SALT LAKE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
In Room 326 of the City & County Building
451 South State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah
Present from the Planning Commission were Acting Chair, Tim Chambless, Bip Daniels, Babs De Lay, John Diamond, Craig Galli, Laurie Noda, and Kathy Scott. Peggy McDonough, Prescott Muir, and Jennifer Seelig were excused.
Present from the City Staff were Planning Director Louis Zunguze; Deputy Planning Director Doug Wheelwright; Principal Planner Doug Dansie, Principal Planner Ray McCandless; Planning Commission Secretary Kathy Castro; and Deputy City Attorney Lynn Pace.
A roll is being kept of all who attended the Planning Commission Meeting. Acting Chair Chambless called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. Minutes are presented in agenda order and not necessarily as cases were heard by the Planning Commission. Tapes of the meeting will be retained in the Planning Office for a period of one year, after which they will be erased.
Approval of minutes from Wednesday, May 26, 2004
The Planning Commission made revisions to the minutes. Those revisions as noted are reflected in the May 26, 2004 ratified minutes.
Commissioner Scott made a motion to approve the minutes as amended.
Commissioner Daniels seconded the motion.
Commissioner Daniels, Commissioner De Lay, Commissioner Diamond, Commissioner Galli, Commissioner Noda, and Commissioner Scott voted “Aye”. Tim Chambless Acting Chair did not vote. All voted in favor, and therefore the motion passed.
REPORT OF THE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
This item was heard at 5:46 p.m.
Acting Chair Chambless noted that the Planning Commission Chair and Vice Chair have not recently met with the City Council Chair and Vice Chair.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR
This item was heard at 5:47 p.m.
Mr. Zunguze noted that the Planning Commission retreat is scheduled for Wednesday, June 30, 2004.
Commissioner Diamond inquired if the retreat will be a public or private meeting. Mr. Zunguze replied that the public may attend the meeting but will not participate.
The Commission agreed to begin the Planning Commission Retreat at 4:00 p.m. the evening of Wednesday, June 30, 2004.
Mr. Zunguze noted that the Planning Commission Planned Development Subcommittee will meet Wednesday, June 16, 2004.
Acting Chair Chambless reported regarding the recent Planning Commission City Wide Subcommittee meeting saying that the Subcommittee was pleased with the Staff presentation.
Mr. Zunguze said that the Planning Commission will receive information in their next packet which will give them a sense of the progress being made by Staff and the City Wide Subcommittee.
Initiated Petition
Mr. Zunguze requested that the Planning Commission initiate a petition to create an “SR-2” Zoning District. He stated that there are uses within the community which are not covered by any of the current zoning districts. He stated that the definitions, standards and such will be presented to the Planning Commission for review.
Mr. Wheelwright referred to the zoning rewrite of 1995, saying that a need for an SR-2 Zoning District was envisioned but was not adopted at that time. He said that Staff feels that it is an appropriate time to adopt that district which will allow the consideration of zoning requests specific to the “SR-2” zoning designation.
Commissioner Daniels made a motion to initiate a petition to create a new “SR-2” Zoning District.
Commissioner De Lay seconded the motion.
Commissioner Daniels, Commissioner De Lay, Commissioner Diamond, Commissioner Galli, Commissioner Noda, and Commissioner Scott voted “Aye”. Tim Chambless Acting Chair did not vote. All voted in favor, and therefore the motion passed.
CONSENT AGENDA – Salt Lake City Property Conveyance Matters:
This item was heard at 5:53 p.m.
a. Sorensen Construction/Comcast and Salt Lake City Public Utilities Department – Sorensen/Comcast is requesting that Salt Lake City Public Utilities grant a standard utility permit to allow buried fiber optics conduits to cross the Jordan and Salt Lake City Canal right-of-way property, located at approximately 200 West 11400 South in South Jordan City.
Acting Chair Chambless wondered why the Commission is reviewing this item when the location of the site is outside of the City limits.
Ms. Karryn Greenleaf of the Salt Lake City Public Utilities addressed the Commission explaining that Salt Lake City owns the said property.
Motion
Commissioner Noda made a motion to approve item A noted on the consent agenda.
Commissioner De Lay seconded the motion.
