HomeMy WebLinkAbout062223 Planning Commission Meeting MinutesCITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION OF JUNE 22,
2023
CALL TO ORDER
The Planning Commission met in regular session on June 22, 2023, in the City Council
chamber at 540 Water Street. Chair Lois Stanford called the meeting to order at 6:29
pm.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present at roll call were Andreas Andreadis, Samantha Bair -Jones, Bob
Doyle, Rick Jahnke, Neil Nelson, Viki Sonntag, and Lois Stanford.
Staff members present were Planning and Community Development Director Emma
Bolin, Long Range Planner Helena Smith, and Deputy City Clerk Lonnie Mickle.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
Commissioners decided to defer the 2024 Workplan letter to City Council until the
completion of the Roadmap to Housing presentation and discussion. Amended agenda
was accepted by consensus.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — JUNE 8,2023
There were typographical errors in the minutes. Commissioner Rick Jahnke moved to
accept the amended minutes. Commissioner Neil Nelson seconded this motion. Motion
carried unanimously.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no general public comments..
NEW BUSINESS
Evans Vista Outreach Session on Neighborhood Conceptual Site Plan
Planning and Community Development Director Emma Bolin introduced two members
of the Thomas Architecture Studios, Ron Thomas, President of Thomas Architecture
Studios and Amos Callender, Project Manager for the Evans Vista community. Mr.
Callender presented the site assessment, outreach survey, parking, floor arrangements,
the six concepts for the Evans Vista site and the summer agenda for this project.
Mr. Thomas included information about the flexibility of elevated flat buildings, focusing
on the affordability of these homes and the possibility of local builders being able to
build some units with certain concepts. Commissioners discussed low-income housing,
the walkability in the area, fire codes for the buildings, transportation for the area, storm
water management and a new survey.
Public Comments:
Michelle Sandoval spoke about the email she received from Thomas Architecture
Studios, how to get more people for the survey, not having two important city meetings
on the same day, economic diversity, and quality of life in the city.
Meg Lodes spoke about diversity for community, her like of concept three, her dislike of
the commercial area in concept three, and increasing building height.
Discussion ensued about the location of the commercial area, rentals, and home
ownership in the neighborhood.
Council Requested 2024 Workplan Input
Emma Bolin gave the presentation on the 2024 Workplan input. She recapped the past
years accomplishments.
Discussion ensued about the 2024 Workplan. Mentioned in the discussion was parking,
walkability, transit, a systemic housing plan, detached single family homes and
community assessment.
After the discussion, Commissioner Rick Jahnke moved to request staff to draft a letter
for the Planning Commission Chair's signature that includes the board's suggested
2024 workplan items agreed to by consensus. Commissioner Sammy Bair -Jones
seconded this motion. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Roadmap to Housing
Long Range Planner Helena Smith and Emma Bolin summarized the city's "Roadmap
to Housing." The presentation covered the updated criteria for the six options that are
being covered in the housing plan. The updated options were to the Rainer subarea
plan, the creation of the regional stormwater management facility in the northwest
quadrant, increasing the R -IV maximum density, updating multifamily tax exemption,
establishing maximum residential lot sizes, and establishing minimum density in R -II
zones.
Discussion and decisions were made during and after presentation.
After the discussion, Commissioner Rick Jahnke moved to recommend a city -initiated
amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Samantha Bair -Jones
seconded this motion. Discussion ensued. Commissioner Rick Jahnke amended the
motion. The amended motion changed to recommend a city -initiated amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan directing the city staff to focus on options 1 and 3 which deal with
amendments. These options collectively would examine amendments that would
enhance multifamily in both the Rainier Subarea Plan as well as R -IV and C-I/MU and
C-II/MU zones. Commissioner Neil Nelson seconded this motion. Motion carried
unanimously.
UPCOMING MEETINGS MEETINGS UPDATED TO WEDNESDAYS FOR THE
MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST DUE TO CONCERTS ON THE DOCK
WEDNESDAY JULY 12 SPECIAL SESSION PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
WEDNESDAY JULY 19 SPECIAL SESSION PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
WEDNESDAY JULY 26 SPECIAL SESSION PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
COMMUNICATIONS
There were no communication for this meeting.
ADJOURN
With no other items to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:44 pm
Attest:
Planning Commission Iffhair
City Clerk's Office