MINUTES 03-04-19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Discussion: Ms. George stated that the proposal is outside the norm of the design of the neighborhood. She expressed concern about over saturation of condos and townhomes in the City. Paul Irwin— 17456 Lake Ave. Mr. Irwin asked Council to reject the proposed zoning change associated with this planned development. He noted that Lake Ave is largely populated with single family homes and that there is no precedent for cluster homes. He advocated for three detached single family homes or something "more fitting with the character of the neighborhood." Gaynel Melling— 13908 Edgewater Dr. Ms. Mellino asked about the sale price of the proposed homes. Director Sylvester responded that that will be discussed at the upcoming Planning Commission meetings. Mr. Litten remarked that he had heard rumors that a multi-story building may have been in the works for the site and so he is relieved that the current proposal is relatively consistent with the style of the neighborhood. He asked for information about remediation needed at the site related to the underground storage tanks. President O'Leary noted that it would be very challenging to remove the underground storage tanks if the parcel were to be split up among separate owners. He remarked that proposed project is actually more in line with the residential neighborhood than the existing gas station. He stated that once it is zoned commercial the City cannot discriminate about the type of commercial establishment will go in and that it just as likely could be an ice cream parlor as a vape store. He also pointed to some examples of areas in the neighborhood that are not exclusively single family homes. He expressed enthusiasm for the process ahead. In response to a question, Director Sylvester explained that the site is currently zoned single- family residential, medium density. The current use as a commercial entity was there before the zoning code was established and so it is legally non-conforming. He further explained that constructing five homes instead of three is likely the number the developer needs to make a profit after remediating the site and constructing the homes. He offered that the developer would be happy to provide additional information from his perspective. No public subsidy for site remediation is being considered. Council and the administration discussed the criteria that it is allowed to consider when voting on a zoning change. These criteria are located within the Code. President O'Leary pointed out that considering price points of the proposed developments could lead to discrimination. Mr. Bullock noted that over the past ten years the City has shifted from guarding against decline to managing growth. He remarked on other housing and population trends in the City. He noted that it is the developers who are making multi-million dollar investments and who 9