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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-01-26 Planning MINCALL TO ORDER MINUTES ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION January 26, 1983 The meeting was called to order at 7:40 by Vice Chairman, Don Greene. Members in attendance were Ethel Hansen, Tom Owens, Mary Ann Alston, Barry Warr and Neil Benson. Also present were Planning Director John Fregonese, Associate Planner Steve Jannusch and Administrative Secre- tary Ann Baker. Greene explained the procedures to be followed during the meeting, noting that the findings would be made available to the public on February 15, 1983 and that the decision would be made at the Planning Commission meeting of the 23rd of February. He noted further that written testimony would be taken until February 21, 1983. STAFF REPORT 1) Fregonese presented the staff report noting that this rezone has been an ongoing process since July of 1982. He gave a brief history of the area, explaining that this area of the City was annexed around the turn of the century as a part of a major annexation encompassing old township lines. It was only since July upon arrival of the new topographic maps and the utilization of the new Physical Constraints Ordinance that the staff was able to take a closer look at the area relative to the slopes, soils, roads, forestation, avail- able City services and transportation impact. The initial study encompassed five areas which were subsequently consolidated into three areas. He then noted the three specific areas on the maps. 2) Fregonese then focused his attention on the map of area #1, this including the Granite Street area from Strawberry Lane to Grandview. He explained the zoning designations and showed the current and proposed zoning overlays in this area. He then presented the transportation maps outlining the vehicle trips per day and the proposed trail in this area. 3) After these introductions, a series of slides were shown taken at the time of various field trips involving staff, CPAC and Planning Commission members. After the slide presentation and a recap of the proposed changes in the area #1, the public hearing was opened. 4) Fregonese explained that the perimeter road in area #1 would be built when the properties there are developed. 5) Jessie Fitch, 605 Terrace St. asked what the P stood for as a part of the P overlay explained previously. Fregonese noted that this meant that the properties were subject to performance standards APC Minutes, January 26 Pagel established in the Land Use Ordinance. Ms. Fitch then continued, stating that she had lived on Terrace for over 30 years and that she has dealt with granite soil there for a long time, she felt that nothing can contain deep granitic soils, noting that in the early 50's a whole orchard had been irrigated above her house and one day was found to have slid onto Glenview Drive. She expressed con- cern for Terrace St. feeling that no future development should be encouraged until Terrace was improved. 6) Ed Houghton, 564 Ashland Street, stated that 600 yards of the proposed street goes through his property. He continued by noting that it is possible that he could be responsible for 1200 feet of road if it were developed according to the plan proposed by staff. He requested that the density proposals for the property adjacent to his and including his be reduced by 1/3 to 24. He noted further that he is faced with a second problem in that the collector road proposed off of Ivy Lane parallels a chunk of property he owns in this area. He was hoping that the Planning Commission would consider another area for this road. He then identified his property on the map. 7) Rodney Badger, 610 Ashland Street, spoke in opposition to any through street from Ashland Street feeling that the terrain was too steep particularly with tI hazards that wintertime presents. 8) Benson noted that this collector road was intended to follow the topography of the area as much as possible and would not necessarily mean a straight line through the countryside as was indicated in the map. 9) Lowell Smith, 700 Terrace Street, spoke in opposition to in- creased density in this area. He noted that he had bought the pro- perty 15 years ago so he wouldn't have a large neighborhood around him. He was concerned about the possible tax increases that the rezoning would mean for his property. He stated further that sewer would have to be pumped over the hill adjacent to his property. Fregonese interjected that any improvements would be brought about either through the developer or through a Local Improvement District established at the time of the improvements. 