City planners faced a taxing agenda Feb. 13, beginning with Wind Creek Casino’s new addition, which will nearly double the number of rooms in its existing hotel, to 553 rooms. The addition will be spliced onto the existing hotel, A spa will occupy an entire floor. More space for meetings and conventions will top the space.

Improvements will be made to the parking areas, adding spaces and adding lanes to valet parking. A pedestrian bridge will be added, along with lighting upgrades.

As part of the renovation, the existing parking circle will be demolished. In the center of the circle sits a 7,000-ton Whitworth Hydraulic press. The press extends 30 feet below ground, and was already on the site when the former owners of the casino built the traffic circle around it. The city and the Museum of Industrial History want to preserve it. Commissioners requested a visit to examine the press.

Kara Mohsinger, president and CEO of the Museum of Industrial History, came to the podium and requested a consultancy, to work with the city and Wind Creek on a plan to move the press to the museum.

Wind Creek needs the press gone to proceed with its $100 million renovation. They are willing to donate the press, and arrange for its removal and transportation. They are, however, concerned that it is in too poor condition to be moved.

The commission also approved the conversion of the Canal Plaza strip mall at 565 W. Lehigh St. to a 30-unit apartment building.

Sixty more parking meters will be added to support dwelling units on East Third Street 610 Flats, and overflow will be accommodated by the Walnut Street Garage.

Bruce Haines challenged the language of a zoning amendment pertaining to short term rentals in the city. First, he asked that the words “single family detached dwelling” be incorporated. Then he asked for change in the wording of the amendment. Specifically, the wording changes weould be that the owner of a home used for a short term rental needed to be “on the premises. “ Haines asked for the word “premises” to be replaced with “dwelling”. “I don’t know of any legal definition for the word ‘premises’ said Haines.

Darlene Heller objected to a change in the language, noting that a hearing on the amendment is scheduled for March 3, and “if we were to revise this, we will need to start over.”

After some discussion, the board voted to make the changes.

Finally, Heller presented the annual report. She reviewed some of the highlights. The Zoning Hearing Board has been especially active, at times holding as many as four meeting per month. She also named several items still pending, including the validity challenge over property at 2 W. Market St.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 12.