May 15, 2006 Public Hearing/Work Session CITY OF ACWORTH
Transcription
May 15, 2006 Public Hearing/Work Session CITY OF ACWORTH
May 15, 2006 Public Hearing/Work Session CITY OF ACWORTH GEORGIA 4415 SENATOR RUSSELL AVENUE ACWORTH, GEORGIA 30101 MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN PUBLIC HEARING/WORK SESSION 6:30 P.M. BOARD ROOM MONDAY, MAY 15, 2006 1. Call to Order 2. Consideration of preliminary plat approval for Acworth Northside, a 35-lot singlefamily residential subdivision at the end of Northside Drive. (Currently zoned R-2, Single Family Residential). 3. Consideration of QuikTrip Corporation’s request to amend an approved concept plan for the Wal-Mart Supercenter near the intersection of Cobb Parkway and Route 92. 4. Discussion of a Redevelopment Incentive Program for the DDA district. 5. Discussion of Facility Use Regulations. 6. Discussion of Football Facility Improvements. 7. Adjournment The public may address the Mayor and Board of Aldermen during a Public Hearing. The following rules shall apply: 1. No comment or participation while another speaker has the floor. 2. There will be a 5 minute speaking limit per person. 3. A spokesperson for a group is encouraged, where possible. 4. If someone has already made your point, move on to a different point. BOARD OF ALDERMEN AGENDA ITEM BACKGROUND SHEET DEPARTMENT: Economic Development – Planning & Zoning ITEM/AGENDA DESCRIPTION: Consideration of preliminary plat approval for Acworth Northside, a 35-lot single-family residential subdivision at the end of Northside Drive. (Currently zoned R-2, Single Family Residential). AGENDA DATE: 5/15/06 & 5/18/06 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the preliminary plat with stipulations, including approval of a variance from the City’s stream buffer requirement surrounding the easternmost stream buffer and a rear setback variance for two lots (6 and 7). BACKGROUND: At the Board’s May 1 work session, this item was tabled because there were several revisions needed on the plan. Staff has reviewed the re-submitted drawings, and all requested revisions have been completed. In February 2005 the applicant first presented this development to the City for preliminary plat approval. The request was tabled pending further review by staff due to concerns regarding (a) a portion of the development being in Bartow County, (b) possible state waters and (c) the substandard width of Northside Drive. The applicant has since revised the plat by proposing to develop only property within Cobb County and indicating state waters and appropriate buffers on the preliminary plat. The developer has also purchased additional property at the entrance to the development to aid in the proposed improvements to Northside Drive. The developer has also requested a variance from the stream buffer requirement surrounding the easternmost stream delineated on the plan and a variance from the rear yard setback. The proposed development was discussed at the April 3, 2006 Board of Aldermen meeting. At that meeting, the board asked for more detailed information on improvements to the Northside Drive right-of-way and asked that staff notify residents in the area surrounding the development. Drawings have now been presented that call for a 22 ½ foot street width (from face of retaining wall adjacent to the railroad to proposed face of curb) and sidewalk from the subject property to McLain Circle. Staff has prepared a draft stipulation letter (see attached) outlining requirements for this development. A revised subdivision plat and plans for the Northside Drive improvements were presented at the Board’s April 17 work session. A number of residents in the area spoke at that work session. Also at this meeting the developer discussed the possibility of seeking a variance from the City’s stream buffer requirement to allow two additional lots. In the time between that Monday work session and the Thursday night meeting, staff reviewed the plans and requested several revisions prior to approval by the Board. Consideration of the subdivision plat was tabled on Thurday, April 21. Staff, the developer, and a number of residents of Northside Drive walked the property on Wednesday, April 20 to point out the specific improvements proposed and how these improvements would affect private property. As shown on the most recently revised subdivision plans, the developer is requesting a variance from the City’s stream buffer requirement surrounding a stream on the eastern part of the property to allow two additional lots. However, because lots cannot include the state stream buffer area, the developer is also seeking a rear yard setback variance (30 feet instead of the required 40 feet) to make these two lots (6 and 7) buildable. If approved, the applicant will submit civil site construction plans (including a plan for improvements within the Northside Drive right-of-way) for review by City staff and the City’s consulting engineer. The developer has indicated that he intends to formally request abandonment of the north 280 feet of the Northside Drive right-of-way. If this right-of-way is abandoned and can be incorporated into the subdivision, the developer plans to plat three additional lots in that area. The plan before the Board is only for 35 