1989-05-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. . Minutes - Plan Commission Page 4 May 24, 1989 to commercial expansion. Later in the meeting, a limited amount of confusion ensued regarding this Executive Committee's proposal; however, it was made clear by Mr. Ellinger that their proposed language was intended to prevent any rezoning and subsequent use of currently residential property to eventual commercial use. He explained that property owners within the Musick subdivision were not opposed to redevelopment of the commercial properties along Olive Boulevard but were opposed to their expansion. Mr. Byron Price, Councilmember from the Third Ward and residing at 1520 78th Street, stated that he was, of course, familiar with and in favor of the Council's efforts to develop and improve Olive Boulevard; however, he believed that an effort to amend the city's Comprehensive Plan involved important policy matters which should be given lengthy and thoughtful consideration. He voiced several concerns regarding the extent to which citizens of the Third Ward had been notified of this public hearing and the way in which the notice had been worded so that citizens could readily understand which subjects would be discussed at the hearing. Mr. Goldman explained that notice of the hearing had been published in two newspapers of general circulation in the area, exceeding the statutory requirement (Mo.Rev.Stat. 89.360) for publication in one newspaper. Such notice was published fifteen (15) days in advance of this hearing as required, and the same notices were mailed to neighborhood leaders and block chairmen for neighborhoods abutting the Olive corridor in the hope that these leaders could pass along pertinent information to their neighbors. Mr. Goldman and Ms. Elwood pledged to continue to make public notices conform with state laws and city ordinances as well as attempt to make them understandable to the average citizen. Ms. Betty Thompson, Councilmember representing the Third Ward and residing at 8315 Seville Avenue reiterated Mr. Price's comments and urged that notices should be easy to understand, especially where rezonings or any changes affecting residential property are concerned. Mr. Goldman stated that state and city laws require notification be sent to all property owners within a 18S-foot radius of any property which is the subject of a rezoning proposal. He stated also that it is important to make certain notices brief because of the high cost of publication; however, citizens are welcome to call City Hall to inquire about the specifics of any proposal or request more information on the topics to be discussed at any meeting. Mr. Don Wylan of 7354 Melrose echoed the Third Ward Councilmember's comments regarding timely notice and the contents of such notice. He also urged that Plan Commission members tour the Musick subdivision north of Olive from the 7300 through the 7400 blocks and, at the same time, visualize the effect on the neighborhood if portions of it were removed to accommodate a commercial development. He inquired whether the city would allow acquisition of partial lots of record. Chairman McCauley and Mr. Goldman explained that a developer would be acquiring lots in any given circumstance in order to obtain standing to apply for rezoning and any specific development proposal; any scenario for acquiring partial lots would require the developer to apply for resubdivision of a lot in full conformance with the city's Subdivision Ordinance and lot size standards set forth in the Zoning Code. Mr. Stan Chambers of 7410 Wellington Avenue expressed his opposition to the proposed policy of potential expansion of the commercial properties along Olive by increasing shallow lot depth. He did, however, favor redevelopment of the existing commercial property by perhaps decreasing the actual number of businesses along the frontage and increasing parking and landscaped areas.