2012/07/25 Council Agenda Packet

C. Correspondence: A letter from Cheryl Durham,the Port Gardner neighborhood chair, is attached. D. Analysis: The following is a review of the criteria listed in the Comprehensive Plan for use when considering map and rezones amendments: 1. The requested action must be supported by the Comprehensive Plan. Response: In the zone equivalency table the 5.1 (Heavy Industrial) designation is meant to be used for industrial areas, not for residential areas. The subject property is intended for utility use, and that is allowed in the 1.2 (Single Family) designation area. In the case of land used for utilities,the zone is not at issue since either zone can be used for City utilities. In discussions with Planning Commission and the neighborhood, the idea came out that for mapping purposes, keeping M-2 west of the railroad right of way makes sense. The entire subject area is to be zoned R-1. The R-1 zone would not raise concerns for those who may wonder about an industrial zone on a portion on the property. The Comprehensive Plan map has 1.2 Single Family Attached as the designation, so the designation would not need to be amended if the R-1 (Single Family) zone is applied to the entire site. The attached letter from members of the Port Gardner neighborhood seeks listing the site as "Open Space." This would be inconsistent with the utilities ownership and intended use of the site. Technically it would not be an open space if it were occupied by a utility building and related structures. To address the public's concern about access to this popular site and stream corridor, the City intends to keep public access open and available. This is part of the Forgotten Creek corridor. 2. Have circumstances changed? Response: Not in a way that affects the current action. 3. Are there any erroneous assumptions or new information? Staff response: No 4. Will the change promote a more desirable land use pattern? Response: No change in land use patterns would occur as a result of this action. 6