A | Public Hearing, Consideration and Possible Adoption of Ordinance No. 2019-20: An ordinance amending the Flagstaff Zoning Map designation of approximately 14.51 acres of real property located at 825 and 829 E. Butler Avenue on parcel numbers 104-13-002B and 104-03-005B from Light Industrial (LI) and Heavy Industrial (HI) to 2.24 acres of Highway Commercial (HC) and 12.27 acres of High Density Residential (HR), for purposes of developing a multi-family residential and commercial project. | ||||||
Mayor Evans opened the public hearing. Planning Development Manager Elaine Averitt provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following: ZONING MAP AMENDMENT REQUEST PZ-19-00081 LOCATION & SURROUNDINGS FLAGSTAFF REGIONAL PLAN 2030 REQUEST ZONING EXHIBIT ORIGINAL PROPOSED SITE PLAN ORIGINAL RENDERED SITE PLAN REVISED SITE PLAN REVISED UNIT MIX ZONING CODE STANDARDS COMPARISON PUBLIC SYSTEMS IMPACT ANALYSIS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT CITIZEN PARTICIPATION RECOMMENDATION The applicant Mark Lindley continued the presentation. REVISED SITE PLAN REVISED UNIT MIX SITE PLAN – MAIN STREET CONCEPT COMMUNITY CONCERNS – TRAFFIC IMPACT COMMUNITY CONCERNS – MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY CONCERNS – AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY CONCERNS – POLICE AND FIRE Vice Mayor Shimoni asked how many EV ready spots are planned. Mr. Lindley stated that there are currently four planned. They will try to incorporate as many as possible early on and they will provide infrastructure that will allow for easy expansion. Vice Mayor Shimoni asked if there may be a willingness to add additional affordable units. Mr. Lindley stated that they have been working with the affordable housing staff and are working from their recommendations. Councilmember Aslan asked about the concept of flex building. Mr. Lindley explained that they heard that it is a challenge for community partners and events to find rental space for things such as community functions, farmers markets and the like. The flex building is a 2,000 square foot space that would be available for rent by the public. Councilmember Odegaard asked about access to the Sawmill businesses. Allen Sanderson with McGrath Partners indicated that there are two crossing points on Sawmill Road and there is nothing to indicate that there will be any issues with pedestrians getting access to the business area. They are willing to put crosswalk stripping in if that is so desired. Councilmember Salas asked if there will be a new connection made to the FUTS trail. Mr. Lindley indicated that access to the FUTS will be provided along Sawmill Road and the side of the property. A sidewalk will be installed that will connect into the trail through the Sinclair Wash area. Councilmember Salas asked what the economic development impact is for the development. Mr. Lindley indicated that the tax increase would be approximately $450,000 per year. Councilmember Aslan asked about the inclusion of amenities at Sinclair Wash and future collaborations with NAU for the area. Barrett Kirk with McGrath Partners stated that they had learned about the opportunities available at Sinclair Wash and the needs they could help out with. They discussed the addition of things like picnic tables and birding houses. They do not have specifics but it is something they are excited about including. The following individuals spoke in support of the rezoning:
Councilmember McCarthy stated that it is a large project that does not belong just anywhere in Flagstaff; however, the proposed location is excellent and fits very well with the surrounding Sawmill development. Councilmember Odegaard thanked Mr. Lindley for providing housing to the community. Councilmember Whelan indicated that she is impressed with the developer who came into the community and truly listened and considered the needs in Flagstaff. It is a good location for this type of project and she is excited for the housing opportunities it will bring to the community. Councilmember Aslan thanked the developer for listening and going through the process. He believes that the project before the Council is a great example of infill development with a variety of housing types. The project compliments the other housing in the area with the Grove and it is a good location for this type of development. Councilmember Salas thanked the developer and staff for working together to put a new version of the project together. McGrath listened to the community and diligently worked to address the many needs and concerns from the original project. This request meets the findings, it is in conformance with the Regional Plan and the High Occupancy Housing Plan, it meets the requirements of urban activity center, and includes a mix of housing types and price ranges. It exceeds the civic space and common open space by providing the multi-purpose flex space and opportunities for public art. It will create connectivity with the FUTS and there is a commitment to help with preserving Sinclair Wash. Councilmember Salas indicated that she is supportive of the new language that reverts the property back to industrial should the commercial elements not be met within six years. She is encouraged by the potential of $430,000 in property taxes to the City. Mayor Evans stated that there were many who questioned Council’s decision to reject the first proposal. She thanked McGrath for taking the rejection to heart, considering the concerns and coming back with a very good project. This development is one that will encourage families, working professionals, and students to co-exist together. She believes that there is a real potential for economic development and growth in the city because of the two partners in place. She asked that they consider the inclusion of a crosswalk between the development and the Sawmill area to better facilitate the pedestrian traffic that is likely to come with the project. There being no further comments, Mayor Evans closed the public hearing. |
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Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to read Ordinance No. 2019-20 by title only for the first time. | |||||||
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FLAGSTAFF ZONING MAP TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 14.51 ACRES OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 825 AND 829 E. BUTLER AVE. ON PARCEL NUMBERS 104-13-002B AND 104-03-005B FROM LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (LI) AND HEAVY INDUSTRIAL (HI) TO 2.24 ACRES OF HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL (HC) AND 12.27 ACRES OF HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (HR), WITH CONDITIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AUTHORITY FOR CLERICAL CORRECTIONS, AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE | |||||||
A break was held from 7:55 p.m. through 8:08 p.m. | |||||||