PC 02/11/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Dove stated that he is pleased with the recommendation for a public restroom at Wayside Park, noting that the area is in dire need of a public restroom. With regard to the Fire Station, he expressed disappointment that it is being considered for public use rather than for continued commercial growth in the downtown azea. He, therefore, suggests that additional language be included that would leave the issue open for future discussion and for input from the community for its future uses. He feels that the trail should be laid out from Old Stanley all the up to Bernal as specified in the general plan, noting that it would provide the best route to several downtown merchants. He feels that taking the trail up to Old Stanley would benefit the residents of the Stanley Seniors residential development by providing them a safe way to walk downtown. He also thinks that the bridge provides pedestrian access from Old Stanley to downtown. Commissioner Wright feels that the City should proceed with the presumption that the light rail will be put in someday. He feels that the area should be enhanced, but not overbuilt, for that reason. He feels that the creek should be improved and enhanced, but that at Delucchi Park, where the ditch is steep and hazazdous, it should be covered and used for pazking. He believes there should not be extensive improvements to Delucchi Pazk. The steam train should stop at Bernal; if it must be extended, it should stop at the station. He also expressed concern for the lack of badly needed parking azeas and suggested that the proposed pazking area behind the fire station be expanded. He also feels that the bandstand at Wayside Park should be demolished and a new one with better acoustics constructed. He agrees with Commissioner Dove that the restrooms aze a very good idea for the azea. With regard to the bridge, he feels that it should extended into Main Street and should be an old-style bridge with lighting which would make for a dramatic entry into the downtown. He recommends that the old fire station building be retained by the City for community events since it is a perfect public amenity. He thinks that the old storage building at Vervais should be removed with pazking added, and that the old railroad bridge should be demolished. Commissioner Bazker commented that she would like to leave the creek in its natural state and suggests building a bridge to extend to the fire station. She also recommends that the crossing at St. John's should be expanded and improved. With regazd to the fire station, she expressed concern that the building is old, and will probably require upgrading. However, she feels that it is a City amenity and should remain the property of the City. She feels that it could possibly be leased to a business for commercial use, such as a restaurant. In addition, Commissioner Bazker expressed concern with the train issue. She feels that quite a number of people in the community have supported it and feels that the task force and the Commission should promote it. She also suggested that the City consider acquiring the building that Kids Are People, Too will be vacating and using it as a town squaze. Finally, she related that as a member of the task force, she is awaze that there was not a lot of support for children's play areas at Wayside Pazk and Delucchi Park because those parks are not appropriate for slides and other playground equipment. In addition, a ice rink in the town squaze should be considered. Commissioner Kumazan commended Dolores Bengtson and Richard Lazson for their presentation of the -. proposed project. He feels that a new bandstand at Wayside Pazk is needed and suggests that the existing structure be renovated and the acoustics improved. He feels that the parking issue is the most Planning Commission Page 9 February 11, 1998