Minutes - Planning Commission - 04/03/2003

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road. She stated that in the interim, the trail would be signed as a future through street. The City Council reviewed staff's recommendation for the acquisition of .14 acres of Lot 1, Block 1, Autumn Meadows for public right-of-way purposes at the April 1, 2003 Council work session. She indicated from that work session, staff was directed to begin drafting an ordinance to provide the opportunity for cluster developments. Council also suggested a cluster development approach to the developer of Tiger Meadows. She stated staff met with the developer, who wants to proceed with his current plan under current ordinances. Commissioner Johnson asked for clarification on whether the City Council and staff are still interested in acquiring the land addressed in the letter. Associate Planner Wald stated it is staff's recommendation that if the developer goes forward with this plat, land should be acquired for the connection to Nutria Street. But, staff did not receive City Council approval to initiate the process. Commissioner Johnson stated it is a big step to acquire private property for someone else's development, and this would be an extraordinary move by the City. Chairperson Nixt asked if the property owner agreed to the trail. Associate Planner Wald indicated he has not. She stated he proposes a pedestrian path through the park, which would not affect his property, and would theoretically provide emergency access. Community Development Director Frolik indicated Public Works would like to see something that could eventually be converted to a public street, which could not happen through the park. She stated they were also trying to correct an issue with the 27 existing homes to the east that have only one access. Commissioner Reeve asked why the street could not be put through the park. City Engineer Jankowski stated the land has been dedicated as park, and cannot be used for roadway. Chairperson Nixt asked for comments from the audience. Mark Anderson (16960 Nutria), owner of the property in question, stated it is his contention that this service road would suffice for a short period of time. He stated in twelve years the other road into the development has not been blocked, but if it was blocked for some reason, a paved trail thru the park could be used. He indicated he is concerned with a fnll service road through the park, as there are a lot of children that use the park, and if more homes are built there will be more children, and he is concerned about their safety. He stated he bought his land because he wanted five acres, and it is a quiet, peaceful community, which is the way he and the neighbors want it. He would prefer the developer kept it quiet and safe for kids. He noted he was not in favor of cluster homes, as all the homes in the area are two and one-half to five acres, and if the City starts allowing homes on half-acre lots it will not fit. He stated he understands tighter Planning Commission/April 3, 2003 Page 6 of 14