Commissioner Daniels, Commissioner De Lay, Commissioner Diamond, Commissioner Galli, Commissioner Noda, and Commissioner Scott voted “Aye”. Tim Chambless Acting Chair did not vote. All voted in favor, and therefore the motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Petition No. 400-03-33, by the Salt Lake City Council, requesting to consider alterations to the definition of “brewpub” to allow for limited wholesale off-premise sales of beer. By comparison; “Breweries” and “Microbreweries”, which are separately defined and distinguished by the level of production, are allowed to wholesale beer, but are restricted to more intensive commercial and industrial zoning districts. This proposal would allow Brewpubs, which are allowed in a wider range of zoning districts, to wholesale produce up to 500 barrels (164,400 bottles) per year and to allow the sales of beer in 3 and 5 gallon kegs (in addition to the 15.5 gallon kegs they can presently sell) for special events. Presently, Brewpubs are not allowed to wholesale beer, they are restricted to production that is consumed on-site or sales that are limited to brew fests and charity functions.
This item was heard at 5:54 p.m.
Principal Planner Doug Dansie presented the petition as written in the staff report. He stated that the petition was initiated by the City Council requesting to allow the wholesale of up to 500 barrels of beer from Brewpubs. Breweries and Microbreweries have not traditionally been allowed in Downtown or neighborhood commercial zoning districts. The traditional form of breweries has been large scale industrial production. In the 1990’s, Salt Lake City modified its zoning and liquor codes to allow Microbreweries and Brewpubs in additional zoning districts. They differed from traditional breweries in both the scale and intensity of production. Mr. Dansie stated that Microbreweries are smaller breweries that produce regional beers. Brewpubs are basically restaurants with brewing capacity; while patrons may order beer without food, at least 50% of brewpub revenue must be from food sales. The current proposal is a request to allow limited wholesaling from Brewpubs. Mr. Dansie stated that presently there is no production limit for Brewpubs, although all of the Brewpubs operating in Salt Lake City have a production capacity of less than 2500 barrels per year. Most are operating below that capacity, although some have neared that production in recent years. The Brewpub owners would like the opportunity to sell some of their product at other restaurants. Conversely, many Microbrewery owners have made location decisions based upon a larger capacity (Microbreweries are operating at over 10,000 barrels). Large scale Breweries and Microbreweries have not been traditionally allowed in the Downtown area because of their impacts.
Mr. Dansie stated that since the last “Issues Only” public hearing Staff has met with several Brewpub and Microbrewery owners to discuss different concepts. The current petition represents a compromised position which better defines Brewpubs. The current proposal allows Brewpubs to wholesale while limiting their expansion capabilities.
Mr. Dansie noted a correction in the staff report saying that comments were received from the Brewpubs and Microbreweries, but none were received from the various Community Councils.
Acting Chair Chambless asked how recently Staff met with the Brewpub and Microbrewery owners. Mr. Dansie replied that they met in April.
Commissioner Diamond clarified that the cutoff between Brewpubs and Microbreweries is 2500 barrels. He asked how the petition arrived at 500 barrels.
Mr. Dansie replied that the figure of 500 Barrels of wholesale distribution was the amount specified by the City Council. Brewpub owners expressed comfort at that level of distribution; therefore, other options were not explored.
Commissioner Scott clarified that the 500 barrels is for wholesale sales; however, if there is another restaurant under ownership or control of the same owner they are not limited to 500 barrels, but the 2500 barrels is the absolute cap regardless of where the beer is distributed. Mr. Dansie stated that that is correct.
Mr. Dansie referred to the liquor license map saying that all Brewpubs must not only be located within a permitted (or conditional) zoning district, they must also be at a location identified on the City alcohol spacing map. The issue of allowing Brewpubs in the “CB” and “CN” zoning districts was discussed at the “Issues Only” public hearing on February 24, 2004, but it was not pursued by Staff because it is not part of this petition and most “CB” and “CN” zoning districts are not in locations that are also listed on the alcohol map.
Acting Chair Chambless asked if the 500 barrel figure was calculated based on the market. Mr. Dansie restated that the 500 barrel figure was proposed by the City Council. The City Council considered a larger amount but ultimately decided that 500 barrels was a reasonable amount.
Commissioner Daniels requested clarification regarding the different classifications of liquor licenses shown on the map.
Mr. Dansie stated that there are three types of liquor licenses: one is a tavern which essentially serves draft beer; the second is a private club which serves beer and other forms of liquor; and the third is the brewpub. Mr. Dansie described the spacing requirements as shown on the map.
