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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Planning and Economic Development Committee - 08/08/1994KENT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 8, 1994 The meeting of the Kent Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Kent Morrill at 7:00 p.m. on August 8, 1994 in the Kent City Hall, Chambers West. PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Kent Morrill, Chair Janette Nuss, Vice Chair Connie Epperly Edward Heineman, Jr. Kenneth Dozier Bob MacIsaac Russ Stringham Raymond Ward PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Gwen Dahle, Excused PLANNING STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Kevin O'Neill, Senior Planner Linda Phillips, Planner Matthews Jackson, Planner NanSea Potts, Recording Secretary OTHER CITY STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Helen Wickstrom, Parks Administration Superintendent Roger Lubovich, City Attorney Laurie Evezich, Assistant City Attorney Gary Gill, City Engineer APPROVAL OF JULY 25, 1994 MINUTES Commissioner Stringham MOVED, Janette Nuss SECONDED and the MOTION CARRIED to approve the minutes of the July 25, 1994 meeting. ADDED AGENDA ITEMS None Planning Commission Minutes August 8, 1994 COMMUNICATIONS Chair Kent Morrill announced a letter was received by the Commission from Puget Power pertaining to the Comprehensive Plan. A copy of the letter was included in each Commissioner's folder. (CPA 94-1 Exhibit #2) PUBLIC HEARING #CPA -94-1 Draft of the Kent Comprehensive Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement DEIS Chair Morrill introduced Kevin O'Neill, Senior Planner and asked him to explain the background of the comprehensive plan for the benefit of those who did not attend the previous public hearing. Mr. O'Neill explained that this was a continuation of the public hearing which took place on July 25, 1994. He explained that the hearing was on the Draft Comprehensive Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and briefly clarified the difference between the two documents. Reference materials (Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Comprehensive Plan) were announced as being available for purchase, as well as the availability of the free Goals and Policies handout, which includes the Proposed Land Use Map. Mr. O'Neill asked that speakers wishing to comment on the DEIS clearly state they are doing so and stated that comments on the DEIS would be received in writing by the Planning Department until August 17, 1994. Referencing a joint memo from Mr. Satterstrom and Chair Morrill, Mr. O'Neill explained the process for the Commission's consideration of the Comprehensive Plan. He outlined a proposed three phase process for conducting the public hearings: 1) Public testimony, which began on July 25, 1994, will be taken by the Commission; 2) After adequate opportunity for testimony has been provided, the Commission will temporarily close the public hearing. Previous minutes, staff reports and comments will be reviewed by the Commission and public. Each element will be assessed and suggested revisions submitted by the Commission; 3) The public hearing will be reopened for further testimony concerning the proposed revisions. After closing the public hearing, the Commission will make their final recommendation to the City Council. A schedule of proposed issues and dates of Commission deliberations will be available once all of the public testimony has been received. These meetings will be open to the public also. 2 Planning Commission - Minutes August 8, 1994 Mr. O'Neill corrected a statement which he made at the July 25, 1994 hearing concerning properties in the unincorporated King County. He previously said they were all a part of the Soos Creek Community Planning Area. He indicated the area that was not a part of this plan, at Ms. Mann's request. He believed the area was a part an old community planning area entitled the Green River Plan. Chair Morrill reiterated that once the public testimony was reviewed, there would be another opportunity for public testimony. Due to the volume of material and number of speakers, Chair Morrill restated that 10 minutes would the maximum amount of time allowed for each speaker during the public testimony. Chair Morrill opened the hearing to the general public, once again asking for attendees to sign the roster to speak and/or to be on the mailing list concerning the Comprehensive Plan. He requested those testifying remain within the ten minute time frame, and asked that they state their name and address for the record. TESTIMONY Joe Miles - (24639 156th Ave SE, Covington) - Mr. Miles expressed his concern regarding the eastern boundary of the Potential Annexation Area (PAA). From the map on display, the boundary appears to follow the centerline of the creek. Mr. Miles felt a more suitable boundary would be at the park boundary on the west, using the park as a buffer. Commissioner MacIsaac asked Mr. O'Neill if the boundary had already been revised. Mr. O'Neill said he thought the intent was to use the park as a buffer, even though it is not reflected on the Proposed Land Use Map. Ron Knight - (1530 Davis Ave S, Renton) - Mr. Knight protested the proposed rezoning of the area at 260th and 108th SE. The proposed plan chanages the designation of this property from Office to Mixed Use Commercial. Mr. Knight