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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Planning and Zoning Commission - 10/16/2012 MINUTES ORO VALLEY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION SPECIAL SESSION October 16, 2012 BASIS CHARTER SCHOOL 11155 N. ORACLE RD. CALL TO ORDER AT OR AFTER 6:00 P.M. Vice Chair Cox called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Vice Chair Don Cox Commissioner Alan Caine Commissioner Thomas Drzazgowski Commissioner Bill Leedy Commissioner William Rodman Commissioner John Buette EXCUSED: Chair Robert Swope PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Chair Cox led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. CALL TO AUDIENCE Comments were received by two individuals: Gabe Wigtil, non-resident, announced the Wild Connections community wildlife event at Catalina State Park on November 10-11, 2012. Don Bristow, resident, commented that, in regard to the previous meeting concerning the Fry's Planned Area Amendment for signs. Mr. Bristow stated that the Commission should make recommendations based on Town Codes and the merits of the application. COUNCIL LIAISON COMMENTS Council Member Joe Hornat was present and had no comments. Vice Chair Cox recommended changing the order of the Agenda items as follows: 1. Desert Springs Major General Plan Amendment. 10/16/2012 Planning and Zoning Commission Page 1 of 7 2. Mercado Mandarina Major General Plan Amendment. 3. Energy Element. There were no objections to change the order of the agenda items. Vice Chair Cox also advised that this hearing was the first of two public hearings on the agenda items and that no action would be taken until the next scheduled Planning and Zoning meeting on Monday, November 5, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting has been moved to that Monday night due to the national election on the regular scheduled Planning and Zoning meeting on Tuesday, November 5, 2012. 1. PUBLIC HEARING: DESERT SPRINGS MAJOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT CHANGING THE LAND USE MAP FROM LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL / OFFICE, RESORT / GOLF COURSE AND SIGNIFICANT RESOURCE AREA TO MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL /OFFICE AND AMEND THE SPECIAL PLANNING AREA POLICIES AND THE URBAN SERVICES BOUNDARY TO INCLUDE THE ENTIRE PROPERTY (OVIII2-002) Chad Daines, Town Planner, presented: Applicant's request Location and Context Map Background Site Conditions Major Washes Planned Wildlife Overpass/Underpass Hillside Areas Existing Pima County Zoning Current General Plan Proposed General Plan Amendment How the Town evaluates the request Existing and Proposed Lane Use Comparison Significant Resource Areas (SRA) Modification Special Area Policies Urban Services Boundary General Plan Amendment Evaluation Criteria Neighborhood Meetings/Public Input Neighborhood Meeting Issues Public Input Opportunities in Review Process Summary 10/16/2012 Planning and Zoning Commission Page 2 of 7 Applicant Keri Silvyn of Lazarus, Silvyn and Bangs, PC spoke on Desert Springs. Also present were Eric Bose and Brad Jarvies of Sun Chase Holdings/Desert Springs owners, and Rob Longaker of WLB Group. Ms. Silvyn said Sun Chase has owned the property for 24 years and has been working with Town staff, adjoining neighbors and other constituents for months balancing the issues for the site. They propose developing with retail, residential, office, passive recreation and housing that complements development that's occurred in the area over the last 15 years. Following the amendment will be potential annexation and zoning. After meeting with Town staff and adjacent neighbors from Talante Estates, they revised the plan to be 67 acres of Medium Density Residential, 18 acres of Low Density Residential, and 24 acres of Neighborhood Commercial/ Office. They made changes to Special Area Policies regarding buffer yards, height limitations, prohibiting high density residences and apartments, and establishing a maximum of 250 residential units of low and medium density for the project. They eliminated access to the Catalina State Park which was shown on the original plan. They talked with the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection (CSDP) group and were planning to meet with the Director of Catalina State Park. The buffer areas are proposed for the north and east sides of Talante Estates, and mitigation measures have been included establishing height restrictions, dedicated open space and types of vegetation in the buffer areas. The commercial and office space is proposed adjacent to Oracle Road. The property is presently planned for a major golf course and resort with convention facilities, 108 low density homes, and retail commercial space. Their proposal would be a less intense use of the land than what it is currently planned for. Vice Chair Cox opened the discussion to public speakers. Michael Racy, non-resident, was representing the Home Owners Association of Talante Estates. He doesn't favor the densities proposed next to the Catalina State Park but has worked with the developer on issues related to Special Area Policies. Edie Behr, non-resident, asked what the benefit would be for the Town of Oro Valley for this development. She also asked about the timing of this proposal since Town Council has approved the Pima County Sonoran Conservation Plan to take effect in January, 2013. Vice Chair Cox indicated by law, amendments must be considered by the Commission and Town Council in the year they are filed. Planning Manager David Williams further reiterated the basis for the timing of Public Hearings in State law. Bill Adler, resident, is against the proposal and commented that the Significant Resource Areas (SRA) portion doesn't prevent ridgelines from being developed, and those areas should be protected for neighbors and wildlife. 