City Council Minutes 2012 12 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes December 18, 2012 Page 7 of 17 as a City vision is not necessary. The 20-year fiscal analysis does not indicate the City's financial picture will be improved with this plan nor will the level of services be continued. He stated there is a failure to integrate the planning process into Louisville fiscal sustainability and economic activity. The plan calls for economic activity, but not fiscal sustainability for the City. He stated the City will be dependent upon people who live outside the city to pay the bills. He asked council to proceed cautiously and stay with Option #2. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council member Jasiak asked Planning Director Russ if the small area plan for the McCaslin area could be accomplished before the Comprehensive Plan. Planning Director Russ stated it could, however staff is recommending completing the Comprehensive Plan first because it is citywide and balances the fiscal, transportation and public infrastructure issues and establishes the character of the City. The small area plans are reviewed as specific guidelines in the development area. Mayor Muckle thanked the staff and residents who worked together to update the Comprehensive Plan. He appreciated the language addressing what the City should look like in the long run and favored Option #2 with the areas along South Boulder Road connected to the current downtown area. He wasn't sure the time was right to add multi-family units along McCaslin. He felt the Centennial Valley office park will rebound with time. He addressed the area south of Cherry, the interchange area and wanted to keep it vital. He liked the urban center east of McCaslin and suggested another Option, which would consist of Option 2 plus dealing with the Sam's Club area. Council member Loo asked Mayor Muckle for clarification that he did not want more residential growth along McCaslin Boulevard. She explained Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) could provide opportunities for residential development along the west side of McCaslin. Mayor Muckle felt residential development was possible in the future, but did not want to jeopardize the retail component. Council member Loo stated she did not want to jeopardize the retail but wanted to provide rooftops to support the retail. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton commented the Council has not heard any support for Option #4 and although he appreciated the Hillside neighborhood's reluctance to add residential, he felt there are arguments to be made for Option #4. The Comp Plan is not a rezoning document but intended to guide future development and is a 20 year plan. According to analysis and opinion, the trend currently is neighborhood focused retail replacing big box retail. There is a misconception that multi-family housing does not contribute to the community, which would come as a surprise to the residents of the 1,600 rental units in Louisville. He stated there has been conversation relative to extending the planning cycle. He would be reluctant to extend the four-year planning cycle if Option #4 was not considered.