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HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Packet 05-03-18MINUTES PRELIMINARY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APRIL 5, 2018 – 7:00 PM – FORMAL MEETING EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Freerks, Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Max Parsons, Mark Signs, Jodie Theobald MEMBERS ABSENT: Carolyn Dyer, STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Bob Miklo, Sarah Walz OTHERS PRESENT: Brian Vogel, Jason Walton, Ross Nusser, Ray Anderson, Laureen Ipsen, Bob Guyer, Marsha Anderson, Nancy Purington, Curt Moore, Sara Barron RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends approval of REZ18-00002 an application submitted by Ross Nusser for a rezoning of approximately 1.89 acres from Planned Development Overlay/High Density Single Family (OPD/RS-12) zone to Low Density Multifamily (RM-12) zone for the property located at 1705 Prairie Du Chien Road with the following conditions: (1) Relocation assistance minimum of $1000 and nine months to find new housing; (2) two story limit on buildings; (3) design review; (4) outdoor amenities and; (5) Cap on three bedroom units of 30%. By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends approval of SUB18-00007 an application submitted by The City of Iowa City for a preliminary plat of Iowa City Industrial Campus, a 173-acre, 3-lot industrial subdivision with 3-outlots located at 420th Street, west of Taft Avenue. CALL TO ORDER: Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. REZONING ITEM (REZ17-00015): Discussion of an application submitted by Cardinal Pointe West, LLC for a rezoning of approximately 7.84 acres from Interim Development Research Development Park (IDRP) zone to Low Density Multifamily (RM-12) zone for the property located west of Camp Cardinal Boulevard and east of Deer Creek Road. Miklo noted the Commission received a revised plan in the packet mailing as well as revised elevation drawings via email. The plan has been modified to increase the setback from Duck Creek Road and Highway 218. The setback was previously 35 feet and it is now 65-67 feet which Planning and Zoning Commission April 5, 2018 Page 2 of 13 makes the closest point from the buildings 230 feet from the edge of the right -of-way of Highway 218. In order to accomplish the greater setback, the applicant has added a floor to each of the two northern buildings. Miklo explained the Zoning Code does allow additional height for greater setback to a point, however this building as proposed would still be 10 feet above what would be allowed by that exception. Therefore the applicant has amended the application to include a Planned Development Overlay, which does allow the City Council, upon the Commission recommendation, to waive dimensional standards including height. Miklo noted the applicant also amended the plan to include four deck areas that are adjacent to the pond on the north side of the property. Larger decks, with the greatest dimension of 40 feet on the two corners and then two smaller decks. Miklo did share with the applicant the Commission concerns regarding more details or amenities for those areas and the applicant then submitted an illustration showing a gazebo-type structure that would be included on the larger decks. Miklo also shared the Commission concerns about the elevation drawings and need to address this development as the first thing one would see when entering Iowa City off Highway 218. Miklo also discussed with the Fire Marshall the possibility of using grass creek or pervious pavers in the areas for fire access only. The Fire Marshall is open to that possibility but would want to see a specific plan showing how it would be engineered to accommodate the load of an emergency vehicle. Miklo also shared with the applicant the idea of prairie plantings in some of the area of the right-of- way. He discussed that with the Public Works Department, and they were receptive of that idea. There was also discussion of the possibility of larger trees at the time of planting being mixed in, not all of them because a smaller tree will grow faster and be healthier for the long term. Finally, as discussed all along, Miklo stated there would be a Conditional Zoning Agreement that would specify use of sound deadening materials (such as laminate windows and masonry construction). Freerks opened the public hearing. Brian Vogel (Hall & Hall Engineers, Inc.) stated that for all the additional requests the Commission asked for during the work session the applicant is willing to make those changes. Freerks said that part of the changes was building design. Vogel said they are willing to make some modifications to the building, they will work with the architect. Perhaps they did not understand the magnitude of design changes the Commission was expecting or requesting. As far as the trees, the applicant is willing to plant larger mature trees, they will do pervious pavers where the fire access locations are, and do the prairie plantings in the right-of-way. Theobald reiterated her concerns from a previous meeting regarding some of the evergreens species that were selected. Vogel replied that the applicant is open to any species that are