Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/10/2003

Home

Principal Planner Trudgeon explained that at the June 5, 2003 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission reviewed a preliminary plat for this development showing 152 townhome units. He advised that after discussion, the request was tabled in order for the applicant to change the layout of some of the units and to address the City Engineer's comments. Staff also wanted to see the Traffic Generation Analysis completed before they made a recommendation. He reviewed that the property is located in the northwest corner of County Road 56 and County Road 116. The total development site consists of 51.91 acres and is zoned R-2 for townhomes. Principal Planner Trudgeon advised that the applicant has submitted revised drainage, utility, and grading plans based on City Engineering Department comments presented prior to the June 5, 2003 meeting. He noted that there are some technical corrections needed on the plan, but staff is comfortable with the Commission taking action and allowing staff to work them out prior to City Council consideration. He noted a traffic generation analysis has been completed for the development of Town Center Gardens and finds that at full build out of the development, traffic patterns will still operate at an acceptable level assuming the access improvements are done on the County roads as recommended. He indicated the traffic level of service was at B, and may go to C as a result of the development, but C is still an acceptable level. He noted that analysis assumes a right in and right out on Ramsey Boulevard, and turn lanes on Ramsey Boulevard and County Road 116. He indicated those requirements would be coming from the County. Staff is recommending approval subject to the staff letter of May 30, 2003 and revised June 23, 2003 found in the packet this evening and the City Engineer comments dated June 25, 2003. Chairperson Nixt asked if the developer has been involved in the changes and reviews. Principal Planner Trudgeon stated the developer just received the engineer's review a few moments ago, as the review was completed this afternoon. Chairperson Nixt re-opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Ms. Irene Hillesland, 7411 152nd Avenue, indicated she is not against the project, but she has some concerns. She stated there is a townhouse project on County Road 116 by Highway 47, and the whole area is in a shambles, with zero lot lines and houses jammed in, with no place for the children to go. She indicated they have problems two blocks away with houses being egged and kids running wild. She noted there is a bad traffic situation, with two people already being killed, and with this new development there will be a big backlog. She advised there is a dip in the road, and when you come up over that hill it is hard to see, and there needs to be a semaphore or something. She indicated if you add more townhomes on County Road 116 it will definitely have an impact on the traffic. She stated she is not aware of the price of these town_homes, but she does not want more three bedroom homes with five kids who have no place to go. She indicated another concern is there are a lot of trees up there, and if the developer is going to clear cut the land so there are no trees, they will have so much train noise they will not be able to stand it. She stated they need a sound barrier. Phil Dommer, Development Director for BrightKeys Development, stated that concerning the engineer's comments, most of them are just labeling needed on the plans, and they will be able to P26 Planning Commission/June 25, 2003 Page 2 of 8