Agenda - Planning Commission - 08/26/2021

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plan if there is a second access. He stated that he does not mind the mix of density as long as transitioning is provided but is against the long cul-de-sac. Mr. Jablonski stated that this property is challenging because of its shape. He stated that they have communicated with the neighbor but first attempted to work with just the subject property and are not aware of what may or may not come from discussions with other property owners. He noted that they also want to be cautious about forcing additional traffic through a rural area. He stated that there are no roads that align on the other side of Armstrong because of the fire station and therefore it would be a challenge to provide an in and out access without acquiring more property. Commissioner VanScoy stated that ideally it would be nice if the City could work with the applicant on this as the ideal situation would be to have access through the City property. He asked if there has been conversation about that concept. City Planner Anderson stated that staff will be meeting to determine whether that would be viable. He believed that the existing septic drain field may be in that location, but perhaps the City could connect to municipal services which would eliminate the need for a drain field. Commissioner VanScoy stated that he fully supports that concept. He stated that if the City could support this development, it would be a nice solution. Chairperson Bauer stated that based upon input received in previous discussions, people are generally opposed to bringing additional traffic through existing residential neighborhoods. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that the Public Works Committee recently reviewed a request to repave the fire station parking lot and confirmed that the drain field is located in that area being discussed. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl commented that there was a public workshop on a similar case with attached townhome products in 2018 and the feedback was shared with Lennar prior to developing their design. She highlighted the comment themes received in 2018. Commissioner Dunaway asked the challenges to having a second access on Armstrong. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl commented that Anoka County has to permit additional access points and would likely only permit one access for the property. Commissioner Dunaway commented that a lot of time and energy was spent discussing a nine -lot subdivision with a long cul-de-sac and the property had one access. He stated that he would not be comfortable with this many homes in a development with only one access, as there would be over 100 homes in this development. City Planner Anderson replied that formal response has not yet been received from Anoka County. He stated that staff would attempt to work with the County to say that a viable second point of access is needed because of the concerns of staff and the Commission. He recognized that it would be difficult to match the roads on the other side of Armstrong.