City Council Minutes 2004 06 01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting June 1, 2004 Page 5 of 12 COUNCIL COMMENT Council member Brown asked Mr. Pederson about the issue of affordable housing. Mr. Pederson voiced his desire to discuss affordable housing with the City officials. Council member Brown asked Planning Director Paul Wood if any research had been done to ascertain whether property values at the Cherrywood Subdivision have gone down. Wood responded no. Council member Keany asked for a comparison of the number of employees in the previously proposed office building to the number of residents in the proposed lofts. Pederson estimated the 132 employees would be comparable to the number of residents. JeffPederson compared the 130 parking spaces for the office building to the 132 parking spaces proposed for the lofts. He stated the number of people and uses would be similar. Council member Keany asked Pederson to address the increase in building, footprint and the difference in property tax between the office building and the lofts. Pederson stated the building footprint increased from 19,000 SF to 30,000 SF, or 36%, and the property tax for residential is $2,600 less than the office building. Mayor Sisk voiced his appreciation of Pederson addressing affordable housing. He asked where the residents would go to access a park. Pederson stated the Centennial Business Park provides pedestrian walkways. Mayor Sisk voiced his concerns relative to the timing of the project and to the possibility of setting precedence. He asked Pederson if he has contacted any of the homeowners in the Cherrywood subdivision. Pederson responded no. Council member Keany asked for retail value of the property tax of residential versus commercial. Planning Director Wood stated the property tax for the residential unit would be approximately $6,300 and $9,000 for the office building. Council Discussion: Council member Brown stated the Council should judge the proposal on its merits and suggested continued discussion. He noted the Council has not put a moratorium on development proposals, and affordable housing is desirable. He stated the proposal would be in close proximity to the Recreation Center, Skate Park, Hockey Rink, and the Arboretum. Council member Levihn voiced his frustration in delaying the project, while waiting for a new citywide comprehensive development plan. Council member Van Pelt voiced her belief the project is desirable. Council member Keany voiced his concern over the loss of the view corridor, and his belief the proposal is an inappropriate use on this property. Council member Marsella voiced her support of the project, where people could work, walk and shop in Louisville. She supported affordable housing and the recommendation of the Planning Commission. She stated her desire that the new comp plan has more mixed-uses. Mayor Sisk's concern centered on the increased footprint of the proposal and increased traffic along McCaslin Blvd.