HomeMy WebLinkAboutA002 - Memo from Planning Director to Bob Friedrich Jr, public hearing on Somerset rezoning M E M O PLANNING & HOUSING DEPARTMENT
CITY OF AMES
TO: Bob Friedrich, Jr.
FROM: Brian P. O'Connell, Director DEC ZD 19g�
DATE: December 19, 1996 E iof AM
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SUBJECT: Public Hearing on Somerset Rezoning
This is a follow-up to the very successful Planning and Zoning Commission meeting of last
night. The vote of the Commission was unanimous and illustrated very strong support for
the Somerset project. I believe that is a testament to all of the hard work that has occurred
since last winter.
With respect to the steps that must occur from this point forward, we are at a critical point
in the process involving the preparation of the very important zoning change agreement.
I received the first draft of the agreement from John Klaus this morning. I have reviewed
the document, and a number of clarifications are still needed. Planning staff from the
department are reviewing the document at this moment. Additionally, Paul Wiegand and
Steve Schainker must also review the agreement.
In order for the Public Hearing to occur on January 7, as we have planned, the Public
Hearing notice must be published in the newspaper tomorrow. Additionally, the Zoning
Change Agreement must be signed by the developers prior to the public hearing, or the
adjournment of the hearing, in order for the agreement to be valid.
This agreement represents the lynch pin to the entire Somerset Subdivision. Since this
agreement must be signed before the public hearing, or its adjournment, I believe we are
best served by scheduling the public hearing for the second Council meeting in January
at the earliest (January 28th).
There are too many unresolved issues with respect to the agreement to jeopardize the
success of this project by a hasty publishing of the hearing notice.
Bob, we have come a long way with project, and I believe the time that is needed to finalize
this most critical component will be in the best interest of the project.
BPO:cIh
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c: Steve Schainker, City Manager
John Klaus, City Attorney
Pau�iegand, Public Works
_aKdy Ryan, City Clerk