Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 02/22/2021

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City Planner Anderson stated that the feedback from that meeting focused on the connection to Bowers Drive, as those residents were very opposed to that idea. He noted that there was additional discussion related to tree preservation as the Bowers Drive residents support the seven-acre dedication of trees. He also identified a 50-foot strip of land that was dedicated to the City as part of the Pearson Place project to provide additional buffering. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that there have been multiple public engagement sessions in different formats related to the land use and there is support for the project as presented with the combination of lot sizes and preservation of trees. He confirmed that there is strong opposition from the adjacent property owners related to the Bowers Drive connection and noted that the Council will discuss that at its meeting the following night. Acting Chairperson Hiatt commented that he recalls the statement being made that the second access would be provided to improve safety and was unsure why the residents would be opposed to that. He asked if staff believes that this would be the best option to preserve trees. City Planner Anderson agreed that Capstone has done a service to the community to set aside this contiguous seven acres of trees. He recognized that Capstone is giving up land that could have been turned into additional housing units. He believed that this would be beneficial to the project and overall community. Motion by Board Member Covart and seconded by Board Member Little to recommend approval of the project as presented. Further discussion: Board Member Moore asked if the recommended action would include additional trees on three rear lots. City Planner Anderson commented that he is not recommending dense plantings but believes that those lots would benefit from some trees for buffering. Motion by Board Member Moore and seconded by Board Member Fetterley to amend the motion to request the developer consider additional plantings on the three northeastern back lots. Further discussion: Board Member Little asked if that is the southeast corner. Acting Chairperson Hiatt agreed that would be the southeast corner. City Planner Anderson confirmed that those would be the lots in the southeast corner. Board Member Moore confirmed that was her intent. The amendment was corrected to state: Motion by Board Member Moore and seconded by Board Member Fetterley to amend the motion to request the developer consider additional plantings on the three southeastern back lots. A roll call vote was performed: Board Member Fetterley aye Board Member Little aye Board Member Covart aye Board Member Bernard aye Board Member Moore aye Acting Chairperson Hiatt aye Environmental Policy Board / January 25, 2021 Page 3 of 9