RESOLUTION
#97, SERIES OF 2007 – Property Acquisition BMC West
ORDINANCE
#50, SERIES OF 2007 – Code Amendment Historic Lot Splits
ORDINANCE
#51, SERIES OF 2007 – Historic Designation 28 Smuggler Grove
ORDINANCE
#52, SERIES OF 2007 – Fees for 2008
ORDINANCE
#53, series of 2007 – Amending Liquor Code Server Education
ORDINANCE
#54, SERIES OF 2007 – Supplemental Appropriations
ORDINANCE
#42, SERIES OF 2007 – 208 E. Hallam Establishing 5 TDRs
RESOLUTION
#93, SERIES OF 2007 – 2008 Mill levy
RESOLUTION
#94, SERIES OF 2007 - Adoption of 2008 Budget
ORDINANCE
#29, SERIES OF 2007 – 307 S. Spring Subdivision
Mayor
1. Toni Kronberg requested Resolution #97, Contract to Purchase BMC West, be pulled from the consent calendar. Ms. Kronberg told Council she has been asked by people to work as a lobbyist in front of Council. Ms. Kronberg said she will disclose that when speaking before Council. Ms. Kronberg noted there is an advisory committee meeting December 4th at 2 p.m. at the ARC. Ms. Kronberg said there should be clarity about the direction for the outdoor swimming pool.
2. Bill Wiener
said acquiring the BMC parcel for affordable housing is great; he is an
advocate for affordable housing. Wiener
said he has problems with using sites for affordable housing that are open
space. Wiener said he would like Council
to adopt a statement that no employee housing will be built within the city on property
previously used for civic purposes.
Mayor
3. Tom Kirk said he would like Council to develop incentive for property owners rather than restrictions.
4. Marilyn
Marks asked the procedure regarding Ordinance #48 and whether public comment
will be taken. Mayor
1. Councilman DeVilbiss said he would like Ordinance #48 continued as he has requested additional material from staff. Councilman DeVilbiss also requested 307 S. Spring be heard last as he is recused from that item.
Councilman DeVilbiss moved to continue Ordinance #48, Series of 2007, to December 10th and to continue the public hearing; seconded by Councilman Johnson.
Councilman Skadron asked what information Councilman DeVilbiss is asking for and how will that information be used by Council. Councilman Skadron said he wants this process to keep moving. Councilman DeVilbiss said he asked for a complete statement why each of the properties on the list is on the list, whether it is because of the architecture, the architect, the fact that some person of note had lived in the property, the site is of significance; whatever is deemed to have caused the property to be placed on the list. Councilman DeVilbiss said he would like to know who nominated the properties on placed them on the list. Councilman DeVilbiss said when Council votes on that list, they are endorsing that list; Councilman DeVilbiss said he would like to know more about a list before he endorses it.
Councilman Romero said the fact that there will be
information on who did the criteria on producing the list does not change the core
direction. Councilman Romero states he
favors repealing Ordinance #48 and going back to the code in 2002 with a set of
conditions. Mayor
All in favor with the exception of Councilman Romero, motion carried.
Councilman Johnson moved to hear Ordinance #29, 308 S. Spring last on the agenda; seconded by Councilman Romero. All in favor, Councilman DeVilbiss abstained, motion carried.
2. Councilman
Skadron thanked the Aspen Skiing Company for the work done to get
3. Mayor
Ireland said he did not attend the EOTC meeting where subsidizing the bus from
4. Mayor
Ireland reiterated his plea for housing.
Mayor
5. Mayor
Ireland said 3 of Council have grown moustaches for Movember, which is to raise
awareness about prostrate cancer. Mayor
6. Mayor Ireland urged bicyclist, skiers, skateboarders, snowboarders to wear helmets. It can save lives.
Bentley Henderson, assistant city manager, told Council the
city was approached by BMC Holdings when they decided to dispose of their
property. The city entered into
negotiations and has signed a contract to purchase this property for affordable
housing.
Councilman Romero asked if staff has met with other property
owners in the area.
John McBride said he has problems with this proposal. McBride said it is a mistake to move the lumber company. McBride said it is not possible to do what the city wants to do under the protective covenants. McBride told Council he has tried to establish a 1:1 ratio between businesses and living spaces, which is what exists at the ABC currently. McBride said the city proposal is too dense. McBride said this price is 3 times higher than anything currently at the business center. McBride said it is not wise the get affordable housing by sacrificing a long term locally serving business.
