Laserfiche WebLink
Regarding the points that were raised that, first, this is a give -away and that the <br />community is not getting anything in return, Commissioner Olson stated that he thinks <br />that totally misses the idea as the businesses pay taxes here. He noted that <br />businesses that come into Hacienda generate local jobs and the whole idea of mixed - <br />use, and it just blows his mind that this is not seen as helpful for the community. As to <br />the second point that this will set a precedent, he stated that, again, this is based on the <br />cap, and he does not see what is sacrosanct about the cap. He indicated that he would <br />not be in favor of any changes here and that he is in alignment with staff's <br />recommendation. <br />Commissioner Ritter stated that he is looking at this as a simplification of the <br />government process, cleaning up the way this old PUD was put together. He noted that <br />he is always in favor of reducing government bureaucratic processes, and it makes <br />sense in the new economy. He added that he does not sense that it goes contrary to <br />anything that the Master Plan is trying to do and noted that the Commission will still see <br />all of these as permits come through and will be able to review them to make sure they <br />fit in line with what the caps are that are out there. He noted that this is a nice way to <br />clean up this process, make it more business - friendly, and help the citizens. He added <br />that he is also in favor of the way the staff report is written. <br />Commissioner Posson stated that he thinks this is an equitable clarification of the <br />ordinance and also addresses the current needs of the community. He noted that <br />where there was a need for more housing, industrial and commercial areas have been <br />converted to mixed -use areas. He added that things are going to continue to evolve, <br />and as projects are proposed, the Commission will have the opportunity to look at <br />those, evaluate the impacts, and determine if there is any additional limitations there. <br />He indicated that he is also supportive of staff's recommendation. <br />Chair Pearce stated that she is also supportive of staff's recommendation. She <br />commented that Commissioner Olson and she were talking before the meeting about <br />how they felt like this issue has been around forever and that, in fact, this was one of <br />the Planning Commission's priorities sent up to the City Council when the Council <br />created its list of priorities. <br />Chair Pearce stated that she believes it is equitable. She noted that she honestly is not <br />a big fan of the cap and that as mentioned earlier, it feels like political pressure way <br />back when, similar to the housing cap. She noted that if the Planning Commission has <br />the opportunity to review projects as they come through for impacts and things like that, <br />she does not really understand the concept of an overarching cap. She further noted <br />that the infrastructure is in place, the Commission is treating all the sites the same, and <br />this is a net zero to the City. She added that something like this that is equitable and <br />reasonable and allows Hacienda to continue to be competitive makes a lot of sense to <br />her and does a lot of good for the City. She reiterated that she is supportive of staff's <br />recommendations in its entirety, although, if the last six words are unnecessary and old <br />language, she is amenable to taking them off. <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, August 28, 2013 Page 12 of 16 <br />