Lot By Lot Development Clears Planning Board
Moor Remains Sole No Vote On Required 15,000 Sq Ft Lot Minimum
The proposed waterfront redevelopment plan amendments put forth by the governing body cleared the Planning Board Monday.
The City Council, acting as the municipality’s redevelopment authority, sent the proposal to the autonomous board to ensure changes fell in line with the master plan, a comprehensive outline of the city’s long-range land use vision moving forward.
As outlined by City Manager Michael Capabianco, the amendments call for an extension of the Prime Renewal Area, which will include the eastern portion of Sunset Lake; the opening of development for properties that fall within a 15,000 square foot area with 100 foot frontage; no allowable parking variances but design and landscaping waivers permitted; the replacement of on street parking spaces on the project site; the removal of mews designs; and stronger language for any CAFRA outlined relief.
A property owner within the waterfront redevelopment area [WRA] will have to obtain a subsequent developer’s agreement [SDA] from iStar, the waterfront zone’s master developer before entering into a developer’s agreement with the city.
The amendments also call for a $3,220 per unit sewer charge and a $2,212 per unit affordable housing contribution based on the existing sewer guidelines and master developer agreement, respectively.
During the public question and comment periods resident Tracy Rogers questioned the city’s current affordable housing obligation.
Capabianco said he could not speak on the affordable housing obligations without the reports in front of him but the they are committed to furthering affordable housing throughout the City.
City historian Werner Baumgartner questioned the procedure for including the western portions of Sunset Lake Park, bound by Webb Street, Grand, Fifth and Sunset avenues, saying the prime renewal area was set by legal action that defined a blighted area in need of rehabilitation.
Capabianco explained that the extension will allow for the use of revenue allocation bounds [RAB] bonds that are attached to nearby projects in the redevelopment zone.
Attorney George McGill, in representing John McGillion – owner of Kim Marie’s, questioned the limitations of seeking an SDA should the property fall below the 15,000 square foot allowance.
In the end the final vote was 5-1, with Mayor John being the sole no vote. Moor, who also voted no redevelopment amendments when it came before the City Council, has made arguments for reducing the lot coverage area to 12,500 square feet.
“I agreed with some of the smaller developers,” Moor has said. “This was an issue brought to us by the local redevelopers and I looked at it. By doing my own research, I found seven properties that could begin the development process if we reduced the square footage.”
Capabianco said the 15000 square foot was used because it fell in line with the master plan and reducing the figure could open them up to litigation.
The amendments will return to the governing body in the form of an ordinance. Capabianco said waterfront property owners could begin to develop their land as soon as June 1.
“This is the first step in what will be a long process,” Capabianco said in referring to other redevelopment amendments that will come before the two governing bodies.
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