The property owners at the northeast corner of 32nd Street West and Central Avenue are proposing to construct a mixed-use commercial development.  With the development of the site, they are proposing to access the site from Central Avenue and the alley off of 32nd Street West.  The Site Development Ordinance doesn't allow customer access via an alley that abuts a residential zone.  The alley in which they are proposing to use as access does abut a residential zone and the property owner is requesting a variance for this access.  City staff is in support of this variance due to the fact that it moves the access further away from the intersection of 32nd Street West and Central Avenue where traffic consistently queues.  If the variance is not granted, the property owner can still access off 32nd Street West, but would be forced to move the access closer to the intersection causing further conflicts close to the intersection.  The property owner would be required to pave the section of alley from their approach to 32nd Street West if this variance is approved.

The Council may:

• Approve the variance at 32nd Street West and Central Avenue for customer access via an alley; or
• Do not approve the variance.  The developer would still access off of 32nd Street West, however, the access would be located closer to the intersection.

There is no significant financial impact to the City for this variance.

Staff recommends Council conduct a public hearing and approve a variance for the property at the northeast corner of 32nd Street West and Central Avenue to allow customer access via an alley.