City Council Minutes 2016 10 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes October 18 2016 Page 7 of 14 Director Zuccaro stated the three items most in need of improvement in the area are a sense of community, sustainability, and unique commercial areas/distinctive neighborhoods. Measures of success include 6 principles: 1. Development to Meet Fiscal and Economic Goals 2. Encourage Desired Uses/Facilitate Redevelopment of Vacant Buildings 3. Improve Connectivity and Accessibility 4. Enhance Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections 5. Create Public and Private Gathering Spaces 6. Create Design Regulations that Reflect Community Vision and Promote Creative Design Director Zuccaro noted there is the potential for development and height restrictions in the corridor. He noted under the existing zoning the majority of the areas buildings can go up to three stories for commercial, retail, and office. In the public input process there was support for limiting this to one to two stories and protecting the existing neighborhoods with appropriate transitions. This proposal recommends restricting the buildings to two stories in the transition areas adjacent to the east side residential. Councilmember Keany asked if the existing zoning allows up to three stories and if the proposal would be to make it two stories. Director Zuccaro stated yes, the proposal is a downzoning of those areas to two stories. Director Zuccaro stated in the public process they received a lot of input for lower buildings. He showed design concepts with one to two-story buildings that are street facing, have improved pedestrian areas, and has hard and soft landscaped public areas. Regarding traffic, under the current zoning traffic will likely increase. However, the proposal has plans to mitigate those traffic increases. Between the two-story restrictions and adding some residential development to the area it does generate less traffic than under the current regulations. The strong system of trails and sidewalks and multi- modal options would help to decrease traffic in the area and provide opportunities for workers and residents to use the area without using a vehicle. It includes suggestions for roadway improvements to address congestion. He stated the 2013 Comp Plan states residential uses should first be introduced next to existing residential on the east side of the plan area. The proposal includes allowing residential in this area. However, adding residential to the area would require a public process and Special Review Use approval. The 2016 Citizen Survey found both support and opposition for residential for the east side of the Plan area and also around the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stop in Colony Square. Adding residential can make the area more walkable, and pedestrian friendly with the right design guidelines. Director Zuccaro noted the proposal does not preclude the existing uses continuing in perpetuity. This plan is designed to drive the process if and when the area redevelops.