Urban Planner's idea: partial grandfather existing businesses in DDRD

An employment research organization, has spoken to Laura Lam about a partial Grandfathering for Existing Owners of Commercial Buildings in the DDRD Expansion zone. An Urban Planner posed the question for an exemption for 10 years or until the property sells. This would give these businesses time to adjust to the new restrictions while still maintaining their older buildings without having to close their doors or move as many fear. Also, this would allow time to adapt their business model for such things as the most restrictive signage rules in the City. Many retail businesses in the zone rely on their signage which conforms to current rules to attract customers which creates jobs and helps support themselves and their employees. Without the exemption, these businesses would be unable to maintain or improve their facades in a manor that would be affordable to them. Signs that could not be able to be replaced or altered under the DDRD include Vandersalms, Top Dog, Gordon Water, J&J Glass, REO Specialists, Otto Kihm Tire, Shumakers Garage, Uhaul, Davis Auto, KSS Supply, Metro PCS, Nash Outlets, Family Dollar, Dollar General, Rentacenter and more. The plan was presented to Laura Lam on Thursday 1/29/15 but she has so far refused to add this reasonable concession to the draft that will be presented to the commissioners to vote on. The scheduled Commission Meeting on 2/2/15 was cancelled due to weather, so the vote is postponed until the next meeting. Unless the city calls a special meeting on 2/9/15 to attempt to limit the amount of opposition who will speak or could wait until the next regular meeting on 2/16/15 According to city managers office as of today, they have not made the decision to avoid claims of a public meetings violation. .