(a) Demolition. To minimize the blighting effect of lots that remain vacant for extended periods, no demolition permit shall be issued for property within the Design Improvement Area unless evidence satisfactory to the Downtown Design Review Board has been filed demonstrating that the requested demolition is required to allow:
(1) New construction; or
(2) Improvement of the site to Village code specifications for use as surface off-street parking; or
(3) Development of a park or landscaped area approved by the Downtown Design Review Board. Work on the new construction, improvement, or park or landscaped area must begin within ninety days of application for the permit. Such evidence shall include a construction schedule and a commitment for such construction financing as may be required.
(4) Demolitions for the purpose of removing:
A. A structure that constitutes, in the judgment of the Fire Chief, an immediate threat to public health or safety; or
B. A structure the continued presence of which would, in the judgment of the Downtown Design Review Board, create a greater long-term blighting influence than a vacant lot.
(b) Nonretail Uses on Ground Floor.
(1) To preserve the strength and continuity of retailing Downtown, within the Downtown Commercial District, all uses occupying ground floor space other than retail stores, restaurants, lounges or entertainment establishments, shall be considered special review uses under this Code.No certificate of appropriateness shall be issued for such a use prior to special review use approval thereof.
(2) In reviewing such uses, the Downtown Design Review Board shall consider the impact a proposed nonretail use would have upon nearbyretail establishments, the need the nonretail use has for a ground floor location in the Downtown Commercial District and the efforts made by the property owner to attract a retail user to the space.
(c) Housing. To encourage housing for senior citizens and others in the Downtown area, high-density residential development shall be allowed as a permitteduse in the B-1 Downtown Commercial District.
(Ord. 1275. Passed 9-20-93.)