HomeMy Public PortalAbout024-2021 - MemoCITY OF RICHMOND
Department of Infrastructure and Development
50 NORTH FIFTH STREET - RICHMOND, IN 47374
PHONE (765) 9834217 - FAX (765) 962-7024
ivanness@richmondindiana.gov
June 2, 2021
Common Council
50 North 51h Street
Richmond, IN 47374
RE: Ordinance N0.24-2021
Dear Council Member,
DAVID M. SNOW
Mayor
BETH FIELDS
Director
IAN VANNESS
City Planner
Ordinance No. 24-2021 is a petition to rezone the properties at 527, 531, 535 West National Road and 215
College Avenue, from Urban Residential (UR) to General Commercial (GC) District. The petitioner is
requesting the rezone to allow for a 6,600 square foot new commercial construction that would house
approximately four tenants, including a drive-thru restaurant.
Notices of public hearing were sent to twenty-five (25) adjacent property owners. Six adjacent property
owner letters were returned to planning staff. Two adjacent property owners wrote a response in favor of the
ordinance and four owners wrote responses in opposition of the ordinance. During the public hearing five
members of the public spoke. Four adjacent property owners spoke in opposition of the ordinance. The final
adjacent property owner voiced similar concerns but did not outright oppose the ordinance.
Those opposing the project cited concerns regarding the potential increase in trash and traffic, along with
possible noise and light pollution, and how that could negatively affect residential character of adjacent
properties. The undecided adjacent property owner stated similar concerns but did endorse the
development's proposed architecture.
Planning staff recommended approval of the ordinance. The Plan Commission failed to pass in motion to
recommend approval by a voted 3-3; therefore, Plan Commission offers no recommendation to Richmond
Common Council.
The subject property's adjoining zoning districts are Urban Residential (UT?) High Density Single-family
Residential (R3), and General Commercial (GC). The UR and R3 districts are not considered Appropriate
Adjacent Zoning Districts for GC, but the existing GC district to the east is. Richmond's Future Land Use
Map identifies the property to be developed as a traditional neighborhood moving forward. The surrounding
area is comprised of a mix of institutional, commercial, and residential uses and zoning districts.
Directly to the east of the subject properties are businesses like Needler's Fresh Market, Domino's Pizza,
Speedway, and Mendenhall True Value Hardware.
The proposed rezone embraces the Grow: Land Use and Development goal's Primary Object 2, which
advises to, "encourage development in the city's urban core," and along, "primary thoroughfares rather than
the city's outer edges" (p.42). However, the rezone would partly contradict Primary Objective 3, which calls
for protecting and conserving, "Richmond's cultural, architectural, and agricultural heritage," but supports
the final component, "while also encouraging growth" (p. 42). Finally, the proposal is compatible with
Policy Statement 3, to "allow for developments that are compact with convenient access to jobs, services,
and amenities" (p.42).
If approved, the development would need to vacate the alleyway between the three West National Road
properties and the College Avenue property and consolidate all of the involved lots together. A variance of
development standards for a reduction in front yard setbacks would also be required.
Respectfully,
tiVl
Ian Vanness
City Planner