Agenda - Council - 04/09/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Riley stated that he would like to hear the impact of 12 lots compared to 14 lots. Mr. Krystofiak stated that block two needs the least amount of fill compared to the remainder of the site. He stated that there would be buffer transitioning between the homes and the existing lots. He stated that all the requirements for setbacks, sizing and transitioning would be met and therefore did not see a reason to lose lots just to lose lots. Councilmember Heinrich asked if there have been public meetings with the neighbors. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that a sketch plan review was completed, but the optional open house format has not yet been held. He confirmed that would be conducted if this moves forward. Councilmember Heinrich stated that she would be comfortable moving forward with this proposal of 14 lots to gain input from the neighbors. Mayor LeTourneau stated that when he viewed the Planning Commission meeting, he believed that there was input from residents. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that historically this neighborhood has been very active during formal review and public hearings. He noted that one comment has come forward so far in the process. He noted that the Environmental Policy Board also reviewed the sketch plan. Councilmember Riley stated that it would not appear that density transitioning would be an issue as there would simply be one home behind one home. Community Development Director Gladhill acknowledged that sometimes density transitioning is to buffer between higher density and lower density areas. He stated that in some cases there are more problems when backing up an urban service area to a rural septic area or a residential area to industrial area. Councilmember Shryock stated that she appreciates that the comments from the Boards and Commissions have been taken into account to adjust the site. She stated that perhaps the difference in the two lots (from 12 to 14) would not be significant and noted that perhaps the difference in traffic counts would be helpful for the public open house meeting. She stated that if the residents are not opposed to 14 homes, the Council should also be okay with that as well. Mayor LeTourneau stated that he shares some of the same observations of his colleagues, in that this is a challenging site that leaves itself open to multiple solutions. He noted that commercial and higher density housing could be solutions, but acknowledged that those options could help to protect the character and nature of that area. He appreciated the input from the Planning Commission and Environmental Policy Board in their reviews of the sketch plan. He stated that the density transitioning and buffering have been addressed, as recommended by the Board and Commission. He stated that he would be open to leaving this project open to 14 lots because he City Council / March 26, 2019 Page 6 of 11