10) Bob Frank, 601 Terrace Street, raised his objections subject to the problems with the connector road. He felt that the widening of Terrace Street would involve a massive retaining wall along a large portion of Terrace and the removal of much vegetation. Fregonese responded by stating that there would be some retaining wall there but that it would not be to a height of 30 feet. He continued by stating that the right -of -way would be 40 feet in width, with the actual road only about 22 feet in width. 11) Jean Ullman, 621 Long Way, requested that the area above Long Way be retained as Woodland Residential. She noted that in wintertime particularly, it is extremely shady in this area, she APC Minutes, January 26 Page 2 praised the staff for the topography and slide show and appreciated the presentation of the beauty of the hills surrounding her home. She felt that these hills should not be destroyed. She concluded by stating that Long Way is extremely dangerous in the wintertime, due to ice. 12) Dave Lewis spoke on behalf of some property he owns above Long Way. He stated that during the years 1964 through 1980, the property had been zoned R -1:10. He continued by stating that the ice and the dangerous conditions are created by the tall trees at the end of the cul -de -sac and the shade that they create here. He stated that he has the right -of -way sewed up for access to this area. He further noted that he has never asked for anything from these people and he has tried to work for another access to this property. 13) Ed Hungerford, 535 Terrace Street, stated that he would like to retain the option to leave this area open for division noting that he owns 1 1/3 acres in this area. 14) Otto Kannasto, 219 Granite Street, asked whether the property owners have to pay for paving of Strawberry Lane. Commissioner Greene noted that the developer would be responsible for improvements for access to a development. 15) Vicki McElroy, 155 Strawberry Lane, spoke in opposition to the up zoning around her area. She noted that the roads are narrow and unimproved as well as extremely steep. She felt that the improve- ments would mean the elimination of many of the old trees and land- scaping abutting the proposed right -of -way. she then asked to what standards the roads would be improved in her area. Fregonese ex- plained. McElroy concluded that citizens are often not informed of improvements before they happen. She then presented a letter and petition from the affected property owners in this area. 16) Mark Cooper, Granite Street then spoke on the proposal. He stated that when he initially went into his project that he was relying on the zoning of the area to determine the gains he could make from the property. He stated with the change in the zoning laws and the economic pictures, his problems have been compounded. Though he has been devistatingly affected he must be philosophical about the whole situation. He further noted that he feels that expansion is better in this area than preservation. His comment was "Nature hasn't done too good on its own." He concluded by stating that he doesn't feel that 10 acre lots are appropriate in the City of Ashland or anywhere for that matter. 17) Marilyn Marthoski, 514 Granite Street, stated that she and her neighbors were in total support of the Woodland Residential idea. 18) Ron McElroy, 155 Strawberry Lane, presented some newspaper clippings from 1980 noting similar public hearings that had been held APC Minutes, January 26 Page 3 at that point before the Planning Commission. He questioned that if these hearings had already taken place two years ago, why go through the same process now, only to use the new topographic maps the City had received? 19) Sandra Mitchell, 243 Granite Street, asked if the water line and trail were exact as proposed on the map. This showed they would go right through her house. She was assured that these were indicated here only as a graphic representation of a proposal. She requested that her property be all Low Density rather than split into three different zoning jurisdictions. 20) Chris Wood, 121 Strawberry Lane, spoke in favor of the petition noting that Strawberry Lane was practically impassable today. 21) Bill Lawrence, 147 Strawberry Lane, also felt that the Straw- berry Lane area should be left in Low Density. 22) Arlene Mills, 34 Scenic Drive, felt that the area should be left as Low Density. 23) Don Rhoades, 51 Scenic Drive, said that he thought this plan was essentially leap- frogging the zoning areas. He felt that this proposal would compound police and fire problems and that these agencies should be consulted before decisions were made for their input. 24) Lawrence Gastorf, 155 Strawberry Lane, spoke on behalf of the lower densities. 