lots. Staff has reviewed the preliminary plat and finds that it meets all lot size, width, and frontage requirements as required by the Zoning Ordinance. The subdivision was reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission at their March 28, 2006 meeting, at which they recommended approval on a vote of 8-yes, 1-no. FISCAL IMPACT: None ATTACHMENTS: The supporting documents are available to view on the intranet on the council packet page. The documents are labeled as below: Acworth Northside Aerial Acworth Northside Aerial 2 Subdivision Plat Proposed Northside Drive 1 Proposed Northside Drive 2 Proposed Northside Drive 3 Acworth Northside Draft Stipulation Letter and Preliminary Plat Staff Report attached below: Stipulation Letter granting approval of a preliminary plat for Acworth Northside subdivision, a 35-lot single-family residential subdivision located at the end of Northside Drive. May 18, 2006 The preliminary subdivision plat is approved, subject to the following stipulations: 1. House plans, elevations and materials shall be consistent with those shown on the preliminary plat dated January 12, 2005. 2. The preliminary plat is approved with a variance from the City’s stream buffer requirements for the easternmost stream delineated on the plat in order to create two additional lots. The plat is also approved with a variance from the City’s rear yard setback on these two lots (6 and 7) for a rear setback of 30 feet instead of the 40 feet ordinarily required. 3. The developer shall provide to City staff for review and approval a detailed engineered construction plans for the widening of Northside Drive and other improvements within the Northside Drive right-of-way that shall meet the City’s standards for street construction (the same standards required for new residential subdivisions). The plan shall include the footprint (front edge) of existing dwellings along Northside Drive and the front and side boundary lines of all lots having frontage on Northside Drive from the subject property to McLain Circle. The developer acknowledges and agrees that the plan shall include the following improvements to Northside Drive: a) Northside Drive shall be widened to a minimum of 22 ½ feet (from face-of-curb(wall) to face-of-curb) from the subject property to McLain Circle b) A sidewalk, no less than 4 feet in width, shall be constructed from the subject property to McLain Circle. c) The required widening of Northside Drive shall include installation of curb and gutter and required engineered stormwater controls and shall be included in the development’s hydrology report. d) Electric, telephone and cable television lines that are currently overhead shall be placed underground as part of the street improvements from Fowler to the subject property. Fowler to McLain may or may not be placed underground, however utilities, including poles, may need to be relocated to accommodate proposed lane widths. Developer acknowledges that he shall be responsible for these costs. The construction plans for right-of-way improvements shall be approved by the City prior to the issuance of an LDA permit for subject property. All construction within the right-of-way shall be completed according to the approved plan unless the City expressly approves amendments. Any City approval is conditioned upon approval by other affected utility providers. The developer further acknowledges that the improvements to the Northside Drive right-of-way described above shall be complete prior to issuance of occupancy permits within this subdivision. 4. Additional documentation regarding the presence of state waters on the subject property shall be submitted to the City and approved prior to issuance of an LDA permit. 5. The development shall adhere to the stipulations set forth in Section 69.4.[B] of the City of Acworth Zoning Ordinance (residential development standards). 6. The development shall meet all City of Acworth Codes and the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations unless specifically approved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Specifically, anticipated roadway improvements on Northside Dr. (profiles, subgrade, compaction, etc.) shall meet all applicable development standards. Construction drawings and hydrology reports will be adhered to unless so revised and approved prior to construction. If, during construction, Northside Dr. is damaged, developer shall repair to current standards. The developer shall maintain traffic through this area to accommodate residents during construction. Developer also stipulates that once construction is started on Northside Drive, it will be completed with all due diligence so as to not impact private property or unduly impact residents’ ability to access their property. Developer also stipulates that driveway throats and pedestrian connections off proposed sidewalk will be provided to residences as will correction of grade behind sidewalks/walls to ensure proper stormwater control on/off resident’s properties. STAFF REPORT AND IMPACT STATEMENT: March 22, 2006 To: City of Acworth Planning and Zoning Board From: Christine Dobbs, Zoning Administrator Subject: The consideration of a preliminary plat to subdivide a parcel of land located at the end of Northside Drive allowing