HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Land Use and Planning Board - 03/05/1996 CITY OF
• Jim White, Mayor
LAND USE & PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
Public Hearing
March 5, 1996
The meeting of the Interim Kent Land Use& Planning Board was called to order by Interim Chair
Leona Orr at 4.00 p in on March 5, 1996, in Chambers East of Kent City Hall.
INTERIM LAND USE & PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Leona Orr, Chair
Tim Clark
Jon Johnson
INTERIM LAND USE& PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
PLANNING STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
James Harris, Planning Director
Fred Satterstrom, Planning Manager
• Kevin O'Neill, Senior Planner
Matt Jackson, GIS Planner
Teresa Beener, Administrative Secretary
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 29. 1996 MINUTES
Board member Tim Clark MOVED to approve the minutes from the February 20 meeting. The
motion was SECONDED by Board member Jon Johnson. Motion carried.
ADDED ITEMS TO THE AGENDA
None.
COMMUNICATIONS
None.
NOTICE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS
None.
#ZCA-96-3 DRIVE-UP BANKING IN THE DC ZONE - (K. O'Neill)
Senior Planner Kevin O'Neill described the background of the Downtown Commercial zone. This
zone was originally established in an effort to create a mixed use,pedestrian-oriented area,providing
for higher-density development
1
#ZCA-96-3 Allowing Drive-up Banking to the DC zone
220 4th AVE SO /KENT W ASHINGTON 98032-5895/TELEPHONE (206)859-3300/FAX#859-3334
Land Use & Planning Board Minutes
March 5, 1996
Mr. O'Neill presented the following three alternatives for the Land Use & Planning Board to
consider.
1. No action.
2. Allow banks with drive-through facilities as a principally permitted use (throughout the DC
zone)
3. Allow banks with drive-through facilities as a principally permitted use, but only on those
parcels which abut Fourth Avenue.
Staff recommends that the Board consider Alternative 3 if they recommend approving an amendment
to the zoning code to permit drive-through banking in the Downtown Commercial zone.
Chair Orr opened the public hearing.
Mr. Charles Turner, 604 West Meeker 4204, Kent, WA 98032. Mr. Turner is the President of the
Kent Downtown Partnership Mr Turner voiced the Downtown Partnership's support for the zoning
code change as staff recommended However, Mr Turner voiced the following concerns.
1. Drive-up banking is not the best use of that site. Retail business would better enhance the
downtown plan.
2. Curb cuts on Meeker and Fourth Avenue.
3. Project negotiation is not finalized with land owner and Cascade Community Bank.
4. What could happen with the parcel when the land-lease expires.
Mr. Ted Knapp, 612 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 201, Bellevue, WA 98004 Mr Knapp is working
for Cascade to negotiate the land-lease with the property owners They have received a letter of
intent and are presently negotiating the lease documents. Cascade selected this site as a positive
opportunity for the community by cleaning up an "eye sore."
Mr. Knapp explained that the bank is still in the preliminary planning stages. The plans thus far
would allow an entrance from both Meeker and Fourth Avenue and an exit only onto Fourth Avenue.
Mr. Don Lisko (President, Cascade Community Bank), 25 - 16th Street NE, Auburn, WA.
Mr Lisko thanked the Downtown Partnership for their support and asked the Board if they had any
questions.
• Board member Tim Clark asked for clarification that bank was seeking access from Fourth Avenue
2
#ZCA-96-3 Allowing Drive-up Banking in the DC zone
Land Use & Planning Board Minutes
March 5, 1996
as well as Meeker. Mr. Lisko explained that the bank would like to have access to the bank from
both Fourth Avenue and Meeker and the most logical place for an exit from the drive-up business
would be Harrison Street.
Clark informed Mr. Lisko that one of the objectives for the downtown design was to reduce traffic
where people walk; specifically Meeker and Harrison Street. He questioned if it would be feasible
in the bank's design to limit the entry and exit to Fourth Avenue only Mr Lisko explained that
limiting the traffic to Fourth Avenue would limit the stacking space for the drive-up
Mr. Pete Curran, 300 Scenic Way,Kent, WA 98031. Mr. Curran stated that he has been involved `
in the past with developing the downtown focus in promoting a pedestrian orientated downtown.