25) Mr. Mills, 34 Scenic Drive stated that zoning used to be clear, but recently, it has been changing every three years. He would hope that the Planning Commission would consider a stability for the area. 26) Dorothy Stolp, 232 Nutley Street, stated her concern about using Alnutt as an access road. She raised some objections about keeping the zoning along Alnutt consistent. She then questioned how many units would be allowable for her property. 27) Art Grimmesey, 145 Westwood, asked the Commission if they ever listen to the people in the audience. He stated that the people keep telling you the same thing and it doesn't seem to matter. He then complained more about the Kneebone property. 28) The public hearing was then opened to discussion regarding area #3. 29) Richard Hawkey, 155 Westwood, stated that there was an overwhelming majority of the people in attendance against the proposal of increasing the density in these areas. He felt that this APC Minutes, January 26 Page 4 area had reached saturation point in terms of development noting that the creek beds were extremely important and that the roads are dangerous in this area with the existing traffic densities there. He further stated that he felt the Kneebone property should not be 1/4 are zoning. 30) Lowell Smith spoke again. He asked that the Comp Plan be changed for his property to read Single- family but that the zoning map be maintained as Urban Residential. 31) Marilyn Briggs, 590 Glenwood Drive, stated that she wanted the same treatment of her property as did Mr. Smith. 32) Chris Hald, 255 Wightman, spoke on behalf of some property he and his father owned as well as some property Red Gentry owned above the Strawberry Lane area comprising a total of 35 acres. He stated that though the access problem was the largest problem facing a development in the area, that the zoning should still be 10,000 sq.ft. 33) Tim Miller, 610 Orchard, asked for a clarification on his property relative to the maps exhibited. He was assured that his property would retain the R -1:10 zoning he had requested. 34) David Toney, 252 Strawberry Lane, stated that he had signed the McElroy petition. He felt that the increase in density would be a serious mistake for the area. 35) Bert Cunningham, 545 Wrights Creek Drive, stated that he bought his property in 1980 and that at that time, it was zoned 1/2 acre. The proposal now is to change it again. He asked how often do these changes take plae. 36) Carole Steinbrenner, 421 Prim St., asked whether the police and fire services would be adequate if more houses were permitted to be constructed in this area. She then asked who would be responsible to maintain the status quo of the streets. 37) Hansen stated for the public's benefit that the mission as Planning Commissioners and as Planners was to look into the future and this is what we are attempting to do at this point. 38) Jere Hudson, 3'95 Strawberry Lane, stated his concern about Strawberry Lane in turning into a loop road. 39) At this point, the public hearing was closed. 40) Fregonese read Ietters into the record received from the McEIroys, three documents; Mrs. Dorothy Stolp, two documents; Nan Siebert; Richard Cottle; Robert B. Hardy and from George Sanders. Fregonese then expressed the justification for the question of rezon- AFC Minutes, January 26 Page 5 ing this area noting that up until this time, there was no factual data available to support existing zoning. The study currently in question could present findings that would become a record for future planners and future Planning Commissions. These findings would be based on the public input as well as the new tools available only recently ie. the topographic maps. 41) Greene proposed to recap the items of discussion. Area #1 was first recapped. Questions were then solicited from the Planning Commission. 42) Owens asked where Ed Houghton's property was located and how the proposed road would effect his development. Fregonese explained. Alston then asked Fregonese whether a deadend street would be appro- priate on Houghton's property. The Planning Director then stated that under Performance Standards such a deadend street with a cul -de- sac would be appropriate. 43) Warr then asked why access off of Ashland could not come via Morton Street. Consensus of the Commission was to propose this access in Lieu of through Houghton's property. Fregonese then stated that street improvements through Bancrofting could be presented to the Council as a proposal which would create more incentive for street improvements. It was then felt that it was appropriate to lower the density of the top 1/3 of Houghton's property. The future road into his property would be deadended by a cul -de -sac. 44) The Smith and Briggs properties were then brought under discussion. Warr felt that it was appropriate to change the Comp. Plan but not the zoning for this area. Fregonese concurred and Greene received a consensus from the Commission. 