A future phase two chapel/multi-purpose building with kitchen facilities for vocational training (e.g., toffee production). - A surface parking lot in the front setback area, aligning with the existing parking. - Release of 0.102 acres of right-of-way along Poplar Avenue. Staff Report (Director Ross): The existing Madonna campus serves 54 school-age children, 50 adults, and 45 staff. The expanded campus will accommodate 95 school-age students and 30 staff. The adjacent properties were acquired, and a Use on Appeal was approved by the BZA in September 2024. Applicant Presentation: Mr. Marcom highlighted the positive community feedback from a neighborhood meeting. Neighbors expressed support for the school expansion over potential large residential development. A 25‑foot landscape buffer was agreed upon. The applicant requested to waive the requirement for curb and gutter along the eastern section of Poplar Avenue (approx. 200 feet) to avoid disturbing existing utilities and mature trees (5–6 pine trees). The curb and gutter is required by staff and shown on the plans but is not part of the current TDOT widening project (planned for 2050). Commission Discussion: - Commissioner Jacobs and Alderman Salvaggio raised safety concerns, noting that the existing grade drop and the new parking lot create a hazard without curb and gutter. The City Engineering Department concurred, citing safety risks. - Chairman McCreary and others argued that curb and gutter installation is a minimal cost and depth (about 6 inches) and should not significantly impact utilities or trees. The state would have to approve the design since it is on a state highway. - The applicant acknowledged the request and agreed to follow the engineering recommendation. - The commission also noted that the curb and gutter requirement is a condition of the current motion. - Liaison Reports: - Commissioner Jacobs (BZA liaison) reported that the church project at Winchester and Forest Hill (Iread Church) received unanimous BZA approval and will come before the Planning Commission. - Commissioner Clark (Transportation Commission) noted ongoing work on e-bike regulations for the Greenway. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve: Alderman Salvaggio moved to approve the preliminary and final site plan for the Madonna Learning Center campus expansion, including the release of 0.102 acres of right-of-way, subject to the conditions, general requirements, and TAC comments listed on the plans. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (5-0). - Curb and Gutter: The conditions require installation of curb and gutter along the eastern section of Poplar Avenue as originally shown on the plans, despite the applicant’s request to waive it. The commission decided that the safety concern outweighs the cost and tree preservation arguments. - Liaison Updates: Noted for information; no formal action taken. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned after the liaison reports.

The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen held a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a special recognition, a beer board session for a temporary permit and a license revocation hearing, a certificate of compliance, a consent agenda, a third reading of an ordinance to repeal holiday decoration regulations, and an appeal of a Design Review Commission (DRC) decision regarding a second wall sign. The beer board also addressed a violation for selling beer to a minor. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was adopted as modified, with item 10c (Development Contract No. 1255 – Olde Field Green Subdivision Privatization) withdrawn. Items approved included: - Agreement – Fleet Software Upgrade and Annual Software as a Service - Change Order No. 8 – Wolf River Blvd./Germantown Rd. Intersection Improvements - Donation – Germantown Education Foundation – Friend of the Foundation – 3rd Quarter - Donations – Parks and Recreation (including a tree donation from Mohammed Khan for the Legacy Tree Program and a $3,000 donation from the Class of 2016 Leadership Germantown to refurbish the Pickering Center fountain) - PSA – Supplemental Amendment No. 1 – Wolf River Blvd./Germantown Rd. Intersection Improvements - Purchase – Network Annual Maintenance - Purchase – Public Administration Software Annual Access - Sport Provider Agreement – Germantown Football League Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens spoke during the Citizens to be Heard portion. Special Recognition – Beautification