Minutes 07/26/1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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352 July 26, 1983 "A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A STUDY COMMITTEE ON THE USE AND OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY BY RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Portsmouth has become increasingly concerned with the number of churches and other religious institutions locating within the City, which since 1979 has increased from 165 to more than 300 as well as the location thereof, and the impact such dramatic increase has on this City and the quality of life available to its citizens; and WHEREAS, the regulation of churches and other institutions dedicated to religious objec- tives must take into consideration their unique contribution to the public welfare and the constitutional guarantees of freedom of worship; and WHEREAS, it is the opinion of this Council that due to the complexity of the subject, a review of the City's existing regulations relating to churches and other religious institut] and alternatives thereto would be in the best interest of the City and lis citizens; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council o.f the City of Portsmouth hereby estab- lishes an advisory committ.ee to study the use and ownership of property by religious institu- tions in order to.review:and evaluate the impact of property ownership by religious instituti( in the City, and to consider the reasonable regulation thereof, and to make recommendations~ if any, on the enactment of such additional regulations for the well-being of the City. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the committee shall be appointed by the City Council and shall consist of two (2) members of the Planning Commission, three (3) .- representatives of religious institutions, and two (2~ citizens to be appointed at large. In addition, the City Manager is hereby directed to provide such staff support as to enable this committee to accomplish its function." Ayes: Barnes, Beamer, Gray, Webb, 1~hitlow, Johansen Nays: None 83-292 - Letter from the City Manager recommending adoption of a resolution creating a study committee on group housing and condominiums. "Over the past several years, there have been many shifting trends in housing construc- tion, design and ownership, primarily resulting from economic pressures and changes in the desires of home buyers. These housing market trends have been felt throughout the country. Traditional ideas and patterns in housing have changed drastically. Although single-family detached housing is still a viable investment for new construction, the trend has begun to shift towards smaller units and various types of group housing. In order to accommodate orderly development in urbanized areas, there must be a concerted effort on the part of the City to provide reaso'nable constraints that tend to protect the existing developments and to attract quality developers. Many questions and comments have been raised particularly during our most recent discussions, concerning group housing project~ in the City of Portsmouth. It is my recommendation that a task force be established to zeview our existing policies related to this subject. The primary tasks for the committee should focus on the changing market trends in relation to the Comprehensive Plan and the City Code. It is not intended that this group would set the policies for the City, but rather there would be an~,exchange of ideas and a review of policies and procedures from other municipalities. The intended result is to have recommendations and opinions from the committee on the costs and benefits of this:~type Of development and perhaps suggestions on handling any associated problems. This idea was well received by the Planning Commission and it was their opinion that a study committee would provide valuable assistance in their deliberations~ Council may wish to consider structuring the membership of the committee as follows:2 (1) One member of the Planning Commission. (2) One Revel0per who is a member of a builder's association. (3) Two architects or engineers. (4) One real estate person. (5) Two citizen appointees. If Council conceptually concurs with the creation of such a committee, I can provide the necessary staff support. In addition, I would suggest that the chairman of the. committee be one o£ the Planning Commission memberk. I anticipate the study could take approximately six months with interim reports onffindings as they become available. The City Attorney is pre- paring a resolution for the Council which will create the study committee for group housing and condominiums." On motion of Mr. Gray and seconded by Mrs. Webb, ~adb.pt th~ ~e~se!;utidn. ~ ~ ~ Motion of Mr. Barne~ and seconded by Mrs. Webb, to amend the resolution that the Committ¢ include one member of the Planning Commission, one developer, one architect or engineer, one real estate person, and three citizens, and was adopted by unanimous vote. )ns 1s