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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-11-2007 Special Meeting CITY OF WASHINGTON CALL TO ORDER CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES July 11, 2007 4:00 PM A. Flag Salute Mayor Pro Tem Singer called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct a closed record hearing and take action on a Development Agreement (Resolution No. 4204) with Parkstone Investments, Inc. for Renaissance at Auburn. B. Roll Call The following Councilmembers were present: Rich Wagner, Sue Singer, Gene Cerino, Bill Peloza and Lynn Norman. Councilmembers Nancy Backus and Roger Thordarson were excused. Staff members present included: Development Services Coordinator Steven Pitcher, City Attorney Daniel B. Heid, Interim Director of Planning, Building and Community David Osaki, Traffic Engineer Laura Philpot, Chief of Police Jim Ketly, Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy, Planner Stacey Borland, Senior Planner Chris Hankins, and City Clerk Danielle Daskam. CITIZEN INPUT, PUBLIC HEARINGS & CORRESPONDENCE A. Public Hearing 1. Development Agreement with Parkstone Investments, Inc. for Renaissance at Auburn 03.6 Pursuant to Auburn City Code Chapter 14.21, Parkstone Investments proposes to enter into a Development Agreement with the City of Auburn to allow the construction of a 120 unit independent senior apartment community with complementary retail on an approximately 2.67 acre site, Page 1 City of Auburn Council Special Meeting Minutes July 11, 2007 known as Renaissance at Auburn. The subject property is located at 5029 Auburn Way North. Development Services Coordinator Steven Pilcher presented the staff report for the Renaissance Development Agreement. Using an aerial map, Mr. Pilcher pointed out the project site located at 5029 Auburn Way North. Parkstone Investments proposes to construct a 120 unit independent senior apartment community with complementary retail on an approximate 2.67 acre site. The developers had initially requested four deviations from city codes and standards, two of which were later withdrawn. The development agreement would allow an approximate twenty-five percent increase in density and allow for a short plat for the commercial portion of the site. The density would be calculated on the total site of 2.67 acres. The Planning and Community Development Committee and the Public Works Committee reviewed the application previously. A revised version of the Development Agreement, incorporating changes recommended by the Committees, was distributed earlier this evening. The changes relate to the length of time that the facility will be subject to age and income restrictions and access to the facility. Mr. Pilcher noted that the benefits of the development agreement process for the developer include the increased density beyond what is otherwise allowed in the C3 zone district, no requirement for a conditional use permit, and the ability to subdivide property into two separate lots without sacrificing density. Benefits for the City include the availability of affordable senior housing, increased landscaping above standard code requirements, and reduced traffic generation along a busy arterial than what might result from commercial development of the site. Mr. Pilcher advised that the Washington State Housing Finance Commission is providing bonds for the construction of the facility. The overall project cost is estimated at $14 million. The tax-exempt bond financing is approximately $8 Page 2 City of Auburn Council Special Meeting Minutes July 11, 2007 million with the remaining financing coming from private investors. Mr. Pilcher distributed a spreadsheet comparing the proposed Renaissance at Auburn project to SHAG housing. Mr. Pilcher stated that Section 8 vouchers would be accepted at the Renaissance facility. Councilmember Wagner inquired regarding the commercial portion of the site proposed for subdivision. The site proposed for commercial development is estimated at 0.67 acre. Councilmember Wagner suggested that the density increase is actually 58 percent rather than 25 percent. Councilmember Cerino inquired regarding the financing for the project. Mr. Pilcher advised that the Washington State Housing Finance Commission has approved an $8 million bond for the project. Councilmember Peloza inquired regarding potential Section 8 residents. Mr. Pilcher stated that the developer estimates that ten to fifteen percent of the units would be rented utilizing Section 8 vouchers. There is nothing in the agreement that would restrict the number units that could be rented utilizing Section 8 vouchers. Councilmember Peloza inquired regarding access to the facility. Traffic Engineer Philpot explained that at the southern tip of the project site, the center left turn lane transitions to a double left turn lane onto South 277th Street. According to current design standards, a left turn from Auburn Way North to the project site is not permitted. One fatality accident has occurred in the area from a left turn movement and a southbound vehicle. In response to a question from Councilmember Wagner, Traffic Engineer Philpot stated that c-curbing would be required of the project to prevent left turns to and from the property. Adjacent uses are not currently restricted as they are grandfathered in under the old design standards; however, any application for redevelopment would be subject to the current design standards and the same restrictions imposed on the Renaissance development. Ms. Philpot also stated that once 49th Street NE is completed, left turns will be impossible due to northbound and southbound queuing. Page 3 City of Auburn Council Special Meeting Minutes