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Principal Planner Trudgeon asked if the Commission would be in favor of the plan if the density <br />were 3.9 structures per acre rather than 4.4 as proposed. <br /> <br />Chairperson Nixt indicated he would love it if that were the case. <br /> <br />Principal Planner Trudgeon stated that if the City wants this kind of development, they have to <br />consider making some concessions. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson reiterated that he needs a compelling argument to agree. <br /> <br />Mr. Kangas stated that New Urbanism means different things to everyone. As developers it <br />means narrower lots, smaller side lots and two car garages. While that means there is no space to <br />park a boat or a trailer on the side, it also makes it more affordable. The homeowner would need <br />to make that choice, and many will. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson stated the Commission cannot throw out the ordinances for everyone <br />who says land is expensive. <br /> <br />Mr. Kangas asked if the developers were to meet the four units per acre requirement if the plan <br />would be acceptable. <br /> <br />Commissioner Brauer indicated there was still the issues of lot width and road width. He added <br />that the Commission couldn't grant variances for aesthetic reasons alone. <br /> <br />Mr. Kangas indicated the neighbors seemed opposed to the trails and asked for the Commissions <br />comments. <br /> <br />Chairperson Nixt asked for explanation of the right-of-way widths. The summary provided says <br />some will be 50 feet, while other parts of the report indicate 45 to 55 feet. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski stated the 45 to 55 feet was scaled from the sketch drawing. He knows <br />now that their intention is to have minimums of 50 feet. <br /> <br />Mr. Kangas indicated that they are requesting less than the normal 32 feet of paved area, and as <br />little as 24 feet paved on some of the private roads. This allows for parking on one side of the <br />street. He acknowledged that this slows down traffic, but stated that was the intent. <br /> <br />Chairperson Nixt asked if the developers believed that no sidewalk and smaller streets would <br />facilitate social pedestrian traffic. He questioned where kids would be able to ride their bikes. <br />Mr. Kangas responded that they believe with the open spaces provided socialization would be <br />promoted. <br /> <br />Chairperson Nixt asked if sixteen feet would provide safe passage for emergency vehicles. <br /> <br />Planning Commission/January 2, 2003 <br /> Page 5 of 10 <br /> <br /> <br />