45) Benson asked about the Hungerford property noting that Mr. Hungerford wanted it to be zoned Low Density but that it is presently proposed to be Woodland Residential. Benson preferred to keep it in Woodland Residential as did Commissioner Greene. Alston then asked what the possibilities could be of changing the Comp Plan in this area at a later time. Fregonese stated that it would be difficult. 46) Greene noted that exact Locations of any roads would be covered by the Engineers study of the best place to put them. Dave Lewis then asked, what about his property. Fregonese then interjected that the property he owned had been zoned 2 1/2 acre when he bought it. 47) Greene then moved the discussion to Granite Street. Fregonese stated that it would be appropriate to move the zoning line on Mrs. Mitchell's property to meet her property line and retain it all as Low Density. 48) The Grandview and Orchard Streets areas were then discussed. Benson felt that it was important to make it conforming and that the AFC Minutes, January 26 Page 6 wishes of the majority of the property owners should be considered. Owens then questioned the future expansion of the Kneebone property. Fregonese noted that in the preparation of the findings, changes to locations could be numbered so they could be easily identifiable in the future. Benson concurred that this would provide a good justifi- cation for future Planning Commissions. Fregonese noted that this proposal should be good for this planning period in terms of the Comprehensive Plan. 99) Warr noted that in the present economy that no additional need for housing was apparent but that plans should be made for the future, 20 to 30 years hence. Fregonese responded by stating that this long range planning was precisely the reason that dedications were necessary and identifying future rights -of -way was critical. 50) Fregonese then recapped the schedule of the preparation of the findings and the final presentation to the Planning Commission in February. 51) The letter from the neighbors on upper Granite Street relative to the Cooper development was discussed. Fregonese showed the slides taken on the field trips of the area and the topographic and plat maps for the proposal. He stated that Cooper had stayed within the guidelines of his approval from the Planning Commission and had not violated it as the neighbors had contended. The disputes facing the people in this area were in his estimation civil matters. 52) The meeting was then adjourned at 11:20 p.m. APC Minutes, January 26 Page 7 Dear Commission Member, January 21,1983 On January 26, the Planning Commission will be considering a proposed zoning change which will affect us, the people who live on roperties adjacent to the proposed change. (Map enclosed. The proposal is to change the outlined area from Low Density to Single Family. We are writing to protest the proposed change, and to strongly request that the designation Low Density remain for this land. Our reasons are not new ones. But they are clear and concrete, and have a history of discussion before the city planners who have affirmed and reaffirmed their validity as the major factors in designating the area low density. Briefly, the facts about maintaining this area as low density are as follows: 1) Dirt Roads a) The roads in this area are narrow, unimproved, and steep. Only one car at a time can pass along Alnutt, this end of Scenic, and Strawberry.: Lane. b) Strawberry Ln., shown on the map as access to the property in question, is particularly unfit for greatly increased traffic. It is a narrow, steep, dirt track with very sharp turns at Alnutt and Scenic. c) The roads are adequate for low volume of traffic. d) Widening the roads to add a subdivision would change the scenic, rural setting drastically. Residents would stand to lose huge old trees and other established parts of their yards. 2) Traffic a) Traffic at present is manageable on these roads. b) The land proposed for change in density covers about 51 acres. This means that a maximum for 22 new homes could be built if the density were changed to Single Family 1 :10. Using the guideline of 10 vehicle trips per residence per day, these roads could be traveled 220 times more per day than at present c) Increased traffic of this magnitude would make travel on these roads completely unmanageable and dangerous. 3) Water a) Water supply is already a problem in the area; pressure is low now without Any additional homes being built. b) There is no city plan being followed now to improve the water system in this area of town. The monies from the most recently passed city water bond are being used tr5 other projects within the city. Only if monies remain after these projects are completed will a project to improve the water problem in this area be undertaken. And, even if this measure (a new line on Terrace) is completed:, this will only slightly improve water conditions here. The Public Works Dept. projects that the improvements necessary to give satis- factory water service to this area will not be under- taken until the year 1990 or possibly the year 2000. c) Fire protection access to the area for fire protection because of winter road conditions (ice and snow on steep slopes) and limited water supply, is difficult. 