Taylor planning commission recommends denial of RCR Parkway sidewalk variance

The Taylor Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend denial of a subdivision variance that would have removed a required sidewalk along RCR Parkway.

Cole, city planning staff, told commissioners the parcel abuts planned neighborhoods and employment centers and that removing the sidewalk "could be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or injurious to other property in the area or to the city" because it would leave the last sidewalk gap in the area and would conflict with the comprehensive plan.

Julie Ward, representing RCR, said the original 2019 development agreement predates the current land-development code and transportation plans and that the park was recorded and intended for industrial logistics uses. Ward argued that RCR Parkway functions as a regional/logistics roadway and that installing a sidewalk there "introduce[s] pedestrians in this area" in ways that would affect operations and safety. She also said utility easements, a large drainage ditch and an active rail line separate the roadway from adjacent property.

Staff and several commissioners pressed Ward on whether the applicant had demonstrated the legal hardship required for a variance. Staff replied that it had not seen sufficient demonstrated hardship. Commissioners discussed alternatives, including requiring sidewalks when adjacent parcels later submit site-development plans, and noted that sidewalks are typically required with new development.

Ward said the developer has already constructed utilities and streets and is seeking dedication to the city; she said contract timelines have passed and that she hoped to appear before city council for conditional acceptance of some infrastructure. Commissioners also discussed future connections: transportation plans for nearby thoroughfares call for sidewalks on some future segments, and several speakers noted planned residential and employment uses across roadways that could create pedestrian demand.

After closing the public hearing, the commission member identified as chair moved to "recommend denial of the subdivision variance from the engineering manual as recommended by staff," a motion seconded by Commissioner Billings Ray. Commissioner Pearson announced she would vote against the motion, citing safety concerns. The motion passed 4-1. The commission’s action is a recommendation to city council rather than a final council decision.

The record shows technical and safety disagreements: staff cited comprehensive-plan cohesion and a lack of special conditions to justify a variance, while the applicant cited operational efficiency and rail/logistics constraints. Commissioners asked staff to confirm whether sidewalks are required for regional cross sections under the land-development code and transportation master plan before council consideration.

The commission adjourned following the vote; the recommendation will be transmitted to the city council for further action.