2012-06-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Senturia stated that the City is about to update the Comprehensive Plan and he hoped the Green Practices Commission would be a partner. Sarah Hanly, University City resident, addressed the Plan Commission. Ms. Hanly stated she was representing herself. She stated it was important to keep in mind what a plan is, that it is a vision not for immediate implementation, but looking at where the City should be going. She stated she was concerned about comments tonight and the emphasis on maintaining the status quo; that we are in a period of rapid change, moving away from a car culture. She added that University City is positioned to become a more vibrant and attractive community. Ms. Hanly stated that business owners have not considered that increasing the density of the neighborhood would benefit The Loop by providing more patrons, patrons who may not require parking. She added that there are many alternatives to provide parking and one of the ways is to promote walking by having street life, a way that will still bring people to the community. She also added that she always parks in parking garages if available. Paul Schoomer, University City resident and former City Council member, addressed the Plan Commission. Mr. Schoomer stated he was on the Plan Commission for 9 years and on City Council for 20 years. He stated they dealt with these problems for a long time and that there was a study done, but it is 25 years old and outdated. He stated that there is not enough parking now, there never that the trolley may result in a greater need for more parking. Mr. Schoomer stated that he attended at least two charrettes and two to three other planning meetings about this and he thinks it is an excellent plan, but consideration of the use of the parking lot is in error and should not be pursued. He added that we should look at ways to increase parking. He stated there is a need for more businesses and the retail density is not sufficient to get the growth desired from the neighborhood. Mr. Schoomer stated that University City cannot support The Loop by itself; it must be attractive to surrounding areas and the rest of St. Louis County. He recommended eliminating from the Plan any recommendation of the proposed use of the lot. He stated we should begin the study of other alternatives such as Delmar-Harvard school, for more parking and recommended that a study be initiated to find other alternatives. Elsie Glickert, University City resident and former City Council member, addressed the Plan Commission. Ms. Glickert provided a brief history of how the lot developed, referencing a bond issue in 1962, urban renewal, and eminent domain. She stated that surface parking is important. She added that the proposed lot on Eastgate and Delmar should be a surface parking lot rather than a store. There being no further comments, the Public Comments session closed. Committee Membership Discussion Mr. Halpert stated a decision needed to be made regarding who serves on the two committees. He added that the Comprehensive Plan Update will likely be moving forward; recently the City Council approved the budget for a consultant. He stated there were two committees, one dealing with edits to the Zoning Code and the other dealing with the Comprehensive Plan; three members needed to sit on each committee. Mr. Halpert added that Lisa stepped out, but stated she was willing to serve on either one, as appointed. tm; E