1997-01-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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225 Mr. Toscano asked why the Greenbelt proposal was elevated above possible undergrounding of utilities since Council has talked a lot ab°ut undergrounding on West Main Street and Water Street in order to spur econmrfic development. Mr. Toscano said he does not feel the Greenbelt application is ready to be submitted. Ms. Daugherty said she has the same reaction as Mr. Toscano, and is not convinced of the need for an expensive bridge that might not be used. Ms. Daugherty said that if undergrounding is a qualified project she feels it would enhance economic development. Ms. Slaughter said she would be interested in a different scale project for the Greenbelt, noting that she is not sure undergrounding is an eligible project. Ms. Slaughter recommended that staff find out the County's thoughts about scaling down the Greenbelt proposal. The resolution was tabled until the January 21 st meeting, with the understanding that Mr. Huja will determine if undergrounding of utilities would qualify for funding and will poll Council of their interest in pursuing this option prior to the January 21st meeting in order to begin staffwork to prepare the application. Councilors agreed that they would not pursue using ISTEA funds at this time to purchase the billboards. Ms. Slaughter said she remains interested in removing the billboards in the future. RESOLUTION: SPECIAL PERMIT FOR HIGH DENSITY AT 109-111 WATER STREET AND 112-116 2ND STREET, S.W. Mr. Huja explained that two apartment units are allowed at the location by-right, and the special permit would allow four. Mr. Huja said that the building is in poor structural condition and the BAR has approved demolition of the building. The proposed use is for mixed residential and commercial. The Planning Commission recommended approved of the special permit for the following reasons: 1) It is in harmony with the Land Use Plan of the Comprehensive Plan; 2) The proposed use will not have significant adverse impact on the surrounding areas if conditions are met; and 3) The proposed development would contribute to the economic vitality and the quality of the environment in the downtown area. Responding to a question from Ms. Richards, Mr. Huja said that the BAR reviewed the condition of the structure, visited the site, reviewed records from Building and Life Safety after receiving the demolition request, and reluctantly approved the demolition. The public was given 45 days to respond to a notice that would allow anyone interested to move or salvage parts of the building. Mr. Huja said that the building could not be moved without being dismantled, but parts of the building will be salvaged. Mr. Toscano made a motion to approve the resolution granting the special permit, and Ms. Daugherty seconded the motion, saying that she thinks it is a fitting use for the property and it will be a beautification of a sad structure that cannot be saved. The special permit for 109-111 Water Street and 112-116 2nd street, S.W. was unanimously approved, with Mr. Cox absent. WHEREAS, Mall Properties, L.L.C., contract purchaser of the property at 112-116 2nd Street, S.W., has requested a special use permit to place four (4) apartment units on the site, which will require removal of the existing house. This property is further identified as Parcel 13 on City Real Property Tax Map 28, having 76.65 feet of frontage on Water Street, 53.86 feet of frontage on 2nd Street, S.W., and containing approximately 4,063 square feet of land or .0933 acres; WHEREAS, following a joint public hearing before this Council and the Planning Commission, duly advertised and held on December 10, 1996, this Council finds that such use will conform to the criteria applicable to special permits generally under Chapter 34 of the City Code; now, therefore