Planning Commission Agenda and Packet 2008 05 08

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Development in Louisville is done on a case by case basis and all properties to the west of 245 Spruce Street are out of the "Old Town Overlay District" and subject to different zoning. As such, future development would have to go through appropriate channels at that time. The Planning Commission would not be meeting on the 245 Spruce Street proposal a second time if minor subdivisions were automatically approved based on precedent. Again, similar minor sub -divisions were approved at 1100 Grant Ave., 540 W. Jefferson, and 945 Lincoln Avenue. Finally, 245 Spruce Street is in a transition area and has been referred to as a "strange area" or a "weird area" in reference to being located next to smaller properties further to the east, and large properties outside of the "Old Town Overlay" to the west. The west property line of the unimproved alley immediately to the west of 245 Spruce Street is the edge of the "Old Town Overlay". As such it should be held to standards of the "Old Town Overlay District", not to standards of larger properties to the west. Just the same, larger properties to the west are not held to the standards of the "Old Town Overlay Districts" more restrictive limitation of 27 foot height maximum on primary structures, 20 foot height limitation on secondary structures along with lot coverage and floor area coverage limitations. The majority of homes in Old Town are on similar size lots as what is being proposed for 245 Spruce street. In Louisville Heights (neighborhood for 245 Spruce Street), 28% of the homes are on similar size lots, 41% or less are on lots with the same or less street frontage of what is proposed for 245 Spruce Street. A majority of the homes in "Old Town" are on comparable size lots as what is proposed for 245 Spruce street. In closing, I think the question to be asked is — What is best for the City of Louisville, two smaller homes or one large house? • Two moderately sized homes, each being more affordable to own, maintain, heat and cool fitting with the character of "Old Town" — or — one large home which is much more expensive to own, maintain, heat and cool. • Which contributes to less sprawl and better land use, shelter for two families or one? • Which will contribute more to the local economy? Two families or one? • Which meets City of Louisville goals of denser, more affordable housing? Two homes or one? In summation, if given the opportunity, I will build two highly appointed, modest in size homes in character with Old Town Louisville. Tha ou for your time and consideration of this matter! Thomas amsey WestMark Design & Construction, LLC.