From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2026 1:56 PM
To: Kevin Patterson <[email protected]>
Subject: Comment on Freeway Oriented Development Overlay - Item 7B CAUTION:EXTERNAL SENDER
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Mayor Lemus and City Council Members,
A few comments on the proposed Freeway Oriented Development Overlay.
In general, I think it is important to support our businesses to keep the City vibrant and financially healthy. There are various suggestions as part of the overlay that I think make sense and some I do not agree with. I agree that it makes sense to extend the overlay to Hwy 116 to give the same benefits to the businesses south of Hellman Ln.
But, I think it’s important that this overlay stay in this area near the freeway and the changes not be applied to other areas of town. The freeway adjacent area is unique and unlike other parts of town that are more pedestrian friendly and residential in nature. I would not want to see this kind of freeway adjacent development seep into other part of town.
As for the signage, in my opinion the highest value of a sign is for someone to see it as they drive along the street looking for a business they’ve already decided to go to - most likely by looking it up online. And, it is important to help customers find a business. I think it’s not as likely that someone driving on the freeway is going to randomly see a sign and decide they need to buy an item right now while they’re on the way to somewhere else. So, I support signs being visible and readable. I’m not sure how much bigger or higher they truly need to be.
In regards to the expanded land use opportunities, some of them seem incompatible with the current land uses. But I support the ability of the City to “facilitate adaptive reuse” of commercial space, as needed. I imagine that’s the intent of these changes. I do not support “Drive Through Services” that create idling and air pollution. I am generally not in favor of Formula Based Restaurants and I would be concerned what a recycling facility might be and I’d say outright no to pyrolysis.
I appreciate the Planning Commission recommendation to be conscious of unintended consequences of light pollution and blight. I think these consideration are very important. In addition, I’d add air and water pollution as consequences to watch out for.
Thank you,
Laurie-Ann Barbour