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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Planning and Economic Development Committee - 10/14/2013 ECDC Minutes October 14, 2013 Page 1 of 6 ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES October 14, 2013 Committee Members Committee Chair Jamie Perry, Deborah Ranniger, Bill Boyce. Perry called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm noting Committee Member Ranniger’s absence. 1. Approval of Minutes Committee Member Boyce Moved and Committee Member Perry Seconded a Motion to approve the Minutes of September 9, 2013. Motion PASSED 2-0. 2. Right Size Parking Study Planning Manager Charlene Anderson stated that this item was presented to the Committee at their September 9th meeting. She introduced Dan Bertolet of VIA Architecture and Rick Williams of Rick Williams Consulting who reported on the Right Size Parking project and the associated Kent pilot project. Bertolet stated that this study is part of a three-year grant project funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) with the overall goal of promoting the efficient utilization of parking resources associated with higher density residential buildings. The project is being conducted by King County Metro in partnership with the FHA, the US Department of Transportation, the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Urban Land Institute, and the Center for Neighborhood Technologies. The scope involves policy research, parking utilization surveys, stakeholder engagement, a web-based parking demand calculator, development of a model code, and demonstration projects. Right-size parking is defined as striking an efficient balance between parking supply and parking demand. Parking is expensive to build; upwards of $40,000 per stall when it is built under a building and that expense can sometimes make or break a development project. Overbuilt parking reduces housing affordability, encourages driving, contributes to increased roadway congestion and makes alternative modes of transportation such as walking or transit less attractive and efficient. Tools and methods that informed parking supply regulations in the past are not working and are often not appropriate for new higher density resi dential buildings. The basic problem is that there is no clear understanding of what determines parking demand. Existing sources don’t account for building, transit, or land use factors that change parking demand. People have found that the incorrect application of existing parking data has become a major barrier to successful mixed use communities. The team conducted parking lot counts and looked at over 220 higher density residential buildings throughout King County (KC). Results showed on the average that parking is supplied in these buildings at 1.4 parking stalls per dwelling unit and used at 1 space per dwelling unit, equating to about 40 percent more parking being built than is used . Based on the model code, all cities (aside from Seattle) require ab out 43 percent more parking in their existing codes, than what would be needed based on the model. The utilization survey data (USD) were inserted into a statistical model that predicts parking demand based on land use and project characteristics. After analyzing over 100 variables, the project team trimmed them to eight variables which were used to develop the model that could predict 72 percent of the observed variation in parking utilization. Kent was approved for a pilot project to test right-size parking concepts. The deliverables to Kent will be a Draft Parking Code and Draft Parking Strategies to help better manage parking in Kent’s downtown area, which is an intensifying mixed -use environment. The ECDC Minutes October 14, 2013 Page 2 of 6 code and strategies will be crafted to leverage the economic value of parking stalls and to appropriately prioritize parking users in the downtown mixed use environment. Research will include inventories of parking occupancy or parking utilization. The team members include Rick Williams, Daniel Rowe-King County Metro Project Manager, Carol Cooper-King County Metro, Chris Breiland-Transportation Planning, Fehr & Peers, City of Kent-Economic and Community Development (ECD), Public Works and Police, and the Kent Downtown Partnership. The model code was intended as a resource for municipalities interested in updating their parking codes to better support right size parking outcomes and consists of two distinct approaches; market based and context based. A market based approach removes minimum parking requirements and lets the market determine the optimum amount of parking that is built and a context based approach means being smart about setting parking requirements based on the unique context and characteristics of a given development project. As policy researchers, the team believes the market based approach is most likely to lead to right side parking outcomes as it removes the possibility that code will require someone to build more parking than needed. Williams stated that the context