08/17/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mr. Saul reminded Council that such an amendment would have to be reviewed . by the Planning Commission prior to coming to Council for consideration. Mr. Delay questioned what could be done to encourage more PUD development in the South Hills area. Mr. Saul said that unfortunately the primary factors encouraging such were beyond the scope of City Council: namely, property owners can get more money for subdivisions; a greater demand for single-unit housing than PUDs; and interest rates and availability of loans. Mr. Delay expressed appreciation for Mr. Obie's stance. However, he felt it more necessary to have a final solution to the problem. He felt that in perhaps another six months, the problem might occur again. He felt Council should at least explore more fully some firm means to main- tain the integrity of the South Hills area. Ms. Smith wondered if plans had been developed for changes in the Tree Cutting Ordinance. Mr. Saul replied there were several elements involved: should it apply to the entire property or just right-of-way and public utility easement, to what level of detail, and what size of trees and what species. Ann Ramp expressed delight that the City Council was reviewing the matter so seriously and expressed appreciation on the parts of various neighbor- hood organizations. She said in case any Council member did not feel it was a matter of clear cutting, he or she should drive up Shields Avenue to look at the area. In relation to the PUDs in the area, she noted it being e totally unfair to the builders as the time involved drove their costs up considerably. Dewey Newman, respresenting Hawkins Heights Neighborhood Association, realized the problems the staff had in the past. However, the neighbors in his area had thought there was an ordinance to prevent the tree cutting and would like something done to prevent such a procedure happening in the future. He felt the use of PUDs was a red herring and said individual homes can be made to maintain the environment. He appre- ciated Council's attention to the matter. Mr. Obie wondered if an amendment could be made to the Tree Cutting Ordinance and not be reviewed by the Planning Commission. Mr. Saul said no, the change would have to be made in the Land Division Ordinance and reviewed by the Planning Commission. Joyce Benjamin, City Attorney's Office, said in reviewing the time schedule, Council could be making a final decision by the end of September or the first part of October. Mr. Saul said the Planning Commission could hear the reviews at its meeting September 6, but it would mean bypassing City policy of notifi- cation to various neighborhood groups and others in the city. Mayor Keller said that as the Council looked at both items, the appro- priate thing was not to panic. The Council needed to look at the problem as it exists and then find the appropriate tool for solution. He noted the amendment may still not solve the problem. He said Council could call the Committee back and look at the whole problem sometime in the future. e 8/17/77--10 ~~