Thursday, January 29, 2009

Planning Commission Approves The Ruston Building Variances

UPDATE: Saturday, January 31st, 10:15 am: A few more details on the hearing... Commissioner Cherrie Anderson was absent. Colett Judd and Dick Pederson voted against the variance requests. Bryan Ficiala, Charles Ranes and Kevin Moser voted in favor.

Pederson and Juddy cited concerns about setting a precedent by allowing a taller building. They preferred having the council change the zoning code rather than granting a variance. The planner suggested dealing with the overall building height/zoning code issue separately.

The public testimony was largely supportive of the variances. Only one person from Tacoma (the owner of some commercial property at 51st and Pearl) expressed opposition. In the end the vote was 3-2 in favor. The town council will now make the final decision on the issue.
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The variance requests for The Ruston Building (former Coles Tavern) passed with a 3 to 2 vote by the planning commission last night. Their recommendation now goes to the town council for another vote. I don't have any further details yet, but will post them when I can. ~ Karen

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