requested. Freerks noted the Commission is focusing in on this application due to the request for additional height. There is already a waiver and now there is an additional exception of 10 feet of added height beyond the waiver. She added that the new setbacks are further than before, but still not 300 feet from the right-of-way of Highway 218. She noted that a buffer from the highway is in the Comprehensive Plan but not a zoning requirement, however since they are requesting a Planned Development Overlay the 300 foot setback can be required. She feels that this development is trying to push in a density of units into a space not suited for that density. Quoting from the OPD section of the zoning code if waivers are to be granted, there needs to be a facilitation of desired Planning and Zoning Commission April 5, 2018 Page 3 of 13 neighborhood amenities or open space; to preserve or protect natural, historic, or cultural features; to achieve compatibility with surrounding development; or to create a distinctive or innovative neighborhood environment. Those reasons are why the Commission is requesting an improved building design. She noted the problem is when they don’t have anything set regarding design standards, they have seen other cases where overtime design gets watered down and developed and built at a lower standard. Freerks is hesitant about this application without seeing any guarantee. Miklo stated that with a Planned Development Overlay a building plan is approved along with the site plan. Miklo said there is a building plan, but Freerks acknowledged that the Commission doesn’t have the building plan shows the building design elements the Commission has discussed. Vogel stated the building is designed with high standard materials, expensive stone work and other materials, it will be a nice building. With regards to the height, the three-story building will actually look taller than the four story buildings due to landscape elevations. Vogel noted the owner is willing to work with the City on every request, as they have been doing so. Freerks noted the applicant has not given them everything they asked for, commissioners had requested a better building design and have not seen that. Vogel said there needs to be more specifics on what a “better building design” entails. Theobald noted that this current design looks like every other apartment building in town, they are trying to embrace the “distinctive and innovative” key words from the Code. Martin added that this development is along a major highway and an entrance to Iowa City so they are looking for something that makes a positive statement or impact. Hensch acknowledged that the applicant is trying to do everything the Commission is asking, and he feels they are very close but in exchange for the approval of the height variation there are criteria that need to be met. Yes, the building looks like it will be made with quality materials, but the “distinctive and innovative” design is not being shown. Freerks stated that another option is for the applicant to lower the density of the development, then they wouldn’t need the variation on height and the Planned Development Overlay criteria. Vogel noted a frustration because with the first plan there wasn’t the added height, but it was requested to try to get further away from Highway 218. Therefore, they have comeback with a design with the added distance, but to do so they also needed to add height. Hektoen stated there has been an articulated public need to negate the sound and pollution effects of being close to the interstate. The Commission has the right, the power, granted by State law to impose conditions that are in addition to the Zoning Code that are intended to meet those public needs. So even though the 300-foot setback requirement isn’t a Zoning Code requirement, it doesn’t mean it isn’t very important or that there aren’t public needs created by putting a building up this close to the interstate. Vogel stated the applicant understands and agrees that the distance and the need to negate issues is important and that is why they agreed to using the higher end, sound deadening, materials. Miklo asked for a clarification on what materials will be used. Planning and Zoning Commission April 5, 2018 Page 4 of 13 Jason Walton (Walton Builders) stated the building is 2x6 constructed with a masonry product, they will also use a blow-in insulation product that will be of greater sound deafening, the windows are spec’d out for sound mitigation, the same windows that were used in the Hodge building on Rohret Road. The stone is a manufactured stone, there is a building in Coralville constructed of the same product. For the interior, it will contain the sound protection between walls and floors and all the fire code items met. On the exterior there is a vinyl siding on the upper floors and some of the area around the windows is a mason panel. Freerks appreciates this is slowly moving along however wants the applicant to understand what they are trying to achieve here. Walton noted that it is hard to see from architectural drawings, he has built hundreds of houses that all turn out spectacular even if the drawings weren’t. He personally feels this building is designed nicely and they are trying