...as long as you're bringing in sales tax for the city.
The Madison City Commission faces a number of variance requests this evening, three of them having to do with construction that has already been done. The city will consider the recommendations of the planning commission, which heard these variance requests last week on October 9. A look at the minutes of the planning commission meeting (see page 12 of tonight's City Commission agenda packet) reveals an interesting pattern:
Appeal #469: Deidra Rydberg places her "Joe to Go" coffee shack business on the lot at NE 1st and Hwy 34 without approval. State Department of Transportation says business cannot use the approach to Hwy 34. Planning Commission recommends approval of variance.
Appeal #470: Brett and Stacy Pierce request permission to build garage 3' from north property line and 2' from the south property line on their residential lot. Commission expresses concern about access for firefighters. Planning Commission recommends denial of variance.
Appeal #471: Roger and Charlotte Hanson request permission to continue with residential garage project for which concrete was poured too close to property line (previously mentioned here in September Dollar General story). Planning Commission recommends denial of variance.
Appeal #472: Pride Signs, which placed Dollar General's business sign in violation of code, requests after-the-fact variance. Pride Signs rep Gale Mudder notes a number of signs on Washington Ave. in violation of same code. Planning Commission recommends approval of variance. Planning Commission proceeds to discuss City Engineer Chad Comes's recommendation that city change ordinance to accommodate business signs.
See the pattern?
Residential -- denied.
Business -- approved!
Evidently, if you just live in Madison, don't expect a break from the city, even if you ask for permission ahead of time. But if you plan to generate sales tax dollars for the city, hey! Why let little things like city ordinance and building code stand in your way? Damn the ordinances, full steam ahead! They'll change the ordinance for you later anyway.
Maybe the city should try operating the same way. Instead of dilly-dallying about actually asking the voters for permission to build a new pool*, Mayor Hexom should order the backhoes out to Westside Park today and say, "Start digging!" The democratic process and rule of law are just so inefficient.
*And don't forget: vote now in the Madville Times pool poll -- see the right sidebar. Then head to the polls tomorrow, Tuesday, October 16!
It has been said in Madison, "Build it first, ask for a variance later" as nobody seems to have the coconuts to force a property owner (business or home) to change what has already been built. The State DOT is right when they say "no" to a driveway for the java shop due to safety issues. Have you ever tried to get into Subway at noon from the north? Impossible! Same is true on the north side of the former Security Bank building. The only way it could work safely is if traffic entered from the north traveling south, and exited to the south on First Street, then enter Washington Avenue from First Street. The Family Dollar sign is just like every other community. Their signs are hanging over the sidewalks all over our state because they build first and they want to "stand out" so they push the limits. I say, push the sign back and follow our ordinance for a change.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I meant Dollar General, not Family Dollar sign. There are so many of them now, it is hard to keep track. But I get one heck of a deal on Cottonelle Bath Tissue, and now I can price shop all three stores!
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