05-24-95 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 24, 1995 Fahey noted that function had been defined a long time ago. Pedersen pointed out the Commission is sayinq that that definition is not valid. Just because a dentist's office, for example, is developed on Rice Street, does not necessarily mean that development will upgrade Rice Street. Fahey again stated his feeling that auto body uses belong in the Industrial District. To allow Abra on Rice Street would not be fair to the nine other auto bodies in the City who have located in the Industrial District. Fahey felt there was a need to get businesses other than auto-related on Rice Street. Pedersen stated the Planning Commission is saying a nice-looking Abra building may be more desirable than a plain, dumpy building. That aesthetics are more important than function. Fahey felt property values along Rice Street will dictate the value of the construction that will occur. Scalze pointed out auto body uses are not allowed in the B-3 District. Scalze suggested the Code could be amended to change the design standards for development so that high-quality development would occur. The City Planner felt a workshop between the Council and Planning Commission was needed to discuss these types of issues, rather than just communicating through meeting minutes. Scalze stated it appears the Planning Commission is in favor of amending the Code to allow Abra to develop on Rice Street. The Planner replied that the Abra proposal comes up because it is a concrete example which can be used. Fahey stated he will not change his mind on allowing auto body uses in the B-3 District. Fahey did not believe auto body was a good use in the B-3 and pointed out that this decision was made when the Comp Plan was first adopted. The City Planner explained the Commission's discussion goes beyond Abra and to auto-related uses in general. The Planner pointed out that the Council has suggested no auto-related uses along Rice Street. As a result, 16