stated that Commercial zoning, without the Mixed Use designation, would be more suitable. Mr. Knight listed a variety of reasons why the Mixed Use designation should not be considered for this area. Commissioner Nuss asked Mr. Knight to depict the area on the overhead map. c Planning Commission Minutes August 8, 1994 Commissioner Stringham asked whether the Planning Department had been notified in writing and that a formal review of this issue would be conducted. Commissioner Stringham stated he felt this zoning had been previously discussed. Mr. Knight said he had a copy of a letter which represented the four parcels involved in this particular zoning issue. Commissioner Stringham asked if Mr. Knight would favor any Mixed Use, as opposed to Commercial zoning on the East Hill. Mr. Knight stated several examples of Mixed Use situations that were not successful. He repeated that East Hill is best suited for Commercial zoning. Commissioner Nuss asked if Mr. Knight had stated he would prefer to see multifamily zoning in the urban area, downtown Kent. Mr. Knight listed the existing multifamily areas and expressed his concern was primarily for the vacant land, and that multifamily buffers were not necessary. Commissioner Ward asked what the zoning is on the adjacent property. Mr. Knight said the current zoning is Multifamily, but the proposed comprehensive plan zoning is Office. Patricia James - (Property owner of 21251 94th Place South, Kent) Mrs. James presented several pictures supporting her previous testimony of July 25, requesting the property not be zoned Single Family. At Commissioner Stringham's request, Mrs. James stated she owns roughly six to eight acres, after allowing the City to purchase areas for storms drainage property and highway access. Mrs. James said another area near her property had been developed at great expense, (Garrison Heights) and that only two houses had been sold. Commissioner Nuss asked what other use she would like to consider for the property and Mrs. James said possibly a retirement home with a nursing facility because of its proximity to Valley General and the residents would probably not spend very much time outside. David Whalen - (3811 S 255th PL, Kent) In general, Mr. Whalen appreciated all the work involved in the Plan, but indicated the factors that could make the plan unworkable. Concerns raised were cars and alternative transportation, community design details, planned scattered low income housing, and maintenance on business and housing. 4 Planning Commission Minutes August 8, 1994 Commissioner Ward asked if Mr. Whalen agreed with the direction of the Plan. Mr. Whalen said he did, but the open-ended details like the Mixed Use planning needs to be managed properly. Sylvia Kane - (Resides: 21312 109th Ave SE, Kent, owns property in the city limits) Mrs. Kane stated she would like to see stricter regulations in quality for multiple housing. She felt builders should charge more to keep these dwellings from turning into slums. Charlie Kiefer - (10926 SE 274th ST, Kent) Mr. Kiefer read a letter concerning the DEIS and Draft Comprehensive Plan. He distributed a copy of the letter and exhibit (CPA 94-1 Ex #3) in support of his testimony. Mr. Kiefer's main concern was the future source of Kent's water. His testimony also included omissions in the DEIS and Comprehensive Plan, primarily a 39 acre wetland located in an area annexed by the city in 1987. Mr. Keifer showed several maps concerning his property and details concerning the Kent Springs Water Main. Commissioner Dozier asked if the City had acquired easements for the pipeline. Mr. Kiefer replied yes, a legal permanent easement and a perpetual temporary easement. Jim Fox - (706 S Central, Kent) Mr. Fox asked the commission to consider an adjustment to a zoning line that splits his property. The zoning boundary was established on vacated Burke avenue, and he would like to have the boundary changed to include the "toe" of the hill. Mr. Fox said this zoning adjustment would not impact any adjacent property owners and would be ideal for commercial use. Chair Morrill asked that he point out the property. Mr. Fox stated that his property was a notch in the hill and wanted the zoning consistent to the rest of his property. Mr. Fox submitted maps depicting his property (CPA 94-1 Ex #4) Dee Moschel - (425 Scenic Way, Kent) As a representative of the Kent Downtown Partnership, she stated the partnership's involvement in a variety of aspects of the comprehensive plan. Ms. Moschel said the partnership feels that the plan has been compiled in a very professional way and supports the plan. Mike Aronoff - (28210 187th Ave SE, Covington) Mr. Aronoff said the efforts of the City of Kent to expand towards Soos Creek has helped to unite the citizens of the Covington area to strongly oppose annexation and concentrate on incorporation. Steve Nuss - (26220 42nd Ave S, Kent) - As a member of Kent's Bicycle Advisory Board, Mr. Nuss stressed the importance of considering non -motorized modes of transportation, such as 5 Planning Commission Minutes August 8, 1994 bicycles. Mr. Nuss recited statistics from the plan and said the City of Kent needs to do everything possible to encourage alternative modes of transportation. He pointed out the language in the Goals and Policies should be stronger. Recommendations from the Bicycle Advisory Board will be forthcoming. Hugh Lieper - (1819 South Central, Suite 116, Kent) Mr. Lieper restated his opinions regarding Kent's growth, enforcing his statements with copies of overhead transparencies. (CPA 94-1 Ex #5) Mr. Lieper stated that the City should be planning for a larger area. Commissioner MacIsaac asked Mr. Lieper to clarify his opinion regarding the proposed eastern boundary. Mr. Lieper felt the boundary should extend to at least one mile beyond Kent-Kangley and Highway 18. Commissioner Dozier asked about Covington. Mr. Lieper stated that the Chamber of Commerce does not represent all the people, the people work in Kent and they need to have a voice in the total community. Michael Skehan - (11421 SE 257th, #G101, Kent) Mr. Skehan generally applauded the plan and those who worked on it, but commented on areas concerning both the plan and the DEIS. He handed out written supporting documents to the Commission. (CPA 94-1 Ex #6) Mr. Skehan said that the Plan does not address adequately possible public transportation. Mr. Skehan said that by defining the level of service (LOS) that is fixed and not tied to growth, Kent would meet the concurrency required for public transportation today. Ninh Dinh - (25005 104th Ave SE, Kent) Mr. Dinh voiced his concern regarding his recent improvements to his commercial property and the possibility of being required to build multifamily units or an office above the commercial retail space. Commissioner Ward asked if Mr. Dinh's property is zoned Mixed Use. Mr. Dinh said it was Office. Commissioner Ward asked what zoning he would like, and Mr. Dinh said he would like it changed to commercial. A request to the planning department had not been made. Jeanne McLerran - (10625 SE 248 ST, Kent) Mrs. McLerran asked that the Commission to reconsider the zoning of her property from Single Family to Multifamily because of its proximity to existing apartments. The property is south of 248th, across from the Morrill property. 31 Planning Commission Minutes August 8, 1994 Pete Curran (On behalf of Robert Davidson) - (Residence: 1547 NW Young Rd, Bremerton) Attorney Curran distributed an exhibit (CPA 94-1 #7), a site plan showing Mr. Davidson's (and partners') property, which is located adjacent to the off -ramp of I-5 to the Kent Des Moines Road. The zoning is Rl, but adjacent property to the north is zoned General Commercial, and to the south, Nike Manor, is residential. Mr. Curran asked that the subject property be rezoned to Community Commercial rather than residential, as it is located too close to the freeway, and would provide a good buffer between commercial zoning and Nike Manor. Commissioner Stringham asked specifically what level of RI this property is zoned. Mr. Curran said it was R1-7.2. On behalf of Dr. Dan Ranniger, Mr. Curran distributed a site map depicting Dr. Ranniger's property at 116th and 240th. (CPA 94-1 Ex #8) Dr. Ranniger owns his site, plus the property occupied by J.C. Mumm Nursery. Because of long term uses, Mr. Curran asked that it remain as is, and not be zoned as Rl, like the plan indicates. Lanae Mattich - (26854 Cardiff Ave S, Kent) Mrs. Mattich expressed her dissatisfaction of the volume of apartment complexes and multifamily designation near their property. Outlining the rise in vandalism, graffiti, violence, gang activity, traffic, etc., they stated that existing neighborhoods would soon become slums. Commissioner Ward asked what the Mattich's wanted. They said they didn't want any more apartments or strip malls built in their area. Commissioner Nuss asked what incidents have occurred since they moved to the neighborhood. Mrs. Mattich said her car was stolen and the Kent police could not respond in a timely manner because of another incident in their neighborhood. When asked by Commissioner Dozier if she would like to see multifamily units spread out rather than concentrated in a particular area, she reponded affirmatively. Mrs. Mattich objected adamantly to the concentration of multifamily zoning in her neighborhood. Gerald Mattich - (26854 Cardiff Ave S, Kent) Mr. Mattich specifically requested to know who pays the taxes to support the services required to accommodate the apartment residents. He asked if 1/3 of the people are carrying the load and why his housing value is substantially less than the average for King County. Mr. Mattich stated that a personal experience did not support the police services as published in the plan. He described some recent criminal incidences, including a gang ritual where a child abduction had taken place. 7 Planning Commission Minutes August 8, 1994 Commissioner Morrill advised Mr. Mattich to call the King County Tax Assessors office to acquire specific tax information. Commissioner Nuss asked when the child abduction at Star Lake Elementary occurred. Mr. Mattich said a neighbor told him about the incident about a 1 1(2 months ago, and said it was hearsay. Commissioner Nuss then asked if she understood Mr. Mattich to say he would prefer to see more home ownership instead of rentals, which he confirmed. Martha Burke - (City of Seattle, Solid Waste Utility, 710 2nd Ave #505, Seattle) Ms. Burke is representing the City of Seattle, who owns the property just north of the Kent Highlands Landfill. She commented that this land has been surplused by the City of Seattle, and are in the process of analyzing potential options for improving the overall development of this area. The