2001-01-02 - Laserfiche WebLink

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271 PUBLIC HEARING/ORDINANCE: SALE OF PROPERTY AT CORNER OF 5TH STREET, S.E. AND WATER STREET Mr. O'Connell explained that this project is part of the effort to look at infill lots in the City to encourage development. Mr. O'Connell said the property is being sold for $238,000 and the design will be subject to Board of Architectural Review approval. Mr. Aubrey Watts, Director of Economic Development, said that the project will be mixed use development, with residential, commercial/retail and underground parking. Mr. Watts said the developer is willing to meet with the adjacent businesses to discuss further any concerns they may have. Mr. Joloan Gorman, architect for the project, noted that the project started in 1998 and since then the developers have been talking about the best use of the site. Mr. Gorman said the project will inclu& Class A office space. Responding to a question from Ms. Richards, Mr. Gorman said the entrance to the parking will be on the east end of the building. Responding to a question from 1Vh-. Caravati, Mr. Gorman said that they have commitments for two thirds of the commercial space. Ms. Richards asked about concerns about access to the alleyway, and Mr. Gorman said the developers realize the need for access and he thinks those concerns can be addressed when they meet with the adjacent businesses again. The public hearing was opened but since there were no speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Caravati said he attended meetings between the architect, builders and adjacent property owners and noted that the easement in the alleyway will be greater after the development. Mr. Caravati lauded the developer for taking the initiative to meet with the adjacent businesses and to try to address their concerns and commit to working with them. Ms. Richards noted that the C & O Restaurant will be leasing parking spaces across Water Street at least during the evening hours which was one concern. Ms. Richards said this project addresses the need for Class A office space and she thinks k is a good mixed use project. Ms. Richards made a motion to approve the ordinance. Mr. Caravati said it unclear to him whether the improvements on 5th Street will be done through the normal design process with the BAR and staff, and Mr. Gouldman said that the BAR has jurisdiction in all exterior improvements. Mr. Watts said the development plan for 5th Street will be included with the site plan for the BAR's review. Mr. Toscano seconded the motion to approve the ordinance. Mr. Toscano said he thinks it is a good project, speaks to a lot of the concerns of Council, provides mixed use on a difficult site, and will have great economic impact. Mr. Toscano said it addresses some of the parking concerns even though he realizes the spaces will not be public, and noted that the sales money will be targeted to creating new parking downtown. The ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE CONVEYANCE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY ON FIFTH AND WATER STREETS TO WATER STREET, L.L.C." was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. REPORT: WORLD CLASS CITIES Mr. O'Connell said staff has been looking at long-term strategic issues that tie to the vision themes that came out of Council's retreat, and in the process has been looking at what other successful cities are doing.