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Plans by two developers for parcels that lie within Upper Dublin Township’s Dresher triangle would likely be able to move forward, but with certain restrictions under proposed changes to the Dresher Overlay.

Revisions to the overlay, a zoning tool created in the 1990s for the area bounded by Limekiln Pike and Dreshertown and Susquehanna roads, were discussed at the Upper Dublin Planning Commission meeting Dec. 18. The developers — BET, which owns 9.54 acres between Susquehanna and Limekiln known as Dresher Commons, and Brandolini, owner of the 4-acre tract on Dreshertown Road adjacent to the shopping center — who attended, indicated some of the restrictions would be too prohibitive to make economic development feasible. Both parcels are zoned A-Residential, but lie within the overlay, which permits other uses with restrictions.

BET most recently proposed rezoning the tract to MD – multi-dwelling and CR-L – commercial-retail to build 24 townhouses, a 4,000-square-foot office addition to the existing Clime House, a 6,400-square-foot restaurant and a 13,000-square-foot pharmacy. Brandolini, which owns Dreshertown Plaza, has proposed rezoning the 4-acre adjacent parcel to SC – shopping center and constructing a free-standing pharmacy. Those plans were put on hold when the township commissioners decided to tweak the overlay in order to allow the development to go forward while maintaining control over design, traffic and landscaping.

Rick Collier, township landscape architecture consultant, who worked on the draft, said “the intent” was to further define a preferred village concept, stressing a mix of uses within or among the buildings was important, if possible. Mixed-use “is not a requirement, just an option,” he said. Development would not be permitted as a strip shopping center or “random small boxes.”

No drive-through restaurants or banks would be permitted and hours of operation limited. Some retail and commercial uses are permitted by conditional use with the addition of a restaurant/café/coffee shop. Buildings would be limited to 15,000 square feet, no flat roofs allowed unless there are architectural treatments to disguise them and trips per day per lot would be changed from 750 to 1,350, though the latter is still being discussed. To encourage mixed use and multi-story buildings, 4 percent more building coverage would be permitted.

“The bottom line is for a Dresher Overlay district that actually works and encourages development to take place,” Collier said.

The proposed changes “would not preclude either [Brandolini’s or BET’s] plan,” UDPC Chairman Wes Wolf said.

The overlay would be removed from the portion of BET’s property proposed for townhouses, as well as the adjacent 2.9-acre Tai tract BET might purchase, for which rezoning to MD would still be sought, according to township Code Enforcement Director Rick Barton.

Planner Jeff Albert questioned “how much of the overlay is practical to this [BET] site,” and whether the village concept was “economically developable.”

“If [the overlay changes] will preclude development, we should know it now,” Albert said. Changing the zoning for the two parcels “really makes sense for what we want to do.” Continued…

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• Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Erika Vickery.

• District Council of Peterborough Ruth Whittle.

• District Council of Ceduna Mayor Allan Suter.

• City of Victor Harbor city manager Graeme Maxwell.

• Whyalla City Council mayor Jim Pollock.

• Alexandrina Council mayor Kym McHugh.

• Kangaroo Island mayor Jayne Bates.

• District Council of Streaky Bay mayor Rob Stephens with artist Brad Blaze – he painted the picture of Rob Stephens which was auctioned off to raise money for the Streaky Bay Jetty Pool.

• Karoonda Council mayor Kevin Burdett.

• Mid-Murray Council Dave Burgess

• Coorong District Council mayor Roger Strother.

• Port Pirie Mayor Brenton Vanstone.

• Tatiara District Council mayor Richard Vickery.

• Kingston District Council mayor Evan Flint.

• Northern Areas Council mayor Denis Clark.

Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Erika Vickery: “Reviewing the past year in an economic sense, the development data shows that we have had 191 applications with a value of about $15.5 million (168, value $8 million last year). These figures show a trend against the state rural trend where we have had an increase and the state has a decrease. 

“Businesses are having a tough time with the global economic trend taking effect here, however there have been many positives over the last year. The formation of a retail stimulus group has meant retailers working together and implementing new ideas to bring increased business to Naracoorte (the Thursday night trading nights with some increased advertising). 

“Although a few business have closed we have also had  some new businesses and new expansions or renovations, as well as some new buildings. Naracoorte is ideally situated at the heart of the Limestone Coast as the service and retail hub for our very important surrounding primary production and the future looks prosperous for next year and beyond.”

