The most prominent topic during the meeting was the proposed redevelopment of the property at 1026th Avenue North by Corner Lots Development Group. The council deliberated on the application, which aims to transform the existing strip shopping center into a five-story, mixed-use building featuring commercial and residential spaces. This proposal included the potential for hotel units instead of residential apartments, in accordance with a settlement agreement that permits a building height of up to 59 feet.

During the presentation, representatives from Corner Lots Development Group emphasized their design strategy, which prioritizes pedestrian-friendly features. The project’s location at the intersection of Sixth Avenue North and First Street, both designated pedestrian corridors, was strategically selected to boost foot traffic and support business activity. The representatives highlighted their efforts to relocate the parking entrance to Second Street to reduce vehicular congestion on primary pedestrian pathways. This approach, they argued, would contribute to a vibrant atmosphere conducive to business growth.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around the project’s multi-modal parking solutions, which aim to accommodate various forms of transportation, including bikes, e-bikes, walking, and golf carts. The applicant noted the importance of minimizing reliance on vehicles, particularly in an area where beach access is a priority. The design intends to provide direct connections from a parking garage to commercial spaces and beach pathways. The applicant assured the council that the project would meet and potentially exceed the minimum parking code requirements, with provisions for bike and motorcycle parking in line with updated city codes promoting alternative transportation.

Council members engaged with the applicant, acknowledging the design while expressing concerns about ensuring the inclusion of bike parking. The applicant responded by stating that their plans included allowances for bike parking and were expected to surpass the minimum requirements. The conversation also touched on the flexibility of the development, as either condominiums or a hotel could be constructed on the site. Concerns were raised about the potential for unoccupied condos, with a council member emphasizing the importance of the development contributing to the community by providing temporary lodging rather than creating vacant structures.

Public comments brought additional perspectives to the discussion. Roger Whiting addressed the council, raising questions about the green space depicted in project materials and whether it belonged to the applicant or was a city-owned alleyway. City staff confirmed that the trees illustrated were situated in a city alleyway and not on the applicant’s property. Whiting also expressed concerns regarding the building’s height and its potential to cast significant shadows over adjacent properties. He cited past requirements for setbacks designed to prevent overshadowing neighboring residences and questioned whether such considerations could still be enforced given the current agreement.

Staff responded by noting that nearby residential buildings undergoing rezoning would transition to commercial use. Following these discussions, the public hearing was closed, and a motion to approve the project was made. The council members unanimously supported the motion, moving the redevelopment project forward.

In addition to the mixed-use project, the council reviewed a conditional use application for a property located on South Third Street. This application sought approval to convert a professional office space into two multifamily dwelling units within a commercial zoning district. The property, initially built in 1948, had undergone unauthorized renovations, leading to confusion over its intended use. Staff clarified that the new owner aimed to comply with density limitations by reducing the number of units from five to two, aligning better with surrounding uses and reducing parking and traffic demands.

The applicant for this project, Michael Sitner, addressed the council. With no public speakers to address the application, the public hearing was closed. A motion to approve the conditional use application was made and seconded, receiving unanimous approval from the council members.