2019.01.22 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 22,2019 Page 5 of 9 Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola stated State law provides cities with nine months to update zoning ordinances and maps following approval of a new comprehensive plan. The 1 recently approved 2040 Comp Plan will initiate that time clock,and approval of these two ordinances(865& 866)will be the first step in meeting the City's legal obligations. Both ordinances are needed at this time to allow developers to initiate the application process. Delaying either project(provided they meet the goals and objectives of the new plan)serves no public purpose. He explained the rezoning of these lands was not optional and reported the Ordinances were only granting conditional approval at this time. He commented further on the redevelopment plans for the Benedictine Health Center and discussed the feedback the Planning Commission received at their January 15th meeting. He stated after much discussion and consideration the Planning Commission recommended adoption of Ordinance 865. It was noted 275 notices were sent for this public hearing. City Manager Lotter explained he watched the most recent Planning Commission and heard the concerns that were voiced by the public. He addressed one of the concerns that was voiced at this meeting which was that no one knew about this project. He commented on the numerous efforts the City made to engage with the public and to gain feedback from residents for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. It was noted this work began back in January of 2017. He reported there were community workshops, a social pinpoint was available on the City's website for six months, 16 different posts were made on Facebook that promoted the Comprehensive Plan, online surveys were conducted, newsletter articles were printed, and the City had a Comp Plan booth at Stockyard Days. He explained a neighborhood meeting was held with the developers in October of 2018 with over 270 notices were sent out. He encouraged the residents in attendance to contact Ben Gozola in order to speak with him further about their concerns. He stated Mr. Gozola has compiled a list of emails in order to keep these residents informed on this topic. He encouraged the residents in attendance to get on this email list. He explained he did not believe it was an accurate statement to say the City has not tried to communicate with the public regarding the Comprehensive Plan. He indicated he was open to discussing other avenues to communicate with the public if the current routes were not working. He commented on the growing need for senior housing in the community and reported the proposed apartment complex would be income restricted and not Section 8 housing. He explained the proposed $100 million development would not negatively impact property taxes. He stated an additional benefit would be this TIF District would have the opportunity to decertify early which meant the entire community would benefit by an enhanced tax base. He commented further on the process the City has followed for the redevelopment of the old New Brighton Elementary School and noted a number of development projects were considered by the City Council and staff. He reported with this was the same City Council and staff that got the City through the New Brighton Exchange clean up and redevelopment, the Dioxane concerns and explained this City Council and staff would not let the residents down on this redevelopment either. Mayor Johnson thanked staff for their thorough report on this request. Councilmember Jacobsen asked if this property could be rezoned to R-2. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola explained the R-2 zoning district would not allow the developer to come forward with a project that meets the density requirement. He indicated the R-3B zoning district would allow for greater flexibility with respect to the density. 5 Ayes,0 Nays-Motion Carried Motion by Councilmember Burg,seconded by Councilmember Jacobsen to adopt a Resolution ordering a summary publication for Ordinance 865. Councilmember Burg clarified that the full Ordinance would be available to the public on the City's website. 5 Ayes,0 Nays-Motion Carried b.) Ordinance 866:An Ordinance Rezoning Land within the New Brighton Interchange(the former New Brighton Elementary School and surrounding lands)from R-1,B-3 and 1-2 to R-3B.