for a 35 lot single family residential development on 19.88 acres of land currently zoned R-2 (Single Family Residential) in the City of Acworth. Background: As you may recall, in February 2005 the applicant first presented this development to the City for preliminary plat approval. The request was tabled pending further review by staff due to concerns regarding the development crossing over county lines (into Bartow County) as well as possible state waters and safety issues regarding the width of Northside Drive. The applicant has since revised the plat reducing the number of lots from 38 to 35 and incorporated the state waters with the appropriate buffers. The developer has also purchased additional property at the entrance to the development to aid in the proposed improvements to Northside Drive. In accordance with section 69.4, B, 3 of the City of Acworth Zoning Ordinance, “The Planning Commission shall review all Preliminary Plats for subdivisions of 5 units or greater and shall make a recommendation to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.” The applicant is requesting the subdivision of a lot containing 19.88 acres to create 35 single family residential lots. Due to the changes in the preliminary plat, this is now returning to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a re-review prior to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen consideration. The property is currently zoned R-2 within the city limits of Acworth. This zoning allows for single family residential lots with a minimum of 12,000 square feet in size. The property contains 19.88 acres within the City of Acworth. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the request with the following stipulations: 1. House plans, elevations and materials shall be in character to those shown on the preliminary plat dated January 12, 2005. 2. The developer shall work with City staff to provide a survey of properties fronting Northside Drive between Fowler Street and the subject property. Once the surveys are reviewed by City staff, the developer shall work with the City to provide appropriate road improvements, including but not limited to additional road pavement, curb and gutter or other necessary improvements to widen Northside Drive from Fowler Street entering into the subject property. All proposed right-of-way improvements and surveys shall be approved by the City prior to the issuance of the LDA permit on-site. 3. The development shall adhere to the stipulations set forth in Section 69.4, [B] of the City of Acworth Zoning Ordinance. 4. The development shall meet all City of Acworth Codes and the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations unless specifically approved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. BOARD OF ALDERMEN AGENDA ITEM BACKGROUND SHEET DEPARTMENT: Economic Development – Planning & Zoning ITEM/AGENDA DESCRIPTION: QuikTrip Corporation’s request to amend an approved concept plan for the Wal-Mart Supercenter near the intersection of Cobb Parkway and Route 92. AGENDA DATE: 5/15/06 & 5/18/06 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of the request to amend the approved concept plan for WalMart. BACKGROUND: QuikTrip, the new gas station and convenience store at the corner of Cobb Parkway and Route 92, has requested (with co-signature by Wal-Mart) to amend the approved WalMart site plan. Specifically, QuikTrip is requesting to replace a 5-foot landscape berm and row of Leyland cypress trees (which are required by stipulation) with willow oak and yoschino cherry trees. QuikTrip is making this request to improve the visibility of their store from northbound traffic on Cobb Parkway. As part of their request, QuikTrip also proposes to plant additional trees on surplus property north of QT that fronts Highway 92. This item was previously on the April 17, 2006 Board of Aldermen work session but was requested to be tabled by the applicant. Since that time, the applicant has submitted three new renderings, which are included. One shows the existing Quik-Trip store. The other two show the approved plan (with the berm and row of cypress) and the requested plan (willow oaks and ornamental cherry trees). On June 6, 2005 the Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved a conceptual site plan for Wal-Mart and Stipulation Letter 2005-16. The approved plan included a 5-foot berm and continuous row of Leyland cypress tress to screen view of the south side of the Wal-Mart building, which includes a trash compactor and service drive. A “visual corridor”, which reserves area that kept relatively clear of trees or other objects that would obstruct the view of QuikTrip from Cobb Parkway is included on the site plan. “See attached image labeled “approved concept plan”. The final site plan for Wal-Mart was approved by staff on January 12, 2006. This plan includes the 5-foot landscape berm, row of Leyland cypress trees and a 6-foot high wood fence. See attached images labeled “final landscape plan” and “final grading plan”. QuikTrip presented a conceptual plan with their request to annex and rezone their site, which was approved on October 3, 2003. QuikTrip recently completed construction and opened their business. Staff recognizes that QuikTrip’s proposal would improve