Various stakeholders voiced their opinions on the potential changes to the Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District during the Lacey Planning Commission's public hearing on Wednesday, March 13.
The Neighborhood Commercial Zoning districts serve a crucial role in providing essential goods and services within communities, aiming to minimize travel distances for residents.
Lacey Senior Planner Hans Shepherd said these districts are designed to bridge service gaps left by more generalized commercial areas and promote neighborhood convenience.
During the hearing, Tyrell Bradley, a principal engineer at LDC, expressed apprehensions about potential limitations on multifamily developments and urged flexibility in zoning requirements.
A development manager, Matt Farell, echoed similar sentiments, advocating for greater flexibility in residential use within the zoning designation.
"We've attempted to develop sites similar to this parcel in other jurisdictions, and it's our professional opinion that ground floor commercial space will not work on this particular site anytime in the near future," said Farell. "We have serious concerns that this land will stay vacant for a decade or more. We don't believe that is in the city's interest."
Farell emphasized the need to adapt to market dynamics, suggesting that ground-floor residential spaces could better serve the community's needs.
Janet O'Helerin highlighted the necessity of preserving community input in zoning decisions, urging the Planning Commission to retain language reflecting public acceptance of the proposed amendments.
"I do believe that businesses are important parts of neighborhood commercial zones. I also believe that neighbors are important parts of neighborhood commercial zones," said O'Helerin.
O'Helerin emphasized the lasting impact of zoning decisions on neighborhoods and encouraged collaborative efforts in shaping the community's future.
Margaret and John Green stressed the importance of environmental considerations in zoning decisions, advocating for wider buffers and preserving green spaces and trees within commercial zones.
"Lacey is known as a Tree City for a reason - we have trees," said John. "Trees are more than just trees; they're habitats for birds, for wildlife. They calm our lives; they're beneficial in many ways, both physically and mentally."
Allison Cabral echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the value of integrating natural elements into commercial developments.
City staff has been gathering input on the proposed amendments since 2022.
Shepherd stated there have been Hybrid Community Open Houses, community surveys, business outreach, and design reviews in drafting the amendments.
The Planning Commission announced plans for a follow-up work session scheduled for March 27.
The session aims to analyze the testimony received during the public hearing and further deliberate on the proposed amendments to the Neighborhood Commercial zoning district.
Action from the City Council is expected this spring.
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AugieH
"The session aims to analyze the testimony received during the public hearing and further deliberate on the proposed amendments to the Neighborhood Commercial zoning district."
I suspect the Council's mind is already made up about the proposed amendments. In the past, it totally ignored vociferous community opposition to the gas station/convenience store proposed for a site on Willamette across from Meridian Neighblrhood Park. It's all about what will make it easier for Lacey to milk the most $$$ out of any development project.
Monday, March 18 Report this
Southsoundguy
Abolish zoning.
Tuesday, March 19 Report this
johngreen
The EPA says that gas stations should be sited no closer than 1000 feet to schools and public places. This is due to the cancer causing gas benzene which causes blood cancers. Exhaust fumes are also implicated because of benzene. Gas stations absolutely should not be located in commercial/residential neighborhoods for that and other reasons. If developers can't make money the way it is zoned with ground floor retail then the land should remain idle, what a wonderful thing to leave green spaces in the community.
Comments are being taken through 3/20/24 at 5:00 PM.
Email hans.shepherd@cityoflacey.org
Tuesday, March 19 Report this