Ron Erickson, housing board, told Council he is not speaking for the board, and he is 100% in favor of this project. Diana Serko, superintendent of schools, told Council she appreciates the opportunity to partner with the city. Ms. Serko said one of the most important components of a high quality community is a high quality educational system, which necessitates high quality staff. Ms. Serko said the school district is getting close to having no housing for staff.
Bill Wiener stated he is totally in favor of affordable
housing; however, he has problems when city open space is used for affordable
housing. Wiener said he does not want to
see the parking lot north of the Community Banks used for affordable housing. Mayor
Mayor
Councilman Johnson moved to adopt Resolution #97, Series of 2007; seconded by Councilman DeVilbiss.
Mayor
All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Romero moved to adopt the consent calendar; seconded by Councilman DeVilbiss. The consent calendar is:
Resolution
#96, 2007 –
Minutes – November 12, 2007
All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman DeVilbiss moved to read Ordinance #50, Series of 2007; seconded by Councilman Johnson. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE N0. 50
(Series of 2007)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
Councilman DeVilbiss moved to adopt Ordinance #50, Series of
2007, on first reading; seconded by Councilman Johnson. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Romero, yes; Johnson,
yes; Skadron, yes; DeVilbiss, yes; Mayor
Councilman Johnson moved to read Ordinance #51, Series of 2007; seconded by Councilman Skadron. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 51
(SERIES OF 2007)
AN
ORDINANCE OF THE ASPEN CITY COUNCIL APPROVING DESIGNATION Of THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 28 SMUGGLER GROVE ROAD, LOT 2, OF THE JUKATI SUBDIVISION, CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO TO THE ASPEN INVENTORY OF HISTORIC LANDMARK SITES AND STRUCTURES
Councilman Johnson moved to adopt ordinance #51, Series of
2007, on first reading; seconded by Councilman DeVilbiss. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Johnson, yes; Romero, yes; Skadron, yes;
DeVilbiss, yes; Mayor
Councilman Johnson moved to read Ordinance #52, Series of 2007; seconded by Councilman Skadron. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 52
Series of 2007
AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
Councilman
DeVilbiss said for second reading he would like a definition of who qualifies
for senior admissions. Councilman
DeVilbiss asked if the recreation fees refers to fees at the
Councilman
Skadron asked how the rates are arrived at.
Councilman
Johnson moved to adopt Ordinance #52, Series of 2007, on first reading;
seconded by Councilman Romero. Roll call
vote; Councilmembers DeVilbiss, yes;
Skadron, yes; Johnson, yes; Romero, yes; Mayor
Councilman Romero moved to read ordinance #53, Series of 2007; seconded by Councilman Johnson. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #53
Series of 2007
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN AMENDING SECTION 5.08.080 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCLUDE TRAINING OF DOORMEN AND BOUNCERS AS A REQUIREMENT OF HOLDING A LIQUOR LICENSE IN THE CITY OF ASPEN
Councilman DeVilbiss moved to adopt Ordinance #53, Series of
2007, on first reading; seconded by Councilman Skadron. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Romero, yes; Skadron, yes; DeVilbiss, yes;
Johnson, yes; Mayor
Councilman DeVilbiss moved to read Ordinance #54, Series of 2007; seconded by Councilman Romero. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO 54
(Series of 2007)
AN
ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING AN INCREASE IN THE ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN FUND
EXPENDITURES OF $38,500, AN INCREASE IN THE GENERAL FUND OF $439,150, AND AN INCREASE
IN THE GOLF FUND OF $52,090.
Paul Menter, finance department, told Council this ordinance will be amended before second reading to add budget authority to purchase the BMC West property.
Councilman DeVilbiss moved to adopt Ordinance #54, Series of
2007, on first reading; seconded by Councilman Skadron. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Skadron, yes;
Romero, yes; Johnson, yes; DeVilbiss, yes; Mayor
Ms. Adams said this request is for 5 TDRs of 250 square feet
each, a total of 1250 square feet of development being removed from this property. Ms. Adams told Council HPC granted a 120
square foot bonus out of a possible 500 square foot bonus to the barn for the
conversion of the garage to living space.
