City Council Minutes 2015 01 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes January 20, 2015 Page 14 of 18 Michael Menaker, 1827 W. Choke Cherry Drive, Louisville, CO stated although he is an advocate for urban renewal, he opposed an urban renewal plan for this property. He felt it was inappropriate to use the power of government to take property rights. He noted the covenants were mutually agreed upon by all the property owners in the area. He stated the faulty lot configuration and other conditions of blight were known at the time of purchase. He felt the scope of blight was narrow and may not be addressed by urban renewal, but may be addressed by zoning. He noted big boxes are a dying format. He felt it was more appropriate to consider a different zoning and allow different uses. He urged Council to include this area in the Small Area Plan or direct staff to be more comprehensive in their approach to an urban renewal plan and include the entire area. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Muckle stated although he is not in favor of using urban renewal powers, he felt this may be the only viable solution for this property. He noted an enormous effort has been made by the public sector to redevelop this property and the City has explored other avenues, including attending the shopping center convention to obtain a large retailer for this site, but all efforts have failed. He felt this property may blight other businesses within the area. He stated it is appropriate for City government to explore the urban renewal process. Council member Loo asked how this urban renewal plan proposal fits in with the McCaslin Small Area Plan. She noted the results of the small area plan will not be available until the end of the year. Economic Development Director DeJong stated the urban renewal plan would only be for the Sam's Club property. It would present opportunities to help in eliminating the blighting factors. It does not change property rights or the zoning or force eminent domain, it just provides the tool. Council member Loo stated her understanding that a small area plan is not a legally binding document and it is not zoning or design guidelines. Planning and Building Safety Director Russ confirmed a small area plan sets the framework for discussion. Council member Loo stated the property is a very large piece of the McCaslin corridor. She felt the McCaslin Small Area Plan and an urban renewal plan would not connect. City Manager Fleming stated an urban renewal plan can provide for more options in the small area plan process. The blighting factors identified can limit the types of development, but an urban renewal plan could eliminate the blighting factors and create more opportunity to be explored through a small area plan. Mayor Muckle agreed and would prefer to push the McCaslin Small Area Plan back to see what options are available for the property through the urban renewal plan. Council member Lipton stated if Council authorizes staff to prepare an urban renewal plan that does not mean the Council has adopted the plan it simply moves the process along. He felt eminent domain plays a legitimate role in the healthy development of the