UPDATED, 6/20/11: City Council held a Study Session on 6/14/11 reviewing and clarifying the three methods for zoning "neighborhood commercial".
The preferred rezone method (C-1) was defined as: a.) only 1 commercial rezone allowed in each of six different neighborhood areas, b.) the rezone is required to be concentrated in proximity to one of three criteria:
business, residential, or recreation; prominently residential. C-1 is the method of choice by staff and council. Myers and Carson preferred the C-3 method, defined as: market-based, no requirements for proximity other than 1-acre rezones must be separated by 1/2 mile. Neighborhood commercial rezone must be along collector roads or larger. Carson suggested the option of grocery stores or establishments in converted residential housing. Council decided 24-hour convenience stores with a "limited line of goods" (like 7/11) and signage aesthetics unapproved by the Design Review Board would not be acceptable. Public Hearing is set for July19 at City Hall.
For quite some time, Redmond City Council and city staff have been studying and planning policy options for creating "neighborhood commercial" zones in our neighborhoods. Fewer car trips to downtown centers, conveniences, and neighborhood gathering places are a few goals.
A significant piece of Neighborhood Commercial policy is "implementation" of size, proximity and types of businesses in the neighborhoods. Councilmembers Allen, Vache, Margeson and Stilin firmly agreed to: locating commercial within walking distance (~1/4 mile) of residential concentrations (12-30 housing units/parcel) and parks. (Option C-1) (SEE UPDATE)
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Preserving neighborhood character is paramount to council. Councilmember John Stilin commented, "I'd rather have a neighborhood begging us to open up to development, than be pushed..."
