Plan Commission: Minutes re "Collector" streets

(Ed. note. The following is the text of the recent planning commission May 1 meeting that discussed the "collector" street issue. This has been covered previously in The Observer on Audioblogger."

  
Mr. Connors led the discussion regarding amending the Municipal Code relative to vehicular access restrictions in the B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4 and O-1 zoning districts. The packet contained two draft ordinances, one labeled option A and one labeled option B. Currently, the zoning code provides that in order to ensure minimum disruption to residential development, commercial development in these commercial zoning districts must have their vehicular access onto collector or arterial streets. However, the city has not enforced these provisions consistently. For example, the city allowed commercial development along Brown School Road, but Brown School Road is not a collector or arterial street. Option A would repeal these provisions and re-enact them in more noticeable sections for the B-3, B-4, and O-1 districts; B-1 and B-2 would be exempt. Option B would require that when reviewing a change in zoning to any of these commercial zoning districts, the Plan Commission and Common Council must consider whether there will be increased traffic on local roads and as a result adverse impact on existing residential development. Option B allows the city to review each situation on a case-by-case basis. Ald. Hammann and Braunschweig would be sponsors for Option B.