Planning Commission Agenda and Packet 2024 09 12

Home Browse Search

Planning Commission Staff Report September 12, 2024 The Comprehensive Plan (Plan) envisions "a healthy and vibrant Downtown" (Policy LU-4.2) with a "mix of uses that bring new revenue generation to the Downtown area" (Policy ED-5.3). The Comprehensive Plan classifies Downtown Louisville as Center type development and describes Center development by the following: Centers are defined by their mixture of uses (retail, commercial, and residential), street interconnectivity, and integrated public spaces. A center's physical design is that of a destination or gathering point for city- wide activities. Centers are connected to and oriented toward their adjacent land uses. Centers typically have the greatest retailing opportunities. Centers feature integrated public spaces with a recognized public space, or focal point. The Downtown Louisville Framework Plan includes a goal to "Maintain downtown as a vibrant, mixed -use activity center". The use and activation of this previously vacant site will improve economic activity and vibrancy of downtown while also improving the streetscape and pedestrian scale development patterns. Staff find the proposal meets this criterion. 2. That such use/development will lend economic stability, compatible with the character of any surrounding established areas; The proposed uses will support continued economic activity and investment in the area. The building design is consistent with Design Handbook policies, including creating an inviting pedestrian scale to Downtown. Surrounding development includes office, retail, restaurant and the public library, and some residential, which are all compatible with an outdoor dining and outdoor amusement use in the downtown area. Staff find the proposal meets this criterion. 3. That the use/development is adequate for internal efficiency of the proposal, considering the functions of residents, recreation, public access, safety and such factors including storm drainage facilities, sewage and water facilities, grades, dust control and such other factors directly related to public health and convenience; Public Works has reviewed the drainage plan and is coordinating the utility plans for the development and is in support of the proposal. The Fire District has also reviewed the plans and has no conflict with the proposal. Staff finds the proposal meets this criterion. 4. That external effects of the proposal are controlled, considering compatibility of land use; movement or congestion of traffic; services, including arrangement of signs and lighting devices as to prevent the occurrence of nuisances; landscaping and other similar features to prevent the littering or accumulation of 11