Minutes - Planning Commission - 06/04/2020

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should be addressed, noting that if the Commission believes that the City should cost share a portion of the improvement that recommendation could be made. Chairperson Bauer stated that he previously lived north of the intersection and even at that time, two years ago, there was an issue with the turning traffic at that intersection and vehicles bypassing on the shoulder. He stated that this is a problem that has existed for years and therefore while he believes that this improvement is needed, he does not believe that this is the responsibility of the developer. Citizen Input Craig Jochum, representing the applicant, stated that they appreciate the residents and the City's concern with the intersection and turn lanes. He stated that while he does not disagree that the area would benefit from turn lanes, it would not be fair to place that improvement on this project which is four developable acres and would cause the project to be cost prohibitive. He stated that the developer would be willing to pay their share for the improvement, but it would not be fair to place the entire cost upon this development. Commissioner VanScoy asked the percentage the developer would feel comfortable contributing to the improvement. Mr. Jochum stated that he had not completed the calculations but suggested perhaps 20 percent, noting that this parcel would be about 10 percent of the area using the turn lane and 20 percent of the traffic. Chairperson Bauer asked if staff is aware of the cost to make the improvement. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that cost is not yet known. He stated that the Commission could state that they would support the turn lane improvement with the developer paying their pro rata share. Alena Hunter, 14628 Helium Street NW, stated that the City really does need to look at Nowthen Boulevard and the turn lanes. She stated that she fears that this would get to the situation where the City refuses to fund a portion of the improvement as a cost-share which would push the project years down the line. She commented that intersection is a dangerous area and adding additional homes and traffic in that area will only increase the problem further as that would be the only way into the neighborhood. She stated that the turn lanes are needed but recognized that it will be a matter of who pays for the improvement. She hoped that the City and developer could come to an agreement and would like to see the improvement installed as a part of the project. She thanked the developer for incorporating suggestions that were made with the landscaping and buffering. Chad Lindgren, 5561 145th Circle NW, stated that the developer has listened to the concerns and worked hard to incorporate the suggestions. He stated that the turn lane is essential, whether it was caused by existing traffic or this project,this is an opportunity to complete the improvement. Planning Commission/June 4, 2020 Page 5 of 18