PC minutes 10/26/05

ITEM NO 8: M-2 TO RS-2; 200 BLOCK OF PERRY STREET (SLD)

Z-05-34-05:  A request to rezone a tract of land approximately 1.35 acres from M-2 to RS-2; located on the south side of the 200 block of Perry Street.  Requested by the North Lawrence Neighborhood Association and initiated by the Planning Commission at their July 25, 2005, meeting.

STAFF PRESENTATION

Ms. Day introduced the item, a request initiated by the City at the request of multiple area residents to rezone the subject area to reflect existing residential uses.  She explained the neighborhood request also identified lots in the 300 block and showed the boundary of the request.

Staff received positive responses from most property owners contacted through Neighborhood Association meetings and letters, although some property owners did not respond.  The one opposition was cleared when it was verified that the existing double lot could still be split to redevelop as two individual lots.

It was noted that the existing (residential) uses did not match the current zoning, making the existing homes non-conforming uses.  Residential uses are generally not permitted in industrial zones.

Ms. Day explained the 300 block was not included in tonight’s request because it would create one property as an isolated industrial use, although this was not an unusual juxtaposition in North Lawrence.

It was verified that the north side of the 200 Block of Perry Street was not included in the request because it was already zoned RS-2.

Student Commissioner Wright arrived at 6:45 p.m.

PUBLIC HEARING

Ted Boyle, President of the North Lawrence Improvement Association, said the neighborhood supported the request to apply zoning to reflect and protect existing residential uses and neighborhood character. 

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

The commission had no additional comments or questions about this item.

ACTION TAKEN

Motioned by Haase, seconded by Eichhorn to approve the rezoning of the south side of the 200 Block of Perry Street (Lots 169-176, North Lawrence Addition No. 2) from M-2 to RS-2 and forward it to the City Commission with a recommendation for approval, based on the findings of fact presented in the body of the Staff Report.

          Motion carried unanimously, 8-0, with Student Commissioner Wright voting in favor.