Minutes - Council - 05/30/2002 - Thomaswood Neighborhood Meeting

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4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) interacting communities from the curb to their front yard. If they were only trying to test the market the developer would not be confident with the project. There have been other similar developments throughout the metro area that are very successful. He explained that people demanding higher amenities, and higher qualities, without the maintenance. Residents questioned if the association would maintain the homes along the existing neighborhood and would people own the structure, the pad under the footings, or what. Mr. Feges explained that their recent discussions have been that the homeowners would own the homes and any green area would be considered common area for the development. The association will maintain all of the homes within the development. He also explained that the community would be predisposed as to what house goes on what lot so they can achieve a certain streetscape. There will probably be four or five house styles to choose from. They do not anticipate having basements in any of the units. It was questioned if the grade of the property will be left in its current state. Mr. Feges replied that the character of the property would be maintained. The layout of the development will change as the process continues, but the green space will be kept as well as the trees. Residents questioned if there was anything planned for a buffer along the existing homes. Mr. Feges explained that they are planning on leaving the trees that currently exist as well as adding some screening. He noted that the developer is very committed to landscaping the site. Residents questioned as to what rules the association operate under and what clout does the association have. Mr. Feges explained that the association would have the ability to place a lien against a property if something needs to be done because someone did something that was not approved by the association. He stated that there would be 130 people as part of the association and most will have discretionary income. The associations are very well managed and maintained and are run by people who are seasoned professionals. They all want to protect the equity in their homes. Residents questioned what the setbacks on the property would be. Mr. Feges explained that along the existing homes the lot sizes would be 60 x 100. There will be screening between the two developments and the trees will be left. In the areas where there are no trees those issues will have to be addressed, which will happen as the process moves forward. Mr. Feges stated that Mr. Berstad is convinced that the community will embrace the development, but it is a very expensive process to fight a battle so if they can get to a point where it seems that the neighborhood might be in favor of such a development then they will continue on with the process. Residents inquired if they would be able to see the final draft of the development before it is built. Mr. Feges replied absolutely. He stated that having more than one pair of eyes reviewing a plan is a benefit and they want the input of the community. If there is a reason something can't work they will be honest with the residents. There are a lot of scrub pine trees that have a 40 to 50 year life expectancy and probably are 40 years old. Will those trees be left only to have them all dead in five years? Mr. Feges replied that they will automatically relocate any trees over 3-inch in diameter and do a mitigation plan for other trees that might be old and would be better to be replaced. It was questioned as to what other types of developments were considered for the property. Mr. Feges explained that they did a conformance type of layout for the property and financially it did not work. He noted that to date the density is not defined, Neighborhood Meeting/May 30, 2002 Page 2 of 4