based option begins with reducing existing minimums down to a level that does not result in a developer being required to provide more parking than they need, therefore adding cost to the project. The intent of the right sizing project is to get codes to the level that will allow the urban vision to occur. For the Kent pilot project, the team is working with Kent to define a study boundary within which all on and off-street parking will be inventoried. Data will be collected to track the use of vehicles both in on-street stalls and through a large sampling of off-street supply to get a sense of what Kent’s current parking occupancies are like; whether Kent fits into the 40 percent model in terms of overbuild; and where constraints are and where surpluses exist. The team will propose some recommendations for code changes, and based on parking data will recommend strategies that could help Kent better manage their existing and future parking supply. The team will return to the Committee for further discussion. Informational Only 3. Recognition of Pheasants Hollow Neighborhood Council (PHNC) - Resolution Neighborhood Program Coordinator T oni Azzola introduced PHNC President, Nancy Jones, stating that this is the twenty-fifth Kent neighborhood to be recognized. The Pheasants Hollow Neighborhood (PHN) is located on Kent’s East Hill , situated to the west of North Meridian Park open space, to the north of SE 224th Street, to the east of 127th Avenue SE and to the south of SE 231st Way, adjoining Misty Meadows. Ms. Jones stated that the PHN is concerned with traffic and crime and hope to engage the surrounding community to work with them in conjunction with the City to resolve those issues. Committee Member Boyce MOVED and Committee Member Perry SECONDED a Motion to recommend Council adopt the proposed resolution which recognizes the Pheasants Hollow Neighborhood Council, supports its community building effort, and confers all opportunities offered by the City’s Neighborhood Program. Motion PASSED 2-0. 4. Mill Creek Historic Neighborhood Designation Azzola introduced Sharon Bersaas-Vice President of Mill Creek Neighborhood (MCN) Association, and Julie Kohler-Preservation Officer for the King County Historic Preservation Program, stating that this is a proposal to move a nomination forward to King County. If approved by Kent City Council and King County Historic Preservation and Landmarks Commission Mill Creek would become the first historic neighborhood district in South King County. The boundaries for the proposed historic district are Clark Avenue North to the west, Hazel Avenue North to the east, Smith Street to the south, and a portion of Cedar Street to the north. ECDC Minutes October 14, 2013 Page 3 of 6 Kent City Council adopted an ordinance in 2006 that adopted King County’s code as the criteria for designating Kent Landmarks; and established an interlocal agreement with the King County Landmarks Commission (KCLC). Before a nomination can move forward to KC, Kent City Council must approve the nomination to move forward. Azzola stated that 49 of the homes constructed between 1903 and 1959 contribute to the historic character of the area, retain all the elements of physical integrity noted in the landmarks code and reflect a variety of architectural styles. Koler explained that the MCN district is proposed because of its significance as a group of homes which together illustrate a specific part of the history of Kent, and reflect what was going on in the community socially and economically over the first six decades of the 20th century. Azzola stated that the neighborhood signifies a well preserved concentration of historic homes with distinction. Azzola presented a series of slides which showed the various home styles. The majority of the homeowners within the community favor being recognized as a historic district. Bersaas stated that the historic district boundary is malleable over time and can be amended to include others who would like to be included. Committee Member Boyce MOVED and Committee Member Perry SECONDED a Motion to recommend to the Full City Council Approval of the nomination of the Mill Creek Historic District, authorize the King County Historic Preservation Officer to process the nomination application pursuant to the Interlocal Agreement for Landmark Services to be paid for by the Mill Creek Neighborho od Council, and direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary Resolution. Motion PASSED 2-0. 