CVS - Council Motions to Deny

CVS went before City Council late Thursday evening to request a zoning change from commercial intensive to planned development in preparation for locating their store at Sligh and Nebraska Ave.  A number of residents showed up to the meeting, as did the presidents of all three neighborhood associations and the business guild. 

Nearby residents spoke in favor of the project and a petition with 17 residents who back up to the proposed site was delivered to City Council.  Rick Fifer spoke on behalf of BGOSH in support of the project.  Several Seminole Heights residents spoke against the request.

Everyone speaking recognized the importance of the comprehensive plan that designates Seminole Heights an "urban village". Each mentioned the years of neighborhood efforts to craft the Form Based Zoning (FBZ) rules which have yet to be passed but have been reviewed by city council.  All the speakers recognized the importance of commercial redevelopment in the neighborhood and in particular that CVS is welcome here.  The disagreement centers around which is more important at this time, commercial redevelopment or sticking to the comprehensive plan and Form Based Zoning vision. 

CVS representatives told City Council that failure to approve the existing plan would result in CVS backing out of the project and looking for property elsewhere.

City Staff gave a strong presentation in favor of urban-style development on the property. Staff's presentation was so strong, in fact, that it surpised everyone and got Council's attentiion.  Rarely does Staff provide such an empassioned defense of the plan or any particular vision.  City Council was obviously swayed by this, as mentioned by Thomas Scott.  Linda Saul-Sena motioned to deny the zoning request.  Voting to deny was Linda Saul-Sena, Thomas Scott, and Charlie Miranda.  Voting against denial was Joseph Caetano and John Dingfelder.  Mary Mulhern and Gwen Miller were absent.  The motion requires four votes to pass and will be taken up again next Thursday when the other two councilmembers will have a chance to vote.

Anyone who wishes to contact City Council may do so using this web form.  All members of council will receive your comment.