Agenda - Council Work Session - 03/23/2021

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Commissioner Gengler asked if the addition to Central Park would connect to the roadways in the park or only connect through the neighborhood. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that has been discussed. He noted that previously there was a larger need for that type of connection as the park was lacking in parking. He stated that issue has essentially been solved with the parking expansion that occurred and therefore was unsure that a road connection would be critical. He stated that one of the options show a parking lot to the north that would benefit that area but would still not connect. He stated that many of the concepts attempted to avoid the connection as that typically causes additional opposition from the neighbors. Commissioner Gengler stated that she would be open to having townhomes in this area because it is set apart from the other neighborhood but recognized that she may be in the minority. Gary VanScoy, representing the applicant, referenced the concepts provided by the City noting that the church had no input on those sketches. He stated that the church envisions that there would be a strip between the park and church for future development, estimating that as 20 acres. He stated that the residential development would be well buffered by the church, the park, and the mature trees. Acting Chairperson Anderson stated that he would want to hear from the developer. He stated that he would prefer smaller lot single family homes over townhomes in order to be consistent with the overall neighborhood. Commissioner Peters commented that if homes were to be built, they should match the character of the neighborhood to the east and did not think townhomes would match the look of the surrounding neighborhoods and would see a lot of opposition from those residents. Councilmember Musgrove asked if the concepts show new driveways off the existing street. Mr. Bauer stated that when the new church building is constructed there would be access and egress off 161 st, with one closer to the Variolite intersection and the other closer to the street to the south. He noted that those would come into play later in the process noting that the church building and parking lot on the City sketches do not match the desires of the church. He stated that City staff expressed a desire for shared parking and therefore that concept remains for further discussion. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that the attempt of City staff was to create some ideas that could facilitate discussion for the park and whether expansion would be desired. He noted that the residential developer could provide a sketch for review related to residential development. He stated that he does hear some opposition to medium density residential. He stated that input will be solicited from the City Council. He recognized that only three of the active five members of the Commission can provide input on this topic. He noted that additional public comment could be solicited as well. Planning Commission/ February 11, 2021 Page 8of10