government
South Side Update
Tuesday night was the regular meeting of the Culver Plan Commission. The only agenda item was a replatting of the Rhodes property, combining several lots into one. This passed with little question.
Under “Public Input”, John Zehner presented his plans to change the use of the Ten Spot to a restaurant and motel. The presentation wasn’t required, but was more of a courtesy, keeping the Plan Commission apprised of the change in use. The Plan Commission also supported this proposal.
I took the opportunity to plant some seeds regarding the development on the south side of Culver, basically outlining the thoughts I had previously presented here. I was pleased that the Plan Commission was fairly receptive. They agreed to consider most of what I suggested. I truly think this is an opportunity for the Town to get out in front of some issues and encourage the type of development they would like to see. They are considering forming a subcommittee to look into this with the idea that the subcommittee would try and form community partnerships and foster buy-in. All in all a very positive evening!
Development on the South Side of Culver
As recently discussed here, the Culver Plan Commission rezoned the newly annexed area on the south side of Culver to a residential mix of R-1 and R-2. I think the annexation, the rezoning and the planned sewer and water extensions are positive steps towards growth. Now I think there should be a discussion about the future of this area.The Plan Commission needs to spend a little time forming a vision for this area. The rezonings are a step in the right direction, but I believe they should take the reins, meet with the property owners and look at what should happen. Of course I have my opinions…
Happy Birthday Ronald Reagan
Today is the 100th Anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s birth. It’s been interesting to see both Republicans and Democrats try to lay claim to Reagan’s legacy. Willie L. Brown appeared on Meet the Press today giving his take on how much Barack Obama is like Ronald Reagan. To paraphrase Mr. Brown, President Obama was held back from showing us this in the first two years of his presidency by the progressive left that controlled the Congress and Senate. Really!?! Wow!
Ronald Reagan accomplished many things in his two terms as President. It seems both sides now look back on him positively with nostalgia. Here are a few of Ronald Reagan’s best quotes from The Quotation Page as a reminder of what he stood for and why he was called “The Great Communicator”.
“I don’t believe in a government that protects us from ourselves.”
To learn more about Ronald Reagan visit the Ronald Reagan Library website here.
Culver Garden Court – Rezoning
The Plan Commission met on its regular third Tuesday night last month. Rezoning the newly annexed properties on the south side of Culver was on the agenda. Unfortunately, they did not have a quorum. The meeting was rescheduled for the following Monday (Monday of last week) and the hearing was held then. I was unable to attend the hearing as I had a scheduling conflict. I sent a letter of support (see it here) and I understand the rezoning was passed without remonstration.
I was a little surprised that the Plan Commission did not follow the Comprehensive Plan recommendations which I would have interpreted to suggest this area should have been zoned R-2. The Plan Commission did zone the northern third, which included the McGee Property and the newly subdivided Garden Court Parcel to R-2 as per the agreement with Mr. McGee, but the remaining 2/3rds were zoned R-1. My letter cited various references in the Comp Plan, but my source on the Plan Commission said that the property owners in that section preferred R-1.
Unfortunately, I think this may have been a lack of understanding or foresight on their part. The basic difference between the two zonings is the density requirements and the allowance for multi-family development under R-2. There is very little that can be done under R-1 that can’t be done under R-2. (See the Use Matrix in the Zoning Ordinance here).
A continuing theme in the Comp Plan is affordable housing. The Comp Plan is extremely dated as it was completed over 10 years ago and the housing issue has not been corrected in the past decade. Allowing higher densities in housing is one way that housing can be made more affordable. Higher densities are also a goal of the green movement as it promotes more efficient use of land and infrastructure.
In any case, I’m pleased to see that the Plan Commission has taken the steps to upgrade the zoning in this area and plan for future development. The Town Council has taken steps to extend water and sewer to the northern third of this area. That project will be underway this Spring and was necessary for the construction of the Culver Garden Court. I think this is a positive step for the area and may be the first step towards seeing additional housing starts in Culver.