City Council Faces Controversy Over Fantasy Records Redevelopment

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the proposed changes to the historic Fantasy Records building, which has undergone several transformations since its inception as a recording studio in 1971. The building, originally a two-story structure, expanded to seven stories in the 1980s to accommodate film postproduction and additional recording studios, later becoming known as the Solesence Media Center.

The current proposal seeks to convert approximately 10,000 square feet of existing media production space into research and development areas, bringing the total research and development space to around 30,000 square feet. This change would create up to nine new tenant spaces within the building. The first and second floor plans were presented, highlighting the areas designated for research and development in green, while media production spaces were marked in magenta.

The proposal has faced scrutiny, particularly from local residents who appealed the decision made by the zoning officer last November. They argued that the use of the space should be classified as an \"art craft studio,\" a protected use, rather than media production, which is not protected under current zoning laws. The Zoning Adjustment Board (ZAB) denied the administrative use permit (AUP) based on interpretations of the definitions and historical usage of the site.

City staff clarified that the existing uses of the building do not qualify as protected uses, as they do not meet the criteria established prior to July 6, 1989. The definitions of media production and art craft studios were discussed, emphasizing that while there are overlaps, the established use of the building aligns with media production.

The city council is now tasked with deciding whether to uphold the appeal and reverse the ZAB's decision, thereby approving the AUP, or to deny the appeal and affirm the ZAB's ruling. The council may also choose to continue or remand the item back to the ZAB for further consideration. This decision will have significant implications for the future use of the Fantasy Records building and its role in the local creative economy.