to keep this development in the affordability range, they have already gone above and beyond what they were originally anticipating, they have added additional stonework, beefed up the landscaping significantly, and need to keep some of the budget for other challenges that may arise. He noted this is a challenging site to work on, and they have internally been going back and forth on what design looks better (flat roof versus pitched), etc. Freerks appreciates that and noted that it is not up to the Commission to design the building, which is not their forte. She stated again if they remove some density to the project, all these issues go away. Martin feels they are close and acknowledged the applicant has done some of the things that the Commission has asked. Walton stated that their interest (the applicants) is the same, it is in their interest to have a very nice building so people will want to live there, and he is just struggling with what the Commission wants specifically. Miklo asked the Commission about the apartment building that was recently built on Rohret Road, also adjacent to Highway 218, if they felt that was distinctive. The Commission agreed it is an attractive building. Walton stated that one of the concepts the applicant had considered, was similar to that, but it was changed to have a hipped roof, trying give the buildings more neighborhood feel. Freerks suggested Walton work with staff and they can help guide them in the right direction. Walton noted he would like to keep this moving forward. Signs asked his fellow commissioners if they are down to the design of the building. He wants to give the applicant the right direction since they have asked at the last three meetings for additional things. Parsons agreed he is fine with everything except the design of the building. Freerks agreed. Theobald asked to see more of the detail on landscaping and species of trees. Miklo asked the applicant if they would agree to defer this until the April 19 meeting and Walton agreed. Freerks closed the public hearing. Hensch moved to defer REZ17-00015 until the April 19 meeting. Martin seconded the motion. Planning and Zoning Commission April 5, 2018 Page 5 of 13 A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0. REZONING ITEM (REZ18-00002): Discussion of an application submitted by Ross Nusser for a rezoning of approximately 1.89 acres from Planned Development Overlay/High Density Single Family Residential (OPD/RM-12) zone to Low Density Multifamily Residential (RM-12) zone for the property located at 1705 Prairie Du Chien Road. Walz noted that before the meeting Staff distributed a letter they received from one of the neighbors regarding this development. She stated that the Commission discussed the rezoning two meetings ago and the Commission had requested a couple of things. First requested was a better sense of what was being proposed and then also a baseline for a relocation plan for current residents. Walz reiterated how they got to this point. The North District Plan, when written, contemplated that the current mobile home park might one day go away and there was a desire expressed in the Comprehensive Plan to maintain a diversity of housing so it contemplated a small apartment building would be appropriate at this location, particularly when Foster Road extension was completed. The Comprehensive Plan talks about the Foster Road extension making possible a greater variety and a greater density within the neighborhood. When the Commission reviewed the Foster Road rezoning it was discussed that the models looked at for transportation would provide some cross-connectivity that might alleviate the traffic south of Foster Road on Prairie Du Chien. Therefore, the applicant has proposed a development with a 24-unit apartment building in two parts, with most of the parking underground, they have provided a setback from the adjacent single-family property to the south, with an exterior playground area. It was noted in the neighborhood meetings the desire that this property be somewhere that invited longer-term residents, including families. The other issue Walz noted was the proposal for relocation assistance which the applicant will have to speak to. Freerks asked if there were any waivers or special issues with this application. Walz replied that it is not an Overlay Development Plan like the previous application. Freerks asked if the Commission would see this application again, or if the design would just be approved by Staff. Miklo confirmed that was the case unless the Commission conditioned the approval. Freerks opened the public hearing. Ross Nusser (250 Holiday Road, Coralville) is the applicant and can discuss the relocation plan. They have not worked out all the specific nor been in contact with the residents since the last meeting, they are willing to commit to $1,000 in relocation benefits to each resident who is in the trailer park. They are also willing to offer a minimum of nine months for relocation after the approval of rezoning. With regards to the design, the plan they are showing tonight is just conceptual as there are still discussions with regards to the other parcel and what the City or neighboring residents might want or desire there, perhaps a driveway that