City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date: June 1, 2004

Item No.:         5

Recommendation:  That the Council not adopt Ordinance No. 2306 approving a rezoning of the property at 8750 S. Howell Avenue from B-3, Office and Professional Business to B-4, Highway Business.

Background: Yum Brands, Inc. is requesting that the property at 8750 S. Howell Avenue be rezoned from B-3, Office and Professional Business to B-4, Highway Business as part of a proposal to develop a combination Taco Bell/Long John Silvers restaurant at that location.  This site, adjacent to the recently constructed St. Francis Bank, was formerly occupied by the post office, which has since relocated to larger facilities on Centennial Drive.

The proposed rezoning is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan for the area, which calls for planned mixed use.  However staff is concerned about the logistical and aesthetic challenges a drive-through restaurant presents in this location.  If the zoning is approved, there should be very careful consideration of the site and architectural plans to ensure that this development does not adversely impact the traffic within that retail development and that the building is complimentary to that of the existing and proposed development within the City Center district.

The Plan Commission has reviewed this proposal, and has recommended against its approval (see attached minutes).

Fiscal Impact:  There are no outstanding assessments on this property.  Commercial development of these properties would have a positive fiscal impact.

Prepared by:	Fiscal Review by:
Doug Seymour, AICP Director of Community Development	Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk