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Jake Packer, relative of property owner, stated that it seems the Commission has made up its mind <br />as to the direction for the property. He stated that they submitted a letter to the Council and <br />Commissions in order to articulate their concerns. He stated that they are sympathetic to the <br />concerns expressed by residents but also believe that the concerns and rights of the landowner have <br />merit. He stated that of the 200 acres within Trott Brook North area, the Makowsky family owns <br />approximately 160 acres and has lived on the land for the past 106 years with over 40 family <br />members that have an interest in the land today. He stated that they feel as landowners that they <br />should be able to maximize the value of the land. He explained that the sale price of the land is <br />directly tied to the ability to develop the land. He stated that without flexibility, they will not <br />receive the same type of interest. He stated that the developers they have spoken with are not <br />interested in all 80 foot lots for a property that large. He stated that buyers desire a variety of <br />housing types and having a mix of lot sizes would give buyers different opportunities. <br /> <br />John Packer, relative of property owner, stated that this development would greatly expand the <br />park and trail system. He stated that the initial plan proposed 77 acres of land along with the <br />family barns on the property. He stated that if there is not a compromise on lot sizes, many of the <br />community features may be lost. He stated that this land has been slated for development for years <br />and the majority of concern expressed by residents was related to development in general and not <br />the lot sizes. He stated that they have a hard time understanding how this is fair to the landowners. <br />He asked that the Commission consider a compromise that would consider the landowner rights. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson stated that there are developments with 80-foot lots that have sold homes. <br /> <br />demands have changed since that time. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson stated that he does not support the statement that 80 foot lots are not <br />sellable. He stated that he would need to see hard numbers in order to reconsider. <br /> <br />Mr. Packer stated that he is unsure if Excelsior will move forward with 80-foot lots and if that <br />developer backs out, that takes away the option for the landowners. He stated that his family have <br />paid the taxes on the property for 106 years and would like consideration of their rights as <br />landowners. <br /> <br />Commissioner Woestehoff stated that the Commission suggested a compromise which was denied <br />by the City Council. He stated that the Commission provided the opportunity and the Council <br />made a clear decision on requiring 80-foot lots. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson stated that he wants to be respectful to the landowner but also the neighbors <br />that exist in that area. <br /> <br />Commissioner VanScoy stated that he appreciates the comments from the Packers. He stated that <br />from a strategic element, the City is looking to maintain a mix of rural and urban development and <br />the intent is to place the smaller lots closer to The COR and Highway 10 and maintain the larger <br />more rural lots as you move away from that corridor. <br /> <br /> <br />Planning Commission Worksession / July 9, 2020 <br />Page 4 of 6 <br /> <br />