Planning commission approves razing of Kasch's on Highway 43

The West Linn Planning Commission, after much discussion, approved a proposal for a new Chase Bank branch at the former Kasch's nursery site during its June 27 meeting.

The proposal calls for construction of a new one-story, 4,335-square-foot building at 19080 Willamette Drive, kitty-corner to the new Walmart. The building will feature a covered two-lane drive-thru, a walk-up as well as drive-thru ATM and 13 parking spaces.

The property is currently zoned general commercial and comprises two tax lots totaling 38,294 square feet. The proposed design of the building is stone, and its rooflines mirror those of the nearby businesses, such as Starbucks.

Although the West Linn Planning Commission and Robinwood neighbors want to see the neighborhood revitalized and new businesses brought in, they weren't originally thrilled with Chase Bank's plans to raze the old Kasch's building and construct a new bank. Commissioners repeatedly brought up concerns about traffic and safety.

Planning commissioners, especially Christine Steel and Holly Miller, also expressed concern over the safety of customers at night with the ATMs and drive-thrus located at the back of the building. Bank representatives said the bank will provide security with cameras, alarms and a controlled access to its interior ATM.

"I don't want someone to watch me get mugged," Steel said. "I have concerns about the placement of the ATMs."

Commissioners inquired about reversing the traffic design to improve the flow of traffic, but the bank designers contended that it would, in fact, inhibit traffic.

"There's quite a bit of effort that goes into the design of how a site is laid out," said Steve Cary, senior construction manager for Chase Bank. He expanded, saying that, when security and transportation are butting heads, it is a question which one takes precedence over the other.

"Security is often a balance of what is truly secure and what is practical," said Rod Jones, global security and investigations general manager for Chase Bank.

"I think security is a significant issue," Commissioner Russell Axelrod contended.

Commissioners were unhappy with the parking and transactions taking place at the back of the bank, out of plain view. However, Chase Bank is following city code, which stresses having storefronts close to the streets to encourage other modes of transportation than driving. Commissioner Gail Holmes, who is also involved in the Willamette Main Street program, did not have a problem with the layout of the building, as it reflects the direction the city is going with new construction.

"I would love to see Chase in the neighborhood. I wish there was some way they could have a least one ATM access with more visibility," Steel said.

Miller agreed.

"I feel we're really not meeting our responsibility for safety," she said.

An earlier planning commission meeting on the bank was continued, as the bank needed to address the creation of a new left turn lane into the bank, which had to be approved by the state highway department.

To add security to the site, the bank will add 6-foot cyclone fencing along the back side of the property, which backs up to a ravine.

Commissioners were also originally concerned with the added amount of traffic the bank would generate, but another look at the numbers showed the number of generated trips was overestimated and it would only be slightly higher than when Kasch's was open. New numbers estimate 35 trips to the bank during peak hours, compared to Kasch's 32 trips an hour during peak times.

Overall, commissioners felt the proposal met all city criteria and the plan was approved 4 to 2, with Steel and Axelrod voting against it.

The approved conditions include Oregon Department of Transportation and staff recommendations.

Those with standing have 14 days to appeal the decision after the decision has been mailed.

Only those who have written or testified during previous hearings can appeal the decision to the city council.