Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Planning and Economic Development Committee - 08/06/1997 41110 CITY OF ASV Jim White, Mayor Planning Department (253)859-3390/FAX(253)850-2544 James P.Harris,Planning Director CITY COUNCIL PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES August 6, 1997 Planning Committee Members Present: Leona Orr, Chair Tim Clark Christie Houser(substituting for Jon Johnson) Planning Staff James P. Harris, Planning Director Fred Satterstrom, Planning Manager Linda Phillips, Planner Teresa Beener, Administrative Secretary • DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN - (L. Phillips) The City's consultant, John Owen of MAKERS, explained what a strategic action plan is. He explained that the strategic action plan is intended to make things happen in downtown Kent. It's a development plan; a way of shaping development. Mr. Owen explained that the Department of Community Trade and Economic Development (DCTED) has recognized that there is a problem in the urban centers. He explained that the overall state growth management plan is relying on urban centers to grow and that is tough to do. He stated that there are lots of impediments to good strong solid responsive growth in the core areas of our communities. DCTED recognized the difficulties and has given the City of Kent a grant to develop a strategic action plan. One of the key elements of the strategic action plan is that it integrates both the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and the permit review processes. The state is trying to implement the City's vision into the daily permitting procedure. Kent is a leader in this and is one of two or three projects that the state has decided to focus on and carry forward as an example to other communities. The strategic action plan contains a vision as a general statement of wants and objectives, and recommends specific zoning, land use,transportation,urban design, streets, and parks using zoning ordinances and other programs. These can be a joint partnership with the development community or cultural programs. That is what is in a strategic action plan. aThis helps the development proposal in many different ways., The project review process would have a regulatory review to ensure it meets building and zoning codes, other city and state 1 220 4[h AVE.SO., I KENT WASHINGTON 9 8 0 3 2-5 895 I TELEPHONE (206)859-33001 FAX#859-3334 City Council Planning Committee Minutes August 6, 1997 • regulations such as SEPA,and capital infrastructure requirements to make sure that the project does not create a burden on other parts of the downtown or other parts of the community. The developer may be required to provide infrastructure improvements to mitigate for expected impacts. The strategic action plan takes the objectives from the introduction, and these concepts help to allow a much more flexible regulatory review. One item that may come out of the plan, is some design guidelines which is a more effective way of achieving the City's objectives in permit review. Going back to SEPA,the plan anticipates different kinds of projects that might come in. If these projects do come in and they comply with the plan, it saves the city from going through an additional SEPA process. It is a little complicated as to how the different departments work, but it really streamlines the permitting process and benefits both the city and the applicant. It also identifies capital infrastructure needs. The plan has identified some of the things that need to be done to make sure that as development comes it fits in with the overall plan and does not place a burden on other parts of downtown. It should be a big benefit not only to the City but other proponents here as well. It is important not to lose sight that this is a good solid operational plan. Mr. Owen explained how the plan was organized. He explained that the supplemental EIS compliments the Comprehensive Plan EIS. It describes the implementation, the impacts, and the mitigation(what needs to be done to make sure that a particular development project or public action • doesn't cause impact or harm to other entities). Committee member Tim Clark asked for an example of how the plan would work. Mr. Owen explained that if someone wanted to come in with a movie theater complex it would usually require a traffic analysis and a review of impacts to neighboring land use and land values. The developer may be required to put in a traffic light or a left turn lane. In the strategic action plan, these issues have already been considered and the infrastructure that may be needed for the different development projects, whether they are public or private, have already been integrated in the plan. Instead of having a case by case look at public infrastructure,it is done on a more planned base(strategic way). Planning Director Jim Harris explained that as development comes in for downtown, the new strategic plan would have the mitigation devices in place. The developer would not be required to go through a lengthy SEPA process. A shortened process will be developed. Mr. Clark commented that we have to be very careful about the master plan. Mr. Harris explained that this is why the cost figures are so important. Mr. Owen remarked that there are also some geographically strategic elements of the plan. He explained that the individual actions in the plan are built to work together to accomplish certain goals. • Mr. Owen explained some of the issues that are directly effecting the downtown. He stated that based on Greg Easton's report downtown Kent has a strong diverse economy a good base on which to grow. He commented that some of the things that don't work as well with the downtown is the 2 City Council Planning Committee Minutes August 6, 1997 RJC and the Commons park are separated by barriers. It is hard to walk between features in downtown. They are not visually linked. The downtown uses tend to be separate. Mr. Owen explained that healthy downtown's aren't cut up, and they tend to focus more on getting around by foot. Another issue is there are certain areas which are less than attractive. These areas tend to be the gateways into downtown. These gateways leave a lasting impression to the general public. Mr. Owen explained that the plan tries to link some of the new activities and the Commons park. He commented that the plan tries to bring the areas together with an all-way cross,the performing arts center, and the improvements to the parks. The plan focuses on improvements through design guidelines, gateway improvements, and public infrastructure on the outlining areas. A strong emphasis is placed on Central Avenue. Mr. Owen stated that there is a hole at the Borden site because the plan does not consider redevelopment of this property. He commented that in the long term, the Borden site will be one of the premier sites in an urban area in South King County. • Mr. Owen explained that a very important implementation aspect of the plan is the design guidelines. This will allow the City to carefully shape the development of downtown. Mr. Owen presented some conceptual sketches to illustrate same of the improvements proposed and some design guidelines. Mr. Owen explained that with better design guidelines and streamlining the permit process the chances of getting higher quality residential development particularly in the south core will be much greater. Developers will come in, who are comfortable with working with a community that cares about the character and specifies design quality, but is also responsive and efficient in terms of the design review. Planner Linda Phillips presented the Committee with preliminary conceptual drawings for gateway designs. Ms. Phillips explained that the downtown gateways are being considered in the capital improvement budget this year. The downtown gateways include entry portals at SR-167, intersection designs, lighting, and directional features. Ms. Phillips discussed the cost breakout. Committee member Tim Clark voiced his concern with an already cluttered landscape with existing buildings and the difficultly with identifying landmarks. He commented that the City is trying to create something that is be pedestrian friendly. Ms. Phillips explained that the portal designs are automobile oriented. She explained that the • sketches are very preliminary and there will be a design phase. Mr. Harris explained that the portal designs will be placed on the side of SR-167 so when you come under the freeway you see the entry. 3 City Council Planning Committee Minutes August 6, 1997 i He explained that the freeway will be landscaped on each side as it has in the past. Mr. Harris explained that this concept will not be all over downtown;just at the freeway underpasses. Mr. Harris discussed the all-way cross at Fourth and Smith. He explained that people coming from the RJC at noon have to wait along time to cross. Mr. Harris explained that the gateway lighting proposed is similar to what is already located on First Avenue. The original lights from 1900 were used as a model. Mr. Harris explained that this is a preliminary sketch. He commented that if the City wants to have gateways we need something bold and we need to spend some money. He explained that this would be put out over the capital improvement program over a period of time. This would not be a one year program. Mr. Clark questioned whether staff had considered a unified architectural design that could be utilized by the RTA. Mr. Harris explained that this issued would be discussed with the RTA. Mr. Clark strongly suggested some direct correspondence with the RTA. He explained that the City is trying to establish an identity and the RTA should try to incorporate this into their plan whenever possible. Ms. Phillips explained that the Public Works Department was reluctant to give any cost estimates for bicycle paths. She explained that James Street has had some recent improvements and bicycle • paths have been added. She commented that Meeker, Saar, and Kennebeck has no extra right-of-way and may end up with an extra wide sidewalk in order to try to accommodate some bicycle traffic. Mr. Clark questioned whether Planning was aware that the City Council was considering a proposal to make downtown a free bicycle zone. Ms. Phillips stated that Planning was not aware of this proposal. Mr. Clark explained that the City Council has been working on this proposal with the Public Works Department. Mr. Harris stated that this is something that should