Minutes - Planning Commission - 05/07/2020

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are more challenging because of the lot price and related increase in pricing. He used the example of the previous municipal center site which began with 80-foot lots in the first phase and changed to 65-foot lots in the second phase. Chairperson Bauer stated that within the Riverstone development the narrow lots continue to sell as quickly as they are built. He stated that he also appreciates that he does not have to shovel snow or mow grass. Commissioner Woestehoff asked if there is any estimation on the timeline or how that may have to be shifted because of COVID-19. Mr. Schmidt stated that COVID-19 has had an impact, noting that they planned to construct 700 lots this year but will probably shift that to 300. He stated that the homes are still selling,although at about half the rate as expected. He stated that they perhaps would have pushed to begin in 2020 but are now planning to begin in 2021. He noted that this would be a seven-year project for full completion. Commissioner Peters asked when the park would be constructed, that if this moves forward and the park is included. Mr. Schmidt replied that they are still early in the process so he is unsure on the phasing or when the park could be accessed. He noted that they would want the park as soon as possible as that would be a selling tool for the development. He stated that they are building a similar project in Hugo that has a City park in the middle and they worked hard to have the park constructed sooner rather than later. He stated that they are about halfway through that project and the park will open this summer. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that staff would follow the model of Riverstone, where the park is constructed as part of the early stages. Chairperson Bauer noted that a number of letters and emails were submitted prior to the meeting and have become a part of the record. He stated that several of the comments requested to keeping the lots at 2.5 acre lots but noted that the property is not zoned for 2.5 acre lots. He noted that some of the comments referenced opposition to a requested change to high density and clarified that this request is not to change the density but to change the lot size requirements. Trista Williams, 7060 168th Ln NW, stated that her biggest concern is the number of homes proposed. She stated that she has concerns with the impact to traffic and to the schools. Lonnie Gray, 17530 Nowthen Blvd NW, stated that his property is seven acres in size and was concerned with the negative impact to property values that this type of development could have. He stated that he has enjoyed the rural character of the area in the years he has lived at his home. He understood the desire for development and smaller lots sizes but did not want to see that number of homes constructed. He agreed that there would be an impact to traffic in the area. He stated that he does not want to see low income housing, as that would also impact the existing property values. Planning Commission/May 7, 2020 Page 10 of 29