PC 030916 - Laserfiche WebLink

NOES: None ABSTAIN: Commissioners Allen, Balch RECUSED: None ABSENT: None The Minutes of the February 13, 2016 Meeting were approved, as submitted. MEETING OPEN FOR ANY MEMBER OF THE AUDIENCE TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON ANY ITEM WHICH IS NOT ALREADY ON THE AGENDA Patrick B. Follain: Good evening City Planning Commission members and staff. I am Patrick Follain. I'm the Transportation Personnel Manager for Black Tie Transportation located in the middle of 12 lots being proposed to be rezoned in the Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone. Our business has operated in this area for nearly three decades and for nearly 20 years at the current location. We're at a corner in the northwest area of our beautiful City which is both economically and socially diverse. If you've visited our area recently, you'll notice that our community is filled with an eclectic mix of dynamic and local enterprises, including retail, commercial and social operations that run the gamut, from the dog spa to the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, CrossFit baseball and badminton facilities, contractor services, commercial landscapers, engineering firms and a bible church, just to name a few. Apparently, planners on staff haven't been there recently since none of the businesses we polled appear to have been consulted about this proposed change in advance of it being announced. It is obvious this change is originating predominantly from the single interest of one landowner; Nearon, and one leaseholder; Costco, for a building not yet constructed on land not yet zoned for its proposed use. All along we have been told that this is simply a proposal, a suggestion, a process still seeking public input and opinions from the community. Do you want us to just stand by idly and accept a dramatic increase of air pollution to be released by tens of thousands of cars and trucks just feet from my door that the EIR says exceeds previously approved limits? It was reported in the last Council meeting that the 20 Costco gas pumps will put out the equivalent of 8 average sized fuel stations. Do you want us to simply accept the metropolitan sized traffic problem as well squeezing 12,000 to 16,000 vehicles a day down a two -lane street? The projected traffic flow in front of the proposed Costco or big box retailer is based on a premise that most of the store's traffic will come from Stoneridge. Traffic flows like water; in the direction of least resistance. The excess traffic combined with the addition of three traffic lights are likely to put a chokehold on the current businesses needing to head north on Johnson Drive. This will be financially harmful for some and possibly apocalyptic for a few. If the pollution and traffic don't seem to make you hesitate, please reflect on the safety concern for the nearly 800+ huge truckloads bearing down on a two -lane road carrying goods, oil and gas. Do you want us to accept the weak explanation that an economic study cannot possibly be far - reaching enough to examine the potential loss of business to local retailers? Remember, the tremendous street improvements have yet to be budgeted and may run as high as $16 million. Where will this money come from I ask? And who will be PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 9, 2016 Page 2 of 25