Ms. Adams said this is all interior; there are no exterior changes. The 500 square foot bonus is another benefit
available to historic properties. HPC
found 120 square feet of the bonus would be permitted on this property. The applicant has volunteered to forego the
remaining 380 square feet of the bonus, contingent on the severing of the 5
TDRs. Ms. Adams noted the review
criteria analyzed the built development versus the maximum allowable floor area
to determine what nbuilt development rights could be established. Ms. Adams said the criteria are met and the
goals of the TDR program to remove development pressure from historic resources
and to provide a financial incentive to property owners are met. Mayor
Mitch Haas, representing the applicant, said this program provides a viable release valve for historic properties. Haas told Council this program was developed in 2003 pursuant to the historic preservation and design quality section of the AACP. The AACP states that this is to encourage the preservation of historic properties by permitting those property owners to sever and convey, as a separate development right, undeveloped floor area to be developed on a different, non-historic property in the city. Haas said this is only the third application to apply for TDRs. Haas reiterated approval of this removes 1,250 square feet of floor area of development from this landmark site. This will also remove 380 square feet of floor area bonuses on this property and leaves the remaining build out on this parcel at 17 square feet.
Councilman Skadron asked if one of these TDRs equates to 147 square feet rather than 250 square feet. Haas said if the 5th TDR, which is converting existing space in the garage to living space, is not created, it leaves a potential of another 147 square feet of addition, which is significant on this parcel. Haas said the goal was to leave only 17 square feet of development left on this parcel.
Mayor
Toni Kronberg applauded the developer for being willing to preserve the historic character of the community. Bill Wiener brought up a point of privilege. Wiener said he developed a compromise for the historic preservation ordinance, which he presented to Council. Mike Maple also requested a point of privilege and presented an alternative historic preservation ordinance to Council.
Mayor
Councilman Johnson moved to adopt Ordinance #42, Series of 2008, on second reading; seconded by Councilman Romero.
Councilman Romero said he would like to see this tool used
to a greater extent throughout the community.
It serves as an incentive to support historic preservation. Mayor
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Johnson, yes; Romero, yes;
DeVilbiss, yes; Skadron, yes; Mayor
Mayor
Paul Menter, finance director, proposed a temporary tax credit against the voter approved mill levy rate of 5.41 mills; the temporary tax credit will be .481 mills which creates a net property tax mill levy rate of 4.929 mills. This mill levy rate will generate $6,066,183 in property tax revenue in 2008. This revenue is divided into $4,681,332 for the city’s general government operations and general fund asset management plan ˝ and ˝. The $1,384,852 can only be used for the 4 projects approved by the voters. Over the 5 year TABOR exemption period 2006 to 2010, it will allow the city to collect an estimated $5,054,000 in excess property tax revenue above the TABOR limit. Menter noted this is approximately $1,950,000 more than was originally estimated at the 2005 ballot approved by voters.
Menter said staff estimated the city would need $3.1 million
to complete the 4 projects – Jenny Adair, swimming pool, buses and the
Menter noted an alternative mill levy credit of .611 mills,
slightly higher credit, which is designed to provide sufficient funding to
complete the originally anticipated scope of the 4 project approved in
2005. This would generate $4,530,000 in
revenue over the 5 years. This would
allow the city to complete the actual cost of Jenny Adair, $600,000 in hybrid
buses,
Mayor
Bill Dinsmoor said commercial properties pay 4 times what
the residential properties pay. Dinsmoor
said most lessees have triple net leases and all taxes are passed through from
the property owners to tenants. Business
people are picking up an inordinate amount of property taxes. Dinsmoor said .611 mills will give the city a
large amount of revenue. Dinsmoor
encouraged Council to be very conservative.
Mayor
Mike Maple said the .65 mill increase was proposed only a few months ago and a .61 credit still nets a higher tax rate than in that past decade. Maple said the total tax collection will increase by more in a single year than the past 7 years put together. Maple agreed the city should move forward with the voter approved projects. Maple said this would be a large jump in revenue and suggested a larger credit.
Sue Smedsted, ARC advisory board, said the ARC advisory board supports staff’s recommendation and believes the 5.41 mill levy should be maintained with a credit and to maintain full funding of the voter approved projects. Toni Kronberg said she has been asking for funding for an outside swimming pool for the past 17 years. Ms. Kronberg said she would like the Council to insure there is enough money to finish the pool project.
Rachel Richards said over the past the city has looked at community and capital needs. One of the results was the purchase of the Red Brick. There was an investment in the ice garden and the hockey program. Ms. Richards said the city is in a good financial state because of past choices. Ms. Richards said the pool and ARC has been a great investment for kids, tourist and locals. Ms. Richards said there are many second homeowners whose only contribution to the community is their property taxes.
