City Council Study Session Summary 2005 04 12

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City Council Study Session Summary April 12, 2005 Page 2 of 3 Highway 42 Revitalization Plan Zoning & Urban Design Standards - Optional Task 4 (Testing and Additional Draft Heather Balser explained that the City Council authorized a professional services contract with Clarion Associates for the Highway 42 Mixed Use Zoning and Design Guidelines on March 2, 2004. The contract had a budget of approximately $70,000 for the development of the zoning regulations and associated design guidelines and supporting graphics. Included in the scope of services for the contract was an option to conduct detailed 'testing' of the draft documents prior to presenting them for Planning Commission and the public for review. The cost for this option is estimated at $15,000. The option was not included in the professional services contract as it was not clear whether the task would be necessary. It appears to staff and members of the Highway 42 Working Group that testing of the draft documents would be beneficial. This task would also allow the development of several conceptual plans for actual developments that might occur in the area and determine whether such plans would be approvable under the proposed regulations. The products produced through the testing would likely assist in communicating to the public the types of projects that would and would not be approved. Councilmember Michele Van Pelt questioned the need to spend additional monies to 'test' the guidelines. Heather Balser explained that a Mixed Use Zoning area is a new zoning category for the City of Louisville and providing examples of the types of projects that could be included in a Mixed Use Zoning area would be beneficial. Councilmember Jay Keany suggested obtaining information on mixed use approvals from municipalities who have successful Mixed Use Zoning regulations in place. Council member Sheri Marsella recommended using Clarion for the testing project. It was agreed to draft a detailed scope of work for the project and present it to Council for review. Update - Louisville Revitalization Commission Activities Bill Simmons reported that the City conducted two public workshops on the Draft Conditions Survey for the Highway 42 area. The Louisville Revitalization Commission recommended that the study be expanded south to Elm Street, west to Main, and north to Village Square & Christopher Village shopping areas. The consultants met with business owners at the first meeting and residential property owners and tenants later in the evening. The attendees had many questions about the project. The residential property owners were specifically concerned with commuter rail and the use of Eminent Domain by the City of Louisville and RTD. There was discussion that all the projects currently under way in this area are creating confusion for the residents and how to keep residents aware of what each project includes. Heather Balser reported that at the next Louisville Revitalization Commission meeting (Thursday, April 14), the commission will review the draft survey. A recommendation will then be prepared for City Council, including boundaries for an urban renewal area. The pros and cons of being included in an urban renewal area were discussed.