08-26-1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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do MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 26, 1996 • ( #6 - 92158 John O'SuIlivan/Grace Baptist Church Property - Rezoning - Continued) Gaffron informed the Council that the Planning Commission reviewed the rezoning and recommended approval by a vote of 6/0. Noted in their conditions and reasoning was the concern for the property in its present distressed condition and vacancy. The Planning Commission recommended rezoning without performance of a comprehensive study of the Navarre area because of the church condition and its location being surrounded by commercial on two sides. They also thought the B -5 zoning matched the proposed uses and noted the overwhelming support being given by the residents and businesses in the surrounding area. The Commissioners saw this development as being a possible catalyst for improving the Navarre area. Gaffron noted that the Planning Commission also saw the need to change wording within the B -5 zoning list of allowed uses. They asked that the B -5 zoning be amended to eliminate some of the uses they see as inappropriate to the times. Gafli-on noted the petitions and letters of approval within the information packets. The Council was asked to take formal action for either adoption, denial, or tabling, and to direct Staff whether to proceed with amending the B -5 code. Callahan asked O'Sullivan for his comments. O'Sullivan reported that he was involved in the B -5 selection for the property. He read the zoning codes and saw the B -5 as the best • fit for the property and neighborhood. Two public tent meetings were then held. People living within 600' of the property as well as a 6 square block area were notified of the meetings. The meetings were attended by 80 people. O'Sullivan said there were no objections voiced to the proposal. O'Sullivan also noted that Planning Commission Chair Peterson and two other Commissioners attended at least one meeting. Peterson was said to have stated at the meeting that the Commission does not take rezoning Iightly. O'Sullivan noted that Peterson made the motion for approval at the Planning Commission meeting commenting that the proposed use was the best fit for the site. O'Sullivan also reported that he contacted 80% of the businesses in the community. All of those contacted gave their support of the proposal and signed a petition. O'Sullivan also said he has received support of the City Staff. He reported that in meetings with Shawn Gustafson, City Engineer, and a County engineer, no red flags were thrown regarding access except that they not be too close to the corner. O'Sullivan noted a letter from Gustafson dated March 12 that states it appears the use is good and feasible from an engineering standpoint. Gustafson confirmed stating this in the letter. O'Sullivan asked the Council to endorse the rezoning. He noted the number of letters received favoring the proposal and related some of the comments received. • Dan Clausen added that he would like to see the property sold noting that O'Sullivan has been the first developer with both a good plan and finances to back it up. 5