12/10/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mike Pease, 1901 Fairmount Boulevard, architect, said that his studies of the Blair neighborhood have lead him to the conclusion that it is difficult to e provide housing that is good for neighborhoods when the areas are zoned R-3. An R-3 zone often means an increase in auto dependence, a decrease in the variety of dwelling types, and a front of cars to the street. Too much vege- tation is often destroyed. Mr. Pease said that higher density is appropriate in any location, but recommended researching alternate forms of higher density. Gary Hill, 36 North Lawrence, also testified against rezoning and said it would mean an increase in taxes. Marlene Nelson, Whiteaker Outreach Worker, testified that she had gone door to door asking residents about their zoning preference. Most prefer R-2. Public hearing was closed there being no further testimony. In response to testimony, Mr. Sloat replied that R-3 zoning would not preclude preservation of existing dwellings. It would allow a range of housing and encourage density in an area with access to open space and transportation. The Refinement Plan calls for a density of 20 to 40 units per acre in that area. An R-2 zone would only allow 16 units per acre. Maximum coverage requirement for R-2 is 60 percent; for R-3 it is 70 percent. Ms. Schue asked if coverage requirements include parking. Mr. Sloat replied that parking is included. Mr. Lieuallen commented the traffic in the area was not generated so much by the e residents as by those who travel through the park to avoid using congested streets. That is a problem that can be dealt with in the future by closing the park to through traffic. Mr. Lieuallen said he felt that reducing the zoning will not solve the problems of traffic or appropriate multi-family housing. He also noted that if a resident owns a single-family home located in an R-3 zone, he is not obliged to pay taxes based on the highest use of the land. CB 2042--authorizing rezoning from M-2 Light Industrial District to R-3/SR Multi-Family Residential District With Site Review Procedures and a change of sign district from Industrial District to Resi- dential District for property located north of 1st Avenue between Washington and Lincoln streets and south of 1st Avenue between Lawrence and Lincoln streets Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of November 6, 1979, be adopted by reference thereto; that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the Council; and that enactment be considered at this time. e 12/10/79--8 ~54