The most significant difference between I-2 zoning and S-W zoning is that I-2 is more <br />restricted to industrial and related uses. S-W is one of the least restrictive zones. The <br />site, at its most vibrant (when occupied by Chef Francisco), was a great example of the <br />paragraph quoted: A food processing plant, a retail paint store, a roughly even <br />distribution of apartments, duplexes, and single family houses all sharing a <br />geographically-constrained corner of town, bounded one side by a major railroad. <br />There is not a lot of I-2 zoned land in Whiteaker, and little of it is undeveloped or under- <br />developed and it is home to many of our favorite businesses (Hop Valley, Joe's Garage, <br />Grain Millers, Grizzlies, etc.). There is, however, quite a bit of S-W that is fully <br />developed or significantly underdeveloped. Case in point is the land which has been for <br />sale for some time at 2nd and Van Buren. This demonstrates that I-2 is a vibrant, <br />cherished zone in this neighborhood and contributes significantly to its character and <br />identity. <br />The current mix of commercial, industrial, and various densities of Whiteaker has been <br />its hallmark for as long as I've lived here, and is much of what we love about the <br />neighborhood. I'm not opposed to this project due to that concern, but I wish that staff <br />had pointed out that industrial uses may be at risk if this type of change extends much <br />farther. The remaining I-2 zoned land in the neighborhood is now relatively small, and I <br />contend would be at the minimum acceptable level that supports the desired <br />neighborhood diversity if this proposal is approved. <br />Summary <br />This site has potential for a truly wonderful development. I'm sure that the owner will be <br />able to work with the neighbors to find a way to do this. We left the neighborhood <br />informational meeting with positive feelings, and those remain in place. <br />respectfully, <br />Fred Tepfer <br />