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HomeMy WebLinkAbout052611CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF MAY 26, 2011 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission met in regular session the 26th day of May 2011 in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, Chair Julian Ray presiding. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Commissioners present at roll call were Sarah Bowman, Cate Comerford, Steven Emery, Jerauld Fry, Gee Heckscher, Monica Mick - Hager, and Julian Ray. Staff members present were Development Review Engineer Samantha Trone, Development Services Director Rick Sepler, and Deputy City Clerk Joanna Sanders. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA Motion: Steven Emery moved to approve the agenda to include an update of the meeting schedule under Upcoming Meetings. Jerauld Fry seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7 -0 by voice vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Gee Heckscher moved to approve the minutes of April 14, 2011 as amended (page 5, paragraph 5 "this amendment will ensure this does not happen again. "Monica Mick -Hager seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5 -0 by voice vote. Jerauld Fry and Sarah Bowman abstained. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT There were no public comments. There was no new business. NEW BUSINESS OLD BUSINESS Update on Howard Street Corridor Land Use Process Staff Presentation Development Review Engineer Samantha Trone introduced herself. She was the project manager for the Upper Sims Way. She may also be involved as project manager for the Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - May 26, 2011 Page 1 of 3 construction on the arterial on Howard Street from Discovery Road to Sims Way. Development Services Director Rick Sepler gave the project background, overview and project goals on the Howard and Rainier Street Corridor. He stated there is a $600,000 budget for full design of the corridor and BergerABAM was awarded the contract. Handouts distributed were a presentation outline and a document summarizing the policy basis, opportunities, challenges, and approaches for this corridor. Mr. Sepler led the Commission through the Howard Street Extension issues and opportunities. Alternatives for arterial alignment and neighborhood access were shown on three drawings Option 1, Option 2, and the preferred alternative of the design staff. In response to a question, Mr. Sepler reviewed the criteria to select the design firm. There was discussion about the positioning of the First American Title Building in relation to Howard Street in the different alternatives. Some discussion ensued about parking alternatives and requirements. There were questions about identified wildlife corridors, the likelihood of chain pharmacy involvement in mixed -use development, and about the minimum parking requirement for bikes. Mr. Sepler then reviewed drawings of the development scenarios with zoning applied. Scenarios 1 and 2 are consistent with current City zoning. The third scenario incorporated the commissions direction, including reducing off street parking and improving walkability with connectors. Mr. Sepler explained conversations with economist/consultant Eric Hovee and local developer Mark Zenger about the current economy and how to provide incentives to attract businesses in this corridor. While formula stores should not be the sole consideration, the Commission needs to consider how to integrate formula stores in this area. Commission Discussion Commission comments /clarifying questions were as follows: In scenario 3, the wetland has been removed. Mr. Sepler explained this is a created stormwater pond feature. In response to a question about the open space requirement, he noted there are lot coverage and parking requirements. There was a desire to know more about the option with the roundabout. Suggestions were to mitigate parking off site within walking distance of the district such as on the south side of Sims Way; work on a standard to allow trail access; in Scenario 3, add a village green or connection feature as a design guideline in alternate blocks; improve connectivity so this area has a pedestrian- centric design with accessibility to transit; adequate parking to serve the broader community; create blocks with certain amenities such as areas for growing food within multi - family residential areas; consider access for truck deliveries and trash removal; maintain flexibility in guidelines to allow for businesses that might want to develop a larger section of the block; consider a covered outdoor space provided by the City. Mr. Sepler gave an update and solicited additions or changes on possible zoning Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - May 26, 2011 Page 2 of 3 approaches as follows: 1) form -based code revisions to design guidelines; 2) site specific standards for area circulation; 3) Planned Unit Development (PUD) applicability; 4) Limited Formula Store Relief to Address Service Gaps (get input on who might inform the Commission); and 5) parking management schemes (look at tradeoffs). PUBLIC COMMENT Susan Langlois spoke about the importance of the formula store ordinance and critical areas and wetland regulations. David Goldman spoke about the formula store ordinance and of the need to provide the means for the market to do business. He suggested a circulation plan that leaves options open and encouraged the Commission to engage the public in providing suggestions for the vision. In response to a request for staff to outline the public involvement plan, Mr. Sepler suggested encouraging the public to come to a workshop to look at the alternatives and discuss overlay options. He explained that the City is implementing the comprehensive plan. This is not a subarea plan because the area is too small. Advancing the circuluation and transportation scheme could be done without precluding any uses. He and Ms. Trone would try to get better information on ideas discussed tonight about the uses and continue to work on the concepts. UPCOMING MEETINGS Mr. Sepler provided an update on current initiatives /issues on which staff is putting energy. The Howard Street corridor would again be the topic for the June 23 meeting. COMMUNICATIONS There were none. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m. Attest: i City Clerk's Office Planning Commission Chair Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - May 26, 2011 Page 3 of 3