HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-27-15 YPC MinutesCity of Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) City Hall Council Chambers
Meeting Minutes of July 27, 2015
Call to Order
Chairman Dave Fonfara called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call
YPC Members Present: Chairman Dave Fonfara, Vice -Chair Scott Clark, Bill Cook,
Al Rose, Patricia Byers, Ron Anderson, Carmen Mendez
YPC Members Absent:
Staff Present: Valerie Smith, Senior Planner; Jeff Peters, Supervising
Planner
Others: Sign -in sheet in file
Stud Session: 2015 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendments
Senior Planner Valerie Smith informed the Commission of the new schedule for special
study sessions pertaining to the 2015 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendments (CPAs).
She added that their packets include an updated map of the CPAs with corrected
information and a memorandum to the Planning Commission written by Assistant
Planner Robbie Aaron, titled, "Staff Analysis of Zoning Districts by Acres." Discussion
ensued regarding the relevance of the numbers in the analysis and conducting further
research and setting goals regarding desired percentages for zoning districts in terms of
total acres in the city of Yakima. Commissioner Cook requested to see vacant land
incorporated into the table in the memo. Smith responded that the Planning Division
has this information but chose to exclude it from the table. Peters expanded on the
relevance of annexations to the number of R-1 zoned properties in the city of Yakima.
Valerie Smith provided a brief overview of project CPA#003-15 - Super Cold Storage
LLC. Chairman Fonfara commented that the proposal seems to be compatible with
surrounding uses. Commissioner Rose pointed out the lack of distinction between the
two types of sewers on site. Peters responded that the sewer type will be noted in the
staff report.
Jeff Peters provided a brief overview of project CPA#004-15 - What the Hay LLC. Jeff
informed the Commission that 5 comments in opposition to the proposal were received.
Discussion ensued regarding street connectivity. Bill Hordan, a representative of the
project, clarified that the connection on Westbrook Ave between 83rd Ave. and 85th Ave.
has not yet been made but has been bonded for. Audience member Bill Hicks, one of the
owners of West Valley Farm and Ranch, expressed his opposition to the proposal,
adding that the absence of a project proposal makes it difficult to weight the merits of
changing the zoning designation.
Jeff Peters provided a brief overview of project CPA#005-15 - TM Rentals. Jeff informed
the Commission that 12 comments in opposition to the proposal were received.
Commission Rose explained that he is undecided if he is in support of the proposal or
not. Audience Member John Smestad expressed his opposition to the proposal,
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emphasizing the potential traffic complications. Audience member Jennifer Mabry
expressed her opposition to the project, indicating that the proposal would take away
some of the tranquility of the neighborhood. Audience member Rogers Watt shared his
own experience living in the neighborhood and commented that he doesn't want to see
the zone change. Bill Hordan, representative of the proposal, explained the shortage of
vacant B-1 zoned parcels in Yakima. Commissioner Rose suggested that a boundary line
adjustment may help solve some of the issues in this proposal that are causing
opposition from neighbors. Audience member Jennifer Mabry commented that she
knows of office space that is available in the Creekside business park area leading her to
question the choice in location for this proposal. She added how this proposal could
affect her neighbors who are retired. Bill Hordan explained his and the applicant's
desire and attempts through this process to keep out the more intense uses in the area
and explained the high demand for professional business offices. Jeff Peters corrected
his previous comments in which he called the property Industrial, when he should have
referred to it as General Commercial.
Valerie Smith presented a PowerPoint presentation of allowed land uses within CPA
proposed zoning districts. Jeff Peters explained to the audience the difference between a
Class 1, Class2, and Class 3 use.
Adjourn
A motion to adjourn to August 3, 2015 was passed with unanimous vote. This meeting
adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
Chairman Dave Fonfara Date
This meeting was filmed by YPAC. Minutes for this meeting submitted by: Lisa Maxey, Department Assistant II