5. Downtown Subarea Action Plan (DSAP) and Related Code Amendments Economic and Community Development Director Ben Wolters stated that at the beginning of this process City Council was informed that staff would be pursuing an amendment to Kent’s Comprehensive Plan (the Plan) to update the 2005 Downtown Strategic Action Plan (2005 DSAP). Wolters stated that 75-80% of the Actions in the 2005 DSAP were accomplished. Wolters referred to Figure 4.1, a chart of proposed action items which include: zoning and land use changes, adopting a Planned Action Ordinance (PAO), establishing a planning and permitting regulatory review process which is important for developers, citing the Platform project. Wolters directed attention to the Summary of Interviews and Responses undertaken by Planning Director Fred Satterstrom; as well as the additional survey information included in the report. He stated that the survey results were a great tool for Council to gauge the temperature of how people perceived the Downtown area. Satterstrom stated that the chart of proposed action items (Figure 4.1) is the crux of what is proposed. The Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) sets the stage for the PAO. The Committee is asked to act upon the Final DSAP, the DSAP Planned Action SEIS, comprehensive plan and zoning districts map amendments and zoning and mixed use text amendments. Satterstrom stated that this plan sets the stage for downtown living based on the premise that density is good for business, and that downtown will continue to be a place for people to gather for entertainment and celebratory purposes. Downtown is perceived as a preeminent place as illustrated on Figure 4.1 of the Actions Item Matrix. Many actions encourage mixed-use, provide for urban residential living, and encourage quality development through design control and incorporating urban design principles. Gould-Wessen stated that the land use plan and zoning map proposals are based on the DSAP action item LU-2.1.A to amend the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map and Zoning ECDC Minutes October 14, 2013 Page 4 of 6 Districts Map to encourage a diversity of urban uses and building forums, and to encourage medium to high density uses. This action is moving forward along with the DSAP update. Gould-Wessen stated that the land use map establishes desirable uses and supports a variety of zoning. Gould-Wessen described the zoning currently existing in downtown and west of SR-167. Zoning district changes will be supported by the land use changes. Gould-Wessen stated that changing land use plan map designations for specific areas of downtown to Urban Center (UC) will help Kent meet Growth Management Act (GMA) obligations related to employment and residential unit growth. Intensive population and employment growth is expected in an urban center, supported by and supporting mass transit, rapid transit and the bus system. Staff presented the proposed rezones recommended by the Land Use & Planning Board (LUPB) that reflect Alternative 2 growth scenario. Generally the proposed rezones are: rezone from Downtown Commercial (DC) to Downtown Commercial Enterprise (DCE) along Meeker Street between 1st and 4th; rezone from General Commercial (GC) to General Commercial Mixed Use (GC-MU) west of SR-167 and along portions of Central Ave; and rezone from Limited Industrial (M2) to GC-MU the properties north of James St. which includes ShoWare and parcels to the west. The code text amendment increases heights in the GC-MU area from 40 to 60 feet, expands the use of design guidelines for GC-MU to ensure that the caliber of development exemplifies what is planned for Kent in the future, and reduces the amount of commercial uses to five percent of the total development . The motion includes adopting: the DSAP, the Land Use Plan Map amendments, the Zoning Districts Map rezones, and text amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Kent City Code concerning Mixed Use Overlay pertaining to GC-MU. Satterstrom stated that once City Council approves Phase I, staff will move to Phase II which will include: DSAP Implementation, Planned Action and Infill Exemption ordinances, updating Downtown Design Guidelines, updating Development Regulations, moving forward on Economic Development initiatives such as the Meeker Street Revitalization Initiative, outdoor gathering spaces and parks, and developing a citywide economic development strategy. Committee Chair Perry opened the floor to testimony. Bruce Malcolm, 944 3rd Avenue N, Kent, 98032 North Park Neighborhood Association VP, stated that he wants assurance City Council will approve the LUPB’s recommendat ion to leave North Park alone. He asked that Kent stop encroaching into North Park and take care of the areas south of James Street. He stated that his community is involved in cleaning up graffiti, eliminating the drug element, cleaning up parks and has partnered with Kent to implement parallel parking in their neighborhood. Tina Budell, 323 W Cloudy St., Kent, 98032 stated that her North Park Community has eliminated abandoned vehicles, eradicated two meth houses, and has worked with Kent’s Parks Department to ensure that 65 school age children were held accountable in the upkeep of their parks. The wetlands area behind ShoWare is used by the community for recreational purposes. Budell encouraged the City to concentrate on developing the area in downtown and on Meeker Street which is in major need of a face lift. She voiced opposition to six-story buildings in her neighborhood. Susan Stoddard, 733 4th Avenue N, Kent, 98032 supported Bruce and Tina’s testimony. She stated that the half block she lives