MINUTES
CITY OF GOOSE CREEK
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2010, 6:30 P.M.
MARGUERITE BROWN MUNICIPAL CENTER
GOOSE CREEK
I. Call to Order - Chairman Allen Wall
Chairman Allen Wall called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
Present: Joel Arenson, Paul Connerty, Gayla McSwain, Doug Quinn, Allen Wall, and Barry Washington. Mr. Connerty and Mr. Washington arrived following the approval of the minutes.
Absent: Jeffrey Smith
Staff Present: Daniel Ben-Yisrael, Sarah Hanson
II. Review of Minutes - April 6, 2010
Motion: Mr. Arenson made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Mr. Quinn seconded.
Discussion: There was none.
Vote: All in favor; none opposed.
III. Discussion - Land Use Buffer Map
Mr. Ben-Yisrael summarized the discussion from last month concerning the Commission's review of vacant parcels and their discussion concerning appropriate buffering requirements. He stated that due to the extensive discussion the previous month, he felt they could review several additional maps this meeting, working through them more quickly. After this review the Commission will review sample ordinances and incorporate the Commission's recommendations into a draft ordinance amendment to be included in the Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Ben-Yisrael presented site maps for a property located on St. James Avenue adjacent to the Zaxby's location which abuts a multifamily development as well as a single family development. There was discussion about the present easements surrounding the property. Mr. Ben-Yisrael clarified that he wishes the Commission to consider what types of buffers are appropriate, as well as whether the current zoning is appropriate. He suggested the more intense the proposed use and the less intense the current use, the greater the buffer will typically be.
Mr. Ben-Yisrael presented six properties along Highway 52 with multiple zonings, all abutting single family residential developments. A third plan showing properties within the overlay area of the Downtown District was presented showing General Commercial and Restricted Commercial zoned parcels abutting other General Commercial uses, mainly offices and retail, and across from single family homes. Mr. Ben-Yisrael briefly discussed the issues with access to the large southern most property shown and the challenge of protecting the character of Carolina Avenue and lessening the impact development of these parcels will have on the residents in that area. He discussed being able to have a unified site design for the area and designing access toward the major thoroughfares rather than to Carolina Avenue. There was brief discussion about the need to keep the traffic away from the residential area that rims the General Commercial area.
Two maps with properties along Red Bank Road were presented. Mr. Ben-Yisrael mentioned possible uses for several of the parcels and noted that several of these abut R-1 zoning.
Mr. Ben-Yisrael referred to copies of buffering requirements from other municipalities, which in all cases go beyond the requirements for Goose Creek. These other areas have varying requirements depending upon the current use of the abutting properties and the intensity of the proposed use. The members asked if the requirements for Hilton Head could be emailed to them as well. There was conversation about zoning requirements that speak to site development along major thoroughfares that allow for attractive and adequate buffering while also allowing for sufficient visibility.
It was decided the Commission would review the information submitted to them and come back to the next meeting with comments and recommendations for land use and buffering. Ms. McSwain asked about an ordinance concerning light pollution, and it was suggested that can be considered as well.
IV. Comments from the Commission
Mr. Wall thanked Mr. Ben-Yisrael for the information he provided in regards to the City's development projects.
V. Comments From Staff
There were none.
VI. Adjournment
Ms. McSwain made the motion to adjourn. Mr. Arenson seconded the motion, and the meeting adjourned at or about 7:45 p.m.