Commission Business Award - The April 2025 Beautification Commission Business Award was presented to Germantown United Methodist Church (2331 South Germantown Road) for their well-maintained landscaping and commitment to community beauty. The church’s grounds are managed by Agriscapes, Landscape, and Irrigation, featuring roses, evergreens, dogwoods, crepe myrtles, and seasonal plantings. Beer Board – Temporary Beer Permit - Public Hearing: The Germantown Festival Inc. received approval for a temporary beer permit for on-premise consumption at the Germantown Festival to be held September 6, 2025 (9:30 AM – 6 PM) and September 7, 2025 (12 PM – 6 PM) at the Germantown Civic Club Complex. Proceeds benefit festival programs. No background checks were required due to the nonprofit status. The permit was approved unanimously. Certificate of Compliance – Poplar Pike Wine & Liquors - Dhanlabh Inc. (Poplar Pike Wine & Liquors) received a certificate of compliance to operate a retail package store at 9330 Poplar Pike. Background checks were completed for all owners, including two individuals who had law enforcement contacts for fingerprinting related to immigration and driver’s license applications, but no convictions were found. The certificate was approved unanimously. Ordinance 2025-5 – Repeal of Holiday/Seasonal/Special Event Decorations (Third and Final Reading) - The board voted unanimously to repeal Division 2, Section 11-33 of the municipal code, which regulated holiday, seasonal, and special event decorations. The section is reserved for future use. Discussion Item – Appeal of DRC Design Decision for Second Wall Sign - Background: Wine Beer Liquor of Germantown LLC, located at Stancil Square Shopping Center, appealed the DRC’s denial of a second wall sign for “Wine Beer” on a separate facade. The tenant already has a “Liquor” sign on the brick facade (27 sq ft, max letter height). The applicant requested a second sign on the stucco facade for “Wine Beer” (total would be 40.8 sq ft, within code allowance). The DRC denied the request under Section 14-34 B1A and B, citing discretion and the fact that the building has one main entrance. - Arguments: The property owner, Stephen Stansell, argued that the sign ordinance requires administrative approval for a sign that complies with the code and the center’s sign policy (approved 1988). He claimed the planning director erred by not approving the original application as a single sign spanning both facades. He noted the tenant is entitled to 42 sq ft of signage (based on 42 ft frontage) but only received 27 sq ft. The tenant, Noel Ellie, stated the DRC’s reasons were not based on code but on personal opinions (e.g., “confusing”). - Staff Response: Director Cameron Ross stated that a second sign is discretionary per the DRC. He noted that staff offered alternatives, such as combining “Liquor Wine Beer” into one sign on the brick facade (requiring reduced letter heights) or resubmitting any combined sign on two facades to the DRC for review. The DRC considered the application and denied it. - Board Discussion: Alderman Hicks (who serves on DRC) noted that the DRC discussed solutions but the applicant was not agreeable to code-compliant options. Other aldermen supported the DRC’s discretion, noting that second signs are not by right. The motion to overturn the DRC decision failed (0-5). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved as modified. - Temporary Beer Permit: Approved unanimously for Germantown Festival Inc. (Sept. 6-7, 2025). - Certificate of Compliance: Approved unanimously for Poplar Pike Wine & Liquors. - Ordinance 2025-5: Approved unanimously on third reading. - Appeal of DRC Decision: Motion to approve the second wall sign failed (0-5). The DRC denial stands. - Beer Board – Suspension/Revocation: Poplar Food Mart 1 (7616 Poplar Avenue) was found guilty of selling beer to a minor (violation occurred Feb. 26, 2025). The board imposed a civil fine of $2,500 (maximum allowed). The store had a prior violation six years ago (gambling, not alcohol). Aldermen warned that future violations could lead to suspension or revocation.

The Design Review Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2025, was canceled. No agenda items were discussed, public comments were taken, or decisions were made. The meeting notice explicitly stated: "DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING ON TUES., APRIL 22ND HAS BEEN CANCELED." No minutes or transcript are available to document any proceedings.

