HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-10-09 Normal Neighborhood Plan_MIN
Minutes for the Normal Working Group
October 9, 2014
Page 1 of 3
MINUTES FOR THE NORMAL NEIGHBORHOOD WORKING GROUP
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way
Chair Pam Marsh called the meeting to order at 2:37 p.m. in the Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn
Way.
Mayor Stromberg, Michael Dawkins, Rich Kaplan, Mike Morris, Bill Molnar, Brandon
Goldman, and Mike Faught were present.
Marsh discussed the process for the meeting, and the goal of moving to a conclusion soon. She is
hoping to have this ready for the City Council meeting of December 2. The group set the next
rd
meeting for October 23 at 4:30 pm. They discussed possibly needing to hold the meeting in an
alternate location.
1. Consent Agenda
Kaplan/Dawkins M/S to approve the minutes of September 18, 2014. Voice Vote; all ayes.
Motion passes.
Marsh reviewed previous meeting discussion. From that discussion it appears there are four
remaining areas needing further information or discussion. These are:
1. Transportation
2. Affordable Housing
3. Building Height Limitation
4. Open Space
2. Discussion
Transportation
Faught discussed the railroad crossing. Per information obtained from ODOT, this is not as
simple a process as it used to be. Ultimately, the decision is up to the railroad. He did some cost
estimates for an at-grade crossing (above or below grade would increase costs dramatically).
The group discussed why the City may want to proceed with the railroad crossing on their own,
most particularly because the process for changing from a private to a public crossing will only
get harder. Faught discussed some financing options for doing the crossing.
The group agreed that the railroad crossing is an integral to the plan ever being approved. Group
doesn’t agree with the original plan that the area could be developed in phases, with the first
phase having no crossing. Any portion of the plan will make the crossing necessary.
Group discussed the East Main Street connections. Faught recommends a minimum of three
connections. Group discussed whether a “less specific” traffic plan would be valuable. Faught
agreed that the plan is generally more specific about road locations than most plans but that this
is a good tool for developers to understand the needs of the area. Just because there is no
development now, doesn’t mean there won’t be 30 years from now and having a good
connection plan in place is important.
Minutes for the Normal Working Group
October 9, 2014
Page 2 of 3
Affordable Housing
Goldman gave an overview of alternate ways to achieve the affordable housing requirements.
Options like transferring land to an affordable housing developer (this land doesn’t have to be
give for free – it can be sold to mitigate costs required in getting infrastructure to the site).
Group asked for Randy Jones to discuss whether the alternate options given by Goldman would
make development more likely. Jones believes the requirements are still a non-starter. He
believes this project needs to be a public-private cooperation, that his group could never develop
it on their own.
Group discussed sound attenuation possibilities in order to meet requirements for Federal
assistance with the affordable housing related expenses.
Building Height Limits
The objection to the current height allowable was never fully resolved. Currently allowed 40’ or
3 stories, rather than the more common 35’ and 2 ½ stories. The taller height was a
recommendation of the Planning Commission, but wasn’t officially made part of the proposed
ordinance. Therefore, if the Council disagrees with the recommendation they can leave the
ordinance as-is. Dawkins informed the group that it was recommended to allow for more
flexibility in the plan. Kaplan stated it tied in with the commercial area, so developers could have
first floor commercial and still have two stories of residential above. It was a way to increase
density without having to lose open-space.
Open Space
Goldman gave information on the wetland delineation maps in the packed, but discussion was
deferred to the next meeting.
3. Public Input
Sue DiMarinis: Agrees with the Planning Commission on the importance of keeping open space
larger. If the open space is to be reduced the density should also be reduced. The east-west
connection is likely only a placeholder as it’s unlikely we’ll ever get the owners to accept
anything more. However, she thinks a walking path is a great idea. Would like connections to
East Main to be limited to two, as that should be adequate.
Nancy Boyer: Thanked the group for listening and thanked the attendees for continuing to attend.
Thanked Mike for discussing the Normal Avenue traffic issues. Wonders why we continue to
call it the Normal Plan when it will fall into the lap of the entire community.
Gil Livney: Affordable housing is not just about the cost of that unit – each affordable house
requires more profit on two others in order to make up for giving one away.
Randy Jones: His group doesn’t support high density. This is the edge of the urban growth
boundary and he can’t imagine 40’ buildings. He’s glad the group is meeting and considering all
the needs. He would need the City to help fund this project. Believes that no developer could
handle all the costs.
Minutes for the Normal Working Group
October 9, 2014
Page 3 of 3
Group discussed what costs Jones believes the City should pick up – including RR, Walker and
Clay Street connections, sewer improvements.
Howdy Miller: Do we have goals and aims for this committee? \[Marsh explained that there were
very specific goals\] The question of should it be built needs to be answered. He’s looking for
fairness and balance on both sides of this plan. Is upset that more time has been about how to
make it developable rather than if it should be developed.
4. Next Meeting
October 23, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Marsh told the group that their homework is to decide what they
believe a wonderful neighborhood would look like and be prepared to discuss.
Meeting adjourned at 4:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diana Shiplet
Executive Secretary