Planning Commission

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON THURSDAY PUBLIC HEARING 7:00 P.M. May 18, 2017 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Video-taped www.cob.org CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Ali Taysi, Chairman of the Planning Commission. ROLL CALL: Ali Taysi (C), Garrett O'Brien (VC), Phyllis McKee, Steve Crooks, Lisa Anderson, Mike Estes and Iris Maute- Gibson Present: Ali Taysi, Garrett O'Brien, Steve Crooks, Lisa Anderson, Mike Estes and Iris Maute-Gibson Absent: Phyllis McKee Staff Present: Greg Aucutt, PCDD Assistant Director; Lisa Pool, Senior Planner; Jonathan Schilk, Parks Department; and Heather Aven, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES No minutes were submitted for approval. 15 MINUTE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD No testimony given. Commissioner Steve Crooks recused himself and left the room for the duration of the public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING REZ2017-0001: Amendments to the Cordata Neighborhood Plan and BMC to rezone portions of Areas 10 & 11 from Industrial, Light/Planned and Commercial/Industrial/Residential Multi, Mixed/Planned to Public to allow a 20.6 acre park STAFF PRESENTATION: Lisa Pool explained the proposal and provided a brief background on the site. She shared the analysis done by staff and explained the benefits of this site being rezoned to public. She stated that staff recommends approval of the proposed rezone. PUBLIC COMMENT No testimony was given. COMMISSIONER QUESTION / COMMENT There was a concern raised about the location of the park, and Johnathan Schilk with the Parks Department addressed that concern and shared some more information on what is being proposed on the site and how the park would be accessed by the public. There was a brief conversation regarding the unpurchased lot that will remain in lot 10. Commissioner Estes wanted to know if there could be sewer access to the park if the property remained unpurchased, Final Copy - 1 and Jonathan replied yes. The question was also asked about a future rezone of that property, and staff replied it is already zoned to allow for a park, and the plan for this parcel is related to storm water. There was support expressed for a park in this location, even though it means losing some industrial land supply. There was a brief discussion related the wetlands and staff replied that any direct disturbance to the wetlands, can be mitigated on-site. MOTION: GO/LA moved to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations related to the rezone of Areas 10 & 11 in the Cordata Neighborhood as proposed in the May 18, 2017 staff report, and forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council. There was additional support expressed for a park in the northern area of Bellingham and it was noted that the proposed rezone meets all of the criteria listed in the BMC. VOTE: ALL AYES GENERAL BUSINESS Greg Aucutt announced the Growth Management Hearings Board appeal hearing will occur on May 31st at 9:00 am in City Council Chambers. There was a brief discussion regarding the Commission’s role in the Whatcom Community College’s Master Plan meetings. ADJOURNED: 7:30 p.m. Minutes prepared by: _____________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by Planning Commission members and various Planning Staff. Final Copy - 2