2005/04/20 Council Agenda Packet

0 Planning Commission Meeting March 8, 2005 Page 5 efforts to increase the height on the east side of Rucker to 150 feet; however, objected limiting the west side to 80 feet. The rezone request appeared to favor the property owners to the east side of Rucker. He asked Planning Commission to recommend against the proposal until the entire area can be looked at as a cohesive plan and felt that it was not in the best long term interest to the City. He stated that his e-mail to Dave Koenig was not included in the Planning Commissioners packet and asked that it be included as part of the record. He asked the Planning Department whether or not they would be supported if they make a formal application for a height amendment to 150 feet. Mr. Giffen responded that he could not answer that. Greg Goldfinch, 2812 Rucker Avenue, stated that he was concerned about the rezone on the east side Rucker. He felt that the information presented that this was a nonproject specific proposal proposed by the City of Everett; however, it did not feel like a nonproject proposal. He wanted to insure that the process was fair and consistent with the current guidelines set forth by the City of Everett. He also understood from the staff report that this request was intended as an interim decision while the City of Everett conducts a comprehensive planning study for the entire downtown area. He questioned the benefit to the community for a quick decision for rezoning such a small area that may limit growth for surrounding property owners in the downtown area. All property owners in the area should have the same considerations for rezoning their properties to B-3. He felt that a broader approach to the downtown core should be reviewed because: • View corridors • Building size and height • Design standards and setbacks He felt that this was the opportune time to realign and establish those new guidelines. It would be fair to current and future land owners to know their height restrictions now and in the future. Now is the time to perform the due diligence for a comprehensive plan amendment that is beneficial to all property owners as well as the entire downtown community. He hoped that the Comprehensive Plan would take into consideration the wedding cake or pyramid approach that was adopted in the 1990's to preserve the view opportunities. He stated that the view of Puget Sound and the Everett waterfront was worth preserving. He was not opposed to taller buildings in the downtown core; however, he felt that there would be impacts associated with the 150-foot heights and felt that needed further consideration. If the east side of Rucker Avenue is designated at 150 feet, he felt that the west side should be designated to 150 feet as well and that the Planning Commission should table the request until a more comprehensive review can be completed. Ryan Countryman, 3312 Lombard Avenue, stated that he supported the rezone request and stated that he made a choice to live in downtown Everett because it was where he worked and it was convenient for him. He felt that more people living in downtown Everett would provide better revenue for existing downtown businesses and bring more dollars to the City. Creating a better economy in the downtown helps create an environment where new companies are investing in new retail and new office buildings, which helps fund other City projects through impact fees. The insurance issue for developing condominiums has greatly restricted the condo market and is a statewide and regional problem. Through his job with Snohomish County, the 2004 growth monitoring report which is coming out late this year provides information that there is a pretty healthy condo market in Snohomish County. New rental properties bring people to the downtown and having the people and activity downtown creates the market conditions such `f 0