HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 04 02 Springfield Planning Commission Minutes PHPlanning Commission Minutes – April 2nd, 2024
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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
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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.
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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.