connects to Foster Road. He noted that they are trying to appease so many different people so it is not easy. They did review the North Side District Plan Planning and Zoning Commission April 5, 2018 Page 6 of 13 and acknowledged it notes that the area should be reserved for small buildings of multi-family housing to maintain a mix of housing in the area and with the images they are sharing tonight he feels they can achieved that but cannot commit to an exact design at this time. He added they just won’t know exactly what will work best until they get through the zoning process. He reiterated that the first priority is the transition of the current residents and the second priority is how a development will mix with the neighborhood. They are currently showing a two-story building, there is the ability to do a three story building within the zoning they are requesting, but they don’t feel that would fit within the neighborhood. Nusser stated that the images shown of possible buildings were drawn just for the benefit of the Commission, but they do only want to move forward with the best intentions. Nusser will continue to work with City staff on the best solutions for moving forward and will meet any restrictions imposed upon them. Martin asked why this is a work in progress and not a complete design at this time. Nusser said it is a work in progress because at this time they do not have any title or connection to the area that is City of Iowa City right-of-way. One of the biggest questions from Nancy Purington and some of the other neighbors is the connectivity to Foster Road which cannot happen if they do not have title to the connection area. Freerks commented on the conversation about curves and right-of-way and she noted that if the development connects via Foster Road it will be at a curve there too and therefore doesn’t see one option as being better than the other. Nusser noted it is more of an issue that they want to make accommodation for the people who live in the area and the neighbors have indicated their interest is to have the connectivity to Foster Road versus Prairie Du Chien. Nusser personally doesn’t have a preference, but this is out of respect to the neighbors. Freerks understands but feels it would be more difficult of a design to connection via Foster Road. Parsons asked if they anticipate the buildings being mostly one and two-bedroom units. Nusser confirmed that is the intention. Freerks asked about the outdoor amenities. Nusser said they are open to including any required outdoor amenities. Hensch added that if the goal is to have long term tenants in this development then having nice outdoor amenities is necessary, such as play areas for families, etc. Nusser agreed. Hensch also noted his concern with traffic and stated with the new Foster Road, it is hard to anticipate what the traffic will be. Freerks stated with one and two-bedroom units it won’t be a huge increase in traffic to the area. Signs stated that with some of the input from the last meeting and the letters the Commission has received, it seems that if there is a traffic problem it is not relevant to this particular piece, if people are speeding in the area then that needs to be address separately. Ray Anderson (2155 Prairie Du Chien Road) lives north of this area and has another property on 1 Caroline Court which is on the corner of Prairie Du Chien Road and can’t for the life of him see why the City would want to put an apartment complex in that area, it is a big area of single family houses, mostly small ranches with nice yards and feels this will change the whole nature of the property. Anderson states he has lived in the area for 40 years and Prairie Du Chien is a heavily traveled road with lots of traffic from the developments to the north. He is happy that Foster Road is being extended but doesn’t feel an apartment complex is going to do anything at all for the residents of the area. Anderson foresees a lot of traffic safety problems with a development of that Planning and Zoning Commission April 5, 2018 Page 7 of 13 size in the area. He added that the sidewalks on that side of Prairie Du Chien stop right there, before the freeway, and it is dangerous seeing people bicycling and walking there and to expand the number of people in this area is not a good idea. Laureen Ipsen (1710 Prairie Du Chien Road) said her house is directly across the street from the proposed driveway of this development. She said that the statement that the driveway would either spill out on Foster Road on a curve or Prairie Du Chien on a curve is true but the difference is in the width of the roads. She notices now people trying to make a left turn into the trailer park and cars can really get backed up and feels that will only get worse with the addition of Foster Road traffic coming to Prairie Du Chien. She added that Prairie Du Chien is a narrow road already being shared with bicyclists and Foster Road will be two lanes with added bicycle lanes so if this development entrance was off Foster Road it would be easier for people to get around the cars stopped trying to make a left turn into the development. Ipsen has talked with many residents on Prairie Du Chien and they are already having problems backing out of their driveways onto