Acting Chair Chambless opened the public hearing.
Mr. Bob Jensen a principal owner of the Red Rock Brewing Company addressed the Commission in support of the petition.
Mr. Lawrence Buhler a resident of 1021 South Lincoln Street addressed the Commission in support of the petition.
Mr. Jensen referred to the proposed 500 barrel figure saying that that figure was decided to allow Salt Lake City based Brewpubs the opportunity to wholesale a limited amount of beer to other Salt Lake City based restaurants. Mr. Jensen stated that there is a feeling among various microbrewery and brewpub owners that the 500 barrel figure is an acceptable number.
Mr. Buhler agreed with Mr. Jensen’s comments and stated that if in the future a brewpub decides they would like to produce larger quantities of beer they may locate in an appropriate zone to do so. He felt that this petition would allow the smaller Brewpubs the opportunity to sell their produce locally.
Mr. Zunguze stated that he had been contacted by Mr. Craig Schaffer founder of the Schaffer Breweries and is now with the Utah Breweries Corporation at 1763 South and 300 West. Mr. Schaffer attended the “Issues Only” hearing and raised two concerns: one that the City is changing the rules in the middle of the game to allow Brewpubs to wholesale. The second point Mr. Schaffer raised was that the additional 500 barrels of production may have negative impacts on the community.
Acting Chair Chambless closed the public hearing.
Motion for Petition No. 400-03-33
Commissioner De Lay made a motion regarding Petition No. 400-03-33, In light of the comments, analysis and findings noted in the staff report that the Planning Commission forward a positive recommendation to the City Council to approve an ordinance to alter the definition of Brewpubs, which would allow for limited wholesale distribution, but also limit total production capacity.
Commissioner Daniels seconded the motion.
Commissioner Daniels, Commissioner De Lay, Commissioner Diamond, Commissioner Galli, Commissioner Noda, and Commissioner Scott voted “Aye”. Tim Chambless Acting Chair did not vote. All voted in favor, and therefore the motion passed.
Petition No. 400-00-52, by the Salt Lake City Administration, requesting that parking in front of commercial buildings, between the building and the street, be prohibited in all neighborhood oriented commercial zones and to adopt other neo-traditional town planning concepts to encourage more walkable communities throughout Salt Lake City.
This item was heard at 6:15 p.m.
Principal Planner Doug Dansie presented the petition as written in the staff report. He stated that this ordinance has been through several public hearings with the Historic Landmark Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council. Mr. Dansie stated that the primary purpose of the ordinance is to encourage buildings to respond to pedestrian and transit uses, as well as the automobile. Key elements of the ordinance are maximum building setback requirements and design guidelines for buildings to encourage doors and windows to face the street. The primary difference between this ordinance and a similar ordinance that was considered by the City Council one year ago is that this ordinance creates a process for those developments that meet the intent of the ordinance, but not the letter of the ordinance, without going through the traditional conditional use process. Staff has developed a conditional design review process, Chapter 59 of the zoning ordinance. Mr. Dansie noted that the proposed additional Chapter 59 allows the Applicant to come before the Planning Commission for design review, which will be more simplified than the conditional use process. Mr. Dansie outlined the specific criteria and concepts for the Planning Commission design review. Staff is proposing that the Planning Commission forward a favorable recommendation to the City Council regarding the proposed ordinance.
Commissioner Galli wondered why the areas along the 400 South Trax Line and other transit stops were not included in this proposal.
Mr. Dansie replied that there is a petition in the City Council Office requesting to rezone the area along 400 South from “CC” to Transit Corridor “TC” which is a newly proposed zoning district. He said that a lot of the same ideas are included in that petition.
Commissioner Galli indicated a need for uniformity of the walkable communities zone as well as the new transit corridor zone.
Commissioner Galli asked if there is a reason to not allow higher density in the walkable districts.
Mr. Dansie stated that all of the walkable districts are commercial with the exception of the “RB” and the “R-MU” which allow for the commercial element. He stated that the “R-MU” allows unlimited density.
Commissioner Galli felt that the ultimate goal is to encourage more walkable, less auto-dependant zones as well as encourage mixed use development. He wondered if this ordinance accomplishes that.
Mr. Dansie replied that the current proposal affects the design of commercial buildings and commercial zones. He said that there are other tools in place to create mixed development.
