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DRAFT is essentially a vacant lot sitting in the Downtown core that is begging to have something done with it. Mr. Bowers stated that when they purchased the property, they met with City staff and talked about what they could do with the property when its zoning is "C-C" and "0." He stated that staff indicated they could add onto the existing house, create additional square footage, put a pool in the backyard, and make a bigger house; or they could build an office building similar to the Chamber of Commerce building next door; or do a mixed-use project which would be office on the first floor and residential on the second floor. He indicated that they were not excited about those options and wanted to do a project that just brought more vitality to the Downtown. Mr. Bower stated that their proposal is a mixed-use project: residential in the back and retail in the front with a plaza. He added that the house can be repurposed and the plaza added on the approximately 2,700 square feet up front, which could provide seating for about 60 people and be a nice amenity for the community. Mr. Bower stated that they looked at all the policy documents, the General Plan, the Downtown Specific Plan, and the Downtown Design Guidelines to see what kind of project those guidelines call for, and they found at least a good 50 policy program line items that perfectly match their proposed project. Those policies and program include the following: • General Plan Land Use Element Policy 12: "Preserve the character of the Downtown while improving its retail and residential viability...." • General Plan Land Use Element Program 12.3: "In the Downtown, implement mixed-use development which incorporates higher density and affordable residential units consistent with the Downtown Specific Plan, where feasible." • General Plan Land Use Element, Program 12.4: "...allow mixed-use development in the Downtown where residences are located behind commercial uses." • General Plan Land Use Element, Program 15.3: "...Encourage the designation of land as mixed-use...." • General Plan Land Use Element, Policy 16: "Encourage mixed-use development which encompasses a combination of commercial development and housing units,...." • General Plan Land Use Element, Program 12.5: "Consider drafting an ordinance that protects the rights of businesses to operate in the Downtown commercial area." • Downtown Specific Plan Land Use Objectives, No. 2: "To encourage and pro-actively coordinate the rebuilding of selected non-historical commercial areas of limited use and physical value." • Downtown Specific Plan Design and Beautification Objectives, No. 2: "To enhance the streetscapes of the Downtown commercial streets beyond Main Street, and to create a system of mini-plazas along Main Street and on other commercial streets where appropriate." • Downtown Specific Plan Mini-Plaza Design Criteria, No. 51: Mini-plazas should typically be lighted and contain decorative paving...." DRAFT EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, 11/182015 Page 3 of 22