be integrated into the downtown plan. Mr. Clark explained that the Council has basically signed off on the concept. Clark asked to adopt a free bicycle zone element into the downtown strategic plan. Mr. Harris suggested adding this element to the final recommendation. Ms. Phillips discussed the "town square"park. She explained that this although a very detailed plan is still conceptual. She stated that the park should be integrated with the performing arts center. The Parks Department developed a preliminary cost estimate of$520, 160 which includes demolition costs, earthwork, utilities, concrete, landscaping, fountain, engineering costs and contingency. Ms. Phillips explained that this again is a very preliminary estimate but the cost does include some of the amenities that are envisioned in the plan. Ms.Phillips explained that the Public Works Department has provided street improvement estimates. These estimates can be added to the plan and used with a planned action ordinance. This will • provide the information necessary to streamline the permit process. She explained that the estimates for street improvements include sidewalk costs, full surface improvement, lighting, street tree 4 City Council Planning Committee Minutes August 6, 1997 improvements, and landscaping. In the case of Smith, it includes straightening out the curve if the station is placed in the north location. Mr. Harris commented that the City has made strong commitments to the downtown over the years in regard to infrastructure (sewer, water, street trees and new pavement). Mr. Harris stated that if the City is going to develop downtown in the manner that is being planned the City will have to be willing to put money into the downtown. Mr. Clark commented that he supports the concept of the performing arts center but does not support a specific site location for it. He suggested developing the area on Smith between Second and Fourth into a community plaza. Mr. Owen explained that the downtown plan suggested incorporating a community plaza into the performing arts center design possibly in conjunction with the library setting. He commented that this is a very important need. Chair Leona Orr asked Ms. Phillips to briefly discuss the high points of each district. Mr. Clark stated that the plan should address bicycle parking. Ms. Phillips identified the districts on the map and briefly summarized each district. Central Avenue Corridor District. Street improvements (sidewalks and improve walking environment along Central), a detail study of the area, streetscapes improved, and gateways. Historic District. Enhance the historic architectural character,pedestrian improvements,and design guidelines tailored for the historic district. South Frame District. Good residential area, some sites still redevelopable, good relationship of buildings to streets, quiet, good area for housing to develop. Parking and street improvements that may include more angled parking. West Frame District. Improve Nadan Avenue, add an access into the area from Willis, connect the Interurban Trail into the downtown on Willis, Meeker, and James. Committee member Tim Clark commented that James will be excessively cluttered with arterial traffic. He would like to see either Willis or Smith developed as bicycle friendly to promote an alternative form of transportation. Mr. Clark remarked that the Interurban Trail is a great value and • will become a bigger asset when it's expanded into the downtown. 5 City Council Planning Committee Minutes August 6, 1997 • Mr. Harris commented that the Land Use and Planning Board recommendation for area north of James Street between Fourth and Fifth stopped at Cloudy. He explained that the plan recommends that the area include three parcels north of Cloudy where the multifamily zoning designation begins. Ms. Phillips explained that the downtown plan recommends limited office for the North Park area just north of James. The limited office would act as a buffer between the single family residential area and the increased activity on James. Mr. Harris commented that it is important to know that the Land Use and Planning Board did not recommend a rezone for this area. They recommended that the area remain single family residential. Chair Orr opened public testimony. Jim Bitondo, 106 E. Titus Street. Mr. Jim Bitondo is a business owner in downtown Kent. Mr. Bitondo is representing the Downtown Partnership. He commented that it seemed that the commuter rail station location was carefully avoided this evening. Mr. Harris explained that the Land Use and Planning Board did not make a site recommendation for the commuter rail station instead, they recommended a detailed comparison for both the north and the south site. Chair Orr commented that the RTA has the final say. • Mr. Bitondo commented that the plan is based on many generalities and few specifics. The location of the commuter rail station was one of the specifics. He commented that when the recommendation was made to place the station in the north location a lot of citizens came forward in support of the south location. The railroad currently owns the property where the historical station is located. Mr. Bitondo stated that the location meets the needs of the RTA and would better