The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 1930 S. Germantown Road. The board approved the agenda and the March 24, 2025 minutes, heard public comment, presented special recognition awards, convened as the Beer Board to approve a temporary beer permit, approved the consent agenda, advanced an ordinance repealing the holiday/special event decoration code section, and approved a revised final plan for a Starbucks at Exeter Village Shopping Center. Vice Mayor Gibson was absent and traveling. Opening and Routine Business - The board unanimously approved the April 14, 2025 agenda as presented, with the administration reporting no items to be added or deleted. - The board unanimously approved the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting held March 24, 2025. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda, which included: (a) reappointment of Andy Pouncey as City Historian for a five-year term through 2030; (b) a contract with Grinder Tabor Grinder for Cameron Brown Park Pickleball Expansion & Restroom – Phase 1 for approximately $600,000; (c) a Tennessee Department of Health Equipment Grant providing $150,000 in matching funds to offset the cost of an ambulance; and (d) a $200 donation from Chairman Fisher to the Education Commission for the Battle of the Books. The vote was unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Seth Carroll, 8165 Kimridge, expressed disappointment with the planned GMSD budget and limited Houston High School upgrades, saying the investment was not commensurate with the community's commitment to its school district and placed Germantown at a competitive disadvantage with neighboring communities. - Julianne Zimateo, 9255 Forest Estates Cove, identified as PTO president at Houston Middle School, said school improvements were not prioritized enough, called the $400,000 Lily Walk unnecessary compared with student needs, and stated she would not oppose a property tax increase if a guaranteed baseline amount went directly to the school district. - Karen Viadi, 2205 Duntreeth Valley Drive, urged reconsideration of the city's capital improvement plan, citing research that every dollar invested in public schools can yield roughly $20 in increased home value and that homes in high-performing school zones can be about two times more valuable. She said declining school investment threatens property values and Germantown's competitive edge. - Kristen Bowman, 1920 Hunters Hill, identified as PTO president at Riverdale and a Houston High graduate, said GMSD received only about 8% of the money requested for improvements, described aging Houston High facilities, and urged the board to fully fund the Houston High Improvement Project. - Joy Williams, 8200 Pine Creek East, a realtor with Main Street Realtors and president of the Houston High PTSO, spoke in support of increased funding for the school district, especially capital improvements for Houston High, and said the strength of the school system is one of the top factors influencing home values and family relocation decisions. - Andy Pouncey, 8401 Briar Creek Drive, City Historian, reviewed historical preservation work over the past decade, including cemetery research, historical markers, website usage of 17,000 hits and 11,000 users, and the planned fall symposium marking the 200th anniversary of Neshoba Plantation. - In response to school funding comments, the Mayor stated that the city's core priorities are public safety, public infrastructure, drainage, and roads; that education remains a top priority; that projects such as Lily Walk and the sports complex advance only when grant or state funding is secured; and that Germantown has contributed approximately $103 million to public education since GMSD's inception. Special Recognition - The Germantown Education Commission presented the April 2025 Teacher of the Month award to Skylar Workman, a guidance counselor at Forest Hill Elementary. - The Germantown Education Commission presented the April 2025 Youth Excellence Award to Claire Schohan, a senior at St. Mary's Episcopal School. - Alderman Scott Sanders read a proclamation declaring April 13–19, 2025 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Germantown. The Mayor noted that Germantown emergency calls are answered in under nine seconds. Beer Board – Temporary Beer Permit - The board met as the Germantown Beer Board for a public hearing on an application by the Down Syndrome Association of Memphis and the Mid-South for a temporary on-premise beer permit for its Get Down in Derby event. - The event was scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Great Hall and Conference Center, 1900 South Germantown Road. Background checks were not required because the applicant is a bona fide charitable, nonprofit organization. - No public speakers came forward. Alderman Sanders moved approval, citing the completed application, prior permits, the state nonprofit special occasion permit, and licensed servers. The board approved the permit unanimously. