08-26-1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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..I MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 26, 1996 (46 - 92158 John O'Sullivan/Grace Baptist Church Property - Rezoning - Continued) • Jabbour said he believes Gaffron's remarks concern the property possibly being considered commercial under the comprehensive plan, which he feels overrides the ordinance. Jabbour noted receipt of a letter from a person in the community who would like to see the Navarre area similar to that found in Wayzata and Excelsior. He does not agree with that philosophy. He noted how owner occupied businesses take pride in their area, monitor it, and invest in the future, which is why Jabbour feels that O'Sullivan is doing so. Jabbour said, while the area can be studied, the fact remains that very few steps have been taken to move this area forward adding that a critical mass of people are needed for this to happen. Having 4 -5 businesses as owner occupied helps fulfill this vision according to Jabbour. He added that the B -5 was a good use of the property and complies with the purpose of protecting the neighborhood. Jabbour said he was in favor of rezoning. He reminded the Council of the reason the property has been kept residential, as Orono is difficult to deal with regarding rezoning and urged the Council not to be afraid of the next proposal looking at rezoning. Hurr reported that the comprehensive plan also talks of housing for this particular site, which would allow for 6 units in 3 duplexes. Hurr noted that Orono is lacking affordable housing. Callahan responded that no one has proposed such housing for the site. Jabbour added that he would like to see a clinic and drug store, but no one is here to provide for that. O'Sullivan noted that a person first has to buy the property, but that • was the reason B5 was selected as there is no problem with the uses listed in the B5, neither were they offensive. r] O'Sullivan commented that he saw his proposal as the best fit for the community. If he does not follow through with the proposal, O'Sullivan noted that any other developer would have to follow the code. O'Sullivan said he felt the reason the property has remained residential for so long is because of the church building being there. He asked Gaffron to display the zoning map, exhibit D, and noted how the church faces the Amoco station across the street. O'Sullivan said he could not imagine it as residential property. He believes a church fits in a residential neighborhood. Once that church building is gone, O'Sullivan said the property presents a clean line from the commercial to the residential. He also added that he does not believe other neighboring property owners will in turn ask to be rezoned. Callahan responded that he did not agree. Regarding the B5, Callahan said it was only a suggestion that the B5 be amended. Since the issue is basically the consideration of rezoning for this property to commercial, Callahan said he was inclined to vote in support of it. He asked the other Council Members if the zoning should be studied if businesses in the area desire a change. He noted the lack of results from the last study but felt it was a good time to revisit the issue. Callahan added that if this property's development has an effect, it would behoove the Council to see if a flow can be generated to benefit all. 9