Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	City Commission
FROM:	Planning Staff
CC:	David L. Corliss, City Manager Cynthia Wagner, Assistant City Manager Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager Jonathan Douglass, City Clerk Scott McCullough, Director Applicant Representative – Tim Herndon, Landplan Engineering
Date:	For September 7, 2010 City Commission Agenda
RE:	Extension request for FDP-01-02-07 - Final Development Plan for Miracon Plaza - Phase 1 located at NE corner of Clinton Parkway & Wakarusa Drive

The Planning Commission originally approved the Final Development Plan for Miracon Plaza – Phase 1 on February 26, 2007.  The plan proposes the construction of a two-story retail/office/bank building containing approximately 8,000 square feet and associated site improvements.  A copy of the approved plan is attached.  On August 25, 2008, the Planning Commission granted approval of a 24 month extension to provide the applicant time to finalize tenant negotiations.

Since that time, the City Commission has amended the Land Development Code to standardize approval timeframes and extension processes for development issues.  All extensions for site plans and development plans are now considered by the City Commission and a 24 month extension time period is permitted for good cause. 

The applicant’s representative has submitted the attached letter outlining the economic issues that have impacted the commencement of this project and the owner’s concerns for additional time and resources that would be required to re-apply for development approvals.  The request was received in a timely manner and notice letters have been sent to property owners within 200’ as required in Section 20-1304(e)(vii).

This request is similar to several others the Commission has considered in the past year as development projects have slowed due to the current economic conditions.

Recommendation:

Approve a 24 month extension for FDP-01-02-07 - Final Development Plan for Miracon Plaza - Phase 1 effective until August 26, 2012.  If a building permit is not issued by this date or another extension granted, the FDP would be void and a new plan would need to be submitted in accordance with the current Land Development Code.