Prairie Du Chien. In this proposed development she counted 72 parking spaces and that puts a lot of pressure on an already narrow, busy street with bicyclists. Ipsen asked if it would be possible to have the design flipped so the driveway goes to Foster Road and the two story bigger building is closer to Prairie Du Chien. Freerks noted what most people want is for these driveways to be further away from major intersections and the City agrees as it is safer. Ipsen understands but stated it puts a lot of pressure on Prairie Du Chien. Miklo said they could look at a scenario where the buildings and driveway are shifted to Foster Road, but that may not be possible with the topography and staff cannot commit to a driveway onto Foster Road. Signs added he heard a willingness from the developer to do this if possible, but right now it is unknown, a lot depends on how Foster Road is developed. Ipsen asked if the units in the development will be apartments or home-owned condominiums. Miklo stated that the City is not able to control that with zoning. Ipsen added that in talking with several other residents there is a concern with the speeding on Prairie Du Chien, it is a problem. She also asked if it is possible to hold off on the development of this application until it is seen what the traffic patterns will be once Foster Road is complete. Freerks stated that is not a fair request to the developer. Currently there are 12 units on this property (mobile homes) and this development will only be adding 12 more units (total of 24 or so apartments). Signs added that there is some urgency for this development because the current owner has concern regarding their sewer collapsing. Ipsen understands and noted she has also lived in trailer parks and understands the concerns. However, she is wondering if a traffic survey can be done she feels it would be beneficial. Bob Guyer (1529 Prairie Du Chien Road) asked if there are plans for a traffic light at the intersection of Foster Road and Prairie Du Chien. Miklo replied there are no plans for a traffic light at this time. Walz added there has to be a certain amount of traffic before a traffic light is warranted but once it reaches that threshold they would contemplate a light. Guyer said having one would help to slow down the traffic on Prairie Du Chien Road and people on Foster Road will have a difficult time getting onto Prairie Du Chien Road, especially during prime times. Freerks acknowledged that a traffic light will likely be in the works at some point. Guyer asked how much traffic is needed to warrant a light and noted that it took 30 years to get one at the corner of Prairie Du Chien and Dodge Street. Walz stated that the traffic model that was looked at with the Planning and Zoning Commission April 5, 2018 Page 8 of 13 extension of Foster Road showed that some traffic would be taken away from Prairie Du Chien. Guyer stated it is difficult getting out of driveways on Prairie Du Chien, it can be dangerous. He has made many complaints to the Police Department. Walz said they can make a request to put the speed trailer sign up and acknowledged it is an area that probably does experience some speeding because of the transition from rural to urban areas. Guyer reiterated his whole complaint is traffic, he understands people are going to build what they are going to build, and adding to the traffic is a concern. Marsha Anderson (1543 Prairie Du Chien Road) stated the area is already a hazard, there are 100’s of bicyclists, pedestrians and children that try to go over the freeway on a path that has no area for pedestrians or bicycles. It is not a safe road and traffic on it should not be increased. There are many types of vehicles on that road, motorcycles, water craft, etc. that all speed and she can hear tires squealing, it is dangerous and they don’t want more traffic there. Nancy Purington (1706 Prairie Du Chien Road) thanked the Commission for allowing her to speak and for reading her letter. When listening to the others from the neighborhood this evening she sees that she is not the only one who has observed and experienced traffic issues, so she is not going to talk about that. She is curious if this is the night where they will vote in changing it from RS-12 to RM-12. Walz explained that the Commission will provide a recommendation to be forwarded to the City Council and the City Council will make the decision. Purington stated that when reading the information in tonight’s agenda packet that dealt with the first applicant, the criteria for review of a Planned Development Overlay (which Freerks noted this current application is not a Planned Development Overlay), and this current application still reflects the conceptual premises used to develop neighborhoods. The density and design of an area will be compatible and/or complimentary to adjacent development in terms of land use, building mass and scale, relative amount of open space, traffic circulation and general layout. The development will not overburden existing streets and utilities, the development will not adversely affect views, light and air, property values and privacy of neighboring properties and the combination of land uses and building types and any variation from the underlying zoning