93-92 REZONING PROPERTY AND GRANTING SPECIAL USE PERMIT - 1075 NORTH MAIN STREET

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Neighborhood Shopping District and developed with a used car lot, and (2) premises at 1005 North Main Street are zoned O-1 Office District and developed with a structure housing an office and apartment; this office zone was established in July, 1993 . Properties in the same blocks east of North Main Street are zoned either B-1 Neighborhood Shopping or B-2 Commercial. The comprehensive plan calls for said areas west of North Main Street to be developed as high density residential. Staff noted this factor when reviewing the petition requesting O-1 zoning for 1005 North Main Street, and consequently recommended denial of that request. However, recognizing the present existence of this office classification, and the vacancy of the subject church structure, staff is of the opinion that future land use and zoning for the subject block should be reconsidered. The absence of the previous church at this location impacts land use for the remainder of the block, particularly since property at the opposite end thereof has been removed from the residential classification. Further, reuse of a church structure is limited, but necessary in this case to offer stability to the general area. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed use is logical and desirable for the existing structure, and that the proposed zoning change is in keeping with the previous change in this block as noted. While this B-1 zone will establish precedent for future requests, staff is of the opinion that additional changes should only occur on parcels large enough to accommodate a viable commercial use, and that planned unit developments should be encouraged to provide specific development controls for compatibility with the residential area to the immediate west. With regards to the proposed funeral home, there is inadequate off street parking to meet minimum requirements. Nineteen spaces are presently located on the premises; a minimum of 29 spaces are required. This requirement is based on an area of 1440 square feet in the existing structure to be used as a chapel and/or visitation area; one space per 50 square feet of such floor area is required. However, given a seating capacity of 150 for the previous church, a minimum parking demand of 38 spaces existed. Recognizing the decrease in demand per minimum code requirements, staff is supportive of the proposed development. In view of the above data, staff recommends approval of the petition with the following stipulations: (1) that a site plan for the proposed development be submitted to and approved by the Director of Community Development and Director of Public Works, (2) that complete building plans for any construction or remodeling work be submitted to and approved by the Director of Community Development, and (3) that vehicular entrance or exit be provided from North Main Street. Mr. Swartz expressed concern regarding the ingress and egress