91视频

Chase representatives have requested, again, that the city of Portland delay its decision about the bank’s application to build a branch in the Hillsdale neighborhood in Southwest Portland.

鈥淲e made this decision in an effort to continue to try to work with the neighborhood association to find a solution that will work for everyone,鈥� Chase spokeswoman Darcy Donahoe-Wilmot wrote in an email.

Douglas Hardy, a planner with the city’s Bureau of Development Services, said he called Chase officials at the end of last week to 鈥済ive them a heads-up鈥� that the city would likely not approve the application.

Chase is seeking an adjustment request, to build a branch building that occupies only 21 percent of the site, instead of the 50 percent required by the commercial storefront zoning in place in the Hillsdale Neighborhood Town Center.

鈥淚t’s just too far from the minimum building coverage standard,鈥� Hardy said.

The Hillsdale Neighborhood Association last week submitted a letter to the city expressing its opposition to the request. Association President Mikal Apenes told the 91视频 previously that the organization opposed the application because it had not been able to discuss it with Chase representatives.

Chase representatives met with residents in early August; however, after initial concerns were raised, residents’ requests to meet with Chase officials to discuss an alternate 鈥渄esign plan鈥� did not result in meetings, according to HNA member Robert Hamilton, who was tasked with setting up the meetings.

The comment period for the application was set to end Sept. 19, but it was extended an additional 30 days, with the city slated to issue a decision around Oct. 26. Chase will have the option to change its proposal in the interim, but if the application is significantly different, then it may need to start over, Hardy said.

鈥�(Chase officials) are re-evaluating their alternatives for the proposal,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey’ll be getting back to me.鈥