4) The Neighborhood a) The area that would be immediately affected by this proposed change is made up of parcels of land acre or more each, b) The zone change would put a subdivision and resultant road changes right in the middle of a rural residential setting, and thus sacrifice the character of the whole area, We appreciate the difficulty and the importance of your job in developing a comprehensive land use plan for the city of Ashland. The city must organize to make best and most reasonable use of the land within its boundaries. And in that context, we strongly reaffirm that reasonable growth in this area is growth that will not overburden the roads or the water system, or drastically change the character of the area, and therefore, reasonable growth here is no more than one home per 2 acre (Low Density), 9 a Thank you for your attention, y djita u4)-an Lk, l 5 5 «�b�� r Lc ed,4`7K Jig /J 7 Sz 1 Diu U� Sao )1'4:1 /1 aitiv)is /4(1V-7 /97 /&-641-4)-zvv 77 e /t/ /6' 7 5 c 2 rtiohoyrtd, 7/ 6 'r 11X, 2. 3 3 41- 61e, faL LD LOW DENSITY (2 acre minimum) WR WOODLAND RESIDENTIAL (22 acre minimum) SF SINGLE- FAMILY R -1:10P SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL "53 (10,000 sq.ft. minimum) R- 1:7.5P SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (7,500 sq.ft. minimum) L LD to We, the undersigned, are property owners in the neighbor- hood of the proposed zoning change described on the attached map,and we here make notice that we oppose the proposed zoning change. We strongly request that the present designation of Low Density remain in force. -1- X53 1 &e January 21, 1983 /7 N 1Q4,6 I `k Ltupau4-CA/ OLALQ, 1' 7 lely.ijii is 11 LD LOW DENSITY (2 acre minimum) WR WOODLAND RESIDENTIAL (22 acre minimum) SF SINGLE- FAMILY R -1 :1OP SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (10,000 sq.ft minimum) R- 1:7.5P SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (7,500 sq.ft. minimum) c 0 0 We, the undersigned, are property owners whose property fronts Strawberry Lane. We are not willing to join a local improvement zone in order to pave and otherwise improve Strawberry Lane. P o k,aci 4-e C f 4frr-d /}7 aUf2-4-12„-W January 21, 1983 tr ,rk ,75 Lue_ (i) cf?av t /17. r O ate )ZLe_AA 6 Lci )c]7 q 2 Cna s 7` 6 liCel )Le d 1 5 z BEAR{ MEMO T0: Ashland Planning Commission As the owner of tax lots 700, 800, 900, and 5100, I am disturbed over the various zoning changes which have been proposed since I first purchased property in the Nutley Alnutt area in 1 965. The latest proposed change seems to me to be inconsistent and discrim- inatory. I see no reason why the lots on the north side of Nutley Street to Grandview Drive should be zoned R1:10 while those on the opposite side between Nutley and Strawberry Lane should continue to be zoned LD. (I understand that the first notice I received zoning them as R1 :10 was in error, and I only found that out when I checked with your office that the plan is to continue them as LD.) Although I do not plan to do so at this time, I feel that if adjoining lands can be developed at R1 :10, I should have the right to develop mine at the same zoning should I choose to do so. For example, lot 700 consists of approximately 1.4 acres. Granted it is a hillside area, but it is no steeper than other areas in Ashland which have been developed. I, too, admire open spaces. In fact, that is one of the reasons I bought this land. But this fact should not preclude my developing the lots I own at some later date if I choose to do so since others may develop their land. I urge the Planning Commission to be consistent in their planning and to consider the individual land owner as well as the developer. CC: Mayor Medaris Ashland City Council Cordially, h St 1 Dorothy p RECEIVE JAIL P.O. Box 73 Ashland, Oregon 97520 January 24, 1983 January 23, 1983 Chairman Ashland Planning Commission Ashland, Oregon 97520 Dear Sir: 1 ask that the following be made part of the record at the public hearing scheduled for January 26, 1983 regarding proposed zoning changes. support the proposed zoning R -1:10P for my tax lot #391 -08AD- 05200. This property consists of a residence and approximately 2.5 acres at the junction of Alnut and Nutley Streets. 