01/29/1992 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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4It Frank Emmerich, 330 Edie Drive, stated that he opposes the extension of Pio- neer Parkway. He noted that several residents would be affected and their lifestyles would be greatly altered. He preferred that the City concentrate on renovating existing development and housing. He believed that extending Pioneer Parkway would be a waste of tax dollars. He stressed the fact that if the extension of the Pioneer Parkway occurs, many residents will be forced to leave their homes either because they will be living next to a highway or because they will not be able to pay more taxes. He urged the commissioners to use their political strength to protect the residents. 4It e Lisa Henry, 330 Edie Drive, said that she also represents another resident on her land. She stated that she agrees with the position of the Neighbors. She said that if Pioneer Parkway is extended, her renters would be required to move and she would lose the income from that property. She emphasized the effect the plan has on individual residents of the area. Richard Boyles, 3405 Baldy View Lane, representing Sycan B Corporation, stat- ed that he is involved in attracting industry to the area in order to foster economic growth. He said that he grew up on Game Farm Road and still has family residing there. He said that testimony should be heard on a wide variety of subjects included in the refinement plan, such as the conditions stated in the conceptual development plan and whether it is appropriate to have a conceptual development plan requirement for the 180 acres of medium- density residential area. He said that testimony should be heard on whether the restrictions on commercial development unique to the Gateway area are appropriate, or rather, if restrictions should be applied to special-light industrial areas in the Gateway area. He pointed out that most of the testi- mony will be heard on only one issue, namely, the transportation projects proposed. He stated that the Game Farm Neighbors form the majority of the PAC, and through the PAC process, the neighbors have already achieved most of their agenda. He stated that the elected officials must decide whether to give greater weight to the Game Farm Neighbors or to the wider community. Mr. Boyles stated that the decision to allow urban development to the Gateway area was made 15 years ago when the UGB was developed. The zoning designa- tions which created the 250 acre special-light industrial area and the 180- acre residential area and the commercial area extending along Gateway Road have been defined for many years. Stu Burge, 2875 Riviera Court, representing the Springfield Planning Commis- sion, stated that the recommendations of the Springfield Planning Commission regarding the Gateway Refinement Plan were reached by consensus. He pointed out that a majority (9 of 13) of the PAC were members of the Game Farm Neigh- bors. He said that the Neighbors formed unanimous opposition to the improve- ment of Game Farm Road or the extension of Pioneer Parkway prior to having studied development issues. He viewed the decisions of the PAC to be more subjective than objective. He emphasized that the entire region and that the transportation projections must be considered in the planning process. He supported the improvement of Game Farm Road because of the numerous automo- bile trips per day and stated that it is unsafe for bicyclists and pedestri- MINUTES--Joint Elected Officials January 29, 1992 Page 9