North Greeno Road Rezoning Issues Discussed

FROM HWY 104 TO EDWARDS AVE                                          

A committee met last week to discuss rezoning the property along N. Greeno Rd. from R-1 to what property owners there consider more appropriate uses.

Committee Chairman Dick Charles said its purpose is to come up with some ideas; and suggested dividing up into 3 separate parcels as a first step.

(Some early ideas mentioned were a technology park, RV park, multiplex theater, etc.  Charles said it should not become another "Airport Blvd.")

CITY PLANNER COMMENTS

City Planner Johnathan Smith said he was there for administrative purposes and to listen to the committee's suggestions. He said the committee should come up with an approach to determine appropriate land uses for the corridor.

MISSION STATEMENT?

Greeno property owner and Committee member Fred Hayek proposed a mission statement: "Under the umbrella of the city's comprehensive plan, provide a framework to enable the north Greeno corridor to be put to its highest and best use -- while preserving stakeholder property rights and incorporating best practices in urban design and development . . . "

Hayek: "This can be done."

"VILLAGE" SUGGESTED

Bobby and Debra Green proposed "the city's first village" type design based upon new urbanism concepts for their (and adjacent) property: Green Nurseries area -- between Volanta and Gayfer.

Others mentioned some sort of recreation to supplement Volanta Park (water park, splash park, skating rink, bowling alley). The now-defunct project to build townhomes on the trailer park property was also mentioned.

LEGAL QUESTIONS ARISE

Chairman Charles pointed out there are real legal considerations/perils for the city involved in any rezoning -- referring to the city's current comprehensive plan -- and ongoing lawsuits over the development of the nearby "triangle" property (Village North) and the Fly Creek Village (Publix).

PLANS TO MEET AGAIN IN NOVEMBER

The committee decided to divide into the 3 groups  to seek further input from their neighbors -- then meet again to discuss results (Nov 17th, 6PM).

Committee member Kingrea proposed the 3 section leaders come up with their separate plans, then the committee should try to combine it all into one "integrated" proposal.

The 3 section leaders are to be Hayek (north), Greens (middle), and Barnhill (south).

(Publisher's Note: A self-identified new urbanist planner and a representative from White-Spunner Construction were also present.)




Comments

Anonymous said…
I heard this meeting was a real joke.
Anonymous said…
Isn't it interesting that the committee is made up by the very property owners that will benefit from the results of their work. Can you say conflict of interest!?!? I feel an ethics commission complaint coming. Where is crazy clean sweeper 2012 when you need him? Pretty good deal to recommend what you want on your property so you can get rich. Can you say good ole boy system..... I guess they are making sure they will get the "Greene" later.
Anonymous said…
Can someone just get something in the vacant Food World building? I'm so tired of that vacant eyesore. A nice "family" center with a bowling alley and food options would be nice. There's absolutely nothing for families to do once the sun goes down in F'hope.
Anonymous said…
Some of this property has been in families for years, even when Greeno Road was dirt. With the development of the highways, alot of these homes almost sit on the right of way. Would YOU like to live within 20' of the highway and listen to the ambulances barrelling through at all hours. If these people can get something done, I don't begrudge them one bit for whatever $$ they can get. If you say the highway dept paid them, think again. It was mere pittance for what they thought they were buying 60+ years ago to raise their families "in the country".
Anonymous said…
As far as Food World, if you listen to this meeting, they DON'T want anything to come in that is family friendly.
Anonymous said…
One thing's for sure, its not R-1 there!
Anonymous said…
Let's face it, the city only does, what the city wants to do. Argue all you want for this, that and the other, it all boils down to what the city wants.
Anonymous said…
What a complete waste of time. They'll meet for six months just trying to come up with a "mission statement." Then, these days, if you're even putting up a fruit stand by the road you have to get an "environmental impact study" done...which is more time and money. Renovate the old Food World building and put a nice bowling alley there. There was a Goodwill and a rundown grocery store there for years...it's not Rodeo Drive people. Make it look nice, keep it clean and safe and it would be a big success. What's this "technology park" they reference? Is that an arcade or do they expect Microsoft and IBM to relocate there?