05-17-2012, 09:16 AM
Reply to Rob's comment up the topic.
Yes, I agree that a Design District sounds like a much better fit than what was done in Mendocino (which is not Williamsburg either). They went with "Historic Preservation District" listed on the national register, and I think that was overkill and did contribute to stifling individual character. I am pro individual character and expression.
The part I approved of was keeping out the ugly strip malls and fast food joints that could be Anywhere America. If that sort of chain business comes to the main Pahoa Village, it will kill the charm and the quirkiness. How to keep it in Woodland Center and not let it creep into the heart? Does current commercial zoning help preserve Pahoa's independent spirit? Wouldn't some limitations be desirable?
North of Mendocino, in Fort Bragg, I remember when a national fast food chain wanted in, I'm thinking it was Burger King. There had been nothing like that even when I moved there. (There was an OLD and very low key A&W and a Purple Pup).
Fort Bragg was not a historical preservation district, but they did insist that BK build in the local style (not fake historic as Obie assumed I meant, rather similar to typical local NEW construction in the area). It didn't hurt BK's business at all, and it averted a big eyesore in the town.
To me it seems a shame for Pahoa to start rezoning into 48-use zoning while a design district plan is in process. Rezoning is not a property right, is it? The property's actual rights are those that pertain to the zoning it currently holds, are they not? It seems that the owners aren't interested in utilizing the rights they already have, the rights that came with the property when they bought it.
I am not saying rezoning is bad per se, not at all. I just don't see what is bad about scrutinizing such an application and weighing the possible outcome for the Village.
Yes, I agree that a Design District sounds like a much better fit than what was done in Mendocino (which is not Williamsburg either). They went with "Historic Preservation District" listed on the national register, and I think that was overkill and did contribute to stifling individual character. I am pro individual character and expression.
The part I approved of was keeping out the ugly strip malls and fast food joints that could be Anywhere America. If that sort of chain business comes to the main Pahoa Village, it will kill the charm and the quirkiness. How to keep it in Woodland Center and not let it creep into the heart? Does current commercial zoning help preserve Pahoa's independent spirit? Wouldn't some limitations be desirable?
North of Mendocino, in Fort Bragg, I remember when a national fast food chain wanted in, I'm thinking it was Burger King. There had been nothing like that even when I moved there. (There was an OLD and very low key A&W and a Purple Pup).
Fort Bragg was not a historical preservation district, but they did insist that BK build in the local style (not fake historic as Obie assumed I meant, rather similar to typical local NEW construction in the area). It didn't hurt BK's business at all, and it averted a big eyesore in the town.
To me it seems a shame for Pahoa to start rezoning into 48-use zoning while a design district plan is in process. Rezoning is not a property right, is it? The property's actual rights are those that pertain to the zoning it currently holds, are they not? It seems that the owners aren't interested in utilizing the rights they already have, the rights that came with the property when they bought it.
I am not saying rezoning is bad per se, not at all. I just don't see what is bad about scrutinizing such an application and weighing the possible outcome for the Village.