SH Land Use and Zoning Report 2015 December

SH Land Use and Zoning Report 2015 December

2970 Highland Drive (San Francisco Designs)  They want to tear down a non-complying building in the rear of the lot and  replace it with a larger building.  If no one requests that this go to the Planning Commission by December 21, it will be eligible for an administrative decision.  The project must meet the standards for a Building and Site Design approval per 21A.59 of the Zoning Ordinance.  Amy and I determined this was something we didn’t need to review.
East Bench Master Plan Wayne Mills from SLC Planning will be on January 2016 SHCC agenda.  The city recently released the draft East Bench Master Plan and are beginning the community engagement phase of the project. The draft plan is available on Open City Hall at https://www.peakdemocracy.com/3218. I emailed the Trustees to ask them to read the plan prior to the meeting.
720 Ashton Avenue proposal to change the Bed and Breakfast into a Group Home is on the Planning Commission agenda for January 13.  My letter included all written comments and most verbal comments that I had received.  The public is welcome to attend the meeting and speak to the Planning Commission about this proposal. The Planning Commission staff report should be on the city website by the end of the day January 8.
Boulder Ventures proposal for 2189 McClelland Street.  I have sent a letter to the Planning Commission, with the comments that I have received.  We don’t yet know when this will go to the Planning Commission.  I do know that they have made a number of changes to the plan from what we have received, and at some point down the road, we will probably be asked to weigh in again on the new design.
There is a proposal for Expansion of the Salt Lake Swim and Tennis Club before us. you can see it on our website.  This will be presented and discussed at the January 11 meeting of the Land Use and Zoning Committee here in Sprague Library at 6 p.m.
The Master Plan Amendment for 900 East and Ramona Avenue was on our LUZ agenda December 21, and we had at least 60 people sign the attendance roster from the neighborhood, there were a number of other people from SHCC and Salt Lake City Corporation who were also there.  They will present their proposal tonight, and then I will send a letter to the Planning Commission.
Granite Block News –  Because the Salt Lake Jordan Canal runs through this block, and under part of the Leisure Living building, and the canal must be moved before any new construction can happen, the following is taking place: 
  • Mecham has filed a pre-demolition permit application December 18, and submitted a letter requesting a exemption for the 18 month timeframe. They have been granted approval to tear down the buildings as long as he complies with the landscaping requirement.  These buildings are the buildings along Highland Drive, the Dixon Building which housed the Fats Grill, south down to Sugar House Furniture. 
  • Boulder Ventures filed a pre-demolition permit on December 18,  and has submitted a letter requesting an exemption for the 18 month requirement, to remove the Leisure Living Building.  They have not received approval.  They have nothing on file yet.  The pre-demolition permit allows them to tear down a building with the requirement that they have to have a reuse plan approved and construction begun within 18 months.  We hope this will not result in another Sugar Hole.
I do know that members of Salt Lake City Planning are meeting weekly with each of these developers to make sure that the projects will work together in some fashion.  I’m sure we will see the Mecham project when it is ready for prime time.
Sugar House Center News – Toys R Us is closing the store in Sugar House. The Dee’s Corporation has purchased the building and is looking for a new tenant.  They are also planning to build a hotel, probably directly east of Toys R Us on Wilmington.  No timeframe is established.
Jeff Sokol from the Salt Lake City Department of Engineering is supervising a study to determine the condition of the trees and sidewalks in the business district.  Then, if the City Council approves funding, we will get renovated sidewalks and probably elimination of the some of the grass along the narrow sidewalks in some areas, along with improved irrigation for our street trees which are in bad shape due to the condition of the current irrigation.  We should get a form to fill out to provide information on areas that we think need special help.  NOTE:  This is not in residential areas.  You can call engineering to report a sidewalk issue in your neighborhood.
The next Sugar House Community Council Land Use and Zoning Committee meeting will be January 11 (next week) at 6 p.m. in Sprague Library.  The expansion of the Salt Lake Swim and Tennis Club will be on the agenda.
Landon Clark
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