2024-09-25 WS & City Council Meeting Packet

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It is also our understanding that the landowners have not approached any developers or had inquires from anyone about building a 2-story apartment. In general, the landowner has expressed frustration over the limited options, which do not appear to be feasible or something which developers are interested in building. Other Options The landowner has been exploring other options, outside of what is currently allowed by the zoning code, Downtown Master Plan, and Comprehensive Plan. School Purchase Centennial School District and the landowner have discussed the possibility of the school purchasing the property. While the LaLonde property was not on the school’s radar, theirBoard expressed an interest in exploring the purchase of the property because it is adjacent to their facility and available for sale. Even though their most recent expansion plans show a future gymnasium and associated parking on the southeast portion of the school, staff wished to evaluate the opportunity as they review their future needs. The school board reviewed the LaLonde property appraisal of $1,355,000 at a recent work session and their fund balance (pre & post property acquisition). The Board opined that purchasing the property sooner rather than later would be good because of the opportunity costs associated with waiting, however, no official action was taken. School staff advised that next steps would involve reaching out the city to talk through the rezoning process and work through purchase agreements with the owner. Subsequently, City and School staff met to review what use the school might make of the property. They discussed the possibility of moving the proposed gymnasium addition to the west side of the current school, which offers more space and a potential to add an additional gymnasium (2 total) and/or other school-community partnership amenities. The idea of utilizing the LaLonde property as a space for a Community Center of sorts, is intriguing and worthy of further discussion with the City Council. Of course, some of the community’s concerns with the apartment complex will be in play here as well, including the building height, parking and traffic. Ultimately, the city may have the ability to allow or not allow the development of the site into a community center or other school-based facility by denying a rezoning request and/or a Comprehensive Plan Amendment. City staff assured the school district staff that the city is committed to the success of the elementary school and wants to be certain that the current site can meet the future needs of the school. Clearly, ensuring there is an elementary school in Centerville for the foreseeable future is an important part of maintaining the city’s small town feel. Proximity to good schools is always a top reason people site when asked why they chose to live someplace. With that said there may be other ways to accomplish those same goals and reserve this desirable property for taxable uses.