Laserfiche WebLink
Commissioner VanScoy stated that the City has had a requirement for the townhomes in The COR <br />to have some sort of porch. He asked how many of those homes are currently vacant, as the <br />comment was made that this is not a desire in the market. <br />Senior Planner Anderson stated that he would not have that figure. <br />Deputy City Administrator/Community Development Director Hagen commented that the <br />townhomes are individually owned and are not rental units. He stated that the vacancy rate of the <br />apartments is very low and therefore would suspect that the homes are well occupied. <br />Commissioner VanScoy commented that he has not noticed for sale signs for lengths of time. He <br />stated that since The COR was initiated, the intent was to have a certain basic view of how things <br />would be to encourage variety but also consistency. He stated that this townhome model does not <br />appear to fit in with what exists in The COR. He stated that this would be a significant difference <br />in architectural quality. <br />Commissioner Walker stated that he is hearing that the City was trying to dictate how some of this <br />is developed to encourage people to have a sense of community and want to talk to each other. He <br />stated that he struggles with making people want to be a part of a community. He noted that people <br />will do what they want to do, whether that is socializing or keeping to themselves. He believed <br />that variety is good and would drive competition. He stated that if these homes are on the market <br />and the existing homes are on the market, it will be clear which homes people prefer. He stated <br />that the risk would be of the developer, not the City and therefore he does not see a problem with <br />what is proposed. <br />Commissioner VanScoy acknowledged differences in taste. He noted that they are not forcing <br />people to communicate and gather but encouraging that and making it easier. <br />Commissioner Walker commented that if people want to engage with others, they will do so <br />regardless of how their home is designed. <br />Chairperson Bauer stated that there was a change to allow 55 foot lots in the City, which some <br />people did not think was a good idea but noted that those lots are selling as fast as they go up. He <br />acknowledged that people have different taste and preference for their home and what they want. <br />He agreed that this is the developer's money and risk and they would not build something they do <br />not believe would sell. He agreed that variety is needed. <br />Commissioner Gengler commented that The COR was created with the idea of being a planned <br />development and design aesthetic in mind She commented that it is a more urban residential <br />environment with doorways facing towards the sidewalks. She believed that the patio space still <br />achieves the overall intent. <br />Mr. Palmby thanked the Commission for its input. <br />