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Commissioner O’Connor stated that there is a proposed 7-Eleven store across the <br />street from another existing residential neighborhood, and the residents are opposed to <br />it. He reiterated that the number of units will not support a lot of retail square footage. <br />He added that he believes a lot can be done with 5,000 square feet on Owens Drive if <br />smaller units were built there, which would be able to support a viable retail that would <br />provide services. <br />Commissioner Olson agreed. <br />Commissioner Pearce acknowledged Ms. Dennis’ and Ms. Arkin’s comments. She <br />stated that she has been looking at TODs for a long time, and in her ideal world, this <br />would be more ambitious, would have more retail, and be more urban. She indicated, <br />however, that she needs to listen to what people who do this for a living are saying, and <br />if they believe this is not viable, the City cannot require them to have empty storefronts <br />on corners. She noted that by court order, the City is required to allow a development <br />that is economically feasible, and it is incumbent upon her to weigh those choices. <br />Commissioner O’Connor agreed and stated that the City must give them something <br />viable or the City will have trouble with the courts later. <br />Chair Narum asked the Commissioners if they wanted to go through the document or <br />address Mr. Wayland’s letter. She noted that the Commission has not discussed the <br />landscaping on Owens Drive and the Owens Drive reconfiguration. <br />Commissioner O’Connor indicated that a discussion on the landscaping and depth of <br />retail would cover the third item on Mr. Wayland’s letter. <br />Commissioner Blank indicated that he had comments on the Owens Drive <br />reconfiguration. <br />Chair Narum stated that she thinks it makes sense to put in landscaping in front of the <br />Live/Live, Live/Work, and Active Use spaces and to have staff incorporate such <br />language. <br />Commissioner O’Connor commented that this should revert back to the current <br />guidelines if it turns into Live/Work. <br />The Commissioners agreed. <br />There was consensus to allow putting in landscaping in front of the Live/Live, <br />Live Work, and Active Use spaces on Owens Drive and to incorporate language <br />indicating that it would revert back to the current guidelines should it turn into <br />Live/Work. <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, January 26, 2011 Page 38 of 50 <br /> <br />