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Residents, council raise safety and parking concerns as developers return with revised Strand Theater proposal
Summary
Residents and council members questioned a revived development plan tied to the Strand Theater that requests variances for a 150-seat event space and private parking, urging developers to present full site plans and urging the public to attend upcoming zoning-board hearings.
Residents and council members pressed for more information and tighter controls after developers returned to seek variances tied to the Strand Theater project, including a proposed 150-seat event space and a private parking plan.
At the start of the meeting a longtime development watcher spoke at length about a revived proposal, warning that “the partners are back again with the new proposal” and that a 150-seat event venue could quickly lead to additional hotel or larger proposals unless the city revises zoning or places strong conditions, the resident said (Karen Taylor, 28 Jefferson St.). Taylor urged the council to require a full site plan and to resist variances that would enable future, larger development.
Council members and other residents echoed worries about traffic, parking and emergency access in the central business district. One council member said circulation in the area is already limited and urged developers to show how a 150-person venue would be safe and beneficial. A public commenter also asked whether the Strand partners have a history of violations (noise, permitting and construction); staff replied that some enforcement matters had been handled at the county level and that an official compilation of past violations would require a records request.
Multiple speakers emphasized that the local zoning board—not the council—has authority over variances and special permits. The mayor and several council members repeatedly advised residents to bring concerns directly to the zoning-board hearing process and asked developers to present materials that show clear public benefits and workable circulation and parking plans.
No formal council action was taken on the Strand project during the meeting. Council members urged the public to attend upcoming zoning-board meetings to ensure their concerns are heard and to monitor any future applications that might include hotels, private parking lots or related use changes.
