02-27-17 Zoning and Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Committee Chair Davis then opened the floor to the members of the public wishing to speak in favor of or in opposition to the legislation. There were none present to speak in favor. Steve Francis, 2025 S. Edison St., stated, I'm dizzy because this project has taken a lot of turns. It has been hard for us in the public to keep up with it. Those who have serious questions are lost in the process. This is a major change to the zoning ordinance. The plan making process in 2008 was a full blown, inclusive and reaffirming process for the community to really envision what they wanted to have happen east of the river. We wanted the village concept. What you're doing now is pushing a reset button on that concept. The process is compromised and along the way I think you have all gotten lost in your various camps of what you want personally. The content in opening it up to one hundred fifty (15 0) feet is two (2) and a half times the current height maximum. That blows it out of the water. If Dave Mathews wants twelve (12) stories two (2) years from now, he would be able to do that. Please take a step back, take a breath, and go through the process. We need to go back through the process we went through in 2008. Rolanda Hughes, 1029 Riverside Dr., stated, I agree with everything Mr. Francis just said and I think Mr. Voorde hit the nail on the head. The only argument to go so high has been the parking spaces. I have done some research on this. The specific number given for the project was two hundred and forty (240). I've counted and they are only using ninety nine (99) at the Commerce Center right now. They said they needed one hundred and twenty (120) spaces for the Martins Supermarket and Pharmacy. I did a survey at the Martins on Portage Ave. and the most cars they had were eighty three (83), not the one hundred and twenty (120)they said they needed. Further, they are envisioning one hundred and thirty two (132)places for offices and one hundred and forty four(144) for the apartments. I think they are double counting the number of spaces that are going to be used. In terms of due diligence on the part of the Council, you need to let them know they do not need that many parking places. Next week, Matthews can decide to go higher if he wants to. Once this is lifted,there is no going back. The agreement hasn't been signed. There is $5 million of TIF on the table. I think the City at this point shouldn't allow this money to be available. Committeemember Ferlic moved to send Substitute Bill No. 08=17 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. This motion was seconded by Committee Chair Davis and failed by a voice vote of two (2) ayes (Committee Chair Davis and Committeemember Ferlic) and three (3) nays (Committeemembers Voorde, Broden, and Phipps). Committeemember Ferlic then moved to send Substitute Bill No. 08-17 to the full Council with no recommendation. This motion was seconded by Committee Chair Davis and passed by a voice vote of three (3) ayes (Committee Chair Davis and Committeemembers Voorde and Ferlic) and two (2) nays (Committeemembers Phipps and Broden). With no other business on the agenda, Committee Chair Davis adjourned the Zoning and Annexation Committee meeting at 6:05 p.m. 6