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2025-5 – Repeal of Division 2, Section 11-33 (Holiday/Seasonal/Special Event Decorations): City Attorney Goodman recommended repeal after reviewing the ordinance due to recent events, allowing time to draft a possible replacement on more solid legal footing. No public hearing speakers came forward. The board approved the ordinance on second reading unanimously, and it was scheduled for third and final reading on April 28, 2025. - Revised Final Plan – Phase 4, General Plan Farmington Shopping Center / Starbucks at Exeter Village Shopping Center: Planning Director Ross presented a proposal for an approximately 2,500-square-foot Starbucks with a drive-thru at 2055 Exeter Road. The site would be developed under the SMART Code with a parking reduction for the overall shopping center. The Planning Commission reviewed the plan with several justified design alternatives, and the Design Review Commission gave unanimous support. (Note: the transcript contains an internal discrepancy, with Alderman Salvaggio referencing February 3rd for his earlier Planning Commission concerns while the staff presentation said the Planning Commission review occurred on February 4th.) - Alderman Salvaggio, who had voted no at the Planning Commission, asked about pedestrian safety and drive-thru queuing. Developer Adam Lightman, 5100 Poplar Avenue, described on-site improvements including a raised pedestrian crosswalk and signage, and committed to continuing to work with the city to reduce hazards. - Alderman Sanders raised concern about the lack of a mid-block crosswalk on Exeter Road. City staff said public safety issues would be reviewed once the Starbucks is operational and pedestrian activity can be evaluated. - The board also discussed sewer connectivity for the site; the developer said ongoing discussions with Public Works were exploring a tie-in near Piccadilly or Firestone. Key Outcomes - Approved the temporary beer permit for the Down Syndrome Association of Memphis and the Mid-South (4-0). - Approved the consent agenda, including the City Historian appointment, pickleball/restroom phase 1 contract, ambulance equipment grant, and Education Commission donation (4-0). - Approved Ordinance 2025-5 on second reading, with third and final reading scheduled for April 28, 2025 (4-0). - Approved the revised final plan for the Starbucks at Exeter Village Shopping Center (4-0).

The meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals scheduled for April 8, 2025, was canceled. No agenda items were discussed, no public comments were received, and no decisions were made.

The regular Planning Commission meeting scheduled for April 1, 2025 was canceled according to the agenda. No meeting took place, so there were no agenda items, public comments, discussions, or votes. The available materials provide no information about a rescheduled date.

The Germantown Design Review Commission met on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. following an executive session. The commission established a quorum, approved the minutes from February 28, 2025, and moved through a consent agenda that was expanded to include five items. The sole regular agenda item was a request for a second wall sign for Wine Beer in Stansell Square, which was denied unanimously. The meeting concluded with liaison reports from various city commissions. Consent Calendar - 24-009 Chipotle – Approval of a sign package at 2110 West St. Unanimously approved. - 25-007 Riverdale Park Reinvestment Phase 2 – Approval of a revised final site plan at 7345 Neshoba Rd. Unanimously approved. - 25-006 Water Tower Place – Approval of a ground-mounted project identification sign at 3164 Forest Hill-Irene Rd. Unanimously approved (moved from regular agenda to consent). - 25-006 Water Tower Place – Approval of façade modifications and lighting upgrades. Unanimously approved (moved from regular agenda to consent). - 24-021 Starbucks – Approval of a revised final plan (Phase 4 of Farmington Shopping Center general plan) at 2055 Exeter Rd. Unanimously approved (moved from regular agenda to consent). Regular Agenda – Discussion Item Case 25-002: Wine Beer – Wall Sign at 2066-2068 West St. (Stansell Square) - Staff presented the request for a second wall sign using the business’s assumed name “Wine Beer” on an adjacent wall to its existing “Liquor” sign. The existing sign is taller than the shopping center’s sign policy allows but complies with the city code. The shopping center sign policy is silent on the number of signs. The applicant, Noel Elly, argued the sign complies with the city sign ordinance and would benefit his business by providing visibility, even in a smartphone era. - Commissioner Schweinhofer, in comments read into the record, opposed the sign, stating it conflicts with both the letter and spirit of the code and creates confusion. He suggested the applicant appeal to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen if desired. - Commissioners expressed concerns that the single main entrance and the blocked secondary entrance did not justify a second wall sign. They noted the sign could confuse customers into thinking two separate businesses exist. