Planning Commission Minutes 2006 01 12

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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes JANUARY 12, 2006 Page 4 of 11 Wood stated that it makes some sense to have a standard for bulk and massing and it would be possible to discuss such a change. McA vinew inquired if floodplain zoning is a concern in the downtown. Wood stated there are provisions for flood proofing commercial building and residential units are required to be built above the floodplain. Sheets questioned iflanguage should be added to state that the 45' height is not be a use by right. Wood stated that staff would not recommend that because this should be stated as a standard and then it becomes the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate why the 45' is required. Members of the Public: Ronda Grassi, 916 Main St. stated the following 2 points: 1) The City should look at the impact that will occur with the development of the HWY 42 Revitalization Area. She recommends that the blocks currently zoned resident should become part of the transition area as described by Mr. Wood earlier in the meeting. 2) The current suggested build-out cap will not stay with the redevelopment of the HWY 42 area and other development proposals. Arlin Lehman, 680 Johnson and president of the Downtown Business Association (DBA) stated that he would represent both his personal interest and the DBA. Representing the DBA he stated retail is a vital and key activity of the DBA. They do support some limitations of height restrictions but also feel that relief through a PUD process is not an adequate means for obtaining that relief. Representing his personal interest he does support the 45' height limitation for a 3-story building. However, the 50% reduction in the floor area is perhaps too restrictive for a 3-story building. He suggested that the Commission consider a shadowing study for the downtown area with regards to the building and massing topic. He also suggested that the library and other public buildings be eliminated from the FAR for the downtown area. He also supported Ms Grassi's suggestion of the boundaries of the transition area. Commission Questions of Staff and Applicant: None. Public Hearing Closed / Commission Comments: Deborski stated that he supports the building height but would like to see language incorporated about 'not a use by right' for a 45' building. He would also like to see language added to indicate the type of architecture style to keep the old town feel. Dalton stated that he favors the suggestions but would support another meeting to discuss the topic addressed by Mr. Lehman and Ms Grassi regarding the total square footage and the FAR. McA vinew also supports the suggested changes and would also agree that another meeting is needed to address the FAR. Lipton stated that the transition area should be reviewed and suggested that to be done