Commissioner Galli noted that there is a need for a Salt Lake City Comprehensive Master Plan. He felt that this proposal is a piecemeal approach in that it does not address all of the transit-oriented issues.
Mr. Dansie replied that the areas affected by transit on the north-south Trax line or the University Trax line have some of the walkable communities concepts written into those plans, and the density is being modified in those areas. In the areas that should have higher density the associated transit issues are being addressed.
Mr. Zunguze noted that within the last few years there has been a consistent drive from the City’s standpoint to address density issues. He specifically noted the “R-MU” and the “RMF” zoning districts which have been expanded to allow higher density in various parts of the community. Mr. Zunguze stated that the City has not addressed how the new development will fit into those existing neighborhoods. Trax has reoriented transportation, and yet the City has not introduced design elements to complement that amenity. He said that this proposal is a way to do that, as well as send the message to the community that the vehicle is no longer the predominant transportation element. Mr. Zunguze stated that this petition is more design oriented rather than density. He said that Staff is being sensitive to the various differences in communities and at the same time including all the elements from a transportation standpoint.
Commissioner Galli stated that he hopes that the proposed plan is nimble enough to accommodate the needs of the Salt Lake Valley within the next 10 or 15 years. He said that the City will need to develop plans that encourage higher density within the City.
Mr. Zunguze stated that City Staff is completely cognizant of that; however, one needs to be sensitive to where and how density is increased to ensure that it is done appropriately. He said that this proposal is not density focused; there are other proposals such as the TOD Ordinance that address that issue.
Acting Chair Chambless referred to the State Street Corridor from 900 South to 2100 South and asked why the delineation does not continue up to the Central Business District and up to the Capitol Building.
Mr. Dansie replied that currently in that area there is a maximum setback requirement and that 40 percent of the façade of a structure has to be glass. He added that there is a State Street Overlay District which exempts all of the buildings of that setback requirement in the “CC” Zoning District. Mr. Dansie stated that there are two blocks in the “D-2” Zoning District which are not included within the existing boundary of the State Street Overlay District.
Acting Chair Chambless asked if the area between 700 South and 900 South should be included in this petition. Mr. Dansie stated that the Planning Commission has initiated a petition to reevaluate the boundary of the State Street Corridor.
Acting Chair Chambless opened the public hearing.
Ms. Helen Peters, Chair of the Sugar House Community Council addressed the Commission. She said that the Sugar House Community Council is very interested in keeping Sugar House a walkable community. She referred to the concerns with transit-oriented development and density saying that an area within Sugar House has been designated to allow density that will coordinate with the Sugar House Trax Line. She stated that they would like to eventually extend the Sugar House Business District to 700 East and possibly proceeding west; however, they prefer that the walkable communities ordinance is adopted before they proceed with that process.
Mr. Rawlins Young, Historian for the Salt Lake Transit Committee addressed the Commission. He referred to a map showing an overlay of the UTA Bus Routes over the proposed zoning changes. Mr. Young felt that the zoning changes should be transit-oriented as part of the intent statement. Mr. Young referred to the comments regarding increasing density, saying that he felt that the logical places to increase density is where east-west bus routes meet north-south bus routes. He added that the logical place to cluster residential zoning is along bus routes. Mr. Young provided the Commission with a handout from the Planning Communities with Transit book. The handout shows the amount of physical space that is required to build a shelter at a bus stop. He felt that where there are commercial nodes, bus shelters should be required. He suggested that rather than allowing a structure to be built to the property line, each zone should require an additional 4 foot entrance walk that would run parallel to structures and the public right-of-way and would allow enough space for the bus shelters and ADA accessibility.
Commissioner Diamond referred to the minutes from the past Planning Commission discussions which are included in the staff report. He asked if Staff is suggesting that the Planning Commission adopt the past recommendation as part of their approval this evening. He specifically mentioned the portion which dealt with the transit-oriented district.
Mr. Dansie replied that is part of the past Planning Commission recommendation which is currently at the City Council for review separately.
Commissioner Diamond asked Mr. Dansie to address the suggestion by Mr. Young that the Planning Commission should include language that the zoning changes should be transit-oriented as part of the intent statement.
Mr. Dansie clarified that the issues in terms of the sidewalk, bus stops and such are governed by design standards within the Transportation Division.
Commissioner De Lay referred to the philosophy of “live work space” saying that she felt that this ordinance did not address that issue. She wondered if the Commission should address that with this petition to encourage more live work spaces throughout the City.
