Most of my thoughts were already recorded here. Although the developer’s modifications from the earlier proposal did address some of the concerns with it, I found the project to be “too big” for the site (the plan provides almost no buffer for the adjacent residential properties, and it is not even clear that the parking lot can accommodate all of the expected customers, particularly customers hauling off-road vehicles on trailers) and I have serious concerns about the traffic safety and congestion impacts of adding an entrance and exit at that location on South Illinois Avenue. Additionally, I am concerned that spot rezoning with extensive variances will create a precedent that will make it more difficult for the city to consistently enforce its zoning rules in the future.

Although the Planned Unit Development (PUD) has been approved, including that entrance and exit on South Illinois, City Council still hasn’t approved the traffic access. Before that is presented to Council, the developer needs to pay for a detailed traffic engineering plan, and that plan needs to be reviewed by the city engineer (Steve Byrd) and the city’s all-volunteer Traffic Safety Advisory Board (TSAB). Both Mr. Byrd and TSAB will submit written recommendations to the City Council.

I feel we should keep our mixed entrance as a preservation issue.

If Mr. Patel is determined to convert his Woodland property to business, let it be a bed and breakfast. I feel it is absurd to say this corridor is destined for commercial use. Those who say that haven’t traveled much.