Unfortunately, the buyers have not revealed what they want to do with the property and the planning department made no suggestions for conditions on the recommended approval. Citizens testified about the potential impacts to nearby residential neighborhoods, again, without knowing what might be built.
Even though the City Council wants to sell the WEB property, withiut more information on which to make a determination, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to reject the zone change.
The applicant may appeal the decision to the City Council or make changes and come back to the Planning Commission and then on to the City Council for a final hearing. We will have to wait to see what the next move will be.
ADDENDUM: A reader sent in an important and thoughtful comment that might be missed so I am putting it on the main page.
Let us remember the Applicant is the City of Lake Oswego aka the Council.
Also, the zone change requested by the Council-without debate and as a consent agenda item-provides MORE than simply greater latitude in how the property is used aka allowable uses.
The current 14 acre site with a 89,000 square foot two story building, 300 parking spaces, acres of wetlands and tree groves has lot coverage of 7%.
A change to a General Commercial zone would allow lot coverage of 50%.
And, as we have experienced in the Wizer's application, today, developers seek to utilize the maximums provided by Code.
A question: Was the Council aware of the anticipated impact of such a zone change on the surrounding community; and, if so did they care?
My response: If the Applicant is the City, do they appeal to themselves or is the Planning Commission the end of the road? Will the developers walk, or can the City amend the application?
Let us remember the Applicant is the City of Lake Oswego aka the Council.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the zone change requested by the Council-without debate and as a consent agenda item-provides MORE than simply greater latitude in how the property is used aka allowable uses.
The current 14 acre site with a 89,000 square foot two story building, 300 parking spaces, acres of wetlands and tree groves has lot coverage of 7%.
A change to a General Commercial zone would allow lot coverage of 50%.
And, as we have experienced in the Wizer's application, today, developers seek to utilize the maximums provided by Code.
A question: Was the Council aware of the anticipated impact of such a zone change on the surrounding community; and, if so did they care?