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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 04 02 Springfield Planning Commission Minutes PHPlanning Commission Minutes – April 2nd, 2024 1 Springfield Planning Commission Minutes for Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024 7:30 p.m. (approx.) Public Hearing (followed Joint Public Hearing with Lane County) Meeting held in Jesse Maine Room (City Hall) and via Zoom Planning Commissioners Present: Chair Rhoads-Dey, Vice Chair Buck, Stout, Webber, and Schmunk Excused absence – Salazar, Thompson Staff: Sandy Belson, Comprehensive Planning Manager; Sarah Weaver, Planning Commission Assistant; Kristina Kraaz, Assistant City Attorney; Haley Campbell, Senior Planner; Chelsea Hartman, Senior Planner Lane County: Jared Bauder, Senior Planner Chair Rhoads-Dey called the Regular Session to order at 7:40 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLIAGENCE – Led by Commissioner Schmuck APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES March 19th, 2024 - Approved BUSINESS FROM THE AUDIENCE Sue Howe, 794 S. 70th Street: Permits were issued to build two 4-unit townhouses within five feet of Jesse Maine Park. These units do not fit with the neighborhood. In addition, there are two duplexes being built in the area as well. Potentially, there could be an additional 24 cars driving in from Main Street. They were originally told that these properties would only allow single family dwellings or duplexes. They were also told that no trees would be felled, but 40 old growth trees were removed. This was also detailed in the Deed of the property, which stipulated that no trees may be felled on that property. Carrie Ruhe, 739 S. 70th, is also concerned about the new developments. The streets are without sidewalks and the increase of traffic presents concerns about safety, traffic, crime, and parking. This development could also adversely affect their property values. These new units are not affordable housing, which means the only one benefiting from the development is the property owner. Larry Ruhe, 739 S. 70th, lives across the street from the new development with his wife Carrie. He stated that they took advantage of the new regulations to create an accessory dwelling unit. They built a small rental on their property for that reason. He also noted that they were Attest by S. Weaver May 7th, 2024 Planning Commission Minutes – April 2nd, 2024 2 originally informed that only single dwellings would be built and, without notice, fourplexes are being built. Crime has increased in the last few years and they are worried about increased density making crime even more prevalent. Chair Rhoads-Dey: called the Public Hearing to order. Item(s): • Public Hearing: Housing in Non-Residential Areas - Code Amendments Staff: Haley Campbell, Senior Planner 25 Minutes Haley Campbell / Staff: gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Housing in Non-Residential Areas – Code Amendments. Testimony from interested parties: Phil Farrington, CDC Management Corp, 101 E. Broadway Street, STE 103, Eugene, OR 97401 / Represents a property owner within the mixed-use commercial zone. He supports the Code Amendment that will allow the property owners to develop or redevelop real estate that could become affordable housing opportunities. He informed the Commission that he submitted public comment through Springfield Oregon Speaks. He pointed out that compelling ground floor commercial use is not to the benefit of market-rate housing in mixed use commercial zones. In response to a question from Chair Rhoads-Dey, Phil Farrington stated that the requirement for ground-floor commercial on major streets is a valid one. In other areas, this requirement should not be necessary. Waving the requirement for ground floor commercial on non-major / arterial streets would open up real estate for residential use. Haley Campbell / Staff: The Mixed-Use Commercial district requires preservation of the commercial land supply. City staff will review Phil Farrington’s suggestion for Mixed Use Commercial and the other mixed-use districts at a later date with a grant from the Department of Land Conservation and Development. Chair Rhoads-Dey closed the public hearing. Vice Chair Buck: moved to approve the Order in Attachment 1 of the agenda packet for this item, recommending the City Council adopt the proposed code amendments. Commissioner Schmunk seconded the motion. Planning Commission Minutes – April 2nd, 2024 3 Rhoads-Dey – Aye Buck – Aye Schmunk – Aye Webber – Aye Stout – Aye Motion passed: 5 in favor and 2 absent REPORT OF COUNCIL ACTION - None BUSINESS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION - None BUSINESS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Sandy Belson / Staff: confirmed that there will be a public hearing on May 7th. It is unclear, if there will be a work session as well. She will notify the Commissioners when the agenda has been finalized. She reminded the Commissioners that if they log into Springfield Oregon Speaks (SOS), when they read public comment - then SOS will show that they have read the comment. Chair Rhoads-Dey adjourned the regular session. ADJOURNMENT – 8:33 p.m.