July 11, 2007 Keith James, Lagato Consulting, 2304 South Meadowview, Green Acres, WA Mr. James spoke on behalf of the development. He explained that the area of the proposed commercial site is 14,667 square feet or less than one-third of an acre. The housing development and the commercial development will be financed and operated separately. Mr. James explained that the bonds issued by the State Housing Finance Commission are private activity bonds and are created for private developers to create affordable housing. Daniel Stoner, Parkstone Investments, Inc., 10324 Valmay Avenue NW, Seattle Mr. Stoner, representing the developers of the project, presented the applicant's proposal. Using PowerPoint, Mr. Stoner displayed an overview site map and renderings of the facility. Mr. Stoner stated that the proposed development is unlike any other affordable housing project in Auburn. Mr. Stoner stated that the twenty-five percent density bonus equates to twenty-four additional housing units for the entire site. Mr. Stoner added that the project offers the nicest apartment community in Auburn consisting of a four-story building with varying depths and sidings and craftsman-style features. The project also includes a 6,000 square foot retail building fronting Auburn Way North. Mr. Stoner advised that the project provides for more than four times the required parking, over $800,000 in impact and development fees, a covered bus stop, and landscaping and green space. Mr. Stoner reported that, based on their marketing study, the project addresses an increasing demand for moderate income elderly housing. Mr. Stoner noted the differences between the proposed Renaissance at Auburn housing project and SHAG housing: Renaissance would have higher income qualifications, higher rental rates, better quality community space and amenities, sixty-one percent more parking spaces, no non- elderly disabled residents, and long-term owner involvement. Mayor Singer opened the public hearing at 4:41 p.m. Page 4 City of Auburn Council Special Meeting Minutes July 11, 2007 John Corrado, 15727 NE 144th Place ,Woodinville Mr. Corrado identified himself as the owner of property directly to the west of the proposed project site. Mr. Corrado complimented the developers on the proposal; however, Mr. Corrado expressed concern with regard to high density residential in a C3 zone, traffic in the area, access for emergency medical service vehicles, noise from traffic, and compatibility with surrounding uses. Mr. Corrado recommended the property be retained as commercial. There being no further public testimony, Mayor Pro Tem Singer closed the public hearing at 4:49 p.m. In response to a question from Councilmember Cerino, Mr. James advised that the facility will have two elevators. Councilmember Peloza inquired regarding Section 8 units. Mr. James advised that it his understanding that there are two types of Section 8 vouchers -project based and tenant based. A project based voucher would be a dedicated facility for low income housing. Any market rate apartment building can choose to accept Section 8 tenant vouchers. In the case of Renaissance at Auburn, no units will be set aside specifically for Section 8; however, a person holding a Section 8 voucher and who income qualifies, would be allowed to live at Renaissance at the published rental rate. Mr. James estimated ten to fifteen percent of the Renaissance units would be rented to Section 8 tenants. All units would be restricted to tenants 62 years of age and older for forty-four years per the project's financing agreement. In response to questions from Mayor Pro Tem Singer, Mr. Stoner estimated that twenty to thirty percent of the tenants will not have vehicles. The facility will provide a shuttle bus for shopping and entertainment activities. Additionally, Renaissance will work with Metro to provide shuttle service and is investigating the use of a flex-car program. Councilmember Cerino expressed concern with tenants returning to the facility via Metro bus service as the current Metro route would drop off a rider on the east side of Auburn Way North requiring a tenant to cross Auburn Way North. Page 5 City of Auburn Council Special Meeting Minutes Julv 11, 2007 Mr. Stoner responded that a bus stop exists on northbound Auburn Way North approximately one-half block from the intersection with South 277th Street, requiring a tenant to walk approximately one and a half blocks to the Renaissance facility. Councilmember Norman moved to approve the development agreement with Parkstone Investments. There was no second. Councilmember Wagner moved to deny Resolution No. 4204. Councilmember Cerino seconded. Councilmember Wagner expressed concern with the increased density of the proposed project. Councilmember Wagner stated that he believes the project does not provide enough positive elements and benefits to the community to support the increased density. Councilmember Cerino expressed concerned with access to the proposed facility, especially for emergency responses. Councilmember Peloza expressed opposition to the project noting that the site is not appropriate for the proposed use, limited access to the site, the lack of greenbelt or park area for quality of life, and transportation issues. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m. APPROVED THE ~ DAY OF AUGUST 2007. r Sue Singer, May r Pro Tem Danielle Daskam, City Clerk Page 6 City of Auburn Council Special Meeting Minutes Julv 11, 2007 City Council agendas and minutes are available to the public at the City Clerk's Office, on the City website, and via a-mail. Complete agenda packets are available for review at the City Clerk's Office. Internet: http://www.auburnwa.gov Page 7