the visibility of their store. However, the berm, Leyland cypress row and fence included on Wal-Mart’s final plan screen Wal-Mart’s side wall, a service drive and the store’s trash compactor area. The applicant does offer to replace the row of cypress trees and the fence with willow oak and yoschino cherry trees, which would provide landscaping along this area. However, in staff’s opinion, the Leyland cypress row and fence provide better screening. It should also be pointed out that the applicant’s original offer to plant additional trees on surplus property near the Quik-Trip on Route 92 is no longer a factor since these plantings were required on the approved Quik-Tip landscape plan. This change required because one proposed landscape area had to be eliminated due to a power easement. FISCAL IMPACT: None ATTACHMENTS: The supporting documents are available to view on the intranet on the council packet page. The documents are labeled as below: 1) QuikTrip letter of request 2) requested plan amendment 3) approved concept plan 4) final landscape plan 5) final grading plan 6) supplemental QT letter 7) rendering- Quik-Trip 8) rendering- approved plan 9) rendering- requested plan BOARD OF ALDERMEN AGENDA ITEM BACKGROUND SHEET DEPARTMENT: Economic Development ITEM/AGENDA DESCRIPTION: Discussion of a redevelopment incentive program for the DDA district. AGENDA DATE: 5/15/06 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends review and discussion of staff’s proposal for a redevelopment incentive program. BACKGROUND: At the May 1 Board work session, staff presented a redevelopment incentive program in which staff proposed offering (a) a new façade grant with a maximum award of $5,000, (b) a discounted power rate, (c) up to a five-year exemption from business license fees, and (d) an exemption from building permit fees as incentives for major redevelopment projects in the Downtown Development Authority area and the Cherokee Street corridor. There was consensus among the Mayor and Board that the goal of the incentive program, to encourage redevelopment of older commercial areas in Acworth, is important. Further, the Board seems supportive of the concept of the program. There were concerns raised by the aldermen relative to budgetary constraints that might prevent awarding the higher façade grant amounts and the fiscal impact of the discounted power rate. There was one question raised about whether to restrict the program to the target area or have it apply City-wide. Staff agreed to refine the program and return the item for discussion. Staff has now revised the program in three key areas. First, the power discount has been removed. This simplifies the program in several ways. The two new incentives included in the program are fee exemptions (business license fees and building permit fees), which do not have the same fiscal impact as the power discount. The second key revision is that all three incentives are now being tied to the DDA’s new architectural design grant program. In the program, it is now proposed that the $5,000 maximum façade grants, the business license fee exemption, and the building permit fee exemption be awarded only to those projects that have received an architectural design grant through the DDA. As was mentioned at the May 1 board meeting, the new DDA program would offer matching $1,000 grants for design of exterior renovations that restore or create a façade consistent with the historic style of downtown Acworth. The third revision is to the business license fee exemption. It was originally proposed that a one-year exemption be granted for exterior-only renovation project. Major interior renovations could receive up to a five-year exemption. Because all benefits to be received are now offered only on those exterior renovation projects that have been awarded DDA design grants, the two- to five-year exemption is no longer included. In response to questions about the status of façade grant funds, staff has confirmed that $7,808 is now available in the fund. The board can adopt the proposed incentive program with its maximum façade grant of $5,000 for projects that have received the DDA design grant without transferring additional funds to the 2006 façade grant fund budget. Façade grant funds might become depleted in 2006 to the point that a $5,000 grant cannot be awarded, but at least the Board will have the ability to award a grant through this new incentive program. Finally, the issue of whether to restrict the incentives to the DDA district should be addressed. The DDA district, which covers areas along Main Street from the north edge of the City limits to the Sports Complex, includes nearly all of the older commercial areas in need of redevelopment (one exception is the former K-Mart shopping center). With all three proposed City incentives now being proposed to be linked to the DDA’s new architectural design grant program, it makes sense for the program to be limited to the DDA district boundaries. The proposed program guidelines still exclude the two-block core downtown area. ATTACHMENTS: See attached draft program description. A map of the DDA district is included in the image folder on the intranet. City of Acworth/DDA Building Reinvestment Program Program Goals The purpose of this