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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTE, April 11, 1979 Commissioner Getty spoke concerning the downtown conference recently helding and that in her opinion the "Downtown" should have a general plan. She says the only thing ever seen is old drawings and renderings and it is about time something be done with regard to this. She addressed the staff stating she isn't sure where this should originate, i.e., Planning Commission, City Council or Staff. Mr. Harris suggested that a request should be made through the City Manager and then sent to City Council. He stated the Planning Department does not have sufficient staff for long-range planning. He cited the new Housing Element which must be completed by October and the Downtown Residential study as requested by the City Council on which a draft must be completed by June. He stated that at the current time staff would not have time to do a General Plan for the Downtown Area without dropping everything else; and that the City Council or City Manager would have to set new priorities or hire more staff. Commissioner Geppert then asked how the staff would feel about being presented with a plan for downtown -- would that be burdensome to staff? Mr. Harris stated the staff would be happy to review any plan submitted for downtown. Commissioner Getty stated she felt it is important to have a lot of City input and the City should be fully involved. Commissioner Jamieson supported her comment. Commissioner Doherty spoke to an exchange of ideas with other cities at the recent Downtown conference. He stated the local downtown assication should formulate ideas and ask the City Council and Planning for suggestions for the downtown area. Commissioner Wilson asked Mr. Harris if he had ever worked on a .General plan for the downtown area. Mr. Harris stated four studies had been prepared and that there was very little input, concern or response from the merchants downtown. Chairman Jamieson then congratulated Joyce Getty for the fine job she did as chairperson for the recent Downtown Association meetings which were held. Commissioner Wilson addressed current parking regulations and the percentage of small cars being used. He stated he felt the parking regulations should be revised to reflect this trend. Commissioner Geppert then spoke to the fact that he had been on the Human Services Commission for a year would be willing to turn his membership over to another Planning Commissioner. NEW BUSINES RZ-79-3, Planning Commission Application of the Planning Commission to rezone an approximately 5.1 acre parcel of land located at the southwest intersection of Stoneridge Drive and Springdale Avenue from R-1-6500 (Single Family Residential) District to RM-2500 (High Density Residential) District or any other zoning district consistent with the General Plan. A negative declaration of environmental impacts was also considered. Mr. Harris explained the staff report. Commissioner Geppert asked whether or not there were single-family residents along Chestnut to which Mr. Harris replied there are. The public hearing was then opened. Ted Fairfield representing Stoneson stated the staff report properly indicates Stoneson's position. He reiterated that this is an incomplete zoning as it was approved by the Planning Commission previously but for some unknown reason never sent to the City Council. Commissioner Geppert then addressed the type of housing which would be built and Mr. Fairfield stated it could accommodate apartments and he used as comparison the MacKay built apartments at Golden Road and Hopyard. Mr. Fairfield stated there would be a less dense appearance -2-