2001-05 REZONING PROPERTY - 701 WEST GRAND AVENUE

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Excerpt from Plan Commission Minutes of February 1, 2001 CaL No. 01-06 Petition of FINLAY PROPERTIES to rezone the premises at 701 West Grand Avenue from R-3 Single Family Residence District and R-5 Two Family Residence District to B-2 Commercial District and for subsequent approval of a Planned Unit Development. Mr. Rick Heavner, Attorney, was present and spoke for the petition representing Finlay Properties. Mr. Heavner stated that a request would be submitted in the future to rezone the subject property to B-2. Mr. Van Steenhuyse presented the staff report which is attached to these minutes and provided the following recommendation of staff: When considering rezoning a property, a major consideration is the impact on existing development. The properties to the north and west are zoned R-3 Single Family, while to the south and east is R-5 Two Family. A middle school is a fairly intensive use, with activity occurring well into the evening during the school year. Reuse of the property for multi-family use does not appear to be a significant change in terms of intensity. The unused school property in its current state invites vandalism and vagrancy. The Roosevelt Middle School is an attractive building that adds to the character of the neighborhood. The adaptive reuse of this building will help to preserve the neighborhood's character. Staff recommends approval of the rezoning from R-3 and R-5 to R-6. This action will enable the applicants to submit the Residential Development Plan for the new multi-family development. Mr. Heavner stated that Finlay Properties has completed projects such as this in other areas of the country. He stated that the School District would receive money for their proper�y and the development would be nice. The exterior of the building would not be changed but would be repaired and maintained. The proposal has 33 units with two and three bedrooms. The petitioner feels that this is quality housing for working individuals. The majority of the units will be three bedroom and the gym will be retained for the tenants. One unit will be for the office and possibly one for an exercise room. There will be garages underneath the townhomes. Mrs. Washington asked if Finlay Properties had done business with the City before. Mr. Heavner stated that they had not but they are also looking at Woodrow Wilson School. He stated that the rezoning was requested as tax credits must be obtained by February 15, 2001. The requirements for the Planned Unit Development will be submitted to the City on February 15. The development would be for low to moderate income persons but HOME funds would not be used. � There were objectors present: I