Mr. Zunguze stated that he felt that the live work philosophy is there within the City. He restated that this petition primarily focuses on design. Mr. Zunguze stated that the “R-MU” districts are all mixed use. If the Commission feels that there is a need to revisit those definitions Staff will do so. He stated that the intent of this petition is to reorient the community in the direction that the automobile is no longer the only form of transportation. Unless there are design elements in place that encourage people to walk, the mixed use zoning will not be utilized.
Mr. Zunguze referred to the concerns raised by Mr. Young and the UTA issues. He stated that the Planning Office is in close contact with UTA to address some of those issues that show a mismatch between the transportation routes and zoning. He stated that there is a discussion initiated by the Mayor to make the City’s bus shelters more aesthetically pleasing and ADA friendly. He stated that the struggle with that project is how to fund it.
Mr. Zunguze referred to the design implications of the proposed ordinance saying that there will be corresponding best practices policies that will be discussed with the Transportation Division to see what implications the proposed walkable elements will have on how amenities in the public way will be looked at. Mr. Zunguze stated that there will be corresponding changes that will be more administrative in nature and may not appear in the ordinance.
Mr. Dansie agreed and added that integrating the design criteria will give structures a more urban feel.
Mr. Gerald McDonough, a resident of 1997 South 800 East addressed that Commission with concerns regarding the possibility of increased traffic with the expansion of the Sugar House Business District. He stated that he submitted a letter to Mr. Zunguze.
Mr. Zunguze noted that the Planning Commission is not specifically addressing the expansion of the Sugar House Business District this evening. He noted that he and Mr. McDonough have an upcoming meeting to discuss the issues raised by Mr. McDonough.
Acting Chair Chambless asked Mr. McDonough if he has been involved with his Community Council meetings. Mr. McDonough replied that he does not involve himself any longer because he feels that those efforts are pointless.
Commissioner Galli inquired as to the amount of review UTA gave regarding the proposed petition. Mr. Dansie replied that UTA was not heavily involved because it is not a direct response to the bus routes. He added that Staff has not reviewed ordinance changes with UTA in the past; however, UTA received copies of earlier proposals of this ordinance.
Mr. Zunguze restated that Planning Staff, the Mayor’s Office, and the General Manager of UTA are looking at the overall development of Downtown and what opportunities Trax brings.
Commissioner Galli felt that UTA has expertise that would be valuable and asked that in the future UTA is more involved.
Acting Chair Chambless closed the public hearing.
Motion for Petition No. 400-00-52
Commissioner Daniels made a motion regarding Petition No. 400-00-52, based upon the findings noted in the original petition, the re-evaluation according to the current proposal and the responses received regarding the modification, that the Planning Commission forward a positive recommendation to the City Council to amend the zoning ordinance as proposed.
Commissioner Diamond seconded the motion.
Commissioner Daniels, Commissioner De Lay, Commissioner Diamond, Commissioner Galli, Commissioner Noda, and Commissioner Scott voted “Aye”. Tim Chambless Acting Chair did not vote. All voted in favor, and therefore the motion passed.
Petition No. 490-04-16, by Todd A. Lloyd / Richard Grow, requesting to amend Lot 4 of the Arlington Hills Plat “O” Subdivision to correct a survey mapping error on a roadway easement through the property that provides access to a Salt Lake City water tank. The property is located at 689 North New Bonneville Place in a Foothills Protection “FP” Zoning District.
This item was heard at 7:17 p.m.
Commissioner De Lay recused herself from this public hearing. She stated that she represents the owners of the subject property.
Commissioner Diamond indicated that he has had casual discussions with the Applicant in the past regarding the subject property. He stated that his past conversations do not impact the discussion this evening. He stated that he did not feel that it would be necessary for him to recuse himself.
The Commission agreed.
Principal Planner Ray McCandless presented the petition as written in the staff report. He referred to the previous approval of the Arlington Hills Plat “O” Subdivision in 1995. He stated that as part of that recorded subdivision plat, a 40-foot wide easement was required as a condition of approval to allow the City access to the Salt Lake City water tank above the property. The recorded easement to the water tank was mis-surveyed when the subdivision was approved in 1995. The request is to correct the mapping error, and revise the plat to relocate the easement over the roadway where it should be. Mr. McCandless stated that the approval of the petition will increase the buildable area of the lot below the road. He stated that based on the findings in the staff report, Staff recommends amending Lot 4 of the Arlington Hills Plat “O” subdivision to relocate the easement over the existing roadway as proposed subject to the conditions noted in the staff report.
