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Session 1725, Minutes <br />June 8, 1998 <br /> <br />It is unconscionable that we allow this to happen repeatedly, without little apparent <br />regard to the neighborhoods. The development process of the City leaves much to be <br />desired. Mr. Wagner stated that the City must improve accessibility of information to <br />the public. Time after time, his constituents have had so much difficulty in receiving <br />City documents such as bills, ordinances, minutes, etc. Only diligent work by the City <br />Clerk and personal involvement by the City Manager have kept the system somewhat <br />responsive and he applauds their efforts. The Comprehensive Plan of University City is <br />overdue for modernization. It is flawed in its neglect to shield residential neighborhoods <br />from the impact of high density, high rise, commercial development. It must be fixed. <br />Mr. Wagner abhors the use targeted neighborhoods, in respect to Comprehensive Plan. <br />It sounds like the neighbors are selected for a military action. In regards to tonight's <br />business, there remains some issues that he believes requires further study and <br />clarification. He thinks the street closures on both West Kingsbury and Barby Lane may <br />obligate the City in ways that are not yet clear, in addition the study is not yet complete. <br />Mr. Wagner plans to table this item. <br /> <br />Mr. Munkel said he has heard descriptions of the neighborhood on West Kingsbury and <br />Barby Lane and he knows that the Gatesworth has been in place for ten years. It <br />bothers him that there is such a clash of the community. Amongst the discussion, there <br />was no mention of the integration of the Gatesworth across the street. It saddens him <br />that people have decided to leave the neighborhood over this issue, but people move in <br />and out of neighborhoods all the time. He wished that the two entities would work <br />something out and get along. We pride ourselves in diversity in this community and yet <br />the elderly people are being discriminated against by their next door neighbors. Even if <br />this is not true, the fact remains that the people have sold the necessary property to the <br />developer or the issue would not 'be before us. He wishes to move forward with the <br />application. <br /> <br />Mr. Munkel moved approval of the conditional use permit. Mr. Schoomer seconded the <br />motion. <br /> <br />Mr. Schoomer said that everyone would like to keep things the way they have always <br />been, but things change. The City Council did not put up I-170, or isolate this lot and <br />did not create this situation. The Council was pleased that Mr. Deutsch and Mr. Smith <br />were able to make lemonade out that lemon. They are entitled to use the property they <br />have acquired with no assistance from the City to their best advantage. They have met <br />every test of law. This measure is wonderful, proper and right. <br /> <br />Mr. Sharpe said that he had some concerns about the conditional use, however, he <br />knows that the Gatesworth has put in a great deal of effort in this project. He has <br />spoken with Ms. Katz a couple of times about her concerns. It is a difficult task when a <br />commercial endeavor comes into your neighborhood and you have much to say that will <br /> <br /> <br />