Should city look anew at building heights?

At the Dec. 29, 2011, special council meeting, an ordinance that changes our residential codes was passed by council.

During the debate I, and Councilman John Reuter voted against several key changes to the ordinance — namely heights of buildings in those zones and neighborhood eateries. Needless to say, we were in the minority and lost those debates.

I went ahead and voted for the amended ordinance; the vote was unanimous. After I got home, I agonized over this ordinance because I believe the heights approved and the insertion of neighborhood eateries into these areas is inappropriate.

I feel so strongly about these issues that I wish I had voted against the entire ordinance.

The following day I contacted our city attorney to inquire of the mechanism to change my vote: I would have to ask the new council to approve a reconsideration and go forward from there. I am choosing not to go that direction. (I also think it is hugely unfair to a new council to be placed in such a position right off the bat.)

What I plan to do instead is bring forward to the Administrative Committee within the next six months a modification to that ordinance which will address these issues.

In general, I support reduced height from what was approved and an overlay zone for neighborhood eateries. I encourage anyone concerned about these issues to contact me and help in the effort.

CARRIE LOGAN

Sandpoint