program is to encourage redevelopment and revitalization of older commercial areas in Acworth in need of reinvestment. Specifically the City desires to see significant renovation of commercial properties in the target area that will improve the exterior appearance of buildings, thereby attracting businesses to the City, increasing the tax base, generating employment opportunities, and beautifying and improving the community. This redevelopment incentive program is part of a joint effort of the City of Acworth and the Acworth Downtown Development Authority. The City’s redevelopment incentive program will work in support of a new DDA program that will provide grants to building owners for designing major exterior renovations. Target Area The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) district, excluding the two blocks of Main Street between Mill Street and Lemon Street. Exclusion Any project that has received approvals, including conceptual site plan approval, building permits, or other City approval may not receive the benefits offered under this program. Benefits & Criteria Within the target area, the Board of Alderman may grant a package of redevelopment incentives for exterior building renovation projects that have been designed through the DDA’s architectural design grant program. The package may consist of the following benefits (applications will be judged on the extent of improvement and considered on a case-by-case basis): A. Building Reinvestment Grant The City of Acworth will provide reimbursement on a 50-50 basis for approved façade improvements up to a maximum grant amount of $5,000 based on the following guidelines: 1. 2. 3. Only those façade improvement projects that have been designed through the DDA’s architectural design grant are eligible for the Building Reinvestment Grant. After the DDA approves the preliminary design plans, an application for the Building Reinvestment Grant may be submitted for review and recommendation by Revitalization Grant Committee and approval by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. The grant match is 50-50 (the applicant provides at least 50% of the project cost). Both material and labor costs may be reimbursed. The applicant must provide two (2) competitive bids for contractor labor. The grant application must be approved before any work is started. No later than sixty (60) days after completion of work, receipts for materials and labor and copies of canceled checks must be submitted before reimbursement will be made. 4. The applicant must demonstrate that the project to be funded will result in extensive improvement to the exterior appearance of the building or its ability to be used by a business. B. Business license fee (commercial occupational tax) exemption The City assesses commercial occupational tax annually. The Board of Aldermen may grant a one-year exemption of commercial occupational tax for eligible projects. To illustrate this benefit, a business with gross revenue between $750,000 and $999,999 would normally pay $472.50 annually for a business license. The one-year business license fee exemption may be granted for any business located in a building that has been improved as a result of a DDA design grant. Extensive exterior improvements must be completed before the business license fee exemption takes effect. The businesses must apply for and be issued businesses licenses, but the fee will be waived for projects approved by the Board of Aldermen. C. Building permit and plan review fees exemption The City charges $50 plus $5.00 per $1,000 of construction cost (a $20,000 commercial construction project would require a $150 building permit, not including fees for electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permits). All permit fees will be waived for approved exterior renovation projects. The building permit exemption may be granted by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen for any exterior renovation project to be completed as a result of the DDA design grant program. Eligible improvements Exterior remodeling or renovation projects on building façades (exterior walls visible from the street) of a permanent nature on commercial buildings within the target area are eligible to be awarded an incentive package. The applicant for these redevelopment incentives must demonstrate that the project will result in a significant improvement of the exterior appearance and/or functionality of the property. Redevelopment incentives under this program will only be granted to projects approved through the DDA design grant program. The award of a DDA architectural design grant does not guarantee City of Acworth approval of incentives under this program. The following projects are ineligible to receive incentives under this program: interior improvements routine maintenance work, parking lot or landscaping improvements, and minor projects consisting only of exterior painting or similar work. Process The owner or prospective owner of a property within the program area (or his or her agent) may apply for an incentive package consisting of (1) building reinvestment grant (2) business license fee exemption and (3) building permit/plan review fee exemption. Since these benefits will only be granted for projects that have