Planning Commission

6/11/2020 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Amy Houghton, Vice-Chair; Terry Zigmund, Secretary; Joe Perron; Sarah van Ryckevorsel City Staff Present: Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor; Leslie Fry Call to Order by: Mike O’Brien Meeting Start Time: 6:35 Minutes Recorded by: Eric Vorwald II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment None IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 5 - 0 Motion by: Terry Second: Joe Approve the May 14, 2020 minutes with corrections as noted. V. Planning Commission Appointments Eric provided an overview of the re-aligned commission structure and noted that all commissioners have terms that run from July 1st through June 30th. He referenced a memo in the agenda indicating three members of the Commission had terms expiring at the end of the month including Amy, Abby, and Sarah. He also stated that interest in being reappointed by Council should be conveyed. Amy and Sarah both indicated they were interested in being considered for reappointment. No formal action was required by the Planning Commission. VI. Overview of Draft Interim Zoning Bylaw – Downtown Core Zoning District Eric indicated that this item was on the agenda for informational purposes. He noted that information was included in the agenda that discusses interim zoning and that it is often used as a tool that allows the Council to react quickly to issues that have been identified with zoning. In this case, the interim zoning was being considered to address an inconsistency between the zoning map, and the description of the Downtown Core Zoning District. He also stated that the Council would be conducting a public hearing on the interim zoning at their meeting on June 15th. Several questions were asked about the specific development being proposed for Lot 7D which is impacted by this discrepancy. The Planning Commission also asked several questions about other developments in downtown.  inconsistency between the zoning map, and the description of the Downtown Core Zoning District. He also stated that the Council would be conducting a public hearing on the interim zoning at their meeting on June 15th. Several questions were asked about the specific development being proposed for Lot 7D which is impacted by this discrepancy. The Planning Commission also asked several questions about other developments in downtown. VII. Discussion and Comments on Parking Waiver Eric provided an overview of the parking waiver and indicated that a memo was included with the agenda that outlined several specific points that have been referenced by the Planning Commission about concerns with the parking waiver. He also identified goals and objectives from the Master Plan, also included in the memo, that discussed parking, development, and neighborhoods. The purpose of this overview was to provide information in an effort to more directly understand the concerns from the Planning Commission related to the parking waiver. Sarah provided a perspective of parking from living in larger cities where parking can be more challenging, but indicated that reduced parking may not be appropriate for Winooski as it is still more suburban in nature. Other members of the Planning Commission noted that Winooski does not currently have the number of jobs locally to support a more walkable/bikeable environment, which requires residents to leave the city for work, typically in a vehicle. The Planning Commission indicated that a primary concern with the parking waiver was how the inventory of on-street spaces in areas adjacent to the corridors may be impacted if on-site requirements are reduced too far. They also indicated that, during the discussions, it was assumed the process and requirements to apply for a waiver would be difficult thereby limiting the number of requests that would come forward. Next, the Planning Commissioners discussed the opportunities for alternative transportation options noting that on-street parking can be difficult to remove in favor of bike lanes or wider sidewalks. This led to a discussion of the East Allen Street Scoping Study and the proposed future conditions for that corridor. Additional questions were asked regarding the parking along East Allen Street in front of Casavant Overlook and how that would be treated in the future. After additional discussion and opinions about the impacts the parking wavier may have on the community, Mike provided a summary of the points he had noted. He indicated that he would share this information with the rest of the Planning Commissioners with the intent of providing input to the City Council on behalf of the Planning Commission at the public hearing on June 15th. He also encouraged the other Planning Commission members to attend that meeting. No formal action was required on this item. VIII. Department and City Updates Eric provided an update on the historic resources survey work being conducted by VHB and indicated a webmap was being developed that identified the resources and their conditions. He also noted that a webinar on parking was conducted by ACCD and he would send a link to the recording of the webinar. Eric also provided an update on a request to make Mansion Street a do not enter from Main Street. This request was reviewed by the Municipal Infrastructure Commission. The Mayor provided an update on the meetings and other work being done to manage the current COVID related outbreak in the City. The Planning Commission members complimented the Mayor and the City Staff on all the difficult work that is being done by the City during this trying time. IX. Other Business Eric stated that the next meeting would be on July 9th and that he would not be available. He indicated that he would coordinate with Mike on an alternative date or discussions that could be had. X. Adjourn IX. Other Business Eric stated that the next meeting would be on July 9th and that he would not be available. He indicated that he would coordinate with Mike on an alternative date or discussions that could be had. X. Adjourn Motion by: Terry Second: Amy Meeting End Time: 8:14 pm