05/14/2003 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board April 9, 2003 Page 2 Mr. Corson made a MOTION to elect Mr. Rafferty as Vice Chair for 2003 and was supported by Mr. Hyden. Motion carried 5 -0. B. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING, Bruggeman Properties, SE corner of Birch Street Chair Schaps reopened the public hearing at 6:37 p.m. Staff stated applicant had requested preliminary plat approval to allow a three lot commercial subdivision on property located south of Birch Street and east of Hodgson Road. Staff requested the Board review the acceptability of the proposed land uses. Notice of specific concern was the motor fuel station component. Mr. Lyden stated when they looked at this area and the zoning districts the City had, there was a good reason why they had a general business area. He noted this area had residences and therefore, needed to be neighborhood business and not general business. Mr. Grochala agreed. Mr. Lyden stated he wanted to see neighborhood business in this area. He noted he had nothing personal against a gas station, but by putting a gas station there, it precluded them from putting other businesses that they needed in this area. Mr. Rafferty stated he also wanted to see neighborhood business located in that area. He noted there was nothing unique with this proposal. He suggested a first class restaurant or other upper scale development be proposed. He noted a gas station in that area was not appropriate. Mr. Grochala noted market realities would dictate as to what went there. He stated neighborhood business was drawing from a much smaller area, which would preclude a restaurant facility from wanting that location. He indicated a gas station/convenience store was a good anchor for a small neighborhood business. He stated this was a challenge. He noted this was pass -by traffic, not destination traffic. Mr. Rafferty pointed out that Kozlak's Restaurant was located in a residential area and it worked well in that area. Mr. Grochala stated it was not impossible for a business to be successful in this type of an area, but it was difficult. Mr. Rafferty stated in some cases if it was built, the residents would come. Chair Schaps asked what was the Board's specific objection to the gas station. He noted a restaurant would have an increased traffic pattern and he did not believe the neighborhood wanted more traffic. Mr. Rafferty stated he would not agree to any type of a development there until the traffic was addressed. Chair Schaps noted the last thing they wanted on the property was a building that was empty and they needed to build what the market was demanding. DRAFT MINUTES • •