PC 09/27/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

Fred Bates thanked all those who spoke for and against the General Plan Amendment and the design review. Regarding the issue of traffic on Black Avenue, Mr. Bates agrees a stop sign may be needed, although he feels this is a decision to be made by the City. Regarding the height of the homes, part of the answer is the design elements used now versus those used twenty years ago. Mr. Bates spoke about the fact that developers must go with the existing General Plans and Developer Guidelines, not trying to conform to the recommendations of plans that have not been adopted. If the lot sizes are to be adjusted, the R-I-6500 should have been stated as R -1-6700 at the start. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Barker discussed her thoughts that this site is so centrally located within the City and the existing elementary schools. She feels the General Plan Steering Committee thoroughly reviewed the facts before recommending keeping this site zoned as a school site and she agrees with them. Commissioner Barker is not entirely comfortable that all the sales proceeds are earmarked for Walnut Grove. Commissioner Barker upholds the GPSC's recommendation for the updated General Plan to keep this zoned as a school site. Commissioner Wright does not feel this should stay zoned for a school site. Regarding the previous 5-0 vote to keep as a school site, that vote was done under totally different circumstances. He feels the development is the best use for the specific site, and sitting on the property will not benefit anyone. Also, Commissioner Wright believes that any future development will be at a higher density which the surrounding neighborhood will not want. Therefore, he supports the General Plan Amendment. Commissioner Dove noted that the City declined to purchase this site, the Parks and Recreation Department felt it was not appropriate to increase the park size, and waiting to develop will increase the development cost. Going by the new General Plan recommendations would mean there would be fewer houses built, thereby increasing the cost. Commissioner Dove believes this development fits the existing neighborhood today and will support the General Plan Amendment. Commissioner Hovingh noted that the School District is an autonomous government and is free from certain City processes. He supports the General Plan Amendment change under the current General Plan designation, feeling it is not appropriate to second-guess an as-yet unadopted General Plan. Chairman Lutz feels the decision on the school site zoning is that of the School Board. To change this requires a change in the membership of the Board. He understands the feelings of the Del Prado neighborhood losing their school site, however, the City did not have the ability to buy this parcel. Chairman Lutz explained the Commission's previous vote was under the circumstances that the land was being sold to a church, and that use was permitted under that zoning. He supports the General Plan amendment under the present General Plan. Planning Commission Minutes Page 12 Septemher 27, 1995