09-24-12 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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ZONING AND ANNEXATION SEPTEMBER 24,2012 4:40 P.M. Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis, Dr. Fred Ferlic,Dr. David Varner Gavin Ferlic Other Council Members Present: Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Valerie Schey, Karen White, Derek Dieter Others Present: Frank Perri, Kyle Chamberlin, John Leszczynski, Don Scheffmeyer, Dave Mathews, Karen Murphy-Scheffineyer, Don &Kathy Dietz, John Stratigos Agenda: Bill No. 12-66—Howard Park Master Plan Discussion on Special Exception for Group Home in CBD The first item on the agenda of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was to be the final presentation of the Howard Park Neighborhood Master Plan as represented in Bill No. 12-66. This plan is the culmination of several year effort by the Economic Development Department which included extensive input and discussion from area residents and business owners. Jitin Cain, who organized the effort opened the presentation by introducing Don Scheffmeyer and John Stratigos, both long-time area businessmen who had been a part of the plan process from the start. Their formal presentation seeking Council support was followed by other speakers including Kyle Chamberlin, Dave Mathews, Frank Perri, Karen Murphy Scheffmeyer, and Don and Kathy Dietz. Each in turn spoke in support and each sought Council support. In the Council portion, Henry Davis cautioned against any effort to "calm"traffic in the area feeling it would dissuade people from coming to the area. Gavin Ferlic thanked the City for its efforts to include residents' opinions and also the residents for their role in the process. Valerie Schey spoke somewhat excited about the prospects for positive development expanding the tax base in the neighborhood. Tim Scott spoke to the positive aspects of having a plan. Dr. Ferlic expressed full support. On a motion by David Varner, seconded by Dr. Ferlic and supported by all the bill was sent to Council favorably. The second agenda item was a discussion to amend the zoning code to allow a special exception process for group homes in the Central Business District. Councilmember Valerie Schey brought this subject to Council for Dave Mathews a developer with projects currently in the CBD. Both Dave Mathews and Mrs. Schey said the caption of a special exception petition was possible everywhere in the City except the CBD. Mr. Mathews asking for CBD inclusion said it would help encourage development and would level the "playing field." He also reminded the Council that they would retain the authority to grant exceptions should they be requested.