Council approves change in planning tool for Lakes lot

City Council denied pleas from neighbors to make changes to a decades-old plan that calls for potential commercial development of a lot in The Lakes neighborhood.

Residents of the neighborhood told Council that commercial development doesn’t make sense tucked into the residential area.

However, noting that the item before them wasn’t regarding a particular plan Council approved a request that changes the requirement of a planned unit development overlay to using a conditional use permit for development of the property on River Lakes Parkway.

“We’re simply changing the process,” said Councilor Frank Sweeney. “We’re not approving development. That would still have to be addressed during that public process.”

Rick Barnes, the property’s owner, requested converting a requirement of the 18-year-old planned unit development overlay that created The Lakes to require now require a CUP for development to occur.

Barnes has said his vision for the property is a small, community-oriented coffee shop or deli in the location.

City planning staff suggested the change noting that recent updates to the city’s regulations would make it impossible to develop the site for commercial activity using a PUD.

Steve Kane, a resident in the neighborhood, said residential development would be better for the property.

“Commercial is not a harmonious fit for our residential neighborhood,” he said. “I agree that the owner has a right to develop the property and I have no problem with residential development as long as it’s consistent with the neighborhood.”

Councilor Andy Feury said the change is an administrative process not intended to change what’s allowed on the property.

“I appreciate the neighbors concerns, but this property has had this designation since 1999,” he said. “I can’t find grounds to feel that it’s in the city’s right to take away his vested right on this property.”

The property is currently undeveloped at the northwest corner of River Lakes Drive and River Lakes Parkway.

Uses on the lot allowed would be any of those permitted in the underlying WR-4 district, and clubs, private and commercial recreational facilities, professional office, restaurants excluding a drive-in, retail sales and services, and any other uses for which justification can be derived on the basis that the use will be compatible with the neighborhood.