on (between James and Cloudy, Fourth and Fifth Avenues) should not be rezoned to commercial and would like to see that the Platform development succeeds before the City decides to rezone the half block area she lives on. She said that she would like the area north of ShoWare to remain as a park and available for walking. ECDC Minutes October 14, 2013 Page 5 of 6 Committee Member Boyce MOVED and Committee Member Perry SECONDED a Motion to recommend to the full City Council APPROVAL of (A) Downtown Subarea Action Plan and associated Comprehensive Plan amendments; (B) Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map amendments; (C) Zoning Districts Map amendments; and (D) Mixed Use Overlay Regulations Code Amendments for the General Commercial Mixed Use (GC-MU) Zoning District as recommended by the Land Use and Planning Board and as evaluated in the Draft and Final City of Kent Downtown Subarea Action Plan Planned Action SEIS and to direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary ordinances. Motion PASSED 2-0. 6. DSAP Planned Action/Community Meeting Long Range Planner Gloria Gould-Wessen stated that the State’s RCWs require a community meeting to be held with the intent to solicit comments from the public and agencies, and this meeting satisfies those requirements. The City is considering adoption of a Planned Action Ordinance (PAO) for 142 acres of the DSAP study area to be used for infill development. The PAO area applies to land extending 260 feet north of Cloudy Street, Railroad Avenue North to the east, and West Willis Street to the south, and SR 167 to the west. The balance of the study area would be designated Mixed Use/Infill Exemption Area. Lisa Grueter with Berk and Associates stated that a PAO provides a more detailed environmental analysis during formulation of planning proposals rather than at the project permit review stage. Future development proposals consistent with the PAO do not have to undergo an environmental threshold determination, and a re not subject to SEPA appeals when consistent with the PAO including specified mitigation measures. Grueter stated that the PAO review process began with preparing and issuing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on October 4, 2013 . The next step considers adoption of the PAO which defines allowed development and required mitigation, and reviews future permits for consistency with the PAO and DSAP. Grueter referred to Exhibit B in the PAO describing the combined DSAP Planned Action EIS Mitigation Measures required for development applications, and referenced Section B-2 which provides a bulleted list of specific regulations that act as mitigation measures. Grueter defined where infill exemption would be applied, how it would be used to attract growth, increase residential development, meet GMA requirements, and how it would meet the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. The primary goal is to attract both residential and mixed-use development to help meet density goals. Grueter stated that the Planned Action and Infill Exemption ordinances are about attracting both employment and residential. Satterstrom explained that if a plan is developed and the City conducts an environmental review, a developer would not be required to go through a separate environmental review process. The PAO provides development incentives and is a cost and time saving measure. Development of 10 lots or more require SEPA review and 9 lots or less are exempt. Staff will bring a draft ordinance back to Committee on Tuesday, November 12th. The DSAP, Mixed Use Overlay Code amendments, land use plan and zoning map amendment ordinances will go to City Council November 19th for adoption and the planned action and infill exemption ordinances will go to City Council on December 10th. Informational Only 7. Economic Development Report Wolters stated that a hotel has shown a marked interest in some properties located in the downtown core area south of James Street. This is another sign that the progress we have been making in downtown is attracting new investment interest and the PAO is one more incentive that would help advance that effort. Tarragon continues to re-evaluate the potential for developing a vacant lot that faces Fourth Avenue and their interest in examining its market potential has picked up which is encouraging for downtown. We are seeing interest continue to grow in the Stryker ECDC Minutes October 14, 2013 Page 6 of 6 Development (the Boeing surplus properties) and hope to share more details in the next two months. The Platform development is on schedule and going th rough the design process. Auburn is beginning to develop mixed-use on property facing the hospital with the same architect that designed the Platform. These types of projects will build market confidence. Informational Only Adjournment Committee Chair Perry adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. ________________________________________ Pamela Mottram, Secretary Economic & Community Development Committee P:\Planning\ECDC\2013\Minutes\10-14-13_Min.doc