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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, December 13, 2010 Page 25 Councilmember Pust noted the specific language added for buffers, and limita- tions on Har Mar Mall based on impervious surface requirements; and the eco- nomic drawbacks for them considering a multi -level parking facility on site. Councilmember Pust noted that the commercial and residential properties had re- solved multiple conflicts over the last fifty -one (51) years since Har Mar Mall had been in existence and its many improvements; with the City Council repeatedly enforcing protections to retain the character of the neighborhood. Councilmemb- er Pust clarified, for the benefit of residents, that their attempt to keep it zoned R- 1 would have little protection for them, and that the revised language provided more protection. Councilmember Roe, expressing his concern in keeping the zoning R -1, ques- tioned whether single family residential development was a desirable use for that buffer into an existing neighborhood. Councilmember Roe opined that, if another group of single- family homes was intended to provide a buffer from commercial for other single family homes, where was the buffer for those new single family residential properties? Councilmember Ihlan spoke in opposition to rezoning the property from R -1 to Community Business; reiterating her previous comments; and opining that if re- zoned Community Business, there could be major changes in the future if Har Mar Mall expanded their building, including potential for a multi -level parking ramp. Councilmember Ihlan spoke in support of keeping the status quo to retain protection of the residential neighborhood, rather than creating a framework that in abstract could facilitate Har Mar Mall owners to make those future changes. Mayor Klausing clarified that the zoning code was being rewritten for a number of reasons and to address other concerns and make other corrections. In response to Councilmember Johnson's concerns, Mayor Klausing opined that additional requirements for minimum green space; limits on parking and structure, which Har Mar Mall already exceeded; provided current and future protections, includ- ing the requirement to retain the buffer zone. Mayor Klausing concurred with the point made by Councilmember Roe; and whether the property remained zoned as R -1 or was rezoned to Community Business, additional traffic and congestion in the area would be the same; and opined that this proposal and its various compo- nents did a better job in protecting the residential neighborhoods. Councilmember Johnson noted that, in his conversations with Mr. Sanocki earlier today, he thought they were in agreement with a 40' buffer; however, tonight, he heard Mr. Sanocki supporting a 400' buffer. Councilmember Johnson advised that, in attempting to reconcile with his Council colleagues and the neighbors, he concurred that the likelihood of anything happening on the southern border was next to nil when considered from a business model perspective for Har Mar Mall owners. Councilmember Johnson spoke in support of rezoning the parcel from R- 1 to Community Business.