10/16/2012 Planning and Zoning Commission Page 3 of 7 Carolyn Campbell, non-resident and representative of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection (CSDP) opposes the plan. Their goal is to protect and restore the wildlife connectivity in the area. The parcel's been designated as a Significant Resource Area by the Town. The site has been designated a high biological core and a critical landscape linkage by teams of biologists. She provided eleven (11) photographs of the wildlife in the area. They believe the buffer near the park is inadequate for wildlife, and they have a different proposal. CSDP stated they provided written information to the Commissioners prior to this meeting. Carl Boswell, resident, opposes the plan and said he believes the plan only benefits Sun Chase Holdings who is looking for profit, and the property could be sold to another speculator. Jan Johnson, non-resident, opposes the plan due to the density of 250 homes proposed and is concerned about wildlife being able to travel in the area. Kathie Schroeder, non-resident, is opposed to the plan and believes there are other places to develop since the other development across the street has empty stores. Bryan Martyn, non-resident and Executive Director of Arizona State Parks. He said the Catalina State Park has existed for over 30 years. The park has not taken a position either for/against the plan, and they have voiced their concerns. They respect the rights of property owners/neighbors and want to work with the community. Their job is to protect the resources they are responsible for and provide access to those resources. Vice Chair Cox closed the discussion for the public. 2. PUBLIC HEARING: MERCADO MANDARINA MAJOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT FROM LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL/OFFICE (NCO) FOR 8.6 ACRES OF THE 26.7 ACRE PROPERTY, LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF TANGERINE ROAD AND LA CHOLLA BLVD (OV1111-005) Matt Michels, Town Planner, presented: Applicants Request Neighborhood Commercial Office (NCO) General Plan Land Use Designation Location and Context General Plan Future Land Use Tangerine Road Corridor Overlay District (TRCOD) requirements Environmentally Sensitive Lands Site view looking north from Tortolita Mountains How does the town evaluate General Plan Evaluation Criteria 10/16/2012 Planning and Zoning Commission Page 4 of 7 General Plan Vision, Goals and Policies Public Input Growth Area Land Use Intensity Neighborhood Meetings/Public Input Neighborhood Issues Public Input Opportunities in Review Process Summary Applicant Paul Oland of WLB Group elaborated on the site plan and justifications for the amendment request. Vice Chair Cox opened the public hearing. Carolyn Campbell, non-resident and representative of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection (CSDP) was concerned that the property owner wouldn't have to comply with the Environmental Sensitive Land Ordinance (ESLO). Bill Adler, resident, had comments about the planned senior care use and 5 acres of land not being sufficient to facilitate it. Amber Smith, non-resident, doesn't object to the parcel but isn't supportive of the northern parcel adjacent to Limewood. Jon Roof, non-resident, supports the plan. Vice Chair Cox closed the public discussion. 3. PUBLIC HEARING: A MAJOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO ADD A NEW ENERGY ELEMENT AND ASSOCIATED UPDATES TO THE STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION PLAN. THE PROPOSAL INCLUDES GOALS AND POLICIES THAT ADDRESS A BROAD RANGE OF ENERGY-RELATED ISSUES (OVI 112-03) Bayer Vella, Conservation and Sustainability Manager, presented the following: General Plan - Energy Element Key Ingredients Opportunities Energy Efficiency Regulations &Voluntary Programs Transportation Systems Barriers to Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Benefits to Southern Arizona Economy for Promoting Solar 10/16/2012 Planning and Zoning Commission Page 5 of 7 Barriers in Town Codes Additions to Town Code Community Leadership by Example Environmental Leadership by Example Cost-Saving Opportunities Education Outreach Energy Infrastructure Planning Infrastructure Planning - the Grid Forecast Substation Load Community Resiliency Emergency Preparation By the end of the century -temperatures rising by 10 degrees Process The Town's Vision Vice Chair Cox opened the public hearing. Bill Adler, resident, indicated that the Town Council wanted this new Element added to the General Plan and it provides direction but the Commissioners need to decide if this is the right direction. Donald Bristow, resident, was not present to speak when his name was called by Vice Chair Cox. Vice Chair Cox closed the public hearing. PLANNING UPDATE (INFORMATIONAL ONLY) This was not discussed at the meeting. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: A motion was made by Vice Chair Don Cox and seconded by Commissioner William Rodman adjourn the meeting. MOTION carried, 5-0. Prepared by: L'//IL ; � Ai --� Roseanne Flores Recording Secretary 10/16/2012 Planning and Zoning Commission Page 6 of 7 I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the special session of the Planning and Zoning Commission of Oro Valley, Arizona held on the 16th day of October 2012. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. 10/16/2012 Planning and Zoning Commission Page 7 of 7