City of Jacksonville Plan Commission met Nov. 4.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
Chairman Michael Oldenettel called the monthly meeting of the Jacksonville Plan Commission to order at 6:01 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The agenda and petition were published with the local media and by posting at the Municipal Building.
ROLL CALL: Answering present: Michael Oldenettel – Chairman, Aaron Scott (via call-in), Casey Collins, Brad Cors; Asst. City Attorney Jeff Soltermann; Deputy City Clerk Angela Salyer; Community Development Director Brian Nyberg. Absent from the meeting were members John Heyer and Kerris Osborn. A quorum was declared.
MINUTES: Motion was made by Collins, seconded by Cors, to approve the September 2, 2020 Minutes as presented in advance. By voice vote, motion carried.
Chair Oldenettel read Item #3 on the agenda. Review application to amend the Jacksonville Zoning Ordinance. The City Council recently approved a text amendment to the zoning ordinance, adding to Article II the definition of a “Warming Center – the building used as a shelter for homeless individuals during the months of November through March, from the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.”. Motion was made by Collins, seconded by Scott, to approve the first text amendment to the zoning ordinance.
ROLL CALL: 4 Yeas; 0 Nays; 2 Absent (Heyer, Osborn) Motion carried 4-0-2.
A second text change is needed to amend Section 4.12 B-2 Central Business District, Article 4.12-1 Intent and Purpose: The B-2 District encompasses the downtown area of Jacksonville. It is intended to accommodate a wide variety of retail commercial uses, with emphasis toward the sale of retail goods, dining and entertainment, which attracts visitors and shoppers from a large trade area. This district recognizes the unique aspects of older downtown buildings wherein a mix of business and dwelling uses are encouraged and permissible. All ground floor building space, having frontage on a street, is limited to retail trade and services. The proposed text amendment would add “with the exception of a property zoned B-2 with Special Use as a Warming Center”. This change would allow warming centers on the ground floor within the B-2 zoning district. Motion was made by Cors, seconded by Scott, to approve the second text amendment to the zoning ordinance.
Chair Oldenettel asked for discussion. Ms. Collins inquired as to whether or not the text amendment would be a permanent change to the zoning ordinance. Atty. Soltermann confirmed that the change would permanent. Ms. Collins then inquired as to whether or not every request to add a warming center in the downtown area would have to appear before the Board and City Council. Atty. Soltermann explained that that is the intent and would be the next text amendment on the agenda. This text amendment is simply to allow warming centers under the Special Use category.
Several downtown business and property owners expressed sympathy toward the plight of the homeless and are in favor of securing shelter for them, but do not feel that housing them in the downtown district is a good fit, citing past experience with warming centers, potential property damage by foot traffic and smoking areas, especially during inclement weather, and potential panhandling and harassing of business clientele. They asked the Plan Commission to deny this request. Alan Bradish expressed his understanding and addressed their concerns. Many of the procedures and regulations put in place for the warming center were specifically designed to help alleviate those concerns. It was noted that New Directions was not located within the B-2 District and will not be involved in this endeavor.
ROLL CALL: 1 Yea (Scott); 3 Nays (Oldenettel, Collins, Cors); 2 Absent (Heyer, Osborn) Motion to approve the second text amendment failed.
A third text amendment is needed to add a Warming Center as a Special Use. Motion was made by Collins, seconded by Cors, to disapprove this request. (A Yea vote is in favor of not approving this request).
ROLL CALL: 4 Yeas; 0 Nays
Motion to disapprove this text amendment carried.
Item #4 on the agenda, Review petition to rezone property located at 231 E. State Street from B2 to B2 with special use, with the intent of property owners, Josh & McKea Jones to use as a warming center, was not read as there were no grounds to review with the disapproval of the text amendments.
OTHER BUSINESS: No discussion.
PUBLIC COMMENT: No discussion.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further discussion motion was made by Collins, seconded by Scott, to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 p.m.
http://cms6.revize.com/revize/jacksonvilleil/city_government/boards_commissions_and_committees/docs/Boards%20Commissions%20Committees/Plan_Commission/2020%20Minutes/PC%20Minutes%2011.04.20.pdf
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