Developers Tweak Crocker Park Expansion Plans

The city planning commission is continuing to review plans for Crocker Park's expansion, including the construction of the American Greetings headquarters.

The plans are still under review, but several changes have been made since the last pesentation. After some complaints from Wyndgate Court and Savannah Estates residents, developers opted to increase the buffer between Wyndgate and Crocker Park from 40 feet to 50 feet. The buffer between Crocker Park and Savannah Estates will be 125 feet.

Several neighbors have also expressed concerns over the proposed four-story parking garage on the southwest end of the property.

"We've heard many concerns about the garage," said Steve Rubin, chief operating officer for developers Stark Enterprises, adding that the garage has not yet been designed. "The hard part of that is that when you take plans to residents, everyone thinks different things will look good. We'll continue to work with those folks to the extent that we can."

Rubin also said that developers have worked with the city's engineering department to allocate infrastructure funds for a stop light to help Wyndgate Court residents . The light will only be put in if warranted.

The expansion will be done in two phases, with the American Greetings headquarters and parking garages built during the first phase. Some commission members expressed concerns about the look of the lifestyle center in between the two phases.

"My biggest concern with this phase in development is the variations in height," said secretary Daniel Meehan, adding that the six-story American Greetings HQ would seem out of proportion during the first phase of construction, until the buildings on neighboring Main Street are topped off with a second story. "But it all works out in the buildout," he said.

"My biggest concern is the Main Street to American Greetings building transition," agreed member Bonnie Smith.

Commission members will continue to consider the plans at a work session to be scheduled soon.