Minutes 07/25/2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 25, 2000 Currently, the Zoning Ordinance does not set high development standards to guide regular commercial development in the C-2 commercial districts of the City. Nor does the Zoning Ordinance treat the development of "Significant Image Corridors" or "Commercial Image Areas" differently from C-2 zoned areas not falling within such areas. Portsmouth has reached an important stage in its economic development. Development details associated with specific projects are more important to the success of the businesses themselves and their business neighbors in these competitive economic times. These details also significantly impact the image and marketability of the residential neighborhoods adjacent to the commercial development whose corridors of access are through the commercial zones. Setbacks of parking from the right-of-way to allow installation of well maintained landscaping, the size, scale, and location of signage, the location and screening of service areas and similar site development enhancements are the types of detail that can enhance, or detract from, the visual impact and the competitiveness of Significant Image Corridors and Commercial Image Areas. There is also the phenomenon, common among jurisdictions, where the City finds it necessary to make major public development investments to protect the future viability of the City in its economic and fiscal dimensions. These investments are also critical to protect the future quality of life in the city. These investments may be in the purchase of land and the transition of its use to promote economic development in jobs and tax base. The investments may also be the development of new, improved infrastructure to serve such investment areas and existing development in the area. When such investments are made, their success depends on many factors. One of the factors is that the quality of development and site details in the vicinity of the public investment can have a critical impact on the market acceptance of the property or development directly benefiting from the public investment. Once again, the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance regarding site development details are an important consideration. The City should examine its Zoning Ordinance with the objective of determining how best to upgrade the standards guiding development of Significant Image Corridors and Commercial Image Areas as well as commercial areas in direct proximity to areas of major public investment. After one or more approaches are selected, their applicability to a particular area can be tested. Ultimately, changes to the present Zoning Ordinance through the public hearing and approval process would be necessary. The commercial districts in the immediate vicinity of the planned Portsmouth Corporate Center and the Tower Redevelopment Project are prime candidates for analysis and testing of upgraded standards for guiding development. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia has held a public hearing, with notice as required by law, and has considered the proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, that the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, designated CP-89-1 be, and hereby is, amended as recommended by the Planning Commission and set out above."