2006-109 CREATING AN OVERLAY DISTRICT - WEST MAIN STREET

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1. The intent of the proposed overlay district is to encourage develo ment along the West Main Corridor between Millikin University and the Downtown whil maintaining the historic character and architecture of the neighborhood. The properties in the overlay district include properties facing West Main Street from Church Street to O kland Avenue as well as properties with frontage along the east side of the 100 through 1 0 block of North Edward Street. 2. Adaptive reuse of existing properties on West Main Street wi�l be allowed through the overlay district. The majority of the properties are currently zoned R-6 Multiple Dwelling District that allows single and multi-family residences. Permitted uses in the overlay will also include mixed use development with residential, professional and medical offices, limited personal services and retail no larger than 3,000 square fee� in area with limited hours from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. All existing uses currently allowe by the underlying zoning district will continue as permitted uses. 3. The attached Design Guidelines includes requirements for signa e and landscaping for the overlay district. There are different sign requirements for r sidential and commercial properties. Three types of signs will be allowed for commercial uses including a masonry monument freestanding sign, a wall sign and a freestanding shi gle sign. Three types of signs are also allowed for residential uses including a maso y monument sign, a post supported freestanding sign and a freestanding residential sign The Design Guidelines include height, area and material requirements for the different si s. 4. The Overlay District provides unique parking requirements for development along West Main Street. Where on-street parking is available, the parking r quirements of the Zoning Ordinance may be reduced by 75%. Also, the rear and side yar�i parking setbacks may be reduced from five (5) feet to zero (0) feet where parking is provided between the alley and the parking lot. 5. To preserve the historic character of the area all developments within the local historic district must be submitted to and approved by the Historic l and Architectural Sites Commission. STAFF ANALYSIS 1. The West Main Street Overlay District will provide incentive to property owners and developers to further redevelopment of the Near West Neighborho d. 2. The District will provide additional options, including mixed us development, to property owners to rehabilitate historic and large homes along West Main S reet. 3. The Design Guidelines will create a unique look and feel to est Main Street that will enhance the already historic appeal of the area. STAFF RECOMMENDATION l. Based on the above analysis, staff recommends amending the Zohing Ordinance to create a West Main Street Overlay District and recommends creating a West Main Street Overlay District along the 200 through 1000 blocks of West Main Street and the east side of the 100 through 150 block of North Edward Street.