Acting Chair Chambless wondered aloud regarding the increased buildable area. Mr. McCandless indicated that the request is to correct the location of the easement only. He stated that the buildable area below the road will increase by approximately 4000 square feet.
Commissioner Daniels referred to the condition in the Staff recommendation which requires the Applicant to meet all of the City departmental requirements. He asked if the Public Utilities Department submitted comments.
Mr. McCandless stated that the Public Utilities have requested that their surveyor have the opportunity to double check the placement of the easement.
Commissioner Daniels reiterated that Planning Commission approval would be dependant upon that outcome.
Mr. Richard Grow and Mr. Todd Lloyd addressed the Planning Commission. Mr. Lloyd stated that their surveyor discovered that the easement is not in the correct location and they felt that the issue should be resolved. Mr. Grow stated that presently the City does not have access to the adjacent water tank. He said that he felt that the proposal will benefit the City as well as the Applicant.
Acting Chair Chambless opened the public hearing.
No one was forthcoming.
Acting Chair Chambless closed the public hearing.
Motion for Petition No. 490-04-16
Commissioner Noda made a motion regarding Petition No. 490-04-16, based on the discussion and findings in the staff report, that the Planning Commission amend Lot 4 of the Arlington Hills Plat “O” subdivision to relocate the easement to the existing roadway as proposed and subject to the following conditions:
1. Meeting all City departmental requirements.
2. Recordation of a final subdivision plat.
Commissioner Scott seconded the motion.
Commissioner Daniels, Commissioner Diamond, Commissioner Galli, Commissioner Noda, and Commissioner Scott voted “Aye”. Tim Chambless Acting Chair did not vote. All voted in favor, and therefore the motion passed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Presentation by MOSAC of the Jordan River Parkway Trail: Property Values and Public Safety.
This item was heard at 7:25 p.m.
Ms. Helen Peters, Chair of the Mayor’s Open Space Advisory Committee addressed the Planning Commission. She noted that last year the Planning Commission heard a petition requesting to amend the Salt Lake City Open Space Master Plan by relocating off street pedestrian trails to adjacent public streets or sidewalks. She stated that the petitioners indicated the concern that an urban trail near their homes would reduce their property values and pose a threat to their safety. At that time no information was available regarding urban trail use and safety, so trail advocates offered to sponsor a study of the Jordan River Parkway to determine if the fears of the petitioners were justified. Ms. Peters referred to the Jordan River Parkway Trail: Property Values and Public Safety study which was included in the Planning Commission packets. She stated that the Jordan River Parkway was selected for the study because it passes through several residential neighborhoods and is more typical of the City’s other proposed trails. She stated that this study should be beneficial to the Commission when reviewing issues in the future related to trails. Ms. Peters stated that the study was conducted by Mr. Alex Philips under the Salt Lake City Planning Office and was completed in 2003. The study included a survey of residents who live near the Jordan River Parkway between 1000 North and 1700 South. Police who patrol the area and realtors who sell properties near the parkway were also interviewed. The study revealed that most of the residents feel that the parkway trail had increased the value of their properties and had not compromised their personal safety. The majority of the realtors interviewed agreed that the trail is an amenity which helps attract buyers. The police reported that the low incidence of crime activity that occurs on the trail is caused by illegitimate trail users committing non-violent crimes such as: vagrancy, illegal drug use, and sex solicitation. Ms. Peters stated that Alicia Orgill who is the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) Specialist for the Police Department said that design improvements may encourage people to use all segments of the trail and the increased use of the trail will help decrease undesirable activity. Ms. Peters stated that MOSAC would accommodate any requests by the Planning Commission for more information regarding this issue.
Commissioner Scott thanked MOSAC for the concise and readable report. She referred to the Growth No Growth newsletter which was also included in the Planning Commission packets. She specifically referred to one article which was on Green Ways and the benefits that they give. She noted that Mr. David Lutz of the Neighborhood Open Space Coalition in New York City cites studies that show that people who live near trails use them a great deal and trails are a muti-use and lend excellent exercise options to “an increasingly obese country”.
There being no other unfinished business to discuss, the Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.