Staff reports: Apollo Middle School traffic change approved; cosmetic tattooing case tabled; new applications include Greenwood Park, Casa Loma and Zipline

During the March 3 meeting the planning staff updated the commission on recent City Council actions and new development applications.

Staff said City Council approved a recommendation regarding Apollo Middle School that allows right-turn movements onto Amherst after extensive traffic study. The staff update also noted a cosmetic-tattooing business on Alamo Drive was tabled to March 23 because the applicant did not appear.

Staff reported receiving three new applications currently targeted for the April review cycle: a residential redevelopment at Greenwood Park (a former nursing-home site on the west side of West Shore Drive), a special permit request for Casa Loma, a private school on Richardson Drive, and a special permit application from Zipline for a drone charging/operations facility planned near Collins and Campbell. Staff said the Zipline proposal would allow drones to fly in and out to deliver to retail and residential locations, and reminded commissioners the community will have additional opportunities for information and comment as those cases progress.

“Apollo Middle School did finally get approved,” a staff member said, describing the council’s unanimous action on the traffic recommendation. Staff added the zoning case the commission recommended that evening (Kid n Play) will also proceed to City Council on March 23.

Staff did not report written opposition for the items discussed. The planning department said it will work with applicants on attendance for upcoming hearings and will return updates as cases move through the review process.