Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/09/2020

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Comprehensive Plan and 2019 Maxfield Housing Study: Upon reading these documents it is clear that current market conditions support providing variety in price and lot size. The housing study noted how difficult it is to produce housing at an affordable price point for Ramsey residents. As stated previously, making lots with less road frontage helps to keep lot costs down, making the houses more affordable for the average person. market. Offering only 80-foot-wide lots does not provide the variety that consumers need to achieve affordable housing. Providing only 80-foot-wide lots will also dramatically increase the holding time for the developer, which will increase costs for everyone. Lots that remain unsold for longer periods of time can become an unsightly hindrance to the community and do not contribute as much to the tax base. Other current developments in the city have offered varying lot sizes and people who choose to live in the Trott Brook North development should have the same opportunity. In comp plan it is made clear how important it is to build an inclusive community; one that will be affordable and welcoming to residents with varying socioeconomic statuses, housing preferences, and ages. Planning commission and city staff comments taken from minutes: Planning Commission Recommendation (taken from the May 7, 2020 meeting minutes): Alternative 2 (Compromise Scenario): #20-08 allowing 65 and 80-foot-wide lots on the subject property and recommending the applicant keep 80-foot-wide lots and abutting existing residential homes, while putting smaller 65-foot-wide lots interior to the site to create a natural density transition. Recommend the Applicant modify the sketch plan to remove 55-foot-wide lots. This would keep the entire site standards. The Planning Commission supported this decision Staff recommendation (taken from the May 7, 2020 meeting minutes): Staff would recommend continuing a conversation about appropriate development in this area and work to see if a compromise can be reached. It is possible that a scenario exists that maintains the same number of lots allowed by code but clusters certain parts of the development to maximize Flexible lot sizes result in better use of land: A piece of land this large should be developed with creativity and flexibility to maximize the site's natural characteristics, while protecting wildlife habitat and maximizing buildable land. This can be accomplished by allowing flexibility with lot sizes. Of the proposed 200-acre Trott Brook North development only 123 acres will be used for housing. The remaining 77 acres will remain as wildlife habitat and park space. City staff recently toured the farmstead and were excited about the possibility of incorporating our historic 100-year-old barns in the proposed park plan. We could not think of a better way to preserve the rural character of Ramsey than to restore and preserve these historic barns for all of Ramsey to enjoy! Unfortunately, if a compromise on lot sizes is not reached, it is unlikely that residents will have the opportunity to enjoy this piece of history and park space.