1 have previously requested that this property be returned to its original zoning of R -1 -7500' (8000') in my letter of Sept. 27, 1982. This was the zoning when the comprehensive plan and zoning proposal was started in Ashland a few years ago. Over the duration of this process, zoning for this property has fluctuated from 1 acre lots to 8000' to 1/3 acre to 1/2 acre and now 10,000'( 1 was told at the Planning Department last week that because of a few complaints a "mistake" was made and that is in error. No one has let to provide an.y basis for any of these changes. It appears to be the arbitrary and capricious whim of someone at the time, either on the Commission or in the Planning Department, and this is supposed to be a long range plan. This constant changing does not represent long range planning, but merely greases the squeaky wheel. This property is surrounded by houses on small lots. An apartment house is tithin 100 feet of the house. You have approved develop- ments and a street plan on Nutley Street and at the top of Straw- berry Lane. 1 am going to be forced to sell my home and this property to pay for inevitable street assessments on Nutley and Alnut Streets. 1 know my neighbors would like to keep this park- like, as it is, or at worst lowest density possible but they are not looking at a 520,000- 25,000 potential street assessment. 1 do not intend to let people in apartments, condos and on small lots decide that my property is their open space. So you can plan on an appeal all the way to the State level. Si rg Sanders 96 Nutley Street Ashland, Or 97520 cc: Mayor and Council COTTLE HOWSER PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION ATTORNEYS AT LAW 607 SISKIYOU BOULEVARD POST OFFICE BOX 627 ASHLAND, OREGON 97520 (503)482-2621 January 20, 1983 Mr. John Frigonese Planning Department City of Ashland City Hall Ashland, Oregon 97520 Dear John: It is my understanding that there will be a public hearing next week, at which time the Planning Commission will consider rezoning certain property lying in Area #1 near Long Way. Mr. and Mrs. Robert V. Hardy, 400 Ashland Street, Ashland, Oregon, are the owners of a lot adjacent to that, being 391E, 16BA, Lot 1200. It is understood that the proposed change would change the zoning from Wood- land Reserve to Low Density Residential, or, in other words, reduce the density requirements from 2 -1/2 acre parcels to 1/2 acre parcels. Mr. and Mrs. Hardy will be out of town at the time of the hearing, and as their attorney, I am authorized to advise you that if we have understood the proposed change in the zoning, as expressed above, they have no objections to the same. RCC:fp cc: Mr. Mrs. Robert V. Hardy Yours very truly, COTTLE HOWSER Professjonal Corporation Richard C. Cottle RICHARD C. COTTLE THOMAS C. HOWSER REBECCA GORDON ORF CHARLES R. WATSON JUDITH H. UHERBELAU Dear Mr. Fregonese: NAN SIEBERT 495 Fernwood Dr. Ashland, Oregon January 24, 1983 In case I'm unable to attend the meeting of the Planning Commission on January 26th, I wish to express concern about the possible negative aspects of construction on the steep hillsides along Grandview and Scenic, as shown on the Area #3 map. In time of heavy rain, we already experience erosion on Grandview and the dirt is washed from above and across the paving on Scenic to those living below. I think the majority of home owners who use Grandview especially in icy, snowy weather, don't want Grandview paved (because we get better traction on dirt) but would appreciate more frequent grading of the oftentimes dangerously rutted road. More building in this area means more erosion to areas below, more traffic down Church or Nutley (through the Park), and another of Ashland's green hills denuded. Have you noticed the effect of all the construction on the Thornton Way Prim Street, etc hill as you exit from Medford on the North Ashland exchange? A few more years of this kind of construction, and there won't be a green hill above Ashland anywhere. Speaking of esthetic values may not be popular, but Ashland's beauty, including it's green hills, is one reason I (and many others) moved here. I think there are many things to be considered before we build more on our hillsides. Thank you for listening. Sincerely, `rt.„ Nan Siebert Memo tb; Ashland Planning Commission Recently I learned of proposed plans to widen and /or pave Alnutt Street. As I understand it, the request for this was made by persons who are developing properties in the upper Strawberry Lane area. Plans for improving this street would work a hardship on those of us who own land bordering this area. (My lot 900 has 256.6 bordering this street.) I wish to know what responsibility developers have for street improvements which they plan to use as main access routes to their properties. I should appreciate hearing from you in this connection.as well as any other information you have on the proposed plan. Copies to: Mayor Medaris Ashland City Council Cordially, Dorothy E Stolp P.O. Box 73 Ashland, Oregon January 24, 1983 ;,ENEO JAN 2 5 L