Karoonda Council mayor Kevin Burdett: “Good seasons for grain growers and sheep producers will continue to be important. Agriculture is going to be the most important breadwinner for our community and a good cropping season is always needed.

“The Murray Zircon mineral sand mine at Mindarie is about to start production – let it be successful, useful. It has the potential for local employment.

“Clearly, we’re going to be progressing with the next six kilometre sealing program to Bow Hill and council will continue to progress the main street landscaping program.

“There is a positive air. In the main, taking into account frost and dry finish, the yields for grain farmers have been better than anticipated. Let’s hope it continues.”

District Council of Ceduna Mayor Allan Suter: “It was wise of council to restrict the rate rise increase, as it helped local businesses and people to battle through the tough economy over the past six months.

“I am also optimistic about the Liberal Party’s commitment to revisit the Marine Parks boundary zones, as in its current state it will be damaging to rural South Australia.”

“In 2013, we are hoping to be successful in acquiring funding for the Fish Unloading facility and Port of Thevenard projects, which will give the town a boost and also help the local economy. Council is putting a lot of work into it.”

District Council of Streaky Bay Rob Stephens: “Some of the big things to happen in the district this year include the opening of the school extensions at Streaky Bay Area School, the commencement of the Sports Complex project from the RDA grant we received,10 kilometres of bitumen being laid down along Sceale Bay Road and the establishment of the $560,000 administration block at Streaky Bay Hospital.”

“We are looking at more project completions in 2013, including upgrades of Well Street and the sporting complex, the jetty pool will be all new in 2013 and the Coastal Better Development Plan is expected to be completed in 2013.”

City of Victor Harbor city manager Graeme Maxwell: “With the Regional Aquatic Centre, hopefully the design, public consultation and funding will be progressed in 2013 to help us towards our target of construction on 2014/15.

“We are on track to deliver a redevelopment of Flinders Parade, between Coral Street and the Causeway, in the first half of 2013.Major storm water projects in Grantley Avenue and Torrens Street will be completed early to mid 2013.

“We hope to facilitate some opportunities for industry and primary producers to take advantage of solar energy. We will be working hard to ensure that Victor Harbor gets the best possible outcome from the National Broadband Network roll-out.

“The National Coastal Councils Conference in Victor Harbor in March 2013 will bring, potentially, 150 delegates. This will be a great opportunity to showcase our community.”

Mid-Murray Council Dave Burgess: “We’ll be continuing our waste management program, building the cell out at Cambrai which is a state-of-the-art piece of infrastructure. We have storm water damage to catch up on from the wash out at Johnson Hill in Mannum.

“Our road re-sheeting program will continue. We have some 6000 kilometres to keep on top of.

“We have the upgrading of the main street in Truro. We’ve already done the undergrounding of the power so now we have landscaping and beautifying to focus on.

“The rebuilding of the PS Cannally paddle steamer is a long-term project and the Morgan river front project will also continue.”

Whyalla City Council mayor Jim Pollock: “During the year ahead, I look forward to completion of the Waterproofing Whyalla project, further development improvements at the foreshore and refurbishment works at the Whyalla leisure centre. 

“In particular, council’s strong commitment to increasing capital expenditure on renewal and refurbishment of existing assets will continue. While we still have much to achieve in the ongoing development of Whyalla, I certainly look towards 2013 with renewed enthusiasm and, as always, being fiercely proud of our city and its people.”

Alexandrina Council mayor Kym McHugh: “During 2012 we engaged our community throughout the development of the Alexandrina Connecting Communities 2014-2023 Community Strategic Plan which sets Council’s strategic direction for the coming decade. 

“We look forward to working closely with our neighbouring councils on a number of key projects over the coming 12 months, particularly the new Regional Aquatic Centre. We’ll also be continuing our promotion of the Fleurieu Peninsula as a major tourist destination.”

Rural City of Murray Bridge mayor Allan Arbon: “One of our big things is the main street refurbishment. We have to make decision there on what we want for parking and street-scaping and so on. 

“One of the ongoing things will be [the sealing of] Ferries McDonald Road – that will be going for a couple of years yet. We’ll need to find a new place to hold the Christmas carols because the racing club will be moving out to their new site [at Gifford Hill].

