05-15-1972 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A.A. #700 TOWNER MANUFACTURING CO. - (Continued) be a burden at a later date if they found it necessary to make power changes, etc.; that the expense might be unwarranted; that they believe it would not be wise to continue the economic hazard they are confronted with as a non-conforming use~ Mr. Charles Wright, 1805 English Street, stated that he has lived on the northeast corner of 18th Street for 21 years; that there is unloading of steel, noise, and the factory is an eyesore to the City; and requested denial of the zone change. Mrs. Viriginia Wright, 1805 English Street, stated that she is deeply concerned about parking; that about three years ago, Towner Manufacturing attempted to buy the property at 1810-14 English Street; that the houses on the property would have been torn down in order to construct a driveway into the Towner property; that this could be hazardous to the people in the neighborhood; that if Towner is given the zone change they will expand their operation; that this would mean more noise, more employees, and more cars to park; that if they want to make improvements to the buildings and the property, they could do it under the present zoning with a variance. There were no further proponents or opponents and the Mayor closed the public hearing. Councilman Herrin stated that this is a land use which has prevailed for a long period of time; that they have the legal right to continue to operate as long as they want to; that they need to have some kind of consideration given them which will make it justifiable for them to spend the amount of money to make all the changes they are proposing; and that as long as the present owners and managers are there, they will attempt to make themselves better neighbors. Councilman Markel stated that consideration should be given to the good the improvements would do for the city, and for employment; that the company is one of the oldest in the City of Santa Ama; that they employ 85 people, 35% minorities; that they own over 3/4 million dollars in taxable property; that they are giving up 2Z' for the widening of 17th Street; that t tucks are now required to back into the property, but with the proposed changes, they will be able to go in forward, turn around, and go out onto the street; that he would think very seriously before granting a zone change, but that he is in favor of the changes they are requesting. Councilman Patterson stated he was not in favor of a zone change but would be in favor of a variance; that if it is rtz.ned, no conditions can be attached; that it is not the highest and best use of the land as M 1. Councilman Yamamoto concurred, stating that a zone change would take control away from the City. Councilman Villa stated that in widening 17th Street and taking ZZ' of the property, the City was imposing on them something they did not ask for; however, that he was not in favor of the zone change. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -208- May 15, 1972