Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 11/13/2017

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and the Developer must demonstrate a compelling reason to approve the change. This results in a higher standard of review compared to projects that meet all minimum standards of their respective zoning district. Finally, since the concept has changed significantly from the original proposal when the current set of public comments were received, Staff has removed these comments from the agenda packet and is re -setting the public hearing and public comment period. Citizen Input Chairperson Bauer commended the neighbors and developer for working together on this proposal. Commissioner VanScoy asked if the greenway could be marked on the site plan. Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the location of greenway on the site plan with the Commission noting it would continue to the south and east. Further discussion ensued regarding the trail within the proposed project and surrounding area. It was noted no dead-end trail segments would be created. Commissioner Brauer questioned how many lots could be within this development if the developer followed the R-1 zoning requirements. Community Development Director Gladhill stated this would be approximately 70 lots. Commissioner Surma inquired if the proposed project layout was more acceptable to the adjacent homeowners than was previously discussed. Community Development Director Gladhill commented he did not want to speak for the adjacent homeowners. He encouraged the Commission to take comments from the public. He stated it was his understanding that the neighbors have reached a compromise with the developer. Commissioner Surma asked if the developer supported the proposed project design. Community Development Director Gladhill reported the developer did not support this design. Allen Roessler, Paxmar, thanked staff for the thorough presentation. He reviewed the steps that he had gone through to date and commented on how the project plans have changed from 150 units down to 97. He believed the trail corridor and landscape buffer was addressing the neighbors' concerns. He explained that if the project were only 70 units within the development, he would not be pursuing the project as it was not economically feasible. Commissioner VanScoy requested further information regarding the landscaping buffer. Mr. Roessler commented on the proposed landscaping berm and noted the property owner was proposing to donate the greenway to the City. Commissioner Nosan asked if the properties on the north side would have a transition space.