Minutes - Planning Commission - 03/02/2017

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Julie Ladean, 17330 Germanium Street, stated she was concerned with how difficult it was to access the creek in the spring and during large rain events. She believed it was a complete waste of tax dollars to construct a trail that would need constant repairs. She questioned if it was the developer’s idea to provide land to the City. She explained that the 15 acres that would be turned over to the City were not buildable and could not be used as a park. While she understood these 38 acres would eventually be built on, it was her hope that her view of the creek would be maintained and that strangers would not be walking through her property in order to get to the creek. Chairperson Bauer questioned how the width of Trott Brook varied during heavy rain events or wet springs. Ms. Ladean explained Trott Brook was normally 12 to 20 feet in width but could reach up to 500 feet in width during the spring. Len Simon, 17349 St. Francis Boulevard, stated he owns 40 acres directly west of this proposed property. He commented on the history of his property and noted he had a natural amphitheater. He explained he purchased his property to preserve the amphitheater, which required the combining of four lots. He recommended the City maintain the 2.5-acre minimum for the lots sizes to ensure septic waste does not seep from one property to another. He believed this property was a gift from God and should be preserved. Juliann Simon, 17349 St. Francis Boulevard, shared the sentiments of the others who spoke previously. She expressed concern with the amount of traffic that would have to be accessing Highway 47 from a single access point. She understood the concerns that were raised by the Fire Department and cautioned the future homeowners on this. She encouraged the City to further investigate this development prior to approval. rd Diane Weber, 5450 173 Avenue NW, stated she appreciated her secluded neighborhood and appreciated the 2.5 to 3-acre lot size minimum. She requested the City hold the proposed development to these standards. She questioned who would be using the proposed trail. She worried about the number of new wells and septic systems that would be installed given the small lot size. She asked that the neighbors be made aware if low-income housing was being constructed. Lastly, she expressed concern with the water runoff from the new development and feared how it would impact the creek and river. Chairperson Bauer discussed the approval process for this Planning Case and noted it was in proposal phase and the final approval would rest with the City Council. Mr. Simon suggested this piece of property be preserved and that a monumental act be taken. David Magnuson, 13907 Bluebird Street in Andover, stated he was interested in building in Covenant Meadows. He discussed the history of the proposed development and explained the dream was for several friends to be able to build homes and live among their friends. He loved the nature surrounding this property. He reported the land would not be clear cut or stripped. Planning Commission/March 2, 2017 Page 4 of 15