09-09-1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 26, 1996 (#6 - #2158 John O’Sullivan/Grace Baptist Church Property - Rezoning - Continued) Callahan said he was at this point still undecided whether the property should be rezoned. He noted that the piece of property does fit in with the commercial area. Although an application is before the Council from a particular person to zone it commercial, Callahan said that applicant could change his mind away from the development. Once the property is changed to commercial, it would then open the church property to other options, and Callahan said the Council needs to consider that fact Callahan said it was also a fact that the proposal is not necessarily what will occur on the site Callahan said another consideration must also be the impact of such rezoning and building on the area If the Council is to look at a project having such impact, Callahan said they may also need to consider all of Navarre's business area and not just this particular property. If the rezoning does occur, Callahan said it would be convenient Callahan noted, if the property is rezoned, it would be easier to imagine that there would be alot of pressure to change other areas as well; thus, the need to look at all of Navarre Callahan also voiced concern in rezoning to B5 with the Planning Commission recommending changes be made to the language of that zoning. Callahan noted, in spite of his noted concerns, that the property is a natural for rezoning. Since the project remains and if a study of Navarre is conducted, Callahan said this area should be included in the B-5. Kelley said he was in favor of moving forw ard on the rezoning of the property now. Regardless of O’Sullivan's application, Kelley said he sees the B5 as a great use for the property. Goetten reported that she has spent a great deal of time thinking over the rezoning, reviewing the comprehensive plan, and discussing the issue with Gaffron. In response to Hurr's comment from past minutes on the concern over spot zoning, Goetten said she did not find it so compelling with all the other commercial areas surrounding the proposed site. Goetten noted the people in the area look upon the property as a conduit between the commercial and residential, and she agrees with that assessment Goetten said she was in support of the rezoning and voting on it at this meeting She felt a B-5 amendment could be reviewed at another time. Goetten noted that the church property has been vacant for a long time, this is the first viable proposal for that property, and the community is in support of it.