Planning Commission

2/8/2024 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Abby Bleything, Vice-Chair; Joe Perron; Tommie Murray City Staff Present: Ray Coffey, Elaine Wang, Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Ruth Steinmetz, Michael Monte, Evan Gould Call to Order by: Mike O’Brien Meeting Start Time: 6:33 PM Minutes Recorded by: Eric Vorwald II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment None IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 3 – 0 Motion by: Tommie Second: Joe Eric indicated the minutes were included with the agenda packet. Tommie Made a motion that was seconded by Joe to approve the minutes as presented. All were in favor. V. Discussion on Rezoning Request for O’Brien Community Center Decision: 3 – 0 Motion by: Abby Second: Tommie Eric provided an overview of this rezoning request and indicated this was a continuation of the discussion from the meeting on January 25th. He indicated that this was a request for both a map change and a text change that would consider rezoning property at 21 Hickok Street to Gateway, relocating the neighborhood manners boundary, and designating the O’Brien Community Center (OCC) as “civic”. He provided a graphic to depict the specific changes. Eric also highlighted a few of the key points that were discussed by the Planning Commission on January 25th including concerns that were raised. Next, Michael Monte with Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) provided an overview of the model that CHT was looking to create for this property. He noted that CHT manages over 150,000 square feet of community space including the Old North End Community Center in Burlington.  Community Center (OCC) as “civic”. He provided a graphic to depict the specific changes. Eric also highlighted a few of the key points that were discussed by the Planning Commission on January 25th including concerns that were raised. Next, Michael Monte with Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) provided an overview of the model that CHT was looking to create for this property. He noted that CHT manages over 150,000 square feet of community space including the Old North End Community Center in Burlington. He stated that CHT is looking to be a “forever” landlord and keep the property in their portfolio in perpetuity. Michael also provided information on plans for future expansion including the library, rearranging the kitchen and community spaces for better access, and possible expansions to the community health center space. Eric noted that part of the reason the change is requested is because the O’Brien Community Center is a pre-existing non-conformity because it exceeds the maximum footprint. If changed to “civic” the building would be exempt from that requirement and be allowed to make expansions and improvements. Abby asked about the intent to merge 21 Hickok into the OCC property. Eric stated that it was his understanding that the property would be merged. Ray provided history of the property at 21 Hickok Street and how it came to be part of the City’s property inventory. Questions were raised related to future requests to remove the civic designation in the future, or if other property owners requested similar requests for rezoning. Eric provided information on the process for rezoning and indicated that any requests of this nature would start with the Planning Commission. He further noted that each request is reviewed based on the merits of the request and that no one decision sets precedent for any future decisions related to zoning changes. Michael provided additional information on the future plans for the property. The Planning Commissioners asked additional questions related to process and future requests. There was also a discussion related to financing and how the expansions and improvements would be funded and if there would be impacts to property taxes. Finally, the Planning Commissioners discussed the order of operations for merging 21 Hickok Street into the OCC parcel. Eric gave an overview of the options for how this could occur and what order the process would take to consider all the proposed amendments including the zoning change for the civic designation and for 21 Hickok Street. Ultimately the Planning Commission recommended that if the map change were to go forward, a condition should be that 21 Hickok Street be merged with the OCC property. After this discussion, the Planning Commission shifted to a review of the text changes that were provided. Eric walked through the draft amendments and changes. The Planning Commissioners asked questions and provided feedback regarding the changes. During this discussion, it was decided that proposed revisions be discussed in anticipation of setting a public hearing. Eric indicated that March 14th would be the next logical time for a hearing if the Planning Commission was interested. Following a detailed discussion on additional changes or clarifications to the draft amendments, Abby made a motion that was seconded by Tommie to hold a public hearing on the draft amendments on March 14th. All were in favor. VI. Continue Discussion on Unified Land Use Development Regulations (ULUDR) Amendments Related to Statutory Changes Based on the time, it was decided to table the discussion on the rest of the draft amendments until the next meeting. VII. City Updates Councilor Judge provided updates on Council activities including the approval of amendments for local resource protections, set a hearing for short-term rentals, and the City Manager’s  until the next meeting. VII. City Updates Councilor Judge provided updates on Council activities including the approval of amendments for local resource protections, set a hearing for short-term rentals, and the City Manager’s annual review. Ruth had no specific updates. Eric indicated that applications were being received for the Local Resources Advisory Board, and that Sarah questioned if the City should consider adding short-term rentals as a use. VIII. Other Business Eric indicated the next meeting would be on February 22 nd . It was also noted that the joint meeting with the Planning Commission and Housing Commission would be on March 19 th . This would take the place of the regular meeting on March 28 th . IX. Adjourn Motion by: Tommie Second: Abby Meeting End Time: 8:11 PM