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Planning director reports progress on Subway, impact fees and several development projects
Summary
Planning Director reported that a design resolution with Subway has been reached, senior planner hiring is underway, development-impact-fee work is continuing with BOMA, and several pending projects (including a football stadium and TBN redevelopment) are moving through review.
Planning Director Mr. Frei updated the commission on multiple staff-level projects and upcoming work on the city's development regulations.
Mr. Frei said staff reached a resolution with Subway on exterior materials and signage; the restaurant will restore the approved material pattern and improve signage, and staff expect an improved appearance when work is finished. "They're putting the material, the design that was originally approved," he said, adding the applicant addressed a refrigeration-unit venting detail and will restore an exterior wall where needed.
On staffing, Frei said the city completed senior planner interviews and is in the process of making offers to fill a vacancy left by a previous planner. He also reported continued work with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) on development-impact fees and said a public meeting will be scheduled so residents can comment on proposed changes. Frei said the planning department will hold a work session on zoning-ordinance changes on the third Tuesday (May 20 at 6:30 p.m.) and will distribute materials to commissioners in advance.
On pending projects, Frei and staff reported the staff-level projects list is shrinking and several items are moving toward approval. Staff said they have been communicating with the football stadium project team and expect revised plans soon. Frei also noted activity on a fast-paced medical building and nearby commercial and restaurant projects in the Mayfair area.
Commissioners asked about several longer-term or paused projects: Legacy Senior Living Center expansion has not shown recent activity; a previously approved Scooter's Coffee proposal did not proceed because of cost concerns; a project that imported soil into a FEMA flood zone is still being addressed with a flood study under way; and TBN's redevelopment plans were described as moving forward with building demolition planned and possible future expansion.
Frei also clarified the city's vesting period for approved site plans: state law provides vesting for three years, and the city treats site plans as vested for three years before applicants must reapply or show substantial commencement to extend vesting.
The planning director closed by noting a May work session on zoning changes and that staff will notify commissioners when materials are available.
