Zoning Commission Opposes Office Overlay In Historic Neighborhood

Earlier today, the Alexandria Zoning Commission voted to oppose the proposed office overlay district for the 2400th block of Jackson Street. Their opposition will be passed along as a recommendation to the City Council, who will vote on the proposal in January.

The meeting was attended by more than sixty people, over half of whom (37) were opposed to the office overlay proposal. Eight people, including four property owners, showed up to express support for an office overlay district.

A few years ago, the City Council approved an office overlay for another portion of Jackson Street, between Bolton Avenue and Chester Street. The designation allows for residential properties to be converted and used for a select group of businesses, primarily professional offices and galleries.

The decision to implement the office overlay designation in this area has led to tangible results: A slew of homes, including at least four “mansions,” have been renovated and brought back into commerce. At least one historic home has actually been moved into the district. And despite what some may believe, property values have increased.

But the 2400th block is in a unique location, at the heart of the Historic Garden District, one of only three neighborhoods in the State of Louisiana officially recognized by the National Registry of Historic Places. Although office overlay districts are required to preserve and maintain the historic and/or architectural significance of their properties (inventory), the folks who opposed this measure were all primarily concerned with the preservation of the character of their neighborhood. And they were all very passionate. One person brought in a petition with over 100 signatures. At least two people brought in visual presentations. One women read a letter about the proposal that her husband sent to The Town Talk (it has not yet been published).

(As a side note, although this story has been picked up by the media already, I didn’t see anyone from the media at the meeting, which is one of the reasons I decided to write about this).

One point of clarification: After the high theatrics had ended, the Board discussed an e-mail about Diverse Use Corridors sent by City Planner Susan Patton. Diverse Use Corridors were created by the City as a way of empowering neighborhoods to become more involved in their own planning and zoning. (In fact, the term “Diverse Use Corridor” was actually coined by Ms. Patton).

For over a year, many in the Garden District Neighborhood Association have been considering the implementation of a diverse use corridor designation, and Ms. Patton correctly and astutely pointed out that had the Garden District implemented a DUC designation (which many hope to do by January), then any discussion of an office overlay in the 2400th block of Jackson Street could be guided by their own design codes. As I understand it, a resident misunderstood her intentions and believed Ms. Patton was somehow “supporting” the office overlay district. This is simply not true. Ms. Patton was simply stating the obvious.

I believe Diverse Use Corridors are a great idea for many neighborhoods, particularly one like Alexandria’s Garden District (which does contain commercial and residential structures).

It’s Smart Growth 101.

And it is a sure-fire way to protect the integrity of your neighborhood.

Response

Susan Patton

November 28, 2007

Lamar

Thank you for providing an accurate reflection of events. Anyone wishing to read City Code for Diverse Use Corridors (DUC) may do so at http://www.municode.com in Chapter 28, Article 3, Part 22 “Planned Developments.” Planned Unit Developments (PUD) is intended primarily for new developments while the DUC may be used in PUD or as discussed and intended, in different portions or areas of the Garden District as “Smart Growth” infill.

The Code reflects the process of electing a steering committee at a public meeting to guide the Master Site Plan process with the intent of ascertaining the “needs” and “desires” of the stakeholders in that geographical corridor. Design guidelines, transit (pedestrian and bicycles,) landscaping and thematic issues are encouraged. Please know the Historic Preservation District Commission (HPDC) will implement Design Guidelines in the designated Historic Districts. A Garden District DUC would have given those not on the HPDC a chance to contribute to their neighborhoods’ quality of life guiding the City in the acquisition of grants to fund amenities desired by those living in that geographic area. Without said input who will know what those desires are? Who will care and write the grant?

Rosia Park, in St. Petersburg, Florida (St Pete) implemented Design Guidelines for their neighborhood in the 1980s resulting in dramatic increases in property values. To date about 20 St Pete neighborhoods have had similar results.

Perhaps accurately, the citizens of AEX lament the enforcement of the 1960’s outdated zoning. A new planner working at the City is researching the potential for zoning enforcement using a method successful in other Parish’s for “litter.” With new resources in Planning provided to the City with the current mayoral administration in cooperation with a new Planning Director and the support of the City Council, I hold strong to the hope that this too will change, so that the people of Alexandria will hold their head’s high with pride for a town strewn with amenities, contributing to the quality of life, expecting their young people to stay and contribute to the community.

All the best,

Susan Patton, AICP

Reply

CenLamar