Agenda - Planning Commission - 01/31/2013 - Special

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Alternative #1: Identify which proposed use is believed to be more appropriate for this commercial node and direct Staff to proceed with developing applicable zoning amendments for consideration. This option creates an opportunity re -invigorate this commercial node by allowing a new use into the area. This also provides both Staff and the Planning Commission an opportunity to development any standards that are deemed needed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community prior to either use being implemented. Alternative #2: Determine that neither use is appropriate for this commercial node and direct Staff not to pursue any zoning amendments. This commercial node has struggled for a number of years now and if the Planning Commission is not in favor of either these uses, it may wish to direct staff to explore a broader strategic planning exercise to determine the highest and best use(s) for this property. Funding Source: Preparation of the discussion topic is being handled as part of regular Staff duties and the Professional Services account of the Planning Division (Business Unit #191). Staff Recommendation: Provide direction to staff on proposed uses and if deemed acceptable, direction on preferred regulatory tool to permit said use. In addition, the City's Economic Development Authority (EDA) has discussed this topic on a number of occassions as recently as January, 2013. General feedback from the EDA included the following: At their regular January meeting, the EDA discussed the commercial node located at 167thAve and Trunk Highway 47 ("Subject Node") in relation to a number of inquiries that have recently been submitted to the City. In summary, the EDA would like to provide the City Council with the following comments: • The long term success of the Subject Node is a priority for the EDA. Taking a look at the Subject Node from a long-term approach is very important. The EDA is interested in any such effort supporting said notion. For example, a master planning and/or comprehensive planning effort; which would involve attaining public input from surrounding neighborhoods and from property owners located within the Subject Node. • Rezoning and/or an overlay district (to expand the use of select properties within the Subject Node) will have an effect on the remaining properties located within the Subject Node. Specifically, the EDA does not want to diminish the value and/or hinder the success of one property located in the Subject Node for the economic gain of another. The EDA recommends the City engage all property owners and surrounding neighborhoods before approving any rezoning or zoning overlay district within the Subject Node. • The EDA understands the history of the Subject Node and it's struggle to remain economically viable. Master Planning/Comprehensive Planning efforts take time and do not guarantee success and prosperity for the Subject Node. Getting users to occupy the Subject Node will drive increased traffic and improve ascetics; and subsequently, support the overall success of the Subject Node in the short-term. Therefore, the EDA is in support of the City considering options that would allow prospect users to occupy the Subject Node (which may require zoning code amendments, overlay district, CUP, etc.). Any short-term uses allowed in this area should not undermine the long-term vision for the area. • When considering prospect users coming before the City (gun range, daycare center and metal/clothing recycling), the EDA has concerns regarding their compatibility. The EDA recommends the City not approve conflicting uses. For example, a daycare center and a gun range. Committee Action: Based on discussion. Attachments Site Location Map Indoor Shooting Range Proposal Background Information on Total Defense (Indoor Shooting Range Proposer)