Minutes - Council - 10/28/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Tossey asked if he supported the PSD project with a lower FAR. Planning Commissioner VanScoy stated the City is looking at land use and changing the ordinance to allow that development to happen in a certain way. He felt that PSD had the opportunity to meet a .75 FAR by modifying its project to a certain extent. Planning Commissioner VanScoy noted that at this point, the project as it stands at .65 FAR would fit in another zoning district of COR -4. He stated he is in the minority on the Planning Commission to oppose this ordinance amendment. He does not oppose the project per se but does oppose it in this district. Councilmember Tossey stated the problem is not necessarily the project, but the proposed location. He stated the Planning Commission has a job to do in keeping the integrity of the overall plan for The COR. The Council considered allowing a project coming forward and a change in FAR after the Purchase Agreement was entered into to avoid the parking structure. Councilmember Tossey noted the Council had decided to consider this amendment prior to entering into a new Purchase Agreement. Planning Commissioner VanScoy stated the Planning Commission is looking for direction from the Council and if it supports .65, the Planning Commission will proceed in that direction. Mayor Pro Tem Backous asked if it makes sense to introduce an ordinance if the Planning Commission still has work to do on it. He preferred allowing the Planning Commission to complete its discussion prior to the Council considering this amendment. Community Development Director Gladhill stated in trying to move forward, the benefit to the Planning Commission was policy direction of the Council, which would be indicated if the amendment is introduced. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that is a good point as it was not a unanimous decision but the Planning Commission did review the material and entered a specific recommendation of support. Councilmember Riley stated a recommendation was forwarded by the Planning Commission and Planning Commissioner VanScoy is representing the minority position. He noted the CBRE memorandum indicates that current demand will not support structured parking without subsidy. He stated the City is not interested in providing subsidy so the consideration is whether to change the requirements, which is being responsive to the market. Councilmember Riley noted The Residence of The COR received free use of the parking structure and now the Council is looking for a way to get development without public dollars. Councilmember Tossey agreed and stated the Council is trying to avoid offering the type of subsidies given to The Residence of The COR through an amendment to make it easier to develop. City Council / October 28, 2014 Page 8 of 10