AgdaPkt 2005-12-19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Kurt Anderson stated that Councii is being asked to give approval to start to the process to design a proje�t that will conform to the Downtown Precise Plan not to approve a project that has already been designed. He further stated that his client has agreed to pay all of the costs and they are willing to put themselves at risk and invest in the community and time to begin design of a project that will conform to the Downtown Precise Plan. Kevin Sayar, representing the partnership involved, stated that when the parcel was purchased over a year ago, the fire for a meaningful project has not gone out and approval of density or height parameters are not being sought at this time. He further stated that the partnership is saying it is willing to work within those parameters and can b�ing forth a design that meets the vision of the Downtown Precise Plan. He stated that the group is sensitive to and shares the concerns of the neighbors. Robert Gelman, resident and neighbor in the downtown, expressed his excitement about the revitalization and redevelopment of the downtown. He stated that it does not make sense to him that a project would go forward when the Downtown Precise Plan is close to completion and "spot zoning" for a particular project that may eventually go back to the drawing board. He asked that it be done in the proper timeframe and correct way. Council asked for an explanation of the timeline that Planning Manager Church stated as follows: A scoping session for the Downtown Precise Plan with the Planning Commission for community input to what the EIR contains to be expedited into a 3-4 month process with adoption at approximately mid-year. He confirmed that a similar process would occur for 439 Fuller Street that includes a public process of comment for both the staff and proponent to gather input as to the content of the Precise Plan; an administrative draft would be presented to the Planning Commission for review and comment before the public; the public would comment; a determination would be made as to the level of environmental review; the Planning Commission would complete a final review of the Precise Plan and make recommendation to the City Council with the City Council receiving further input at a public hearing. Council comments included that it is a disservice to the community at large to not give an opportunity to conduct the necessary dialogue with the community, neighborhood and City staff to see if the proposal is possible given the need for housing in order to achieve a successful downtown. Clarification was given that while reviewing the General Plan and plans for the downtown there is not a moratorium on applications to build. The need and assurance of proceeding with caution was expressed. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 5, 2005 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7