8B, Planning Case 12-009 - 1201 County Road E Reuse Proposal

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Commissioner Hames stated that overall she likes the plan but feels Commissioners and residents would benefit from a review of a more detailed concept drawing. She asked if this is a temporary solution for an economic situation or if it is long-term. Mr. Davidson replied the investment being made is such that it is absolutely a long-term commitment. He added he feels they have a unique and wonderful market niche with young people in the area. Northwestern College proved that and although they controlled it, it functioned well and students got jobs in the community. Hopefully, young students brought in will move into housing in the area. He added if they were to bring back pictures of the common areas this will delay the project. Commissioner Thompson stated there are still several security concerns. The college was successful but they had control of it and that is what made it successful. Demographics have not been shown and are not in alignment with their success equaling this success. Aspects of security are of concern considering there are no detailed plans. Another concern is personal safety, not just for students but for others. There is concern about the common areas with security, how can one person lock up facilities yet watch the front door. Lighting can be addressed based on the Deputy's note. Another concern is traffic, there is no overall proposal, yet there is a huge empty area — McGuire's. A more comprehensive plan to ensure the right amount of parking is needed. There is also concern about some of the landscaping and not meeting perennial requirements. Overall, a full comprehensive plan of Lots 1 and 2 to ensure we have the right conditions in place, is needed; there are just too many undefined variables. Commissioner Zimmerman stated he understands the concern of paying taxes on an empty building. He believes there are conditions that address many of the concerns that were brought up. Regarding Lot 2, the hope is the success of this building will dictate what will end up on that corner, depending upon demographics of rental population. The units are relatively small but we have single homeowners that rent rooms out, so they don't get much more space. He concluded Mr. Davidson and Mr. Nolan have several years of experience. Commissioner Holewa stated a concern is that when the property housed Northwestern College students they were required to take the bus because there is not enough parking on campus for students. Now with no bus all students will have to park on campus. He asked if the Public Works Director would like to add anything. Public Works Director Maurer replied he is not sure anything else is relevant, he gave his opinion on the traffic report, noting they made assumptions and took some liberties equaling a lesser amount of traffic than anticipated for PM peak traffic. Chair Larson stated he finds it disconcerting that there are so many questions regarding the application, which is lacking in details. He added many of these questions may be answered to the Council, such as a lack of a comprehensive floor plan, ligk�ting plan and security plan, which gives too many unknowns. The traffic study is also confusing; the variables are many and based on other traffic studies although the assumptions are unknown. With that being said the Chair would entertain a motion at this time.