City Council Minutes 1999 01 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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those with a vested interested in downtown. He agreed that the two applications currently in process should be allowed to continue. Erik Hartronft, 801 Main Street, Louisville, Colorado, stated that many members of the community have invested a lot of time working on the Downtown Development Guidelines and parking issues. He expressed support for a moratorium if it provides an opportunity for Council to finalize the Downtown Design Guidelines. He agreed that downtown is Louisville's 'treasure.' He expressed disappointment that the moratorium would apply to development applications currently in process and questioned the reason for requesting an emergency ordinance. He stated that the rules have changed mid-stream for the two applications currently in process and he did not believe that was fair. He urged Council to keep that in mind when they consider a moratorium. Sally Janover, Secret Garden Studio, 820 Main Street, # 108, Louisville, Colorado, stated that she is glad Council is considering a moratorium. She suggested establishing a task force that would involve all the business sectors, not just the growth sector. The needs and goals of the businesses that rent and the sole proprietors have not been included. She stated that most of the parking and traffic issues have been generated by the growth sector. She encouraged establishing a task force involving all business sectors and City staff with the mission of having a vision of what downtown Louisville should look like. She stated that many communities are trying to preserve and revitalize their historic districts and suggested looking into the national organization for the revitalization of historic districts. She encouraged Council to preserve, not destroy, downtown Louisville. Davidson asked to respond to a few of the statements made. He stated that if the 'rule of law' were to be applied to downtown Louisville, it would require commercial development to provide four parking spaces per 1,000 square feet. That requirement is not being met by the two applications currently in process. He stated that Council does not feel that four parking spaces per 1,000 square feet is necessary for downtown and does not want to impose that type of cost on someone wanting to develop downtown. He expressed surprise that people were unaware of this issue as it has been discussed quite often over the past two years. It was discussed at a City Council meeting two weeks ago, where several in the audience were in attendance. He asked to outline the process of notification for Ordinances. He explained that this is the first reading of the Ordinance, not a moratorium taking effect. This provides the opportunity to review the Ordinance and make any modifications, if necessary, prior to passing or not passing it on February 16, 1999. He stated that City Council has scheduled a discussion on the Downtown Framework Plan and Design Guidelines for the January 26, 1999, work session, and a discussion on the Preservation Plan for the February 9, 1999 work session. He explained that Council is trying to set rules in place so those coming forward with applications know what the rules are. He stated that if the business community and the City were able to reach an agreement some time ago, this would not be taking place. However, within the business community itself downtown, there is great disagreement. Those wanting to expand their business are willing to fund some portion of the parking but those not looking to expand do not want to fund parking for others. The Ordinance states the moratorium will remain in effect for three months, or until Council adopts the Parking & 5