By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
A warehouse facility has been given authority to expand, following approval by the Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review Commission.
Representatives of Sassy Shirts, 218 Elkhorn Road, have proposed a 2,400-square-foot addition to the company’s existing facility to accommodate storage for the growing business. All of the company’s existing operations are expected to remain in tact.
Commissioners earlier this month reviewed the expansion plans submitted by the company and voted unanimously in favor of the application.
City Planner Latisha Birkeland said the company’s application meets or exceeds all of Whitewater’s standards. She said the company has provided an adequate buffer to ensure nearby property owners are not impacted by noise and other issues.
“This addition meets all required setbacks, including being 30 feet abutting a residential district,” Birkeland said.
Sassy Shirts operates on a 1.32-acre parcel within the city’s central business district zoning. Birkeland said the expansion plans meet all existing setback requirements – including distances from nearby residential properties.
The company plans to use similar building materials and will paint the addition the same blue and beige color scheme that is currently used at the remainder of the premises.
Lighting was another issue reviewed. The company plans to add additional fixtures to the north and south sides of the building once the expansion is completed.
“The proposed light fixture is shielded, down casting the light,” Birkeland said. “The placement of the lighting is appropriate for the building.”
Other details, including parking and employee counts, also were reviewed before commissioners gave the green light with the expansion plans.
Sassy Shirts has nine parking stalls at the site, which is in keeping with existing standards. The company employs six people, and the number is not expected to increase in light of the expansion.
Sassy Shirts is a shop offering screen printing, embroidery and similar services.
