Minutes - Planning Commission - 11/03/2005

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zoning there would be 15 feet between structures, while this proposal would have a minimum of 20 feet between structures. That is the reason for the PUD request. They are trying to make the streetscape as open and green as possible with as much room between homes as possible. Chairperson Nixt stated he is troubled by the PUD, but there are clear reasons for it. He is not generally in favor of smaller lot sizes in a clearly single family neighborhood, but this area will have Alpine Drive to the north, Nowthen Boulevard to the west, a new public street to the east, and Quasi-Public use to the south. Commissioner Van Scoy inquired if the safety concerns of the adjoining neighborhoods will be addressed. Mr. Shellerud explained discussions during work sessions he attended hinged on the fact that the streets need to be hooked up for the accessibility of safety vehicles. Regarding the question about the street or driveway that comes up to City Hall at this point, they will be widening the street according to City standards almost back to the parking lot at City Hall. They are proposing a reconstruction of that road and improvement of the road base. He explained the extension of Helium Street through their development and up to Alpine Drive is an extra four feet wide so emergency vehicles can travel it with relative safety, Commissioner Shepherd inquired if there will be a recommendation made regarding the park, which was discussed previously. Chairperson Nixt replied the issue is how to protect the land if it is not developed with a Quasi- Public use, which he does not have a solution for. City Engineer Linton indicated the Park Board provided comments on this plan. One suggestion was a potential playground situated in the southeast corner of the site for the new Fire Station, adjacent to the houses. The Fire Chief was comfortable with that suggestion. The Park Board will look at this plan at their meeting next week. Staff is recommending consideration of interim solutions, possibly developing some park land on this Quasi-Public land. However, you then come up against a determination on how much to invest into what could be perceived as a temporary solution. A field could likely be established, but in this area irrigation is needed for fields to be viable through the year. The consideration is what the best purpose would be for this Quasi-Public land that could be used for a public purpose. Chairperson Nixt stated the record should reflect that the Commission recognizes Ms. nd O’Connell’s concerns about 152 Lane. He expresses his regret that what is right for the community is not necessarily what is right for Ms. O’Connell’s neighborhood. Motion by Chairperson Nixt, seconded by Commissioner Van Scoy to recommend that City Council approve the preliminary plat for The Meadow contingent upon the following: a.compliance with the City Staff Review Letter dated October 28, 2005; Planning Commission/November 3, 2005 Page 17 of 27