“The other major one for us is the grant we’ve got for stormwater recycling and reuse. That’s one of our big plans for next year. It will be a major one because we’ve got this [$7.1 million] grant from the Federal Government so we want to see that one get going too.” 

Coorong District Council mayor Roger Strother: “Seeing the Murray Darling Basin Plan implemented is probably at the top of the list and making sure that that continues to be put in place.

“We’ve also got three or four projects in the pipeline and we’d like to see the Tailem Bend Motorsport Park continue to be developed. We’re applying for a couple of grants under the Regional Development Australia Fund – one is for the $2 million interpretative centre at Meningie and we’re hoping for a successful outcome.

“In round three [of RDAF grants] we’re applying for funding for Dickson Reserve at Tailem Bend to upgrade the grounds there for the rowing club. The other big one is the new [council] office at Tailem Bend. At the moment we’re working through a restructure and that’s going to be a big challenge to implement over the next 12 months.”

Kangaroo Island mayor Jayne Bates: “I’m looking forward to a bumper season for both our farmers and our tourist operators and a summer free of fires.

“This coming year will see the delivery of the solar project at the airport and the delivery of the next $2 million upgrade of our road network and I’m looking forward to seeing the community achieve great things though the Council Community Grant Scheme.

“Work will continue in the areas on which the council, the community and the Kangaroo Island Futures Authroity are focusing, such as airport upgrades, education delivery, energy provision, branding and business development to name a few. There is lots to look forward to and much to aim for.”

Tumby Bay mayor Laurie Collins: “We will be focussing on our new structure plan which will be the generator for action plans, such as a storm water management plan which we do not currently have, for our community. It’s one of the most important documents we have to get done.

“Our present CEO is leaving us in March so we’ll be focussed on a replacement to keep these projects getting ahead.

“We anticipate Tumby Bay will be heavily impacted by proposed mining activity and two proposed deep-sea ports in the Spencer Gulf.”

Cleve District Council mayor Roger Nield: “I look forward to the Cleve District Council looking at the needs of the community and investing in infrastructure for our district, including maintenance for our roads which is quite important for our community, however, this won’t be at the sacrifice of other other elements in our town.”

“As a township, we have received such positive comments about how tidy and pretty Cleve is and this will continue to be a focus for the council, as well as making the district as whole appealing to visitors.”

“Getting funding is an ongoing struggle for council but we will continue to keep the pressure on the necessary departments to maintain grants for our region. I hope that next year will be bigger and brighter for us all.”

Port Pirie mayor Brenton Vanstone: “The city’s employment ranks will swell with 300 to 400 jobs during the construction phase of the Nyrstar smelter redevelopment.

“I want to reinforce that life has real meaning and purpose. The road to success is never easy. May you value faith, family and fellowship and surround yourself with people who see your intrinsic value and encourage you to achieve the dreams that you aspire to.”

Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council mayor Allan Aughey: “I’m looking foward to a great vintage with Clare Valley Riesling continuing to grow in popularity.

“A productive and harmonious working relationship between council and the town development committees will be crucial, as they serve as a vital conduit between Council and the 13 villages towns and settlements that comprise the Clare Gilbert Valleys Council area.

“Also on the agenda is the finalisation of the leasing out of the Clare Valley Visitor Information Centre operations, completion of the flood reconstruction and recovery program, the opening of the Clare Valley Aerodrome, restoration of the Rattler Trail and funding for the development of the Hutt River Linear Park/Trail.”

Tatiara District Council mayor Richard Vickery: “We set priorities in our long-term strategic plan and financial plan and each year the subset of that is adopting our annual business plan which essentially tells us what our budget is for the forthcoming year and essentially what we will be doing.” 

“Obviously with the international economy’s high degrees of uncertainty – while we are cautiously optimistic about this region’s economy and productivity – it’s set in the context that as an export-based region, our district is challenged by the high Australian dollar and the high cost structures that are inherent in the current Australian economy.

“So in that setting, we need to keep attempting to grow our own regional and district economies and that means continue to advocate on behalf of industries, business and community groups to make the Tatiara a sustainable and successful region.

“The Keith sports complex will be completed in 2013. It is an outstanding example of community determination, backed by council and the state and ultimately the federal government coming on board, to give us a facility to serve the Keith and district for a long time to come.”

