Beacon's Prairie Pointe development was approved more than three years ago by both the Planning Commission and by the City Council.

The project was originally proposed at the start of the pandemic and, operating in a new world, they did not hold a public meeting as required. 

Beacon chose to hold a neighborhood meeting recently and the materials from that meeting are attached.  Beacon has made several commitments to neighbors and to the city to ensure that the development is successful for all. Beacon reached out to residents within 1,000 feet by mail and also used door hangers in the neighborhood.  The city requirement is only 500 feet.

Since the original approvals three years ago, the city has enacted a property maintenance code along with a rental housing ordinance.  The property will have to be licensed by the city and inspected annually by the city beginning three years after its original certificate of occupancy.  At any time, should the rental inspector receive complaints from renters or neighbors, they have the ability to meet with the property manager and Beacon to resolve issues.  Should those issues not be resolved, the Board of Adjustment would hear a case concerning the property's rental license per steps set forth in the city's ordinance.  There is a significant incentive for owners to resolve issues since the ordinance requires a property owner to cover any and all relocation costs for a tenant(s) should a license be revoked.

Staff has met with Beacon and all parties are aware of the need for good management of the development.  Beacon will also be meeting with its consultants to ensure that the final designs meet the recently adopted codes concerning stormwater and electrical.

Staff believes that Beacon has made efforts to communicate about the project with neighbors and even if the property were rezoned to B-1 it still could be built. In the B-1 zone, the immediate neighbors to the south could have a parking lot in their backyards.  Beacon has committed to landscaping and fencing in the original PUD approvals to provide separation between the properties.

The PUD building design exceeds current requirements in the B-1 zone.