Reference Desk
Planning Commission
Minutes
PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Call to Order – Chair
Meeting was called to order at 5:35 pm by
Chair Mr. Rodney Patrick.
Roll Call – Yvette Robinson, Exec.
Secretary
Present: Rodney Patrick,
Cindy Dilena, Theodore
Waterhouse, Sam Billington,
Collette Ramsey, Barbara Willis,
Yvette Robinson
Absent with notice: Frank
Ross
Absent without notice:
Cleophus Pye
Approval of Minutes
Motion: Mr. Patrick made a
motion to accept the minutes for
the January 9, 2008 meeting as
written. Mrs. Dilena seconded
the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Old Business
A. Update on Studio 33 – Zoning
Application
Ms. Robinson gave an update on
Studio 33’s zoning application with
a recommendation. Studio 33
requested zoning variance for
TV/radio production and as a rental
space for cabaret’s and party
provision. Discussion ensued on the
matter. The Department of Community
& Economic Development (CED)
recommended granting recommendation
to Council for a zoning variance on
TV/Radio only and to deny the rental
aspect giving more time to review
the impact on the district and
surrounding businesses and
neighborhood.
Motion: Mr. Waterhouse made a
motioned that the Planning
Commission recommend to City Council
a zoning variance on TV/Radio
broadcast only. Mr. Ramsey seconded
the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Discussion on the motion ensued.
This Planning Commission has
concerns that the tower is too tall;
that Studio 33 would be granted
right to operate upon passing this
motion. Ms. Robinson expressed that
this would only be a recommendation
to City Council; however, CED could
not move forward in the
recommendation until Studio 33
completed the full process, which
includes a full site plan review which Studio 33
promised to submit before the week
was out. The approval by the
Planning Commission is only the
first step for Studio 33 to get into
compliance. Additionally, the legal
department will begin enforcement
for operating without a business
license.
Vote: Chairman Patrick called for
vote – Motion passed unanimously.
New Business
A. Community Development Update
Ms. Robinson gave an update on
the Department of Community &
Economic Development
i. Shops at Woodward
ALDI will be opening
March 6th . Information will
be distributed to the
Planning Commission.
ii. Sears Site
The Sears site rear end
housing development to begin
– awaiting final approval
from MSHDA; reviewed site
plan.
iii. Housing
Ms. Robinson updated the
Planning Commission on the
progress of the Amaris
housing development project.
The City is awaiting the
marketing study and phase
plan before closing.
iv. McDonald’s
Discussed McDonald’s
Grand Re-Opening. Planning
Commissioners were
encouraged to visit the site
and view the excellent job.
Zoning Guide Overview
An overview of the zoning guide was done
as a tool for the Planning Commission.
Public Comments (Non-Agenda Items)
Mr. Waterhouse asked about Conrail
Railroad; specifically who owns the land.
Mr. Billington questioned the status of
the retail space on Rhode Island.
The Planning Commission would like to
make a recommendation for the Neighborhood
Enterprise Zone district, particularly South
East Heights.
Announcements/Adjournment
A. Juliane Blackwell
According to the Bylaws, a no
show/no response for two (2)
meetings is cause for removal from
the Planning Commission. Therefore,
there is an open position on the
Commission to be appointed by the
Emergency Financial Manager
B. Planning Consultant Next
Meeting
It was discussed to have a
planning consultant attend a
Planning Commission meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.
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