Mayor
Mayor Ireland said he would like to approve the mill levy
with a credit of .611 to generate $4,530,000 over the course of the TABOR
exemption to fund the approved projects and to direct the staff to bring this
back in one year to make whatever adjustments are needed. Mayor
Mayor
Mayor Ireland moved that Council adopt Resolution #93 with a credit of .611 mills and to come back next year to review the mill levy to keep on course to raise the money necessary to do the TABOR excess approved projects and to include the mill levy approved by the voters for storm water; seconded by Councilman Johnson.
Councilman Johnson said the voters approved anti-tax
measures in
Councilman DeVilbiss said once a community lowers the mill
levy, they cannot raise it without voter approval. Councilman DeVilbiss said he is satisfied
with the .611 mill credit. Councilman
DeVilbiss said he would like to lower taxes more but this seems to be a good
compromise. Councilman Skadron said he
is basing his decision on fairness and adequacy. People are willing to pay taxes as long as
the money is spent wisely, which this proposal seems to do. Mayor
All in favor, motion carried.
Paul Menter, finance director, noted the proposed 2008 budget is $104,744,905 which contains 3 pieces; the operational budget of $47,389,360, a 12% increase over 2007 budget; the capital budget of $31,316,480 and the debt service of $5,680,305 on outstanding bond and certificate of participation issues.
Mayor
Toni Kronberg asked Council to keep a place holder in the
budget for pedestrian bridge across highway 82 at Buttermilk and ABC. Ms. Kronberg said if there is not enough
money to finish off the voter approved projects, will the money come out of
other city funds. Mayor
Mayor
Councilman Johnson moved to adopt Resolution #94, Series of 2007, adopting the 2008 budget; seconded by Councilman Skadron. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Johnson moved to continue Resolutions #98 and 99, Series of 2007, to December 3, 2007; seconded by Councilman DeVilbiss. All in favor, Councilman Romero abstained. Motion carried.
Councilman Romero moved to suspend the rules and extend the meeting to 10 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Johnson. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilmembers DeVilbiss and Skadron were recused due to conflict of interest.
Jessica Garrow, community development department, the applicant is requesting subdivision approval. Staff recommends approval of this request. The proposed redevelopment is of a 18,000 square foot lot in the C-1 zone. The lot currently houses a vacant parking lot and the Wienerstube and bike shop building. The new development would include 17,781 square feet of net leaseable; 12 affordable housing units divided among categories 2, 3, and 4, and 6 free market residential units. Ms. Garrow said there is a 47 space subgrade parking garage.
Ms. Garrow said this application was originally accepted in 2006 before the land use moratorium; the application is not subject to code amendments arising out of the moratorium. When the application was made there were insufficient growth management allotments for the free market units. The applicant came in requesting exceptional project to allow allotments from the 2007 allotment pool. This project received approval from P&Z in November 2006; received growth management allotments for the commercial space, affordable housing units and 5 of the 6 free market units from P&Z in November 2006.
Council reviewed this project in January and February 2007 to receive exceptional project designation. During 2007, the 2007 residential units were added to the pool. The applicant amended their application to receive the 1 free market until through the P&Z process rather than through exceptional project criteria requiring Council approval. The project went back to P&Z, and they granted the allotment. Ms. Garrow said staff and P&Z recommend approval of the project. Staff finds the proposal meets all the subdivision review criteria and has received all growth management allotments necessary for redevelopment. All affordable housing requirements are met on site; the applicant exceeds what is required by the land use code. Ms. Garrow told Council the land is suitable for subdivision and development; there is sufficient infrastructure in this area and no inefficiencies are created by this development.
Ms. Garrow said the subdivision is consistent with other land uses existing in the area and development on this parcel will not adversely effect future development in the surrounding areas. Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the Aspen Area Community Plan. The project insures economic sustainability by providing spaces in the new building for the Wienerstube and bike shop as well as alley retail which will generate lower rents than a store fronting on the street. This is located within walking distance to the transit station as well as commercial and office uses. This proposal will exceed the 2006 IECC energy requirements by 50%. This is a high quality of design meeting the new commercial design standards, even though that is not required.
