City of Homer

Planning & Zoning Telephone (907) 235-3106

491 East Pioneer Avenue Fax (907) 235-3118

Homer, Alaska 99603-7645 E-mail Planning@ci.homer.ak.us

Web Site www.ci.homer.ak.us

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M E M O R A N D U M 06-143(A)

TO: MAYOR HORNADAY AND HOMER CITY COUNCIL

WALT WREDE, CITY MANAGER

FROM: BETH MCKIBBEN, CITY PLANNER

DATE: August 22, 2006

SUBJECT: Town Center Task Force

Discussion

In commenting on the Fred Meyer preliminary plat, the Public Works Director requested guidance from the Planning Commission in developing the required subdivision development agreement. Staff recommended the establishment of a special task force to provide guidance to the Planning Commission on this topic. The mayor appointed this special task force, which met June 5, June 19 and June 29.

The goal for this task force was to provide input to the Homer Advisory Planning Commission on specific improvements. It is this type of detail that creates a ‘sense of place.’ Some of the items identified by the task force will be installed and paid for by the developer during the initial construction of Town Center, and the City may install others in the future as the area grows. The City will need to evaluate this after the recommendations are finalized. This overall plan helps to create a cohesive development in Town Center.

The Commission discussed the recommendations of the Town Center Development Committee at the regular meeting of July 19, 2006. Comments were received at that meeting. As a result of these comments staff revised the format of the Task Force recommendations. The recommendations remained the same, but the way in which they were organized was modified. At the regular meeting of August 16 the Commission accepted the recommendations with a few modifications. The modifications are summarized as follows:

§ No vegetated medians in the roads (vegetated removed)

§ Create larger and fewer pockets of landscaping to help ensure plant survivability. (and fewer removed)

Two additional recommendations were added to “Other recommendations” as follows:

§ Highly encourage perimeter parking

§ Parking areas to accommodate buses and motor homes with trailers

These recommendations will be forwarded to the Public Works Director.

Page Two

Memorandum 06-143(A)

City of Homer

The Task Force made an additional recommendation that Town Center rights-of-way be included in the 1% for Arts program. The Public Arts Committee would develop criteria for the sidewalk tiles. Street furniture, bike racks, and banners could all be part of the Art Program. The Commission notes concern with the implementation of this recommendation. What entity will be required to pay for the 1% for arts, would it be the developer or the City?

Recommendation

The Commission recommends the Council consider the Task Force recommendation regarding the 1% for Arts.