SENECA PLANNING COMMISSION
December 15, 2008
The Seneca Planning Commission met on Monday, December 15, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Members present included Mr. Ted Durham, Sr., Mr. Laird Sommerville, Mr. Ray Wyatt, Mr. Barry Duvall, and Mr. David Mead. Also, present were Mr. Ed Halbig, Director, and Ms. Tracy Smith, Administrative Assistant. Mr. James Mazyck was absent. The press and public were duly notified as required by law.
Mr. Wyatt opened the meeting with prayer and read opening remarks.
MOTION made by Mr. Duvall to approve November 24, 2008 minutes as submitted.
SECOND made by Mr. Meade
AYE Mr. Sommerville, Mr. Wyatt, Mr. Duvall, Mr. Durham, Sr., and Mr. Mead
NAY none
Ms. Smith read zoning amendment:
Docket No: ZA 2008-11
Applicant: Ronald G. Scanzillo
Tap Map # 520-58-01-103 & 104
Location: Part of Lots 1 & 2 of Tract “A” Loran Pointe
Present Zoning: R-6
Requested Zoning: RM-16
Mr. Wyatt read the procedures for meeting.
Mr. Halbig read staff report.
Mr. Wyatt opened the meeting up to the public.
Mr. Ronald Scanzillo introduced himself to the board. He requested that the property be rezoned back to its original zoning of RM-16. He stated that he would be retaining the original footprint on 1 lot with 3 buildings, 2 units in each building.
Mr. Wyatt asked if anyone else wished to speak in favor of the application.
There being none.
Mr. Wyatt asked if there was anyone wishing to speak in opposition of the application.
There being none.
MOTION made by Mr. Duvall to discuss the zoning application.
SECOND made by Mr. Mead
Discussion followed.
Mr. Duvall stated that his opinion is the fact that the property is being changed back leaves him to believe that the process is a well thought out plan.
Mr. Mead asked if there could be a combined single driveway instead of three driveways.
Mr. Scanzillo stated it would be done the best possible way. He stated he would like to have some parking on the outset. He thought about the placement of at least 5 spaces toward the street area.
Mr. Sommerville stated the only question before the board tonight was the zoning, for which he has no problem changing, but his concern was the numbers of vehicles for each apartment. He wanted to know if these owners would be allowed to park in the common area.
Mr. Scanzillo stated he thought the new apartments would be able to use the common area just like the existing condominiums that are there now.
Mr. Sommerville asked if the apartments would be upper and lower levels with garages.
Mr. Scanzillo stated yes. He demonstrated the parking spaces on the handout.
Mr. Halbig stated that the Planning and Building Staff would work with the developer to make sure that the minimum parking requirements are met.
Mr. Durham Sr. asked where the homeowner’s would park that is located on both sides of this property.
Mr. Scanzillo stated there is enough parking along the front of the units.
Mr. Durham Sr. asked if there will be a designated parking area just for those specific apartments.
Mr. Scanzillo stated yes.
Mr. Mead asked staff about set backs.
Mr. Halbig stated that the set backs will be compatible.
Mr. Scanzillo stated the side lines are all with in the city requirements.
Mr. Wyatt asked if there was any further discussion.
There being none, Mr. Wyatt thanked the applicant for his attendance.
MOTION made by Mr. Durham Sr. to accept the recommendation for the zoning amendment application change and to forward it on to City Council for their approval.
SECOND made by Mr. Sommerville
AYE Mr. Mead, Mr. Durham Sr., Mr. Wyatt, Mr. Duvall, and Mr. Sommerville
NAY none
Mr. Wyatt asked if there was any new business to discuss.
Mr. Sommerville asked staff about the article that was in the Daily Journal around November 29th.
Mr. Halbig reminded the board about the person that came and spoke with them about goal settings and finding business’s that need or want what Seneca has to offer. He commented that the findings do not reflect anything that the Planning Commission is doing. He stated he did not feel there would be any conflict, the study is not to tell Seneca what to do, the study is to say here is what businesses are looking for; here is what Seneca has to offer, etc.
Mr. Durham Sr. reiterated the need to get business to the downtown area.
Mr. Halbig stated that his proposal for the comprehensive plan is to raise the zoning density in the downtown area, making the property more profitable.
Discussion ensued.
Mr. Duvall asked staff when next meeting was.
Mr. Halbig stated we would have to get back with the board on the next meeting due to it falling on Martin Luther King Holiday.
Mr. Wyatt asked if there was any old business to discuss.
Mr. Wyatt wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
MOTION made by Mr. Duvall to adjourn.
SECOND made by Mr. Mead
AYE Mr. Mead, Mr. Durham Sr., Mr. Wyatt, Mr. Duvall, and Mr. Sommerville
NAY none
Meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
