Council approves Glenview/Green Bay plan; 445 Central Avenue amendment denied to preserve first-floor retail and restaurant uses

City staff reported development updates at the Aug. 19 Plan and Design Commission meeting, including City Council approval of a plan development and subdivision for Glenview and Green Bay, the start of demolition, progress on the Laurel Park proposal and a denial of an amendment to a plan development at 445 Central Avenue. Why it matters: The approved Glenview/Green Bay project affects a prominent location in town and demolition work is underway; the 445 Central Avenue denial preserves active first-floor uses for a downtown building and reflects council direction about ground-floor vitality. Director Fontaine briefed the commission on several projects. She said the Glenview and Green Bay plan development and subdivision were approved by City Council on Aug. 11 and that demolition has begun; she noted that demolition permits are separate from building permits and that the applicant has not yet submitted building permits. As Fontaine explained, developers sometimes obtain demolition and foundation permits in advance of full building permits; she said, “Demolition permits are separate from building permits. And so demolition, you have a right to demolish a home or a structure without a planned development as long as you return that to a vacant lot status if you choose not to do anything further.” Fontaine added that staff expects work to be underway either late in the fall or in the next building season, and that foundations sometimes are permitted separately from superstructure work. Fontaine said Laurel Park came to council for first consideration and that council directed documents be drafted to approve that development; staff is preparing those documents for final council action. She also said a requested special-use amendment for a plan development at 445 Central Avenue was denied by the council by a 7-0 vote. Fontaine said the denial was based on the council's desire to maintain an active, vibrant first-floor use and that the approved ordinance and a separate purchase-and-sale agreement limit first-floor uses to restaurant and retail. Staff said they will provide further updates as projects proceed and that permits and timelines will be reported when available.