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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2016
<br />have concern. I do have respect for the competition that is here, too. They have an interest and
<br />they have plans regarding what they want to do. A lot of bold moves and a lot of breaking the
<br />rules results in good innovation and good plans. We would probably still be driving buggies if
<br />there wasn't someone breaking some of the rules. I know the company I work for, we've pushed
<br />the envelope and created whole new things with the automotive industry, and we wouldn't have
<br />done that just sitting around worrying about what is on paper, what we are supposed to do. The
<br />other thing is that this is not the only development here. This is one (1) development for a certain
<br />market and, Ms. Williams- Preston, I totally agree with what you're saying. I think there's other
<br />developments that need to come, and that's why — getting back to Community Investment —I
<br />have real concerns regarding what is going on. There's got to be some hustle, some creativity,
<br />and going out selling those plans, whether it's from Lincoln Way, Western Avenue, to over here.
<br />I look at this Master Plan for the East Bank Village. There's a lot of exciting things in there. And
<br />guess what? They're projected out to 2017. We're almost in 2017, and I haven't seen that
<br />$2,900,000 in tax revenue. I do see sitting in front of me this $1,160,000. And I see investment
<br />and opportunity, like Dr. Varner said, and I will support this. And I will also support the idea
<br />that, if given the exception, there's also ways that it can be looked at—the max is up to that
<br />height. If there are other ways to work through it, I'm all ears for that, too. But I'm all ears for
<br />opportunity, and I know there are other opportunities out there. You look at the Master Plan, in
<br />all the concept drawings that area was actually either a parking lot or a little strip mall, mixed -
<br />use in a parking lot, or a green space. Mr. Perri's property, as well, was green space. I don't
<br />really agree with that. I can go on and on. Community Investment, we're going to have some
<br />long conversations because we're doing a lot which, I think, should have been done in
<br />Community Investment before it's here. So, that's all I've got to say.
<br />Councilmember Karen White thanked Mr. Matthews for reaching out to her and for sharing with
<br />her his concerns, and thanked everyone present for remaining in attendance. This is a very
<br />important project. I don't see it as all -or- nothing. I think we have an opportunity to look at these
<br />challenges, and I'm quite sure that we have within the audience, with Mr. Matthews, Community
<br />Investment, and all key stakeholders to really come together and have a project that will be close
<br />to being acceptable. Now, I don't think anyone will sit here and argue that we don't need a
<br />Martin's, and I don't think anyone will sit here and argue that we do not need a drugstore. The
<br />issue is how we get there. What I would say is that there are some parameters in regards to
<br />pulling together the key stakeholders like Mr. Matthews, Community Investment, and we've got
<br />to shut the doors and come up with a recommendation that is as close to being acceptable as
<br />possible. And that makes it a give - and -take. Someone told me that developers are very unique.
<br />You put two (2) together, you don't know what you may get out of that discussion. Again, I am
<br />in favor of really having the opportunity —we have heard a lot of information. I think we the
<br />Council must have a level discussion. Those who are ready to move forward, I have no
<br />difficulties with that. But for me, I think we've heard so much that we have not been able to
<br />digest, because just as the audience, you're receiving the information, this is the first time that
<br />we've received a number of this information. We would not be doing our part in really taking all
<br />this information, digesting information, and really looking at where we are. I did not hear anyone
<br />among those who spoke in favor or opposition say that they did not support this project. I did not
<br />hear anyone say that this project is not needed. I did not hear anyone make the statement that is
<br />isn't an exciting, bold project. I didn't hear that. So, that tells me that we have a level of
<br />consensus from those of you who are here, even from the Council, to say how do we move to the
<br />next step? Give us the time to pull together Community Investment and especially the leadership
<br />to say that we need to get to that point, and what will it take. So, that's where I'm at.
<br />Chairperson Gavin Ferlic announced that with that Council comments were closed.
<br />Councilmember John Voorde made a motion to continue substitute Bill No. 41 -16 until
<br />December 12th, 2016. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a roll
<br />call vote of five (5) ayes and four (4) nays (Councilmembers Randy Kelly, Dr. David Varner,
<br />Gavin Ferlic, and Tim Scott).
<br />RISE AND REPORT
<br />Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to rise and report to full Council. Councilmember
<br />Tim Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
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