District Council of Peterborough Ruth Whittle: ”Council is investigating a Community Waste Water Management Scheme and it’s about to go to public consultation. We are also investigating a skate park for youth and this is open to consultation. A bike and walking trail for the town is also being considered. 

“At the latest council meeting, we signed off on a deal with Unity Housing to build six houses for workers. The concept is to create houses in low socio-economic areas and they will be built by July, 2014.

“I would like to wish everyone the best that is possible for 2013 and hope that all three tiers of government collaborate, think locally and nationally and make this lucky country of ours the clever country.”

Northern Areas Council mayor Denis Clark: “I want to look positively to the future by working with all elected members and council staff to achieve our goals. I very much value the input of all the council staff. I would aim to spend ratepayers’ money wisely to provide the services they require

“Next year, we will do an asset management plan which assesses all the roads to give us an indication of where we’re at. That is probably a pretty big thing as far as council is concerned.

“Instead of ad hoc re-sheeting, all our roads will be assessed with a life expectancy rating. Jamestown swimming pool will be upgraded and Spalding is investigating options to redevelop facilities at the oval.”

Kingston District Council mayor Evan Flint: “Cape Jaffa will be a focus area for the coastal council who will look at spending $80,000 on erecting a new shelter, barbecue area and installing the toilet block removed from the Kingston Town Hall.

“Works out at the Cape had been a bit slow as we were still waiting on plans. The focus this new year will be to try and kick start the Cape Jaffa Anchorage along.”

“We will look at rural and town roads and the general items that come up on the council agenda throughout the business year. Council will also be upgrading and replacing public toilets in the township. Up to $100,000 will be spent on fixing the Kingston Jetty, with pylons in need of replacing.

“Council looks forward to the year head and hopes it is a good one for everyone. It’ll all be steady as she goes.”

When people consider the prospect of a bronze statue of a lifeguard to be placed south of the lifeguard tower on Abbott Street, former District 2 City Councilman Byron Wear knows what some people are thinking: here comes the Cardiff Kook, Ocean Beach style.

A lot of people said the Kook looked dorky for its flailing arms and lots of other reasons when it was erected off Highway 101 in 2007 with the title “Magic Carpet Ride,” and the San Diego Architectural Foundation subsequently dinged it with its dubious Onion award. There’s even an entire website that celebrates the pranksters who regularly depict the de-fenseless statue as Zorro, Uncle Sam or even a shark’s meal.

No biggie. Let OB be OB, said Wear, who served two terms on the San Diego City Council from 1995 to 2002, and served the city as a lifeguard lieutenant before that.

“If someone wants to put a hat or Hawaiian lei on him, whatever. That’s OB,” said Wear, who addressed the Ocean Beach Planning Board in support of the project at the board’s Dec. 5 meeting.

The statue, now nearly halfway toward reaching its $38,000 fundraising goal, will become another reason to find the community charming, he said.

“I think that’s art. That’s the way people will interact to it. You’re permitting people to be a part of it,” Wear said.

There will be telling differences between the lifeguard statue and his kooky colleague up the coast, Wear said. The Kook is 16 feet tall. The lifeguard will be life-size and eye level. While the Kook’s charm leans toward the campy, the lifeguard will be serious and thoughtful — more reminiscent of statues in Balboa Park that depict Kate Sessions and Alonzo Horton. The statue will face the ocean with a look of duty and purpose, Wear said.

As he spoke, Wear clutched a copy of “The Lifeguards” by Robert Baxley, an Ocean Beach surfer and lifeguard in the 1950s who went on to practice law and serve as a judge on the San Diego Superior Court. The book explains how San Diego’s Lifeguard Services began in the wake of a 1918 incident in which an Ocean Beach rip current claimed the lives of 13 Army servicemen.

“One of his (Baxley’s) visions was to honor the lifeguards and memorialize this tragedy,” Wear said.

Richard Arnold, who grew up in Ocean Beach and designed the Pointer mascot for Point Loma High School, has been commissioned for the artwork. The San Diego Arts and Cultural Commission will meet next month to consider the final design. The inspiration for the sculpture, Wear said, is the late Raymond “Skeeter” Malcolm, a lifeguard, diver and junior high school principal.

The San Diego Lifesaving Association is funding the sculpture and envisions a larger project to include landscaping and improved access that redirects pedestrians away from lifeguard vehicles — a site of many near accidents, Wear said.