Mr Curran voiced his concern with rushing to approve a zoning code amendment when there is still
a chance Cascade Bank may not to go through with their plans for any number of reasons.
It was Mr. Curran's opinion that retail would be a more appropriate use for this site. He asked the
Board to carefully consider protecting Meeker Street and the downtown focus.
Mr. Knapp informed the Board that Cascade Community Bank regards Meeker Street access
imperative to the bank design. He asked the Board to consider this issue before recommending a
zoning code amendment.
• Board member Clark questioned the different design options Mr. Lisko referred to previously and
the Meeker Street access Mr Lisko explained that although there are several designs being
reviewed all plans thus far include access into the bank from Meeker Street Clark explained that
access from Meeker Street may not be an option and questioned whether the bank could be designed
without a Meeker Street access. Mr Lisko stated that at this time the bank feels Meeker Street is
critical in the design and if this is not available he would have to re-evaluate the bank's options to
determine if it would still be feasible.
Board member Jon Johnson MOVED to close the public hearing. Board member Clark
SECONDED the motion. The motion carried.
Planning Director Jim Harris explained that access on or off Meeker would be unacceptable.
Mr Harris stated that Cascade Community Bank needs to be very creative with their design in order
to work through the constraints of the downtown design review requirements
Board member Clark voiced his concern with accepting a change to the zoning code amendment that
goes against the focus of the Downtown Commercial district. He emphasized the need to stick with
the plan for the downtown area
Board member Johnson explained his difficulty in deciding this issue The bank is offering a viable
• way to clean-up the existing site now or do we take a chance at what may come in the future.
3
#ZCA-96-3 Allowing Drive-up Banking in the DC zone
Land Use & Planning Board Minutes
March 5, 1996
Chair Orr expressed her concerns with allowing a use that goes against the integrity of the downtown
plan.
This hearing was continued to Tuesday, March 26, 1996, in the Kent City Hall, City Council
Chambers West at 5:00 p.m.
The public hearing adjourned at 5.00 .m.
P g J P
Respectfully Submitted,
Ja es P Harris
ecording Secretary
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C\USERS\DOC\LANDUSE\MINUTES\PCMIN03 05
•
4
#ZCA-96-3 Allowing Drive-up Banking in the DC zone
CITY OF
N
Jim White, Mayor
LAND USE & PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
Public Hearing
March 5, 1996
The meeting of the Interim Kent Land Use&Planning Board was called to order by Interim Chair
Leona Orr at 4:00 p.m. on March 5, 1996, in Chambers East of Kent City Hall.
INTERIM LAND USE & PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Leona Orr, Chair
Tim Clark
Jon Johnson
INTERIM LAND USE&PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
PLANNING STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
James Harris, Planning Director
Fred Satterstrom, Planning Manager
Kevin O'Neill, Senior Planner
Matt Jackson, GIS Planner
Teresa Beener, Administrative Secretary
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 29. 1996 MINUTES
Board member Tim Clark MOVED to approve the minutes from the February 20 meeting. The
motion was SECONDED by Board member Jon Johnson. Motion carried.
ADDED ITEMS TO THE AGENDA
None.
COMMUNICATIONS
None.
NOTICE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS
None.
#ZCA-96-3 DRIVE-UP BANKING IN THE DC ZONE - (K. ONeill)
Senior Planner Kevin ONeill described the background of the Downtown Commercial zone. This
zone was originally established in an effort to create a mixed use,pedestrian-oriented area,providing
for higher-density development.
1
#ZCA-96-3 Allowing Drive-up Banking in the DC zone
220 4th AVE.SO, /KENT,WASHINGTON 98032-5895 1 TELEPHONE (206)859-3300/FAX#859-3334
Land Use &Planning Board Minutes
March 5, 1996
r
Mr. O'Neill presented the following three alternatives for the Land Use & Planning Board to
consider:
1. No action.
2. Allow banks with drive-through facilities as a principally permitted use(throughout the DC
zone).
3. Allow banks with drive-through facilities as a principally permitted use,but only on those
parcels which abut Fourth Avenue.
Staff recommends that the Board consider Alternative 3 if they recommend approving an amendment
to the zoning code to permit drive-through banking in the Downtown Commercial zone.
Chair Orr opened the public hearing.
