MINUTES

October 11, 2001

6:30 p.m. Council Chambers

Members Present: Mary Templeton, B. Rasmussen, P. Esposito, T. Miller, M. Paparozzi, and K. Martis

Members Absent: J. Lattanzi, R. Hicks, Jr., E. Skriner, and M. Kraley

City Staff: Jim Wood, Planning Director

RZ01-07 / PRO, Inc. / Map Amendment: Request by PRO, Inc. for a zoning map amendment from R-1A, Single-family Residential to R-2, Single-family and two-family Residential District for property located along Waverly Street. Tax Map #20, Parcels #600 &607.1

J. Wood read the staff report. He reminded the Commission that rezoning requests should be evaluated on their land-use merits alone, with the applicant’s intent being irrelevant. He also added that the neighborhood has an even mixture of residential land use types. J. Wood also contended that the Comprehensive Plan calls for the property in question to remain residential and the requested district reasonably mirrors the existing land use pattern in that block.

Discussion ensued on the grandfathered status of the existing duplexes, spot zoning, and land use pattern.

Bill Bjorkman, applicant, presented his request to the Commission. He stated that he has the required area to build two houses, but he would rather build a duplex.

J. Wood stated that if this area were rezoned to R-2, the applicant could build, by right, a duplex on both parcels.

Discussion ensued on resident opposition of the proposal.

J. Wood stated an alternative would be that the applicant could apply for a variance for a zero lot line.

M. Templeton asked for public comment.

Don Trevorrow, 512 Milford Street, spoke in opposition of the request.

Martha Becilla, 833 Price Street, spoke in opposition of the request.

Carol Becilla, 831 Price Street, spoke in opposition of the request.

M. Paparozzi made a motion forward a request of denial to City Council, seconded by T. Miller. Motion approved unanimously.

T. Miller made a suggestion to Mr. Bjorkman to attend the Upper Price Street Owner’s Association and inform the residents of plans to improve the proposed property.

CU01-23 / Scott Davis / Home Occupation: Request by Scott Davis for conditional use approval for home occupation to begin teaching Kung Fu at 1004 Willey Street. Tax Map # 25, Parcel # 177, an R-2, Single-family, Two-family Residential District.

J. Wood read the staff report. He stated that Mr. Davis would like to teach a small Kung Fu class in his rear yard on Sunday evenings between the hours of 7-8 p.m. during the months that weather permits.

Scott Davis, applicant, presented his request to the Commission.

M. Templeton asked for public comment. There was none.

P. Esposito made a motion to forward a recommendation for approval to the Board of Zoning Appeals, seconded by T. Miller. Motion approved unanimously.

S01-11 / Glenmark / Hill’s Building: Request by Glenmark to install three light fixtures to illuminate a sign on the Hill’s building located at 63 Wharf Street. Tax Map #28, Parcel #62, a B-4, General Business District.

J. Wood read the staff report. He stated that the lights are small and intended to illuminate a wall sign, which will be applied for at a later date.

No discussion ensued.

T. Miller made a motion to approve the request, seconded by P. Esposito. Motion approved unanimously.

Julie Cryser, 6 Flagel Street, spoke to the Commission concerning the rezoning of property on Collins Ferry Road. She stated that she should have received a property owner notification because her property is within two hundred (200) feet of the subject property, but did not receive one. J. Wood acknowledged that the department made an error in not notifying Ms. Cryser, and apologized for the mistake. He further stated that new procedures were being enacted to insure that such a thing would not happen again.