OTHER OBPB NOTES

• The ship that serves coffee is sailing away. Pirate Cove coffee, a long-time fixture in the Apple Tree supermarket parking lot on Bacon Street, has to pull up its anchor when Apple Tree closes at the end of the year, owner Robert Domczyk told the board. The new location will be a parking lot in the 4900 block of Santa Monica Avenue on the east side of James Gang Printing, he said. It’ll be a new cart — the iconic ship won’t make the voyage because it lacks the number of required sinks, Domczyk said.

• Presidential campaigning may have ended last month, but preparations are under way for community elections on March 12. As usual, seven positions for two-year terms on the OBPB will appear on the ballot, but there may be a little more at stake this time around. To make elections more accessible and relevant, the board is considering the addition of advisory propositions or community referendums, as well as ways to increase voter turnout, like Internet and absentee balloting. The board will hash out these ideas when it next meets Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Ocean Beach Recreation Center, 4726 Santa Monica Ave.

• Kevin Faulconer, who represents Ocean Beach and the rest of District 2 on the City Council, agrees with the OBPB that no more variances should be granted that allow property owners to build homes that exceed square-footage limits called for in city code. The board had appealed a city decision to allow a property owner in the 5100 block of West Point Loma Boulevard to build a three-story home larger than would have been allowed without the variance. The OBPB had unsuccessfully appealed three other projects in the block, which is dominated by a string of one-story duplexes. Faulconer was prepared to make a motion in support of the appeal, which was heard by the council Dec. 4, but allowed the applicant to withdraw the application.

“The zoning requirements … are what gives us the unique character of Ocean Beach,” Faulconer said in a statement read by his aide, Mike Patton. “…[T]he elected members of the Ocean Beach Planning Board oppose this development, and I stand behind them to preserve the unique character of OB.”

Said Jane Gawronski, OBPB chairwoman who presented the appeal before the City Council: “I think it’s the first time they’ve ever listened to us (on the issue).”

By 

The Columbus Dispatch

Tuesday December 25, 2012 5:44 AM

Finding a new spot for COTA to turn around its N. High Street buses in Clintonville wasn’t easy.

But after several years, several fights and a couple of million dollars, the project is
nearly finished. COTA is completing work on the new turnaround site at N. High Street and Westview
Avenue. It is to open on Jan. 7.

COTA spent $1.2 million to acquire the property and estimates that the final cost of
construction and improvements will be about $1 million, according to spokesman Marty Stutz. The
problem started when the owner of Graceland told COTA that the redeveloped shopping center could no
longer accommodate its buses. COTA began looking for land.

Michael Bradley, the director of capital projects and planning for the transit authority,
said there were “challenges with the community” early in the planning. That’s an understatement.

COTA was in contract in July 2010 to buy a small strip mall at the southeastern corner of
Kanawha and High streets for $1.1 million. That would have displaced several small businesses. Area
officials and residents were outraged and told COTA so.

So the transit agency kept looking for property that was suitable for its needs and OK with
neighbors.

Eventually, all sides agreed on a vacant used-car lot near the Sharon Heights neighborhood.
Bradley said COTA and the community had a “good partnership” in planning the turnaround there.

D Searcy, Sharon Heights’ representative for the Clintonville Area Commission, agreed.

“They brought up several different ideas and plans, and they kept the community informed
about how they were moving forward,” Searcy said. This made community members more “self-invested
in what the end product is now,” she said.

Blair Staravecka, the manager of the Iron Grill BBQ and Brew, which is next to the new
turnaround, said COTA has a good relationship with the restaurant.

“Before, (the lot) didn’t look very good, and now it’s nice with the trees, and it’s nice and
clean, so I hope we’re going to have more business from that,” she said.

The turnaround is not a stop for passengers but a location for drivers to rest at the end of the
route, Bradley said. The site includes a driveway for buses, a small restroom facility for drivers,
and plenty of landscaping.

Searcy said she joked early in the planning that the community wanted a “ world-class bus
turnaround.” She said COTA “has really stepped up.”

Buses from the No. 2 route on N. High Street, the No. 4 route on Indianola Avenue and the
cross-town No. 95 route will use the location. Bradley said generally two or three buses at a time
will use the turnaround, but it can accommodate eight.

COTA will wait until spring to hold a grand opening to “show the community what it really can
look like,” Bradley said.“It looks nice. Let’s see how it operates,” Searcy said.