Ms. Garrow told Council there are two requirements for affordable housing; one for commercial and one for free market residential. In a mixed use project, one is able to use the same affordable housing mitigation to meet both of the requirement. Ms. Garrow pointed out net livable equal to 30% of the new free market net livable mitigation is required. The project provides affordable housing equal to just over 100% of the free market net livable. The code states affordable housing equal to 60% of the new employees generated must be provided through mitigation. In this redevelopment plan, the required mitigation is 25.6 employees; the on-site mitigation is 27 employees. This project exceeds the affordable housing in both circumstances.
Ms. Garrow presented the sketch up computer modeling that staff has been working on to show the commercial core. The proposed building has been placed into the computer model to illustrate how the building fits into the area.
Jim True, special counsel, reminded Council ordinance adoption requires 3 affirmative votes. Councilman Romero asked how much square footage of alley commercial will be available. Stan Clauson, representing the applicants, told Council there is about 2025 square feet that can be accessed from the alley and from the midblock passage. Ms. Garrow noted the code allows a project to mitigate for the use that generates the largest mitigation requirement.
Mayor
Ms. Garrow said there are 12 affordable housing units
divided between categories 2, 3, and 4.
The owner will have purchase rights on 3 of the units. If the owner units are not sold, they will
revert to the housing office for resale.
The housing office has recommended if these three category 2 units do
not sell within 6 months, they can be used by the housing office. Mayor
Mayor
Ms. Garrow showed the Wienerstube building from the different directions. Clauson pointed out the variation in the roof lines with step backs from the street elevation and in the overall height. Clauson noted the midblock passage, the building from Spring street with the recess to be used as outdoor dining for the Wienerstube; the view from the alley and the affordable housing units, and their balconies; the garage entrance.
Clauson showed the pedestrian access to the alley commercial which would be more affordable and smaller units. The Hyman elevation shows the variation in rooflines and setbacks as well as that the 30 and 60 foot modules have been maintained. Clauson noted the proposal has 3 category 2 units; the 6 free market units are in 12,758 square feet versus an allowable 18,000 square feet. The overall floor area of 49,376 square feet is less than the allowable floor area of 54,000 square feet. This building does not require any variances. The 12 affordable housing units are provided on site.
Andy Wisnowski, architect, told Council they will hire
consultants to model the building to establish the energy baseline. The architects will have to implement
strategies to take the energy savings beyond 50%. The modeling will establish if they are
meeting that goal. Wisnowski said the
owners will monitor the building to check the reality of the 50% less energy
used. Mayor
Councilman Johnson said he thought the applicants stated they would review and conform to the new design guidelines, even though it was not required. Clauson said the stipulated they would try and follow them and believe the project does conform. Councilman Johnson asked if any parking will be dedicated to the free market and affordable units. Clauson said one space/unit will be allowed for both free market and for affordable housing. Councilman Johnson asked if there is any evidence that alley spaces leads to lower rent. Bendon told Council staff is working on alley retail and each space and circumstances are different.
Councilman Romero asked what percentage of the overall commercial square footage would be the alley-way commercial space. Wisnowski said it is around 10 to 15%. Councilman Romero noted there is commercial space on the second floor, which may be office space. Councilman Johnson noted this application is no longer being reviewed under exceptional criteria; however, the applicants have stated they will abide by everything they have agreed to under that criteria.
Mayor
Charles Cunniffe, property owner across the street, stated
this building is not sensitive to the context of its neighbors; to the low
lying buildings around it. Cunniffe said
exceptional buildings should fit and be sensitive to the neighbors. Cunniffe noted the buildings on the north
side of Hyman are proposed to be designated historic and will not have the
freedom to add stories. Cunniffe said
buildings on the south side of the street should have to be set back. This is the C-1 district, not commercial core
zone. Cunniffe said projects should respect solar access and adjacent
buildings. Christina Crandall,
Jeff Halverty said the applicant has proposed a well designed, fully integrated mixed use building with commercial, affordable housing, free market and parking. The design conforms to the AACP and design guidelines. The building is modulated. The applicants have a commitment from the Wienerstube. Halverty said he has not seen a project with 12 affordable housing units as part of its program in the downtown.
