PC 05/03/77 - Laserfiche WebLink

Towable in the industrially zoned lands would present some sort of negative impact on their properties. They felt that if the square footage allowable were held to no less than 2,000 sq. ft., the impact on them would not be overly great. Discussion ensued regarding office zoned properties which are pre- sently undeveloped, such as the Willow West properties and what kind of an effect this ordinance amendment would have on those properties. This was a continued Public Hearing. Mr. Stratton, Manager of Vorelco, Inc., rental agents for the former Reynold Johnson building, spoke next. He thought that the City staff seemed to favor land owners in the downtown area and those properties geographically closer to City Hall. He felt that his building is a quality executive building and as such, could not be rented for less than 55-65~ a square foot. He spoke of a survey done with a number of brokers, and learned that there are 4_,700 sq. ft. of office space available in the City today. He also recounted instances where in- dividuals searching for office space were advised by City staff to look in the central .business area. He did not feel his request could hurt the originally structured wording of the code. He proposed to add the following wording..."that except the minimum square footage requirement may be reduced in specific cases as deemed appropriate by the City," and in this particular case for the Reynolds Johnson Building, to reduce it to 500 sq. ft. or greater. Secretary Harris disagreed with the proposal, citing no way in which it could be controlled for the rest of the City utilizing that wording. Deputy City Attorney Levine elaborated on this position. Commissioner Jamieson asked Mr. Stratton how many inquiries he had for office space over 2,000 sq. ft., and Mr. Stratton related he had five inquiries for office space between 1,000-3,600 sq. ft. Some discussion ensued allowing office uses in the industrial district as a conditional use. Next, Mr. Vic Lund, spoke. He has 3,500 sq. ft. available in the central district in the next 30 days. He supported the position taken by staff. His building could take office spaces from 600-2,000 sq. ft. He felt that lowering the square footage below 2,000 sq. ft. would hurt him. Next, Chris Beratlis, stated he would object to any office size less than 2,000 sq. ft. out at the Reynolds Johnson or other industrial zoned properties. He felt that figures of available space quoted is incorrect. He further related about holding an option on the former post office building at 157 Main Street. There were no further comments from the public and the Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner Doherty felt that this is a situation where the owners of the Reynolds Johnson building would need to compromise in their needs requirement. -2- .,.~._._., ...._.._.. ..7 _._.~....... ..... ..... .. .. . _.. _. ..__.. .. ..... ..