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: All five items approved unanimously (8–0). - Regular Agenda (Wine Beer sign): Motion to deny. Vote: 8–0 against approval. The applicant was informed of the right to appeal to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen within 45 days. Commission Liaison Reports - Historic Commission: No report; meeting was vigorous but details to follow. - Parks and Recreation Commission: Updated that the new proposed fee structure increases cost recovery from 21% to 36% (reviewed in three years). Also noted the Riverdale redesign was approved by DRC. - Public Art Commission: Did not meet. - Sketch Plan Committee: Did not meet. - Tree Board: Did not meet. - Tree Task Force (via Mr. Nischwitz): Focused on case study locations for addressing tree canopy overgrowth; planning to plant trees at no cost to property owners; gaining interest from neighboring cities. - Board of Mayor and Aldermen (via Alderman Hicks): Budget season underway. The BMA has had the first of three readings to rescind and replace code related to “skeleton art” in yards.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Germantown, Tennessee, met on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building, 1930 S. Germantown Road. The board adopted the agenda, approved the prior meeting minutes, heard one citizen comment, presented special recognitions, then convened as the Germantown Beer Board for three temporary beer permit public hearings and approvals, and closed with approval of the consent agenda. Consent Calendar - Approved the March 24, 2025, consent agenda as presented by roll-call vote with no items pulled. Items included: - Change Order No. 1 for dehumidifier unit replacement at the Germantown Athletic Club, approximately $59,000. - Donation of unmanned aircraft systems valued at more than $35,000 from the Memphis Shelby County Law Foundation. - Parks and Recreation donations consisting of five separate gifts valued close to $5,000, including a horse carriage to Bobby Lanier Farm Park from the Carroll/Childs family. - PSA Amendment No. 1 for the Stormwater Design Manual, $95,000. - Annual cloud storage purchase, $40,000. - E-citation equipment replacement purchase, just over $91,000. Public Comments & Testimony - Kathy Boestra, 7120 Corsica Drive, a retired teacher and principal with 46 years in education, expressed concern about the March 14 executive order to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services. She stated that Tennessee's public libraries rank 49th in the nation in total operating expenditures per capita and asked what the city plans to do to fill the financial gap if federal funding is no longer available for school and public library programs such as curriculum support, summer reading, preschool literacy, computer and internet upgrades, librarian training, services for people with disabilities, and delivery for older citizens. The Mayor said he and the city administrator would continue the conversation with her after the meeting. Discussion Items - During agenda setting, Alderman Sherry Hicks requested moving item 7A to 7C so the Exceptional Student Award would be the third Education Commission award. The agenda was adopted as modified without objection. - No corrections were offered to the minutes of the March 10, 2025, regular meeting. The minutes were approved; Alderman Salvaggio abstained. - No board member requested that any consent agenda item be pulled for separate discussion. Vice Mayor Gibson thanked the Carroll/Childs family for the horse carriage donation to Lanier Farms and acknowledged Robert Childs' years of city service. Special Recognitions - The Germantown Education Commission presented the March 2025 Teacher of the Month Award to Corby Bonanno, a kindergarten teacher at Forest Hill Elementary, recognizing her inclusive classroom, use of technology, mentoring of new teachers, and service on the bullying prevention and School Improvement Plan committees. - The March 2025 Youth Excellence Award was presented to Amalia Shapiro, a St. Mary's Episcopal School senior who will have completed 11 Advanced Placement classes with all A's. She was recognized for leadership in the Wilson Society, service as captain of the track and field team, and involvement in the Jewish community and other service organizations. - The first-ever Germantown Education Commission Exceptional Student Award was presented to Mark Posey, a Madonna Learning Center student in his final year of working toward a special