08-22-11 Zoning and Annexation Committee

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� ZONING AND ANNEXATION COMMITTEE 08-22-11 Committee Members Present: Chairperson AI Kirsits; Oliver Davis; David Varner; Tom LaFountain Other Council Members Present: Derek Dieter; Ann Puzzello; Tim Rouse Others Present: Gene Valanzano; James Harris; Dick Nussbaum; Marco Mariani; Bill Stens, NENC; Don Inks; Kevin Allen; Murray Miller; Chuck Bulot; Derek Spier Agenda: Bill No. 10-11 —Northeast Neighborhood Development Area Overlay With full committee present Chairperson Kirsits noted that the bill before them was a substitute bill. For the record the also noted he was in receipt of three letters of support—one from Chris Davey of Grubb& Ellis Developers, one from Doug Hunt of Holladay Properties and one from Charles Hays also a property developer and future resident of the area in question. Prior to the formal presentation by Marco Mariani, Councilmember Rouse stated the overlay they were about to consider would have avoided multiple controversies last year in the area due to large apartments crowding into the neighborhood. Councilmember Puzzello added that she and Councilmember Rouse both of whom had worked for years on the overlay were fully supportive of the bill. Chairperson Kirsits then called upon Derek Spier to give the report from the Area Plan Commission. Derek said the APC was initiating the bill for the NENDC which would provide development and design standards over and above zoning in the area. He added the APC had voted to approve the overlay with but one dissenting vote. Marco Mariani then made the formal presentation. With the aid of a one page handout highlighting a half-dozen key points (attached) Mariani briefly outlined the background that prompted the overlay petition. Most significantly he felt was the fact that the process was very extensive, public, and inclusive. It is depicted, he said, as an insurance policy for investment in the area assuring new construction there would be of unique, quality design to protect investment already there and encourage more. Bill Stens representing the Near Northwest Neighborhood spoke in support stating the overlay was the result of many groups collaborating over a long period of time. Both Councilmember Varner and Kirsits asked about overlay protections as well as their resulting increased costs for possible builders.