received a DDA architectural design grant, the application for Building Reinvestment Program incentives must document DDA approval of the project. Applications for the Building Reinvestment incentive package must include a copy of the preliminary design plans approved by the DDA, specifications outlining the scope of work and building materials, photographs of the existing property, and project bids or quotes. A limited amount of funds are available for façade grants. Applicants will be made aware that not all eligible applications will receive grants or an incentive package. It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate to staff and the Mayor and Board of Aldermen that his or her project will result in a significant improvement to the community. Projects that include comprehensive, long-term structural improvements to properties will be given priority. Criteria The criteria for reviewing applications for the Building Reinvestment incentive package will include the following: A. B. C. Current condition of the subject property (vacancy, code violations, deteriorated exterior, obsolete signage, etc.) Extent of renovation (the degree to which the property is being improved) The economic and fiscal impact of the project (Will the improvements result in business expansion, job growth, sales tax revenue, or property tax revenue?) C:\Documents and Settings\jhayes\Desktop\Targeted redevelopment incentive.doc May 11, 2006 BOARD OF ALDERMEN AGENDA ITEM BACKGROUND SHEET DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation ITEM/AGENDA DESCRIPTION: Non Profit Policy AGENDA DATE: Thursday, May 18, 2006 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Consent of Non Profit Policy BACKGROUND: Monday April 17 meeting the council requested staff to go back and reevaluate the current policy for non profit use at Roberts School. Staff is prosing a maximum of 40 hours per month for non profit use at no charge, and implementing a multiplier to determine the hours used. FISCAL IMPACT: None ATTACHMENTS: Policy Civic Organization and Non Profit Facility Use Policy All volunteered based civic organizations that serve the City of Acworth and/or are in the community’s best interest may use Roberts School and pavilions at no charge for a maximum of 40 hours per month and must place the required deposit on the facility. These civic organizations shall be required to pay the full city resident fee for the Beach House and required deposit. All civic organizations that do not serve the City of Acworth and / or are not in the community’s best interest will be unable to use Roberts School for extended periods of time. One time uses may be granted if the applicable fee is paid. The hours will be determined by a multiplier (multiplier: number of times the group uses the facility per month, times (X) the hours used per use, times (X) the number of rooms used during each use). A fee of $10.00 per hour will be charged for each hour that goes over the 40 hour maximum according to the multiplier. No church shall use any city facility as its primary location for conducting services or use the facility as its organizational address. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen shall approve all applications that exceed two meetings per month. The Parks and Recreation Director shall have the authority to approve applications that are requesting two meetings a month or less. The city council shall approve the initial application for use for a maximum of 90 days for applicants who are requesting to use the facility more than two times per month. The parks and recreation director shall have the authority to approve the organization’s use in 90-day increments after the initial approval has been given through the city council. The city council reserves the right to approve or deny any and all uses of city facilities regardless of organizational status. BOARD OF ALDERMEN AGENDA ITEM BACKGROUND SHEET DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation Department ITEM/AGENDA DESCRIPTION: Discussion of football facility improvements AGENDA DATE: May 19, 2006 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Mayor and Board allocate $10,000 of impact fees towards the expansion of the football practice facilities. BACKGROUND: The Acworth Football and Cheerleading Association is in the process of upgrading facilities. The first upgrade will be the expansion of the practice facilities including but not limited to grading and sod. The second upgrade is a proposed expansion of the concession stand. The association has allotted $10,000 for the practice facility, and $25,000 for upgrades of the concession stand. Plans have been submitted to the city. The concession stand has presented approximately $10,000 in unforeseen costs due to having to become compliant with Health Department Codes including, but not limited to grease hood vent cover, three compartment sink, new hot water heater, and an impervious wall around the grill area. Staff is proposing that the city use impact fees to expand the practice facilities. By the city expanding the practice facilities, the association will be able to become compliant with the Health Department. FISCAL IMPACT: $10,000 ATTACHMENTS: None
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