WCOM NEWS

3-14-04

Miramar businesses need to be compatible with their neighbors

MIRAMAR--New gasoline stations, repair shops, amusement centers, hotels, motels and other businesses that require a conditional-use permit might have to work harder to demonstrate they are compatible with their neighbors.

The City Commission preliminarily approved new criteria that would force applicants to, among other things, address their impact on traffic, noise and property values.

"They'll have to explain how they meet the existing criteria and the new criteria," said Harold Zombek, the city's planning manager.

The commission is expected to make a final decision on the criteria at its meeting Wednesday.

The new criteria would force applicants to show they have taken measures to minimize the effects of noise, light, dust or any other potential nuisance. They also would have to address any resulting increase in traffic along local streets. Their land area must be enough for the proposed use and their building must provide a safe entrance and exit for cars and pedestrians.

The business would have to be consistent with the existing environment and account for any potential adverse impact on property values.

The current criteria addresses issues related to public health and safety. It states a business must not pose an undue burden on police and fire services or tax city utilities and roads. It alludes to the possibility of negative visual impacts, but is not as explicit about pedestrian entrances and the possible impact on property values.

"The other criteria was too rigid," Mayor Lori Moseley said. "I always felt that I was being put in a box with that criteria. It really didn't address neighborhood compatibility and it did not give the commission enough flexibility to decide whether it was appropriate.

"I felt the applicants always had the advantage. The residents should have as much right as the people coming to build something."

Zombek said the new criteria would help protect residential areas.

(source) Sun Sentinel (Milton D. Carrero Galarza) 3-14-04