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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning and Development March 13 1990WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE March 13, 1990 The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Conference Room by Committee Chair Marge Laidlaw. Also present: Absent: Don Hansey None. Emily Jackson 1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CODE REGARDING INCREASED SQUARE FOOTAGE FOR RETAIL USES IN THE GATEWAY INDUSTRIAL ZONE (AB90 -58) At first the Planning Department opposed this zoning change because there was plenty of this type of zone in other places, Taylor said, adding that Planning also had urged that this be changed to General Commercial zoning. The Planning Commission, however, found the proposal should be adopted as requested, and to adopt the findings as drafted by the applicant's attorney, Phil Serka, except to increase the square footage originally requested. The applicant is Zan Marquis; the area in question is north of Birch Bay - Lynden Road between Interstate -5 and Portal Way. Jackson noted that because the zone change is such a complete departure from the intent of the gateway industrial zoning Taylor seemed to want the Committee to recommend one of three things: To have the Planning Commission take another look at the proposal; to have Council hearings on the matter; or to adopt the recommendations as they are presented. Hansey said he did not think it was appropriate for the Planning staff to speak against a proposal that the Planning Commission has recommended. The Council should receive reports on what the Commission recommends, and not hear the staff's "second opinion." Jackson and Hansey discussed the matter further. Taylor said obviously the Council should take the Planning Commission's recommendation into first consideration, but that the staff also should give its opinion to the Council. Discussion continued. Serka objected to Taylor's presentation because he said the Council has not heard the full recommendation of the Planning Commission. Jackson and Laidlaw noted that the Planning Commission's full report and findings are in the Council packet, and they have read that material. The limitations of gateway industrial zoning were discussed by Serka, who noted that factory outlet stores have expressed interest in located on the property in question. He talked about the need for higher square footage, and noted that Planning staff and Larry Harris, who has since become a member of the Commission, were the only opponents to the proposal. He also pointed to the tax benefits that would come directly to Whatcom County if the outlet center were located here rather than within Blaine's city limits. Planning and Development, 3/13/90, Page 2 Discussion ensued about the property, its former intended use, and the quality of the development being proposed. Jim Zervas, Zervas Group Architects, explained the factory outlet design would be compatible with any construction generally allowed under the gateway industrial zone. There was discussion about parking problems (potential for), Laidlaw's concerns that gateway industrial is not intended to be a magnet for shoppers, Jackson's concerns about "tacky" stores appearing in that area, and others (water and sewer availability). Doug Campbell, an engineer for Marquis, said sewer and water will come from a public source, the Percy Road Water Association. The property has water connections in place, and the County Health Department has approved the sewer system; the mounds are in place already. Campbell discussed other aspects of the proposal. Discussion ensued. JACKSON MOVED THAT THE COUNCIL HAVE ITS OWN HEARING, LIMITING THE SCOPE TO THE SQUARE FOOTAGE ISSUE. There was discussion. Motion carried unanimously. 2. ORDINANCE AMENDING ZONING CODE, ALLOWING GOLF COURSES AND RELATED COMMERCIAL USES IN UR AND LII ZONES (AB90 -57) Taylor explained the ordinance and the issues surrounding it. The only possible down -side to this ordinance, Taylor said, is that a few more things will be conditional uses in these zones, and thus more work will be created for Buildings and Code. Discussion ensued. Taylor noted that urban residential and light impact industrial zones tend to be around urban areas. HANSEY MOVED TO RECOMMEND THIS ITEM FOR APPROVAL. Motion carried unanimously. Jackson said the Committee should discuss the scope, and intent of conditional use permits; Taylor said it would possible to schedule this for a future agenda. 3. DISCUSSION OF POINT ROBERTS PLAN, DISCUSSION ONLY Laidlaw said a Council hearing on this matter was scheduled for April 3. After some discussion, Hansey noted that the final environmental impact statement (EIS) would possibly not be published prior to that meeting; Taylor said the EIS already has completed its public process, and the hearing on April 10 will deal with other aspects of the plan. Jackson urged that the comprehensive plan be completed as quickly as possible. Planner Carl Batchelor commented. Bob Anderson, land use consultant, 203 West Holly, said he Planning and Development, 3/13/90, Page 3 represented 30 to 40 people who feel that since there is no "wild activity" in terms of development on the Point, the Council should not worry about delaying action a bit and having a public hearing after the final EIS is published. He discussed the EIS and said there is an "extreme, almost rage among people living and working in Point Roberts" because they haven't been heard. There was extensive discussion. Batchelor said Anderson was misleading the Committee because the proposed plan has been available for months and any changes were made in a public forum. Batchelor said there is pressure to develop at Point Roberts, and a delay could be harmful. Hansey said the public should have the EIS information as far in advance of a Council hearing as possible. A man who didn't identify himself (possibly a Mr. Ross) criticized the process, accusing the Council of making a decision with a lack of information. Taylor said the hearing could be delayed for a week and the EIS would definitely be ready with ample time for public review. After some discussion, Hansey suggested April 10 or 24 as a hearing date, and said it was crucial to decide this afternoon in order to cancel the advertisement for April 3. HANSEY MOVED TO CANCEL THE APRIL 3 MEETING. There was some discussion. Motion carried unanimously. Laidlaw said she would recommend to the Council that the hearing be scheduled for April 10, or two weeks after the EIS material is available. There was consensus. 4. UPDATE ON GROWTH STRATEGIES LEGISLATION Laidlaw briefly reported on the progress of the state legislation. 5. OTHER BUSINESS Airport Expansion: It was noted that many people have contacted Council members on this matter. Jackson said she is drafting a resolution about this matter and will present it at the next Council meeting. Hansey noted that the Port of Bellingham would like the Council to tour airport facilities Monday from 3 p.m. to 5 p .m. Members of Safe Airport for Everyone (S.A.F.E.) will be at the March 27 Council meeting to present their views. Puget Power Transmission Lines: Laidlaw noted that the group opposing the construction of the transmission lines along Noon Road, N.O.P.E. (Neighbors Opposed to Power Encroachment) wish to meet with the Council as well. Puget Power also should be invited to speak; the Clerk was directed to schedule such a presentation Planning and Development, 3/13/90, Page 4 for an April Council meeting. Firs Property ownership: Laidlaw said The Firs may sell its property, and the County may want to look at the long term use of that land. There was discussion. The meeting was adjourned at 3:01 p.m. ATTEST: Ramona Reeves, Council Clerk WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON Margare . Laidlaw, Member IM PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE LIST March 13, 1990 Name: Address /Organization: Zan Marquis Applicant for zone text change, G.I. Doug Campbell Engineer for Marquis' project Phil Serka Attorney for Marquis Donovan Kehrer Jim Zervas Zervas Architects Group Dick Fowler Arnason's Realty Unidentified Point Roberts resident Bob Anderson Attorney, Point Roberts Comp Plan