Item 3: Ordinance Concerning Jefferson/Far West Plan Amendments

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result Goal 12. And as showing compliance with Statewide Planning Goals is a required criterion the proposed Refinement Plan Amendment does not meet the Refmement Plan Amendment Approval Criteria,' it should be rejected. ' Metro Plan Policy A13 This policy reads as follo\\'s: A. 13 Increase overall residential density in the metropolitan area by creating more opportunities for effectively designed in-fill, redevelopment, and mixed use while comidering impacts of increased residential density on historic, existing and future neighborhoods.' The proposed Refinement Plan Amendment by calling for a reduction of the overall demity permitted in Area 15 is directly contrary to this policy. Rather then increasing OPPOrtunities for in- fill it reduces them. Granted the idea behind this amendment is to address inappropriate in-fill and it could be argued inappropriate in-fill is not the "effectively designed infill" but the solution for this problem is design standards not a prohibition on in-filL What is being proposed is analogous to reducing train noise by blowing up the railroad tracks. It works, no tracks means no trains, which means no noise,but it is overkill. We loose the benefits of the train as well as the noise. So is the case,withthe proposed Refinement Plan Amendment, as a method of controlling "inappropriate infill" this amendment effectively eliminates in-fIll. Current policies in the Metro Plan, the Jefferson-Far West Plan, and the Growth Management Policies clearly indicate that in-fIll is considered desirable. Given the importance in-fill holds in these policy documents elimination of in-fill is not an acceptable way to address inappropriate in- fill. As the proposed Refinement Plan Amendment restricts in-fill opportunities it is directly contrary to Metro Plan Policy A.13 as a result it cannot be considered in compliance with the Metro Plan and as a result it fails to meet criteria contained in EC 9.8424(1) and as a result should be rejected. 15. LOl\t-Medium Density Area The policy statement associated with Area 15 reads as follows This area shall be recognized as a low- to medium-density residential area. The City shall explore methods of encouraging an increase in residential density yet maintaining the character of the area. Residential densities beyond ten units per acre shall be allowed, subject to an approved block plall or rezolling to R-2 in conjullction.with site reviev\l. The City shall encourage block planning, infilling, and shared housing, in this area. Access to housing units off of alleys shall be accommodated when not in conflict with other policies and goals. Hinkley Testimony on iv1A 06-5, Ra 06-3 and CA 06-1 5 Decell1ber 2006 Pa.ge 6 of 12 pages