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U <br /> Planning Commission Meeting <br /> March 8, 2005 <br /> Page 7 <br /> the timeframe for this action. Mr. Mascarenas felt that the rezone request should have been <br /> part of the annual docketing for updating the comprehensive plan. He was concerned that the <br /> City did not have adequate design standards for larger multiple family projects in the downtown <br /> area. He suggested that the applicants wait for the annual docketing cycle and suggested that <br /> they head up a design team for the City since they do build nice buildings. <br /> Bill Belshaw, 2111 Rucker, stated that he had heard that the justification for the proposal was <br /> that it implemented the comprehensive plan and just wanted to remind everyone that the current <br /> zoning implemented the comprehensive plan. He wondered how you justify zoning one side of <br /> the street and not the other and for that matter how do you stop the spread of 150 foot height <br /> limits out to the water. He felt that it was important to finish the downtown subarea plan which <br /> will provide direction regarding parking, open spaces, design standards, and building heights. <br /> Art Skotdal, 2910 Colby Avenue, stated that he has built thee residential projects in downtown <br /> Everett and through those development projects has found that there were a lot of people who <br /> want to live downtown. He sees the need for more housing in downtown Everett. He rents to a <br /> number of businesses in the downtown and has carried some of them without paying rent just to <br /> keep the retail portion of the buildings full. For businesses to stay successful, there needs to be <br /> amenities in downtown Everett. They lease to the businesses and they need help. <br /> Mr. Skotdal added that he is honest and upfront in everything that he has ever done. He has <br /> built quality construction including his new 62 unit apartment complex; however, the only return <br /> that his company is getting is about a 5 - 6 percent return. Because of his company's <br /> reputation, he has had no problems obtaining insurance for apartment and condominium <br /> projects. Other matters that concern funding development are the interest rates, when interest <br /> rates go up one point, that is a difference between a good development and no development. <br /> Options for the site have included conversations with the YMCA and the Elks Club. Many <br /> people have come up to them and stated that if they build a condominium they would like to buy <br /> one. The proposed project would not block views because they own all the property up hill from <br /> the site. They own the medical dental building, the Everett mutual building, and the parking lot <br /> across from the library behind the medical dental building. On the other site to the South, he <br /> owns 225 feet with 120 feet of it zoned for B-3 while the other portion of the site is zoned C-1. <br /> Interest rates and supply and demand have a lot to do with development. <br /> Motion: Commissioner Ebert made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner <br /> Olivers seconded the motion. <br /> Vote: Commissioner Olivers, yes; Commissioner Lorioux Loup, yes; Commissioner Ebert, yes; <br /> Commissioner Trautman, yes; Commissioner Newland, yes; Commissioner Simpson, yes; and <br /> Commissioner Dutton, yes. <br /> Motion Carried. <br /> Commissioner Dutton asked if there was any discussion. <br /> Commissioner Simpson was concerned with Mr. Bargreen's testimony and asked staff if Mr. <br /> Bargreen would have to move out of the area if the area is rezoned. Mr. Giffen responded no <br /> and that according to the zoning regulations, if a use becomes nonconforming by virtue of a <br /> rezone or a change in regulations, the regulations still allow that use to continue unless it were <br /> discontinued for a period of two years or more. <br />