Resident urges board to weigh community impacts as 118—120 North project moves to commissioners

David Lambert of Ravenscliffe used the public-comment period to urge officials to consider community impacts if the proposal to take down buildings at 118 and 120 North proceeds.

Lambert described the businesses on that block as sources of jobs, music venues and local fundraising: he said one operator voluntarily supports students and local fundraisers and asked whether the township or reviewing bodies take a businesss community contributions into account when evaluating plans that would close or disrupt the business.

Commission staff and Mr. Norsini explained that the planning commission had recommended preliminary approval and that the final decision is made by the Board of Commissioners. Commissioners directed Lambert to present his concerns at the Board of Commissioners meeting on June 15, when the project will be on that boards preliminary agenda. Planning staff said depending on the boards action, the project could return to the planning commission for final approval.

Lambert also asked whether applicants and staff explore compromise designs that preserve existing businesses while allowing development. Commissioners responded that planning staff review the submitted plan as filed and do not "negotiate" alternative structural designs during the commission review; design alternatives or negotiated compromises would typically be addressed between the applicant and the board or through revised submissions.

The commission suggested Lambert provide his comments at the June 15 board meeting for the fullest consideration of his concerns.