I went to the first meeting of this task force. I felt that they genuinely want to solve some problems that have been creating friction between neighborhoods and developers for years. Councilor Christiansen was there, and he also seemed genuine in his desire to improve this process.
Here's the PowerPoint presentation that Jack Page (Paige?) gave:
http://www.cityoftulsa.org/OurCity/Business/PermitsLicensing/documents/Zoningchangesmar112009.pdfOne of the main points was the need for more clear communication of proposed zoning changes or PUDS. Require proposals to be in plain English (laymen's terms). Require 3-D renderings in addition to conceptual drawings (to help people visualize it better). Make information easily accessible via the Internet (with a user-friendly interface). Consider increasing the amount of notice given for PUD proposals.
Several people indicated that public meetings should be held in the evenings, to allow more community input. (ie: TMAPC, BOA, etc.) (The TMAPC is considering this, so let them know you support the idea.)
They talked about issues that often cause controversy, such as building heights that don't take into consideration changes in ground elevation. (In some cases, the building height is approved, but the developer then raises the ground elevation by 8-10 feet, which changes the perspective from adjacent properties.)
They also discussed "visual screening" and how this means different things to different people. Does it mean a fence? A wall? Landscaping? Berms? Wouldn't better options increase neighbor satisfaction with adjacent developments?
Also, the impact of lighting on the surrounding properties should be minimized. (Patric, did you hear that? Perhaps now would be a good time to talk to some folks on this task force.)
There was also a discussion of whether PUD's should ever "expire." There have been cases where a PUD is approved, but nothing is built for years. In the meantime, demographics change, neighborhoods change, people's desires/priorities change, etc. Then, out of the blue, a development appears that is not longer appropriate for the surroundings...b/c it was approved long ago, and nobody has a say.
One suggestion was to require platting at the time of the PUD approval. (Wayne Alberty explained this, but I still don't totallly understand what this means.)
Another concern was the issue of PUDs being approved, where developers then get several "minor amendments" that cumulatively, change the entire proposal... but they get approved over time and under the radar...essentially w/o neighbors' knowledge.
The next meeting will be on
March 27 at 4:00 at City Hall. The one following that will be in the evening. These meetings are open to the public.
The above summary is from memory. I'll check my notes later and see if I missed anything.