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t53 ORDINANCE: REZONING 916 GROVE STREET AND 911 KING STREET FROM R-IA TO TRANSITION ZONE Mr. Jim Tolbert, Director of Neighborhood Planning and Development Services, explained that the rezoning, which was deferred from July, will allow room to develop property in conjunction with adjoining property. Mr. Tolbert said that Council had asked that the developer meet with th~ neighborhood association, and he has done so four times. Mr. Tolbert said that the neighborhood has indicated they would like to have a design charrette before the rezoning is approved. Mr. Tolbert said the applicant is willing to hold the charrette, but would tike to move forward with the rezoning. Mr. Tolbert noted that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning. Responding to a question from Mr. Cox, Mr. Tolbert said it is his understanding that the neighborhood wants to have a design eharrette, but did not necessarily oppose the rezoning. Mr. Cox said he appreciates the developer's effort to enter into a dialogue with the neighborhood, and has been somewhat impressed that the neighborhood has not been supportive as he feels a groundsweI1 of public support is needed in these kinds of projects. Mr. Cox said he expects this has to do with issues of loss ofhomeownership, an issue he feels Council should be sensitive to, and he hopes that as residential development is explored, that homeownership is considered. Mr. Cox said he feels comfortable moving forward and is hopeful that it can be a win/win situation. Mr. Lynch thanked the developer for his effort with the neighborhood, and said he thinks the neighborhood has concerns that there is no specific site plan in place. Mr. Lynch said he feels confident that the neighborhood will feel better al[er a design charrette. As a compromise, Mr. Lynch suggested extending the transition zone to I00 feet and once the neighborhood has a chance to look at the complete site plan, extend the rezoning to the 140 feet. Mr. Cox asked what difference such a eompromise would make, and Mr. Lynch said he understands that the existing 70 feet of transition zone is not enough space to develop. Mr. Gouldman said that under the zoning process in Virginia, Council could grant zoning for less property than requested, but said that the first step is the rezoning, then the site plan, which would be driven by guidelines, not a design charrette. Mr. Gouldman said that Council should consider the rezoning on its merits. Mr. Cox said that when the boundaries of the transition zone were def'med, the intention was not just to get facades, but to recreate some developable lots. Mr. Cox said the applicant's intent is very much in keeping with the intention of the transition zone, and he thinks Council should go forward and continue its commitment to the best possible development. Mr. Lynch asked if Council should be looking at extending the transition zone. Mr. Tolbert said there is only one other piece of property as narrow as the one being considered. Mr. Toscano said he hopes this will be addressed by the Planning Commission during the Comprehensive Plan process. Ms. Richards said she sees the transition zone as empOwering the neighborhood to participate. Mr. Lynch said the goal of the transition zone is to bring in more neighborhood participation, but not much is mandated in the ordinance. Mr. Lynch said he will support the rezoning, but will be watching it very carefully as other properties could be affected in the future.