HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-P&DB-1996-05-28 Approved 6/25/96
Planning and Development Board
MINUTES
May 28, 1996
Present: Steve Ehrhardt;David Kay(left early);Jane Marcham;Ellen McCollister;
Scott Whitham. Staff.- H.Matthys Van Cort;K.Ross;applicants;media.
1. Privilege of the Floor
There were no comments from the floor.
2. 309 Eddy Street-Public Hearing/Final Subdivision Approval
This project was given a negative declaration and preliminary approval last month.
David Kay opened the public hearing. There were no comments so the public
hearing was closed. McCollister made a motion that the project be given final
subdivision approval and Ehrhardt seconded the motion.
Carried unanimously.
3. Downtown Design Plan -Discussion of Adoption
John Schroeder distributed a one page Preface to the Downtown Design Plan
which he suggested be inserted in the booklet. He explained that the Planning
Board had been close to adopting the Plan previously but some major projects
came up which delayed the Board. He said he strongly hoped that the Board
would adopt the Plan because it shows how housing could be developed
downtown which is a positive resource to have.
Van Cort presented some slides of the Downtown Design Plan and stated that he
would like the Board to complete the environmental review,adopt the Plan and
then pass it on to Common Council. He said that Planning Board action would
make it part of the Master Plan.
4. Zoning Appeals Report
The applicant requesting a special permit for a music and ballet studio at 215 Esty
Street was present because she had been turned down by the Board of Zoning
Appeals. She stated some of the neighbors were against this because they were
concerned about the noise and traffic. The Planning Board suggested she talk to
those neighbors and explain the details of what she was proposing. The Board saw
no problem with this appeal and suggested the applicant get the neighbors who
were in support of her business to go to the BZA meeting. Kay stated that when
owner occupied,low impact home occupations are positive for the City, and as a
Minutes of May 28, 1996 Meeting 2
matter of principle the Board supports those occupations that are not disruptive to
neighbors.
The vote for approval of the following report was 4-1,with Ehrhardt abstaining.
Review of these appeals has determined that none involve issues of long-range or
area-wide planning concern. They are returned for BZA action with comment as
follows.
Appeal 2298, Special Permit for home occupation at 215 Esty Street in an R-2b
zone: When owner occupied, the Board supports low-impact home occupations
that are not disruptive to neighbors. This was felt to be an acceptable use when
reviewed before(Appeal 2294).The current proposal,based on a smaller number
of students, should be more acceptable, and approval is recommended.
5. Reports
A. Director
No report.
B. Chair
No report.
C. Board of Public Works
Ehrhardt reported that amid some controversy the Board of Public Works
voted to reduce the width of Mitchell Street when it is repaved. He stated
that,while bicyclists will not be accommodated on Mitchell Street,they
will be on Ithaca Road. He added that bicyclists cannot be accommodated
on every street in the City.
D. Planning and Economic Development Committee
Marcham reported as follows:
• The Planning Committee endorsed a request from the Sciencenter to
acquire 9/10 of property for$1.00 in order to expand their building.
• The Committee discussed an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance
regarding medical offices being permitted in B-1 zones. This is a
clarification rather than a substantive change.
• Art Pearce made a presentation to the Committee regarding the BID; a
decision was scheduled for the July meeting.
• The Committee discussed City EQR. Whitham said he was interested
in being a member on the committee working on revisions to CEQR.
Minutes of May 28, 1996 Meeting 3
• The Committee heard a report regarding access to the Hangar Theater.
• Staff reported to the Committee on the Waterfront Study.
8. Approval of Minutes
Ehrhardt moved to approve the 4/23 Minutes as amended, and McCollister
seconded the motion.
Carried unanimously.
9. Miscellaneous
Van Cort said that the Board needed to comment on the proposed zoning change
providing for human service agencies in B-1 zones. He said he wasn't sure why
this item didn't get put on the agenda,but he would check into it. Van Cort said
he would provide the Board with the proposed definition of"human service
agencies."