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Street. He suggested that the length of current leases be examined in the Downtown area and he <br />commented on the parking impacts of the retail businesses Downtown. Mr. Byrd noted there <br />should be additional public input relating to drafting of this ordinance. <br /> <br />Roy Motet, 739 Main Street, referenced his memorandum dated May 15, 2000 previously <br />submitted to the Commission and provided an overview of the difficulty leasing buildings in the <br />Downtown area to compatible businesses. He commented on the importance of this ordinance <br />and requested that further analysis be performed. He commented on the effects of wheelchair <br />bound individuals in accessing businesses. In conclusion, he noted he has created a proposal that <br />would increase pedestrian traffic in the Downtown area and reduce vehicular traffic and parking <br />usage. He noted he would be happy to discuss it with the interested parties. <br /> <br />Art Dunkley, 239 Main Street, noted this is the wrong time for this ordinance and that ample <br />information relating to the ordinance has not been received. He requested that the Commission <br />postpone providing a recommendation to the City Council until the Specific Plan is completed. <br />He requested that the Commission provide input back to the Downtown Specific Plan Committee <br />to include property owners and he stated that only one person on the Committee is a Downtown <br />property owner. He commented on the negative economic impacts of this ordinance to property <br />owners. <br /> <br />Carole Varela, 3858 Mohr Avenue, requested that the Commission delay acting on this <br />ordinance until additional information is provided. She stated that retail businesses should be <br />encouraged on Main Street. <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED <br /> <br />Commissioner Kameny moved that the Commission not adopt a motion recommending that the <br />City Council direct staffto initiate a "retail-only" ordinance for Downtown. There was no second <br />to the motion. <br /> <br />Commissioner Maas requested that staff be directed to conduct a study of issues relating to a <br />"~ail-only" ordinance. <br /> <br />Chairperson Roberts noted she would be in favor of additional discussion prior to adoption of the <br />ordinance. She expressed concern with only one member of the Committee being a property <br />owner. <br /> <br />Conunis~ioner Kameny commented on the traffic congestion in the Downtown area and <br />expressed concern with the ordinance being adopted. He noted he would be in favor of <br />additional studies being performed when the Specific Plan is completed. <br /> <br />Commiszioner Sullivan noted he would be in favor of the draft ordinance process being started. <br />He stated that enhancing the community use of the Downtown area is a good goal and that retail <br />use provides more pedestrian traffic than office use. <br /> <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 24, 2000 Page 8 <br /> <br /> <br />