Commission hears updates on underperforming parcels, zoning limits constrain some redevelopment

Planning staff on Aug. 25 updated the Economic Development Commission on multiple underperforming or vacant parcels and described outreach efforts to property owners and brokers. Carlos Trejo, director of planning and community development, and senior planner Dawn Doherty briefed the commission on the status of sites along Olive and Dealman corridors and in industrial areas.

Carlos Trejo, director of planning and community development, summarized contacts and next steps for several properties, including the former dispensary site at 9270 Olive (next to Shops at Price Crossing) and a nearby small parcel where an inquirer asked about a child day care use. "Under the zoning, a child day care center requires 80,000 square feet of land area," Trejo said, noting the parcel in question is about 30,000 square feet and would not meet that requirement without a change in code or property assembly.

Staff reported the following specific updates: ABC Trading (9345) plans to close and hold an end‑of‑business sale with an expected closing date on or about Nov. 1; Enchanted Bridal (9611) was closed to the public after fire‑department inspections identified building issues and staff described ongoing conversations with an architect about potential redevelopment that could retain portions of the existing building and add upper-level units; the US Bank call‑center parcel in the 9300 block of Olive has been vacated and staff scheduled a meeting with an interested party to discuss potential uses; and the former Party City space at Olivet Center will host Spirit Halloween on a temporary (60–90 day) basis while staff pursue a long‑term tenant confidentially with the property owner.

Trejo said staff have attempted to contact owners of larger apartment holdings (9270 series parcels) to address property‑maintenance concerns and are tracking other small commercial parcels where exterior maintenance issues have been corrected. He highlighted a recorded cross‑access easement obtained when Shops at Price Crossing was developed, which could in some cases provide access solutions for adjacent constrained parcels. "We did obtain a cross access easement," Trejo said, describing it as a potential tool for future site work.

Commissioners asked about process and timing. Trejo said the planning commission had discussed whether to modify the city code to allow uses on smaller parcels and that any such change would require further review. "The planning commission is looking at potential... whether we should modify the code if that's something we would want to promote," he said. Staff emphasized that many parcels are constrained by access, parking and surrounding development and that some ownership scenarios suggest long timelines before redevelopment.

No formal regulatory changes or variances were approved at the meeting. Staff will continue property‑by‑property outreach and said they will report back at a future meeting when there are formal applications or when additional engineering information becomes available.