Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutcocc_m.bass_concern_ltr_mini-stroage Page 1 of 2 Mini Storage Concerns Melissa Bass <melissamitchellbass@gmail.com> Mon 8/19/2019 12:34 PM To: pennielz@hotmail.com<pennielz@hotmail.com> Pennie, As I am unable to attend our August P+Z meeting due to maternity leave,I believe it's very important that I reach out to you to share my concerns with you about mini storage in our city,and some of the recent history it has with our board. My first exposure to this issue was in the July 25,2018 meeting prior to your joining the board.Though the chief issue was initially PD-planned development, during the meeting the board had an extensive discussion with an applicant and city representatives about challenging properties and c-2 zoning in particular at 8550 Astronaut Blvd. During the course of the meeting I pointed out that c-2 did not allow mini storage based on the language of the code. I had thoroughly researched this at home, but failed to bring a printed copy of the exact code language to support that fact. When the applicant claimed c-2 allowed mini storage,so he didn't even need a PD designation to add mini storage to the site,and I directly asked Mr.Dickey if this was so,Mr.Dickey said yes.I can't help but conclude that this misinformation greatly influenced votes of some board members and aided in passage of the measure on a false foundation.If i recall correctly,the vote was 3-2 in favor of allowing the applicant's request which included planned mini storage. Wth this latest mini storage related item for our August meeting,we see that the true limits of c-2 are being brought to light,which is a relief,but it does not change the fact that in July 2018 a measure was passed to allow further mini storage in a location in which code was misrepresented.I believe it is imperative that the history of this issue be known,so that false precedents cannot be leaned on now or in the future. It is also important to know that myself and another member of the board,who has since resigned,presented separate information showing the city's saturation of mini storage,recently closed mini storage,and unfilled mini storage and its incongruence with the city's expressed goals for smart development that most benefits citizens and tourism alike. Our town is only approximately two-and-a-quarter square miles,the land is a severely constrained resource. That is why zoning exists,to ensure that the benefit of use of this valuable and limited resource is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan and future land use,and not contrary to the land use patterns and intentions made clear by that plan. Currently,there are mini storage units,both climate-controlled and non-climate- controlled,that are unutilized. This means that current supply of mini-storage outweighs demand. Current mini-storage owners are not decreasing prices to fill those units. Mini storage facilities are,by their nature,stagnant properties. Additionally,it is my view that our city code should stand firm on its limitation of mini storage.I do not see value in protecting current mini storage now in non- compliant zones.The updated city zoning map is presented as a very intentional reorganization in hopes of creating a better home town.If we start blurring zoning divisions so quickly,we have effectively deflated the mission of better zoning before it has a chance to take shape. If mini storage facilities are unable to expand or remodel&thus lose profitability and move out of newer c-2 zones in which they have become non conforming,I believe that is in line with the intent of the city code and the goals of city improvement as they have been presented to this board.I do not see value in amending the code to allow any mini storage to take up space in c-2 zones where there are a wide variety of experience based,culturally enriching,sense of place supporting uses already allowed. I see approval of this item as clearly contradictory to the City's Vision of"A residential and business-friendly atmosphere that is livable, attractive,safe and inclusive.A sustainable coastal community that embraces the oceanside and riverside as key amenities,and supports and promotes local tourism,culture,recreation,resiliency,commerce,municipal civic interests and education." If mini storage is considered a key amenity,the city already has excess and should not imprudently encourage utilizing the land in such a non beneficial manner against zoning and ordinance. Over abundance of ill placed mini storage does nothing to further"An engaged and compassionate Community that: transforms blighted and unfinished buildings into attractive structures,offers City-wide green spaces,provides exceptional parks with ample shade and supports businesses that enhance economic viability while serving our residents and visitors with goodwill." https://outlook.live.com/mail/inbox/id/AQQkADAwATYwMAItOGY4YS00YWYyLTAw... 8/19/2019 • Page 2 of 2 As I stated back in July 2018,our city needs innovation and creativity to fill our commercial spaces,not fast profit low hanging fruit that brings no experiential enrichment to our city. The city's zoning should not be amended to accommodate land owners who are either unwilling to find appropriate ways to utilize the land in accordance with the zoning or sell to someone who is willing to do this. If a precedent is set allowing land owners to obtain code exceptions without rock solid,clear long-term benefit to our citizens&our city's stated goals,i believe our board is not doing its job. I submit this statement for consideration in light of my medical absence from the August 21 Planning and Zoning Board Meeting.I acknowledge my position as only one voice among many,and I respect your right to come to your own conclusions on this important matter through your own reasoning. Thank you so much for your time and effort as our board chair and as a proactive citizen of our home town. Respectfully, Melissa Bass https://outlook.live.com/mail/inbox/id/AQQkADAwATYwMAItOGY4YS00YWYyLTAw... 8/19/2019