Jenny Baker, Development Services, spoke on this item along with a PowerPoint presentation attached to the item record. Ms. Baker provided a brief summary of the project. The growth policy designation for this property is Residential High; the requested RM1-35 zoning complies with this designation and with goals such as livability, safety & wellness, housing, and community development. Ms. Baker provided a comparison between the current zoning and the proposed zoning. If approved, this rezoning will result in a standard zoning district under Title 20 which cannot be conditioned.
Review criteria was covered: growth policy, public services/transportation, compatible urban growth, promotes public health & safety, district character & suitability of uses. An increase in traffic is expected; infrastructure improvements would occur.
A total of 27 protests have been received; more expected. Jenny Baker spoke on the public and agency comment received. Neighbor's concerns received are related to density, traffic, parking, and pedestrian infrastructure.
Planning Board discussed this item and after a robust discussion and a second vote, the item passed by majority. Staff recommends approval of the adoption of an ordinance to rezone the property based on findings of fact in the staff report.
Dale McCormick, PCI, provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Skyview Affordable Senior Housing project. The timeline of this project to date was covered. Mr. McCormick spoke on growth policy, area improvements, emergency access, zoning compliance, and compatibility. A conceptual project plan was shared.
Alex Burkhalter, Housing Solutions, spoke on the planned senior housing project, a need for the Missoula community. He stated that funding is being actively sought to ensure building of the proposed project and understands the community concerns. He suggested holding the public hearing at City Council, then postponing the vote until after the Board of Housing decides on tax credits.
Heather Harp asked how the projected changed from a Planning Unit Development (PUD) to what is presented today. Jenny Baker informed that the city has not created PUD projects for quite sometime and falls more to Title 19. Alex Burkhalter added that developments under PUD regulations are experiencing issues; any change, no matter how small, requires going through another approval process.
Michelle Cares asked when it would be known that tax credits were approved. Mr. Burkhalter informed that the Board of Housing would be meeting on October 28, 2019. Gwen Jones encouraged holding the public hearing as planned on October 21, 2019 to gather information that would be valuable to take to Helena.
Mayor Engen arrived at 1:07.
Julie Merritt spoke in favor of the public hearing on October 21, 2019. Jim Nugent also encouraged holding the public hearing on that date.
Jordan Hess stated that the public hearing would be held on October 21, 2019. At the close of the hearing, council can state on record how they would vote. The item will return to committee on October 30, 2019 and the vote to approve or deny would happen on November 4, 2019. Alex Burkhalter supported the proposed timeline and informed that if funding was not approved by the Board of Housing on October 28, 2018 in Helena, they would withdraw the application and the project would not move forward in this location.
Julie Merritt requested a definition of "dead end" street; 9th street is not a dead end in the traditional sense, though better connectivity is needed.
Heather Harp asked about the plan for this property if the rezoning request was not approved. Dale McCormick informed that the plat was in circulation. A project will be on the ground; it just would not be this one. A subdivision is moving forward.
Malcolm Lowe stated he was not supportive of the request. He questioned whether the proposed zoning is appropriate for the area.
Donna Ferguson spoke on concerns of not having a sure knowledge of what project will be placed on the ground. Infrastructure is a problem city-wide and she opposes higher density for this land.
Mike Gaab spoke on single-family housing as a value and requested denial of the zoning request. He shared concerns related to neighborhood character and traffic. He encouraged the city to help with infrastructure costs to make properties/projects more affordable.
Erin Pehan, Housing and Community Development, spoke in support of the request and of the proposed project as shown as it would benefit an under-served section of the community. Missoula is changing; the city is committed to working with neighbors, developers, and city agencies to help solve issues.
Jesse Ramos asked of the property would pay property taxes. Alex Burkhalter replied that the project would meet guidelines to be exempt from taxes; however, SIDS would be taxed.
Heather Harp informed that the League of Women Voters will be meeting on October 30, 2019 to discuss how to make financing of housing more possible for people with a lower income and on November 6, 2019 to discuss where to put housing in our community where there is an inventory shortage. She added that people are moving here; it is important to hear the concerns of those here but it is necessary to find a way for more to call Missoula "home".