TITLE
Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing, overrule the appeal by appellants Annie Greenfeld, Gavin McKiernan and Colleen McDonald, and sustain the decision of the City Planning Commission to approve a Conditional Use Permit to establish a church at 1925 Pacific Avenue, a Standards Variance for a reduced number of parking spaces and off-site parking without a deed restriction, and an Administrative Use Permit for off-site joint use parking at 1951 Pacific Avenue (Case No. 0508-23). (District 6)
DISCUSSION
On August 15, 2006, City Council conducted a public hearing on a request by the applicant, Pastor Lawrence A. Lasisi for Springs of Hope Christian Ministries, for approval of a Conditional Use Permit, Administrative Use Permit and Standards Variance to legalize an existing storefront church at 1925 Pacific Avenue. The applicant's representative, Mr. Pat Brown, and Pastor Lasisi presented testimony to the Council. Subsequently, public testimony was taken with five people speaking in opposition and three people speaking in support of the project. The first motion to overrule the appeal failed. A second subsequent motion was made to refer this item back to planning staff for negotiations with the appellants and to resolve the issue of the ten-year lease for off-site parking. The motion passed 6-3 (see City Council staff report and minutes, Attachment 1). In addition, the Pastor has submitted a letter dated September 27,2006, which addresses his actions at the previous Council hearing of August 15, 2006 (Attachment 2).
On August 21, 2006, planning staff met with the appellants to discuss their concerns. The issues raised at this meeting include equitable enforcement of zoning code violations, timely and fair enforcement of Conditional Use Permit conditions of approval, the difficulty created in the business community when parking variances are granted that create parking shortages, making a difficult en...
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