City Council Minutes 2012 12 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes December 18, 2012 Page 8 of 17 Council member Yarnell heard during the Planning Commission hearings, a perception that if Option #4, which allows residential development, is approved, developers would immediately respond. She stressed there are serious consequences for not choosing the correct Framework Plan. She asked whether we are building for strength or quick solutions. She felt the word transient, in reference to multi-family units, was not meant in a pejorative way but they do not consider it their permanent residence. She asked whether adding high density units contribute to the core value of the small town atmosphere. She noted funding the City is very reliant on sales tax and if big box is no longer viable the conversation has to turn to what will support the City financially. Mayor Muckle stated the Council wants to help the businesses in Centennial Valley by looking at access and roadway issues, visibility and circulation issues. Council member Jasiak felt it came down to the Centennial Valley/McCaslin District and addressed Option #3. She asked Planning Director Russ to expound on the flexibility in Option #3. Planning Director Russ said the Comp Plan works with the market to develop alternatives and works with the character of the City. No option would give a green light to business development and the zoning has to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan will include a land use chapter with principles and policies, which can be very specific on what the City's expectations are. He noted it is not about the map, but rather the principles. Council member Jasiak wondered if Option #3 would send the wrong message to Home Depot and Lowe's. Planning Director Russ explained there is nothing in Option #3 or #4, which states they would not be welcome to stay in perpetuity. Option #3 states what is there can remain there, but if a business closes, others can be invited to develop. Council member Loo addressed Option #5, which provides for the development south of Centennial. She noted the Planning Commission vote was 5 for Option #3.5 and 2 for Option #4. She asked what prompted the change in votes from Option # 3 to Option #3.5. Planning Director Russ stated the Commission did not see the neighborhood stabilizing in the near-term and looked at the cycle of the Comprehensive Plan. Public testimony and the comfort level that there would be time in the four-year cycle of the Comprehensive Plan resulted in 5 votes for Option #3.5. Council member Loo asked if anything in Option #5 stipulates high density residential and if so, could it be changed with the small area plan. Planning Director Russ stated there would be opportunity to stipulate different density. Council member Sackett felt things have not changed significantly in his six years on Council. He ran for Council on a platform of keeping Louisville feeling like a small town. He supported residential home development over multi-family dwelling units. He voiced his support for Option #2.