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Public Hearing Minutes of 08-06-24 <br />The Mayor's Special Assistant advised that Ordinance 202462 proposes a planned <br />development zoning that aims to encourage orderly and innovative development in <br />areas zoned for one -family residences or residential offices. This approach offers more <br />flexibility and creativity in design, allowing for high-quality, integrated site planning that <br />typical zoning requirements might constrain. The planned development zoning <br />promotes compact, pedestrian -friendly neighborhoods, energy efficient designs, and a <br />mix of compatible land uses. It contrasts with conventional zoning, which often focuses <br />on rigid regulations like setbacks and parking ratios, neglecting integrated development. <br />The Ordinance is consistent with the master plan, encouraging developments that <br />reflect current market demands and revitalization goals. It does not bypass existing <br />procedures; developers must submit both preliminary and final development plans for <br />review by city planning staff, the Planning and Design Commission, and City Council. To <br />apply for rezoning under this Ordinance, an applicant must own at least 75,000 square <br />feet of property, with current zoning as single-family residential or residential office. <br />Jim Burns <br />3978 Dover Center Road <br />Mr. Burns expressed strong opposition to the proposed planned development zoning, <br />arguing that it duplicates and undermines the existing zoning codes. He emphasized <br />that the current zoning already includes specific zones for single-family, residential <br />office, and mixed-use areas, with clearly defined permitted and conforming uses. He <br />believes the new Ordinance manipulates these established guidelines to allow <br />developers to bypass existing regulations under the guise of "flexibility" and "futuristic" <br />planning. He further stated that this Ordinance allows the developer and city to work <br />together, perhaps at the expense of proper city oversight. Mr. Burns urged Council to <br />reject the Ordinance, insisting that any needed flexibility should be sought through the <br />BZBA process, ensuring changes are made in a manner consistent with the citys <br />established planning framework. <br />With the agenda being completed and there being no further business to come before <br />Council, President Brossard adjourned the Public Hearing at approximately 7:18 p.m. <br />T <br />Beatrice Taylor, CI k of Council Loui J. Brossard, President of Council <br />