education diploma. The award will now be presented each March and November. Posey was honored for character, service, and workforce preparation. - Alderman Brian Ulicky read a proclamation declaring April 11, 2025, as Blue & Green Day in Germantown to promote organ and tissue donor registration. He noted it was the fifth year for the proclamation and dedicated it to his late nephew. The proclamation stated that more than 100,000 Americans, including 4,000 in the Mid-South, are on the transplant waiting list; one person is added every 10 minutes; and, on average, 20 people die each day waiting for organ donations. Beer Board Public Hearings and Permits The board reconvened as the Germantown Beer Board and held three public hearings for temporary on-premise beer permits. No members of the public spoke during any of the three hearings, and each permit was approved by unanimous roll-call vote. - Bobby Lanier Farm Park, Inc.: permit for the Bluebird Nature Fest and Crawfish Boil on Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at 2660 Cross Country Road; proceeds benefit Bobby Lanier Farm Park. Vice Mayor Gibson disclosed that she chairs the nonprofit board and Alderman Yanda serves as treasurer. - Memphis Oral School for the Deaf: permit for the Speakeasy Gala on Saturday, April 5, 2025, 5–10 p.m. at 7887 Poplar Avenue; proceeds benefit school programs. Alderman Sanders noted the servers hold Mississippi permits and that this was acceptable for the single-evening event. - The Grand Krewe of PTAH: permit for the 2025 Black Tie Tennis Shoe Ball on Saturday, April 12, 2025, 6–11:30 p.m. at the Great Hall and Conference Center, 1900 S. Germantown Road; proceeds benefit the Carnival Memphis Educational Fund. Announcements - The Mayor announced that the Tennessee Governmental Finance Officers Association, during its annual meeting at the Great Hall, donated and raised more than 150 pounds of pet food, blankets, toys, paper towels, and cash for the Germantown Animal Shelter. He also thanked the officers, the GM TV crew, and everyone in attendance. Key Outcomes - Adopted the March 24, 2025, agenda as modified. - Approved the March 10, 2025, meeting minutes; all recorded votes were yes except Alderman Salvaggio, who abstained. - Approved three temporary beer permits unanimously for events hosted by Bobby Lanier Farm Park, Inc., Memphis Oral School for the Deaf, and The Grand Krewe of PTAH. - Approved the consent agenda unanimously as presented. - Proclaimed April 11, 2025, as Blue & Green Day in Germantown.

The Germantown Board of Zoning Appeals met on March 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The board unanimously approved a use on appeal and variance for Harvest Church to expand its facilities and parking, subject to a condition requiring robust landscaping buffers. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the January 14, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Spence Ray, representing Harvest Church, testified in favor of the application. He stated the church has been in Germantown over 11 years, currently runs shuttles from Germantown Elementary School, and seeks to add 87 net parking spaces to accommodate growth. He committed to a high-quality landscaping plan along Winchester and Forest Hill-Irene Roads. Discussion Items - Staff presented the request for a use on appeal (expansion of existing church use in R single-family residential district) and a variance to allow parking in the front yard setback (10-foot encroachment on Winchester Road, 20-foot on Forest Hill-Irene Road). - The board discussed the site's history: four previous approvals (three use on appeal, one denied due to variance request). The current proposal does not require a variance for the building, only for parking. - Concerns were raised about the need for a robust landscaping buffer to screen the parking lot from the street. The board emphasized that the property is a gateway to the city and the landscaping should be "robust." The applicant committed to working with the Design Review Commission. - The board noted that the parking alignment on Forest Hill-Irene matches adjacent commercial properties, but the code requires different setbacks due to residential zoning. - The applicant described plans for an urban park area between buildings to improve pedestrian connectivity and campus aesthetics. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously approved the use on appeal and variance (motion by Mr. Bland, seconded, with a friendly amendment to require a robust landscape buffer on Winchester and Forest Hill-Irene). All seven members voted yes. - Members cited exceptional topographical conditions, the property's unique circumstances, and the safety and well-being of the public as reasons for approval. - The project will proceed to the Planning Commission and Design Review Commission for further review of site plan and landscaping details.