Agenda - Council - 05/26/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Councilmember Musgrove referenced the comment made by a resident that density ranges from denser in The COR and then moves towards wider lots as you go out from there. She stated that she would also support 80-foot lots. Commissioner VanScoy asked if Councilmember Musgrove is speaking as a member of the Council or whether that is her personal opinion. Councilmember Musgrove stated that is her personal opinion. She stated that the Council has had recent discussion related to housing and density. She stated that her comment was not meant to sway the Commission but felt that was an important comment made by the residents. Commissioner VanScoy echoed the comment that there was a lot of intent in developing the draft Comprehensive Plan and zoning in order to support a transition in zoning. He stated that he would support the 80-foot lot size and would not support smaller lot sizes on the property. Commissioner Gengler stated that she is open to smaller lots sizes in the development. She understands the intent of the zoning but feels like there have been some changes to what consumers desire in the housing market. She stated that it does not seem that 80-foot lots are as popular as they once may have been. She stated that she understands the idea of changing a neighborhood is scary and therefore would support the idea of surveying residents to gather additional input and clarify some misunderstanding that may exist. She stated that perhaps the 55 lots against Variolite would be an issue and would encourage 80-foot lots and buffering in that area. Commissioner Peters stated that he lives in Brookfield, noting that the previously existing homeowners' association has been disestablished. He stated that he has lived in a range of housing products and in different areas and therefore has a wide understanding of different living arrangements. He commented that some people desire different things. He stated that sometimes an 80-foot lot is more than some people can handle and maintain. He commented that you are not able to pick your neighbors and sometimes smaller lots are easier for some to maintain in a well - kept manner. He stated that perhaps a single parent desires a smaller lot with less maintenance. Commissioner Woestehoff stated that he finds himself in a position of compromise quite a bit and supports the element of affordable housing. He stated that the more different the people around you are, the better person you ultimately become. He stated that to say that a home valued at $350,000 is low income housing is absurd and it is helpful to have variety in housing. He commented that he does not believe that an R-2 zoning would be appropriate but would continue to support R-1 zoning. He commented that he wants to see the park and other elements remain. He stated that he would love to see a compromise to bring diversity to the development. Chairperson Bauer clarified that R-1 villas would support 65-foot lots, rather than the 55-foot lots supported by R-2. Commissioner Woestehoff encouraged the Commission to remember that a lot of time has been spent on this case and he would encourage a decision rather than tabling. Planning Commission/ May 7, 2020 Page 14 of 21