Agenda - Council - 09/22/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that he is unsure of that townhome project as that predated his time with the City but stated that multiple other projects required noise studies, providing those examples. Ms. Hunter acknowledged that the turn lane is costly for the developer. She asked that the interest of safety be considered as saving lives should be more important. She agreed that this is an unusual time in terms of traffic, as there is more traffic during usual times and during the school year. She wondered why a four-way stop could not be installed. She believed that would help mitigate the traffic and would allow vehicles to turn, along with aiding in pedestrian safety. She appreciated that the developer was willing to provide the sidewalk connection but noted that pedestrians would still need to cross the road as the sidewalk does not connect to Sunwood. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that the City could complete an intersection control evaluation study but stated that there would be priorities for intersection control. He stated that the ICE study could be completed with the recommendation for the turn lane remaining and the developer and staff could work out which would be better. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl stated that she reached out to Anoka County about the possibility of a four way stop and the County did not view a four way stop or traffic light as an option at that intersection because of spacing. She stated that the County stated that adding a four way stop at that location could actually make traffic worse down the road. City Engineer Westby stated that volumes of traffic and pedestrians, along with site constraints have to be reviewed along with a number of warrants. He stated that with these traffic volumes a four-way stop would not be warranted. He stated that a four-way stop could also create a false sense of security for pedestrians. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl clarified that the trail along Nowthen is in the plan sheets, although she did not present that element tonight. Councilmember Specht stated that he has been contacted by residents about this proposed project. He stated that he would need to see turn lanes, traffic studies and noise studies included in order to support this project. Councilmember Heinrich asked for details on the plan review comments and staff letter mentioned in the staff report recommendation. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill explained that staff provides comments to the developer in multiple sources and provided clarification. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Mayor LeTourneau, to Adopt Resolution #20-114 Approving Preliminary Plat for Hampton Homes with the incorporation of one turn lane. Further discussion: Councilmember Menth asked why only one turn lane is wanted. Councilmember Riley stated that staff suggested only a northbound turn lane. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that the priority of residents is the northbound turn lane. He stated