Mr. Charles Turner, 604 West Meeker#204,Kent,WA 98032. Mr. Turner is the President of the
Kent Downtown Partnership. Mr.Turner voiced the Downtown Partnership's support for the zoning
code change as staff recommended. However,Mr. Turner voiced the following concerns:
1. Drive-up banking is not the best use of that site. Retail business would better enhance the
downtown plan.
2. Curb cuts on Meeker and Fourth Avenue.
3. Project negotiation is not finalized with land owner and Cascade Community Bank.
4. What could happen with the parcel when the land-lease expires.
Mr.Ted Knapp, 612 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 201,Bellevue, WA 98004. Mr. Knapp is working
for Cascade to negotiate the land-lease with the property owners. They have received a letter of
intent and are presently negotiating the lease documents. Cascade selected this site as a positive
opportunity for the community by cleaning up an "eye sore."
Mr. Knapp explained that the bank is still in the preliminary planning stages. The plans thus far
would allow an entrance from both Meeker and Fourth Avenue and an exit only onto Fourth Avenue.
Mr. Don Lisko (President, Cascade Community Bank), 25 - 16th Street NE, Auburn, WA.
Mr. Lisko thanked the Downtown Partnership for their support and asked the Board if they had any
questions.
Board member Tim Clark asked for clarification that bank was seeking access from Fourth Avenue
2
#ZCA-96 3 Allowing Drive-up Banking in the DC zone
Land Use & Planning Board Minutes
March 5, 1996
A
as well as Meeker. Mr. Lisko explained that the bank would like to have access to the bank from
both Fourth Avenue and Meeker and the most logical place for an exit from the drive-up business
would be Harrison Street.
Clark informed Mr. Lisko that one of the objectives for the downtown design was to reduce traffic
where people walk; specifically Meeker and Harrison Street. He questioned if it would be feasible
in the bank's design to limit the entry and exit to Fourth Avenue only. Mr. Lisko explained that
limiting the traffic to Fourth Avenue would limit the stacking space for the drive-up.
Mr.Pete Curran,300 Scenic Way,Kent,WA 98031. Mr. Curran stated that he has been involved
in the past with developing the downtown focus in promoting a pedestrian orientated downtown.
Mr. Curran voiced his concern with rushing to approve a zoning code amendment when there is still
a chance Cascade Bank may not to go through with their plans for any number of reasons.
It was Mr. Curran's opinion that retail would be a more appropriate use for this site. He asked the
Board to carefully consider protecting Meeker Street and the downtown focus.
Mr. Knapp informed the Board that Cascade Community Bank regards Meeker Street access
imperative to the bank design. He asked the Board to consider this issue before recommending a
zoning code amendment.
Board member Clark questioned the different design options Mr. Lisko referred to previously and
the Meeker Street access. Mr. Lisko explained that although there are several designs being
reviewed all plans thus far include access into the bank from Meeker Street. Clark explained that
access from Meeker Street may not be an option and questioned whether the bank could be designed
without a Meeker Street access. Mr. Lisko stated that at this time the bank feels Meeker Street is
critical in the design and if this is not available he would have to re-evaluate the bank's options to
determine if it would still be feasible.
Board member Jon Johnson MOVED to close the public hearing. Board member Clark
SECONDED the motion. The motion carried.
Planning Director Jim Harris explained that access on or off Meeker would be unacceptable.
Mr.Harris stated that Cascade Community Bank needs to be very creative with their design in order
to work through the constraints of the downtown design review requirements.
Board member Clark voiced his concern with accepting a change to the zoning code amendment that
goes against the focus of the Downtown Commercial district. He emphasized the need to stick with
the plan for the downtown area.
Board member Johnson explained his difficulty in deciding this issue. The bank is offering a viable
way to clean-up the existing site now or do we take a chance at what may come in the future.
3
#ZCA-96-3 Allowing Drive-up Banking in the DC zone
Land Use&Planning Board Minutes
March 5, 1996
a
Chair Orr expressed her concerns with allowing a use that goes against the integrity of the downtown
plan.
This hearing was continued to Tuesday, March 26, 1996, in the Kent City Hall, City Council
Chambers West at 5:00 p.m.
The public hearing adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
J es P. Harris
ecording Secretary
C:\USERS\DOC\LANDUSE\MINUTES\PCMIN03.05
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#ZCA-96-3 Allowing Drive-up Banking in the DC zone