09-26-2001 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 13, 2001 REZONING — 3203 COUNTRY DRIVE — CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH High Density Residential (R -3) to accommodate the development of a 44- unit senior citizen multi- family housing project on Rice/Park street property as proposed by Montanari Homes. Motion seconded by Roycraft. Motion carried 5 — 0. Dick Daniels, Pastor of Christ Community Church, appeared before the Commission requesting approval of a Rezoning of 3203 Country Drive from Business - Warehousing (B -W) to Public (P) to allow for the use of this property as a church. Paul Schrader, a landscape architect for URS Corporation and member of Christ Community Church, reported that he has had experience with mixed -use developments. Schrader felt locating a church at this site and having a diversity of uses would be beneficial to the area. He further reported that the Church needs visibility and wants to grow, therefore, this would be a good location for them. Schrader pointed out that traffic flow to and from the Church would occur during non -peak hours. As a result, having the Church rather than a business in this location would actually improve the traffic situation for the area. Schrader reported that there are currently 234 parking stalls at the Knox site. This would more than adequately meet the Church's needs. Schrader felt that the Church would bring improved public security and safety to the area given that there would be people in the area during typical non -work hours. Schrader acknowledged that there are concerns with the property becoming non- taxable. However, he pointed out that the Church will bring amenities to the area that will improve the community. The Church is hoping to develop some ballfields and gymnasium space, and there may be a way to share these facilities with the community. He also pointed out that it may be possible to utilize the parking lot as a park and ride lot, expanding facilities that may exist in the Rice Street /694 area. Therefore, while the community does not benefit directly through property taxes, it would benefit indirectly. Schrader pointed out that another benefit would be to local businesses and the increased patronage they would receive from Church members. Schrader indicated that the Church is planning that within the first year the facade of the main building would be changed to make it look more like a church. The inside would be gutted and a sanctuary, offices, and classrooms would be added. The outdoor storage building at the south end of the parking lot would be removed. In year three the remaining outdoor storage buildings would be removed except for warehouse building Page 28