2003-04 GRANTING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - 240 NORTH CHURCH STREET

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ECONOMIC AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT MEMORANDUM No. 03-07 January 13, 2003 TO: Mayor Terry M. Howley and City Council Members FROM: Steve Garm , ity Manager A. J. Krieg conomic and Urban Development Departme Steven J. Van teenhuyse, Planning Manag�C� SUBJECT: Conditional Use Permit: 240 North Church Street SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit. The petitioner requests a Conditional Use Permit to allow multiple-family dwelling units on the ground floor of a building in the B-4, Central Business District. Staff strongly supports the addition of dwelling units in the downtown area. Dwelling units bring a 24-hour presence to the neighborhood and provide a market for downtown businesses. BACKGROUND: The petitioner proposes to demolish the two existing buildings at this corner and construct a new, 3-story building with 11 condominium units. The building will also contain an 8-car indoor garage. The three existing on-street parking spaces on Church Street will be relocated to the north to accommodate the garage entrance. The intent of the B-4 Central Business District is to encourage a"downtown"district with street- level retailing, services, and businesses. Dwelling units are permitted above the ground floor, but a Conditional Use Permit must be granted to allow them on the ground floor. There are areas at the fringes of the B-4 District where changes in land use and shopping habits have made retail, office or service uses unlikely. The subject property is in one of these fringe areas. Ground floor dwelling units are appropriate at this location. POTENTIAL OBJECTION: Staff is not aware of any objectors. There were no objectors at the Plan Commission meeting. INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: At their January 2, 2003 meeting, the Plan Commission voted 9-0 to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit. The minutes and staff report are attached. STAFF REFERENCE: Please contact Planning Manager Steven J. Van Steenhuyse at 424-2790 or vansteen(a�decaturnet.org. BUDGET/TIME IMPLICATIONS: N/A