Councilman Johnson moved to suspend the rules and extend the
meeting to 10:30 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Romero. Councilmembers Johnson and Romero in favor;
Mayor
Steve Marcus, applicant, said this will have 12 affordable housing, 40 parking spaces, which will be a benefit to the community. Marcus said commercial space, office space and parking is needed in the community. Marcus reiterated they are not asking for any variations; they have mitigated for everything in the code. Toni Kronberg said the public notice is supposed to remain until the public hearing. The notice has not been on the building for several months. Ms. Kronberg said Council has discretion about mass, scale and height in the purpose section of the subdivision. Ms. Kronberg said the C-1 zone is a transition between the commercial core and residential. Ms. Kronberg said this building is out of scale and character for this area.
Mayor
Mayor
Clauson told Council this application was submitted in April of 2006. Clauson pointed out the highest elements of the building are 42’ and there is only one section of a 30’ module that attains that height at street front. The rest of the building is stepped back. Clauson noted until infill coder amendments, there were no requirements for redevelopment that included affordable housing. The impetus behind infill was to try and get developers to provide housing in the downtown area. Clauson said for the affordable housing calculations, the amount of commercial space would generate 11 affordable housing unit and using 30% for the free market space would generate 5 units for a total of 16 units. Under the current code, only the larger of the two needs to be mitigated. If this were additive, it would be 16 units and 12 are being provided. Clauson said the ceilings in the affordable units are 8’ ceilings; all units have balconies and views to the south.
Mayor
Councilman Romero moved to adopt Ordinance #29, Series of 2007, on second reading conditioned on getting an assurance enforceable by the city to guarantee that the Wienerstube will have reasonable access to renting that space for a period of 10 years and that the Council will have assurance from the chief building official that the energy goal represented by the applicants will be enforceable and Council will have the ability to mandate changes to make it comply should it fail to meet the goal as set forth in the ordinance, and that the alley spaces be no larger than 500 square feet each; seconded by Mayor Ireland.
Councilman Romero said the alley space size is to achieve affordable
businesses. Mayor
Councilman Romero said an application has a certain level of reliance; the city has an extensive land use code. Councilman Romero said to try and correct what Council may feel are mistakes in that land use code through a particular application seems to be unfair and out of balance. Councilman Romero said there are components of the application he can support, the alleyway commercial; the affordable housing of 12 units in the downtown core. Councilman Romero asked if the applicants would consider using the basement more for commercial or commercial accessory rather than parking. Clauson said that change would add to the commercial net leasable and require additional housing mitigation. Also the spaces are needed for parking, which does not lend itself to pedestrian circulation. Councilman Romero asked if there is extra parking. Clauson said they have fully met the parking requirements for both housing and commercial.
Councilman Romero said he would like to get more affordable commercial space. Councilman Romero said there is a disconnect between the intended uses, the intensity of those uses, the need for housing, the need for additional attainable commercial and the need for the project to be viable for the applicants. Councilman Romero said he would like this design puzzle reworked to find a solution for everyone. Clauson said this application has been reworked several times. The issue of bringing people subgrade and providing light and egress is difficult.
Councilman Johnson said he has interpreted this project
under the land use code for the last 18 months.
Councilman Johnson pointed out no building on this block or in town is
being historically designated; they are being reviewed for potential historic
designation. Councilman Johnson noted
the new guidelines require when a development is within 28’ of a historic
resource, the new development be stepped down.
This application would not come under that because the street is 75’
wide. Councilman Johnson said one of the
significant architectural features of the
Councilman Johnson noted this application is the only infill project Council has seen that comes anywhere near providing affordable housing. This makes a 1:1 relationship between the free market and affordable housing square footage and is the exception to what has been seen by Council. Councilman Johnson stated he still find this to be an exceptional project from the standpoint of the relationship of the affordable housing and the free market square footage. The adherence to the new guidelines has been good, especially the differing roof lines, setback and midblock cuts. Councilman Johnson said he feels with the building department, the energy audit can be taken care of. Councilman Johnson said he does not see how the city can meet the goals of more affordable housing and more affordable commercial space without larger buildings.
Councilman Johnson stated there are troubling aspect to the
project, like getting assurance there will be affordable commercial space and
how will that be verified. Councilman
Johnson said he is concerned about this building is not on the potentially
historic building when the buildings across the street are on that list. Councilman Johnson said he would like to
continue this application until he can see a view study from the
Mayor
Councilman Romero moved to continue Ordinance #29, Series of 2007, to December 3, 2007; seconded by Councilman Johnson. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilman Romero moved to adjourn at 11:15 p.m.; seconded
by Mayor
Kathryn S. Koch, City Clerk