04/12/2006 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • Planning & Zoning Board March 8, 2006 Page 7 Ms. Allen asked staff if there is a difference between retail and business. Mr. Bayer stated that he has data showing that forty percent of coffee shop business is drive - through business beginning at 5:30 a.m. He continued that traffic studies are needed due to increased traffic in the area. Mr. Lawrence stated that he is generally concerned with the drive - through. He added that if a drive - through business goes out of business, a future user may not need a drive - through, but the road would remain. He stated that people do turn left onto Birch St. from Lakota Trail. He believes that a drive - through will increase traffic. He agreed that the drive - through and the outdoor seating should be separate approvals. Mr. Rafferty pointed out that a lot of studies were involved in the decisions for this development. Mr. Laden expressed concern for future uses, and asked what else would be allowed in a Limited Business District with a CUP for a drive - through. Mr. Smyser replied to Ms. Allen's and the board's questions, explaining that three business zones include retail and non - retail users. Mr. Smyser read the list of allowable uses in the LB zoning district from the city's Zoning Ordinance. Ms. Allen asked specifically if a law firm can open next to a gas station. Mr. Smyser replied probably. Jerry Fagerland, 181 Egret Lane, questioned that if a drive - through would not generate more traffic, why would a business put one in. Mr. Nelson replied that study shows that a drive - through reduces parking, minimizing the number of parking stalls. Mr. Fagerland commented that citizens are concerned about traffic and safety. He stated that he is more likely to go through a drive - through than if he has to get out of his car. He noted that no safety issues had been specifically addressed. Mr. Rafferty remarked that this development has improved traffic flow in the area by adding a signalized intersection. He added that considerable time, dollars and efforts had been put into this development. Mr. Fagerland expressed that existing owners have practical opinions. Mr. Bayer suggested that the board revisit the traffic pattern with this new use. He stated that he is a resident who has difficulty turning left onto Birch St. at any time. He continued that getting to and from his business across the street is difficult, and he is unable to walk across the street. Mr. Rafferty noted that road issues will not get fixed until there is a need for them to get fixed. He added that the board cannot fight development of areas that have a right to be developed. DRAFT MINUTES