HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-03-2005
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 3. 2005
The joint meeting of the Planning Commission and Planning and Community Development Committee
was held on May 3, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Auburn City Hall. Those in
attendance were as follows:
PLANNING COMMISSION: Dave Peace, Ronald Douglass, Renee Larsen, Yvonne Ward, Kevin
Chapman, Joan Mason and Judi Roland.
PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Lynn Norman and Nancy Backus.
Gene Cerino was excused.
STAFF: Paul Krauss, Planning and Community Development Director; David Osaki, Community
Development Administrator; and Patricia Zook, Planning Secretary
The meeting was called to order by Chair Peace.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
. Minutes of April 5, 2005 Meeting
Commissioner Ward referred to page 5, first paragraph, last sentence, and add the phrase 'prohibit or
limit', The sentence would read: When looking at temporary signs, you could run into a problem if you
prohibit or limit temporary signs for churches for a certain number days or months or years.
Commissioner Douglass made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Ward, to approve the minutes as
amended. The motion passed.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Chair Peace thanked the PCDC for meeting with the Planning Commission.
Council member Norman announced that City Council passed the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) on
Monday, May 2. The Planning Commission did an amazing effort to review and make recommendations
on the CAO language. The PC DC's goal was to make a document that was environmentally sound and
posed little damage to personal property rights. The City believes it has the best available science for a
potential challenge of the CAO.
Commissioner Ward thanked the Planning staff for putting the issues in a matrix which helped the
Planning Commission tremendously. The matrix was invaluable. Staff also provided the best available
science report. Commissioner Larsen praised the work done by Senior Planner Jeff Dixon. He did an
excellent job of explaining the CAO to the Planning Commission. The background information was
invaluable.
Councilmember Norman acknowledged that the Planning Commission started the CAO process early;
other cities had major battles which Auburn was able to avoid. She pointed out the PC DC work plan
which prioritizes projects.
The Mayor was present at the Planning Commission meetings and he admired their work on the CAO
which was a complex process. Much new ground was covered. Staff is appreciative of Planning
Commission's hard work. He thanked the Planning Commission for their determination.
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 3. 2005
Mr. Krauss provided information on the Economic Development Task Force which was appointed by the
Mayor. Mayor Lewis started early in his administration having annual City Council retreats which serves
as a visioning process. The City has achieved many of the identified goals. He stressed the importance
of economic development for Auburn due to reduced State and Federal funding. The group developed
strategies to be incorporated into an economic development strategic plan for Auburn. As a result of the
plan, the Planning Commission will see future zoning ordinance changes and/or Comprehensive Plan
·changes.
The task force divided the City into four areas: Northend, Golden Triangle, Urban Center, and 15th Street
SW/C Street area. The group proposed strategies and logistics for each area.
Mr. Krauss described the boundaries for the Northend which includes the Robertson property, the Airport,
Emerald Downs Drive, undeveloped property in the area, and the I Street corridor. He spoke about the
housing units coming to this area. There is also a lot of underutilized property in area. Strategy for the
Robertson property includes: Attract people from the surrounding community as well as from Auburn.
Logistics: high end casual dining, bookstores, electronic stores, music stores, retail and office space.
Strategy for the Airport; Raise the stature of the Airport, install an instrument approach, potential for
opening up the west side of the Airport. Strategy for I Street: Redevelopment of underutilized property on
key parcels.
Mr. Krauss described the boundaries for the Golden Triangle which includes Auburn Way South from
Auburn Way south to the top of the hill. There is no significant retail development along this way. They
discussed the potential redevelopment of the Miles gravel pit.
Mayor spoke about the need for a bypass which would help drive the value of Auburn Way/M Street area.
There is the potential for significant changes in the area.
Mr. Krauss mentioned the Les Gove Park campus and that a group is working on a community center.
Strategy: Attract pass through commuters, cluster complimentary businesses and services, capture pass
through traffic, and establish a central commercial area. Logistics: Partnering between public and private
sectors, develop a strategic plan for the area, participation of existing business in implementation and
business recruitment, bring in business such as a first class hotel.
Mr. Krauss described the boundaries for the Urban Center. Mayor reminded the Planning Commission
that Auburn is recognized as an 'urban center' by the Puget Sound Regional Council. This is the
traditional downtown area. Strategies for the area include: attract consumers to the downtown by serving
as a place to congregate. Logistics: Quality restaurants with outside dining, quality restaurants and place
to congregate in downtown, specialty shops, focus on what is the Auburn 'brand', night time activities, and
develop hospital/community partnerships.
Mr. Krauss mentioned that Green River Community College is leasing space at the Transit Station.
Someone has approached staff about an espresso café with jazz also to be located in the Transit Station.
He spoke about bringing together disparate groups with an interest in downtown resurgence and to
consolidate and redevelop properties where possible.
Mayor commented that the hospital is building a parking garage where the former Police/Court building is.
They also plan an oncology center.
Mr. Krauss described the boundaries for the 15th Street SW and C Street area which includes the
SuperMall, Boeing, GSA, West Valley Highway, C Street and ath Street SW. There are a number of
properties that Boeing still wants to still sell off. There is the new Junior Achievement and YWCA
buildings. GSA now says that they may sell off all their buildings except the office building at the north end
and the Social Security building. Strategies for this area include: Office and high density housing could be
along West Valley Highway. Logistics: Develop a mall parking garage, zone both sides of 15th Street SW
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MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 3.2005
commercial, improve Hwy 18 and C Street intersection, target businesses such as Kohl or Target, and
mid-range restaurants.
Mr. Krauss reminded Planning Commission what when the SuperMall was built there was concern that the
mall would destroy Auburn's downtown. He spoke about the mall's objection in the past to a proposed
project across the street on 15th Street. Chair Peace confirmed that lots of people didn't want to have the
SuperMall area turn into Southcenter and were concerned about traffic and an unsightly appearance. Mr.
Krauss said the mall is removed from residential areas and the mall has now suggested more commercial
uses. The economic group liked the idea of a range of commercial uses adjacent to the mall.
Mr. Krauss spoke about Hebert Research's work on an economic development report which includes that
portion of Auburn now in Pierce County. Auburn's statistics now show the per capita income and
spending in that area is higher than the East Side. Mayor stressed that he wants to keep the small town
feeling. The City wants specific businesses where we want them.
Mr. Krauss provided information on annexation. Mr. Krauss advised that the City Council wanted to
diversify Auburn's demographics with owner/occupied housing. Approximately 20,000 people have moved
into Auburn and they are solid middle class homeowners and this has changed Auburn's demographics.
In fact, certain businesses wouldn't have come here prior to a year ago.
Councilmember Norman asked Planning Commission for their ideas or suggestions of what they want
Auburn to be as Council is seeking their perspective and/or comments.
Councilmember Norman announced there is a public open house on the Auburn Environmental Park
scheduled for Thursday, June 16 at 3:00 p.m in the Truitt Building located across from City Hall. The
Planning Commission is encouraged to attend.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further items to come before the Commission the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
PCIAGNDIMIN 05-2005
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