Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/10/2003

Home

Associate Planner Wald stated that the way the Developer is proposing to satisfy the requirement is with six nodes, including a .5-acre City park parcel located at the southeast comer of the plat. Park and Recreation does not plan to develop the half acre park at this time. She stated Staff has concerns about providing an immediate connection if the park is not going to be kept up, so it was suggested they take a cash payment to provide a boardwalk connection to the park when it is developed. Chairperson Nixt reiterated that he doesn't feel that several smaller open space nodes meet the intent of "easily identifiable open space"; it feels as if they are trying to cram too much into the space. Principal Planner Trudgeon noted the other thought was that if you have too large of an open space node, no one will use it because it will be too open. He indicated smaller nodes would provide space for benches or gazebos along the trail. Commissioner Shepherd stated the two park nodes to the left seem to be against Sunfish Boulevard and sandwiched between two single-family homes. She asked how they could be used effectively. Associate Planner Wald indicated the one on Sunfish has been recommended for benches along the trail, and the one between the houses has a private street that goes to it. Chairperson Nixt stated he would want to see the public access rights for the boardwalk on the final plat. Principal Planner Trudgeon stated ~they cannot show access easements on the plat, it would have to be a separate document. Commissioner Johnson stated you can make it a public easement, and it can and should be on the plat. Commissioner Brauer stated he believes it is important the residents understand that the zoning for Alpine Acres is not changing; and it was rezoned to medium density residential as an amendment of the Comprehensive Plan in March of 2002. Mr. Fredrick asked if the Commission could change it back. Chairperson Nixt indicated once the City Council gets this application, it is too late. He stated when they receive a proposal with a proper land use, it is usually approved. He does not see any legal reason not to approve this development, as everything is within standards. He does not necessarily like it, but he does not think it makes rational sense not to approve it. Commissioner Brauer stated that unless the developer can make a case for why they went from single-family to multi-family housing, he does not see why Council would approve rezoning that area shown as Alpine Acres 2nd Addition to medium density. PlO Planning Commission/June 5, 2003 Page 10 of 23