requirements will be in the public interest, in harmony with the purposes and with other building regulations of the City. Purington said these things should be thought of with any consideration of change of zoning. Freerks agreed and noted that the Commission must think of a lot of things. Purington then encourages the Commission to not change the zoning of this area, especially since they have not seen what could be done with the way it is zoned now. Even though it is a humble street, it is very consistent in the architecture, there are under five houses that were there at the early part of the 20th century and for the most part post-WWII mid-century modern little bungalows and changing that area to multi-family dwellings, that are two or three stories, are all things that will not create a welcoming entrance to the city. This is also an entrance to the city, there is a very nice development on the county side and it gets more modest as you enter town. This proposed development is a jarring change, it looks very commercial and this is not a commercial street, and it is all single family dwellings. The question that arose at the neighborhood meeting regarding a space for the people that would live in the development as well as for the neighbors to use is not necessary, all the neighbors have their own yard space. Purington reiterated that this is a jarring disruption visually to have multi-family buildings, especially two stories, everything else in the area is single story. There is an opportunity here to keep one long stretch of homes consistent, which seems to be the goal when looking at changes, to keep things compatible. Purington stated that in the first meeting they had with Nusser he did show little duplexes and the neighbors that were there preferred those, these large buildings were not preferred. It doesn’t fit with the neighborhood at all, on either side of the interstate. Purington is questioning what development could be done in Planning and Zoning Commission April 5, 2018 Page 9 of 13 this area without changing the zoning and keeping it consistent because that is one pleasant quality of that street. It is a calming area that is single-family oriented. This development will disrupt property values, it will change the feel. Curt Moore (3169 Dubuque Street NE) thanked Signs for addressing that this is two separate issues, this tonight is about rezoning, and the street issue is totally separate. He came before the Commission during the discussions of the Foster Road extension and that there would be a development on the corner with potentially a commercial building and another 100 units down the road, no one came and said anything at that discussion, and he was the only one. He can appreciate the issues the residents of Prairie Du Chien may have, he lives on Dubuque Street and he also cannot back out of his driveway, traffic gets backed up from the interstate to his place and he’s a quarter of a mile away, so he understands what road conditions are. Moore reiterated that this is a zoning issue and they are bending over backwards. When Moore was at the first community meeting at the grade school for the Vintage Coops, he probably asked 50% of the questions and there were probably 50 people in the room. Everyone was all for Foster Road extension and one of the issues was what would happen to the trailer court and when could it be gotten rid of. At that meeting it was said that was not the issue of discussion, only to discuss Foster Road. Now it is time to do something about it, it’s time to clean it up, time to make Iowa City better and for the Commission to look at the big picture and this application is part of it. Moore added that they are on a time schedule in terms of the sewer and water, it will not last, and they have a solution for the transition of the current residents. Moore also noted that there are other areas around this development that have been rezoned and could have apartment buildings put on them, this is just in the middle of that, but the rest of the area is not always going to be single family homes. Sara Barron (Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition) wanted to express the Coalition’s support for the continued push for relocation assistance as the City is allowing these redevelopment projects. There was some question on how that was going to come into play and it was great to hear Mr. Nusser address that tonight with the offer of relocation assistance to all the residents. The Coalition stresses the need to prioritize the impact it has on residents that are living in areas that may very well need to be redeveloped, but to keep thinking about the impact it has on those families. Hensch asked Barron how she viewed the proposed relocation proposal offered this evening. Barron said she could not speak for the residents and cannot offer a specific dollar amount but does think there are some good resources that show costs associated with relocations and if the $1000 proposed will be sufficient. She added that the yearlong period is more generous than what is normally required for relocation projects. Freerks asked what the amount was that the City Council agreed upon for the relocation of residents displaced from Dolphin Pointe. Hektoen thought $500, noting