2012-51 PCDP - PD Auginaldo rezone

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Communication No. 2012-51 Draft/Dtaylor Letter for Planning Director from AC: RE Aguinaldo4 re-zone application Memorandum Date: November 21, 2012 To: Planning Director, through PCDP Program Manager From: Dan Taylor, Chair, PCDP AC Subject: Change of zone Application No. (REZ 12-000159) Applicant: Aguinaldo 4, LLC Request: RS-10 to CV-20 TMK: 1-5-003:037 A subcommittee of the AC, consisting of four members, is divided on our recommendation to you concerning subject change of zone application. We are pleased to collaborate with the Pahoa Regional Town Center Plan Steering Committee, whose counsel we respect highly, and whose recommendation bears resemblance to ours. If only technical planning issues are considered, our decision would unequivocally be to deny the application. The application by Anguinaldo4 proposes to change land use zone designation from residential (RS-10) to Commercial (CV-20.) Aguinaldo proposes to develop a medical facility on 1.5 acres, on a parcel with a long history of family ownership. We would have no problem with this if the parcel were not at the intersection of two main roads, State Highway 130 and Country Road 132. Planning Department protocols and the Puna Community Development Plan, intend to avoid enabling commercial development next to highway corridors, and especially makai-side development along Highway 130. To approve this application would establish a precedent for exceptions, and might set in motion an uncomfortable series of similar applications, leading to endless conflict among community planners, developers, and Planning Department officials. Other reasons to deny the Aguinaldo4 application recognize a rather awkward traffic flow configuration for persons seeking access to and egress from the proposed facility, a business plan that fails to consider the design strategy of the emerging Pahoa Regional Town Center Plan, a significant lack of infrastructure for a medical facility, and an irrational assessment of the suitability of the designated property for commercial zoning. All members the Action Committee, as well as those of the PRTCP Steering Committee, laud Mr Aguinaldo for his vision for a medical center as a legacy of his family’s devotion to Pahoa Town, as well as his passion for the future of his home town. There are many reasons to encourage the development of a medical center, especially one that is initiated by a prominent and successful citizen who has roots in Pahoa Town. We encourage Mr Aguinaldo to seek an alternative site in Pahoa, where a medical facility might be more appropriate, and where it might prosper and grow. We ardently hope County and State officials would facilitate such an alternative. Sincerely, Dan Taylor, Chair, PCDP Action Committee