benefit the pedestrian traffic for downtown. Mr. Bitondo discussed the possibility of adding a parking garage with retail on the first floor. The garage would house 550 cars and would be centrally located. He presented the Committee with several conceptual drawings to illustrate a plan alternative. Chair Orr commented that she supports the parking structure concept. She believes that the structure wilt pay for itself. Linda Johnson,Kent Downtown Partnership, P. O. Box 557. Ms. Linda Johnson represents the Kent Downtown Partnership. Ms. Johnson commented that the KDP has concerns with turning the North Park area into a commercial district. She commented that there are already so many areas in downtown that is divided or sectioned off. There is a problem with connections. Ms. Johnson commented that the downtown hasn't filled up yet and it may be premature to add new commercial nodes. She would like the board to consider waiting until changes happen in the downtown before • selecting new commercial areas. 6 City Council Planning Committee Minutes August 6, 1997 i Ms. Johnson commented that the performing arts center design is expected to give a plaza feeling and takes into consideration the pedestrian amenities in the area. Carol Schneider, 232 S. Railroad Avenue. Ms. Carol Schneider represents the St. James Thrift Store. Ms. Schneider stated that the thrift store has been in their current location for a long time. She commented that the consultants and the Planning Department spent a great deal of time on an analysis between the north and the south commuter rail locations and the Council should go along with their recommendations. Ms. Schneider stated that it seems like an awful waste of money if the City paid a consultant to study the best location for the commuter rail station and the City ignores the recommendations. Ms. Schneider stated that the St. James Thrift Store supports the Kent food bank, Kent suppers, Catholic Community Services,and the Kent Police DARE program. All the money that is collected from the thrift store is put into community charities. Ms. Schneider remarked that the thrift store does not have the money to relocate. Ms. Schneider asked the Committee to go with the recommendation made by the consultants and the staff. • Pam Newcomer, 839 Third Avenue North. Ms. Pam Newcomer asked that the Committee consider the Land Use and Planning Board's recommendation not to rezone the area located north of James and east of Fourth Avenue in Northpark. She commented that Northpark is a vital neighborhood and she would like to see it stay that way. Ms.Newcomer supports the performing arts center but would like to see a bigger center proposed. She does not believe that the size being proposed will be nearly big enough. She would like to see a great big center that could bring in top name entertainers. Hugh Leiper, 815 Reiten Road. Mr. Hugh Leiper discussed a plan for developing a three story mall in downtown Kent. He suggested a seven story parking structure at Smith and Second and a six story parking structure north of Smith with a bridge between both parking structures and the mall. Mr. Leiper suggested building a$175,000,000 cultural arts center as part of the project. Jack Lehrkind, 220 S. Railroad. Mr. Jack Lehrkind is a business owner in downtown Kent. Mr. Lehrkind stated that it would be a hardship for him to relocate his business. He commented that there is a real traffic concern with the south commuter rail station location. For those reasons, he supports the north location. Mary Anderson,25838 -68th Avenue South. Ms. Mary Anderson supports the idea of utilizing the historic train station that is already located in the south location. She commented that the north • location does not lend itself to the casual traffic that the merchant community seems very concerned with. 7 City Council Planning Committee Minutes August 6, 1997 Keith Minkler,338 First Avenue South. Mr.Keith Minkler commented that placing the commuter rail station in the south location is ridiculous. Mr. Minkler stated that the RTA is not considering benefits for the downtown merchant. The commuter rail is way to get people off the freeway and on to the tracks to ease the congestion on the road. He commented that a side benefit could be for the merchants. Mr. Minkler supports the north commuter rail station location. John Dahll, 805 Crest Avenue. Mr. John Dahll supports the Land Use and Planning Board recommendation to add parking along Fifth Avenue for the Commons Park. He commented that adding parking for the Commons park along Fifth Avenue is ideal. J. R. Schneider,232 S. Railroad Avenue. Mr. Joe Schneider represents the St. James Thrift Store. Mr. Schneider questioned whether renters would be assisted if they are made to relocate because of the commuter rail station. Chair Leona Orr stated that this item will be continued to the regularly scheduled Planning Committee Meeting on August 19 at 4:00 p.m. Committee member Tim Clark discussed several ideas for portal themes. He suggested high tech, medieval, farming/hops and a combination of themes and polled the audience for their preference. • They overwhelmingly preferred a combining all the different themes. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m. • 8