there were a couple different pots of money that were available to those residents. Laureen Ipsen (1710 Prairie Du Chien Road) noted she did get sidetracked with the traffic issues and did want to say before they change the zoning if they could see if there is an option to keep it the same zoning and what would the builders have options to do. Freerks stated that the Commission cannot require that, there is a cost involved in all these things and to ask a developer to show options for things other than what they are requesting would be a burden and something the City does not require. Freerks said someone from the City probably could say how many units could be on this property if the zoning stayed the same. Walz said Planning and Zoning Commission April 5, 2018 Page 10 of 13 townhomes could probably be done with the current zoning, likely a dozen to 18 townhomes, but it would have to be laid out with driveways, etc., to be exact. Miklo added that the Comprehensive Plan specifically shows this area as low density multi-family versus high-density single family. Walz added at the intersection of two major streets it is not unusual to see low density multi-family. The other goal with this particular property was the idea if the trailer court went away to replace it with something that diversified it and gave opportunity for housing that might tend to be more affordable. Ipsen understands what they are saying but still feels the density will change the dynamic of Prairie Du Chien and it may not be as inviting looking depending upon how it is built, it will affect the single family dwellings in the area. She suggests leaving the zoning as is and see what a townhouse concept would look like. Bob Guyer (1529 Prairie Du Chien Road) asked if Planning and Zoning has any input or power as far as relocation benefits to the people. Freerks stated it was something the Commission talked about recently. Hektoen stated the State Code allows the City Council, and Planning and Zoning advises City Council, to impose conditions on an owner of a property that are in addition to the zoning code requirement. The conditions must meet public needs that are identified as a result of the rezoning request. In this case there is a public need because people will be displaced by this zoning and imposing a condition can mitigate the impact on the displaced persons. Guyer acknowledged then that the Commission has input. Freerks confirmed they can make a recommendation to City Council and City Council has already put a stipulation that if there are 12 or more that are being displaced relocation assistance must be included. In this case it is 9 or so, therefore under the required number, however there are other issues in this case such as low income, difficulty in moving the trailers, some are owner-occupied, some are rentals, and there are many concerns. Guyer stated that the $1000 proposed for each family would not go very far toward moving is expensive. Nancy Purington (1706 Prairie Du Chien Road) acknowledged that where Foster Road connects to Prairie Du Chien it will make a corner but surrounding that whole area are single family dwellings. Up the street there is a trailer court that will be reversed back to four single family lots once any change happens and that will be consistent with the neighborhood. When Purington called the City to ask about that several months ago they said it would have to be four single family lots and the dwellings would have to be consistent with the architecture on the street. Purington questions how this area is any different. Freerks reiterated that this area in the Comprehensive Plan was specified for low density multi- family so that is what the applicant is asking for. The Comprehensive Plan was discussed publicly at one time. Walz added when Foster Road is constructed there will be that remnant piece land that is left over that is not developable on its own and therefore this application property becomes the defacto corner lot. In the case of the other trailer court, it is in the middle of a neighborhood, surrounded on all sides. Miklo added that the Zoning Code does not require single family houses to be compatible or in character with the others in the neighborhood. That would only be required if it were in a historic preservation overlay. Purington said is seems strange the City would encourage dissentient in design and not harmony. Regardless the rest of the street is always going to be single family residents and will not change. Foster Road is different, it will be a different type of street, and there is an opportunity to put in a bunch of different things at once. This will disrupt the entrance to the city and the harmony of the Planning and Zoning Commission April 5, 2018 Page 11 of 13 neighborhood. Signs stated he feels Purington is driving on a different Prairie Du Chien then he drives on because as he drives on Prairie Du Chien from Dodge Street north, consistency is not a word that would come to his mind. There is a wide variety of housing styles and lot sizes. Purington disagreed. Parsons asked to see the map of all the zonings in that area. He noted there is already RS-12 south of the application property. Miklo said the area is RS-12, the City recently approved a planned development to allow multi-family attached units in the RS-12 zone for the Vintage Co-op and adjacent properties. This application would change from RS-12 to RM-12. Freerks closed the public hearing. Hensch moved to approve REZ18-00002 an application submitted by Ross Nusser for a rezoning of approximately 1.89 acres from Planned Development Overlay/High Density Single Family (OPD/RS-12) zone to Low Density Multifamily (RM-12) zone for the property located at 1705 Prairie Du Chien Road with the following conditions: 1. Relocation assistance minimum of $1000 and nine months to find new housing. 