Heartland Group has been hired to assist in the analysis. She asked that she be allowed the opportunity to come back at a later time with a detailed presentation. Commissioner Stringham asked what Mrs. Burke's purpose for appearing tonight was. She replied it was only to be allowed to come back at a later date with recommendations for zoning as related to the comprehensive plan and other related policies, after the analysis has been completed. Barbara Simpson - (Kent Chamber of Commerce - 524 W Meeker, Kent) Ms. Simpson stated that the Chamber of Commerce does not have a position regarding the plan, and she would pose overall questions. Since the growth of Kent appears to be dependent on infill and redevelopment, she stated that the plan does not address public strategies to assure redevelopment. Her concern is if higher pricing is required, what prevents existing businesses and residents from relocating outside of Kent or King County. Specifically, the Industrial and Manufacturing impact regarding jobs per square foot should be considered regarding transportation alternatives, particularly relating to the proposed regional transit project. Ms. Simpson supported the Plan's support for industrial uses, but cited concern for some of the specific policies. She Stated that the Chamber was still considering the Plan and that written input would be forthcoming. Commissioner Stringham asked when written input could be expected. She replied after she has had the opportunity to review the Transportation Element in further detail, probably in two to three weeks. 3 Planning Commission Minutes August 8, 1994 Commissioner Ward asked Mrs. Simpson to clarify her statement regarding the growth pattern of Kent. She restated that the historical growth rates do not lead to a guarantee that Kent will meet the density required to make the transit system self-supporting. Commissioner MacIsaac asked if the Chamber had looked at the urban center boundaries and if they had any comments. She responded that no position has been established as yet. Florence Lien - (10611 Kent Kangley Road, Kent) Mrs. Lien said that she felt the Plan was not yet complete. Concerning her property zoning, there appears to be a gray area concerning what percentage of building can be Commercial and what percentage can be Office. The proposed plan designates this area as Mixed Use Limited Multifamily. She felt Mixed Use should be optional and not a requirement. Michele Guglielmetti - (26230 43rd Ave S, Kent) As a 16 year resident of West Hill, she commented how this area has changed for the worse. She specifically mentioned the influx of apartments has deteriorated the quality of life in her area. She supports scattering multifamily zoning. She asked the Commission if the taxes are higher for multifamily developments than single family. She commented that she was encouraged four years ago when a planner brought in to work on the Plan stated that there should never be another apartment built in Kent, and regretted that his kdeas were not reflected in the plan. She said that according to the plan, her neighborhood would still allow multifamily building and to preserve the quality of life in that area, this zoning designation should not be allowed. Harry Busscher - (26428 Carnaby Way, Kent) Mr. Busscher also stated his concern regarding the apartment complex under construction. He, as the others quoted the adverse changes in the neighborhood, reiterating crime, problems in schools, etc., as reasons for moving. Walter Flue - (1105 Seattle ST, Kent) Mr. Flue asked if the future development of Kent will continue further south. He stated that the area from track to track has homes from 60 to 75 years old, and Kent needs to preserve its history. Lawrence Campbell - (10024 SE 240th ST #102, Kent) Recapping his testimony of July 25, 1994, Mr. Campbell stated his general support of the Draft Comprehensive Plan except for a couple of specific properties, which are those properties he represents for clients on East Hill. Mr. Campbell stated that Mr. Knight, Mrs. James, and Mr. Fox were his clients and he supported their testimony, stating reasons why he supported their zoning requests. 01 Planning Commission Minutes August 8, 1994 Chair Morrill asked to close public testimony. Commissioner MacIsaac stated that due to the volume of people in attendance, another opportunity to hear testimony should be allowed. The Commissioners agreed. Chair Morrill stated that people who have spoken at previous comprehensive plan hearings will not be allowed to testify again. Commissioner Stringham asked if a specific date should be established for the next hearing. Commission Nuss MOVED that the continuation of the public hearing be set for Monday, August 22, 1994 at 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Heineman SECONDED the motion, and the motion CARRIED. Commissioner Nuss asked Chair Morrill if individuals wish further testimony, they could attend the Council Meeting. Chair Morrill stated they could, or prepare written testimony. UPCOMING MEETINGS Senior Planner Kevin O'Neill was asked by Chair Morrill of upcoming meetings. He said there were none, except for the continued hearing on August 22, 1994. Commissioner Dozier MOVED that the meeting be closed. Commissioner Stringham SECONDED, and motion CARRIED to close the meeting. Chairman Morrill closed the meeting at 9:27 p.m. Respectfully submitted,