AgdaPkt 2002-09-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Io. private property rights. Mr. Patterson stated that the entire Zoning Ordinance infringes on private property rights. There are amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that make a non-conforming use a conforming use and vice-versa, as in the recent "CP" rezoning. Chairman Sanfilipo asked if there are buildings in the same situation as the Sequoia Building which were built for offices, and if these buildings could be retrofitted for retail, and whether redevelopment funds could be used. Mr. Patterson answered in the negative to Chairman Sanfilipo's question of whether redevelopment funds could be used for the retrofitting, because funds are limited. The storefront improvement program would allow $5,000. Mr. Patterson suggested that if retail picked up in the downtown area, owners would want to rent to retailers, and retrofitting could be funded through the increased rents. Geri Mayers stated that it would be wonderful to have all retail downtown and that there are three empty spaces on her block, but that it isn't an area suitable for retail because of the banks and other financial institutions in the area. She stated that she thought the two block section should be excluded from the Ordinance. Joe Staudt, 2611 broadway, President of the Downtown Association, said the Association backsup the new Ordinance 100%. He stated that retail was disappearing in the downtown and that the downtown would not survive if more retail was replaced with offices. Bob Peterson, 2116 Broadway, Sequoia Stationers, agreed with the previous speaker, stating that retail must be strengthened in the downtown not taken away. Janet Steinfeld, 850 Main Street, Antique Alliance, stated that if the two block area that Geri Mayers referred to was exempt from the new Ordinance then a "dead zone" would be created separating two sections of downtown which would then have to compete with each other. Ms. Steinfeld stated her endorsement of retail on the ground floor and mentioned that this would also eliminate vagrants who are currently camping out in empty storefronts and bank storefronts that close at 5. She also stated that some office uses, such as ASID (American Society of Interior Design), can benefit downtown businesses through referrals. Joe Rust, 929 Main Street, Young Auto Parts, stated that his business, retail and wholesale, has been in the downtown for 45 years but that it isn't listed as a permitted uses. He also asked for a definition of cessation of business. Mr. Patterson said that auto parts sales is a viable retail use and recommended to the Commission that it be added to the list of permitted uses. Also, a business would be considered to have ceased when the store is vacated. ~i!NUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER ]5, 199]