2. Two story height limit on buildings. 3. Design review being required. 4. Outdoor amenities. 5. Cap on three-bedroom units of 30%. Parsons seconded the motion. Hensch noted that the request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, he is sensitive to traffic issues, but that is a separate issue that needs to be addressed separately. He added he is pleased with the applicant’s offer for relocation assistance. Yes $1000 isn’t a lot anymore, but it is enough for a rental deposit. With regards to the conditions, Freerks would like to discuss outside amenities and to make sure they are only one or two-bedroom units, no larger. Signs noted that when discussing outside amenities they discussed playground area for children but typically when thinking of one or two-bedroom units you don’t think families. Miklo suggested that if a goal is to attract some families to this area, in other areas of the Code there is a restriction to 30% of three-bedroom units, so they may want to provide that flexibility. Signs feels that would add to neighborhood stability and less turnover in leases. The Commission agreed to add a condition of a limit of three-bedroom units to 30%. Freerks noted in the design review stage she likes to see the larger green space areas rather than multiple smaller green spaces hidden amongst parking spaces. Signs understands the neighborhoods passion for their area. He just sees the speeding on the street and traffic as a separate issue, but the neighborhood has every right to be concerned about it. At this point no one really knows what the Foster Road connection will do to the traffic in that area, and the neighborhood will have to be vigilant about that and come to the City with concerns. It just isn’t relevant to for this development going from 12 units to potentially 24. He reiterated the public comment about no one being present to comment on the huge multi-family development proposed along Foster Road which may impact the traffic way more than this little piece will. Signs also likes the design of this proposal because it puts the smaller building facing Prairie Du Chien Planning and Zoning Commission April 5, 2018 Page 12 of 13 and puts the big building behind with a frontage on Foster Road and that helps maintain the character of smaller structures along Prairie Du Chien. Freerks agrees and likes the current layout and the distance of the bigger building from Foster Road will help minimize its size. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0. SUBDIVISION ITEM (SUB18-00007): Discussion of an application submitted by The City of Iowa City for a preliminary plat of Iowa City Industrial Campus, a 173-acre, 3-lot industrial subdivision with 3-outlots located at 420th Street, west of Taft Avenue. Miklo stated the annexation and rezoning of this property was approved a number of years ago. A preliminary plat was also approved at that time. However, preliminary plats are valid for two years so the plat has expired and the City is now seeking reapproval of basically the same design with a couple of changes. The original design had the area south of 420th Street broken into smaller lots and they are now proposing to leave that as one outlot for future development so it would come back before the Commission if it were to be subdivided. The plan also has an outlot that covers the wetland area. There would be three industrial lots for development with access to 420th Street. Freerks opened the public hearing. Seeing no one Freerks closed the public hearing. Signs moved to approve SUB18-00007 an application submitted by The City of Iowa City for a preliminary plat of Iowa City Industrial Campus, a 173-acre, 3-lot industrial subdivision with 3-outlots located at 420th Street, west of Taft Avenue. Theobald seconded the motion. Hensch asked if the one outlot was wetlands because of the topography. Miklo believes it is due to the topography but also a drainage way that runs through that area. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0. Adjournment: Hensch moved to adjourn. Parsons seconded. A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2017 - 2018 8/3 8/17 9/7 9/21 10/5 10/19 11/2 12/7 12/21 1/4 1/18 2/15 3/1 (W.S) 3/12 3/15 (W.S.) 4/2 4/5 DYER, CAROLYN X X X X X X O/E X X X X X X X O/E X O/E FREERKS, ANN X O/E X X X X X O/E X X O/E X X X X X X HENSCH, MIKE X X X X X X X X X X X X X O/E O/E X X MARTIN, PHOEBE X X X X X X X X O/E O/E X X X O/E X X X PARSONS, MAX X X O/E X X X X X X X X O/E X X X X X SIGNS, MARK X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X THEOBALD, JODIE O/E X X X X X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused --- = Not a Member