Minutes - Planning Commission - 11/01/2018

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Commission Business Commissioner Anderson expressed concerns with the proposed 24-foot-wide road within the new development. He noted the City's standard roadway width was 28 feet and he would like to see the applicant make a change to comply with this requirement. He asked if houses 5 through 10 could be flipped to have the backyards facing each other. He stated he did not like the fact that one of the lots would have three streets around it. Mark Strandland, 1696 229th Avenue NE in East Bethel, reported the original plat had Potassium Street at 24 feet. He indicated if the roadway width were to change,the development would have an increased impact on the wetlands. In addition, the cost share for this roadway would increase. He commented he was not interested in flipping the street adjacent to lots 5 through 10 as these lots currently had a full walk-out basement. He described the location of the proposed retaining walls noting the homes would be less visually impactful if the plans were to remain as is given the topography of the land. He noted landscaping would be added near the retaining wall to assist with screening. Commissioner Anderson encouraged the applicant to work with City staff to bring the street up to City Code requirements. Mr. Strandland stated he would speak with the City Engineer to try and make something work but anticipated an increase in the roadway width would have a negative impact on the surrounding wetlands. Commissioner VanScoy asked what type of landscaping was being proposed for the top of the retaining walls. Ms. Strandland reported there would be shrubs and pine trees. Patrick Hampton, 15551 Potassium Street NW, explained he lived across the street from the proposed development. He expressed frustration that he did not receive a notice from the City regarding this Planning Case. He questioned who would be responsible for paying for the upgrades to Potassium Street. He reported he spent close to $30,000 in attorney's fees 12 years ago to ensure his land would remain as is. He stated he did not want to lose any more of his land and was not in favor of paying excessive roadway assessments. Chairperson Bauer asked if the City would be seeking additional land from adjacent landowners if Potassium Street were to increase its width to 28 feet. Community Development Director Gladhill reported the additional width would have to come from the applicant. He explained no assessments were being proposed at this time. He noted the project would be cost-shared between the City and the developer. June Hampton, 15551 Potassium Street NW, explained 12 years ago she was forced to prove that she owned the road, which her husband put in. She encouraged the City to not reopen old Planning Commission/November 1,2018 Page 7 of 12