Agenda - Planning Commission - 12/01/2005

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Commissioner Johnson indicated that the thing they wanted to put in play, and they have tO defer i:o the Park Commission on this a little, is that they are willing to put the park in that area to help with the density transition. He stated that will take some reconfigur/ng of the plan to achieve that, but if the Park Commission feels strongly about putting a corner park next to another corner park, separated by a street, it makes no sense to him and he would want to know details about what they have planned to develop that park. Commissioner Johnson indicated his thought would be that if the park was over on the other side it would provide a relief park and a buffer as they have discussed. Civil Engineer II, Leonard Linton stated that the thought with the parl~ is that it would be part.of a larger park for the City to use. He indicated this has been on the Parks Plan for years, but they do need to go back and look at it with the Parks Commission, and he believes they will feel that the four acres will be inadequate for the volume of people. Chairperson Nixt indicated he appreciates that insight, but the issue is-density and buffering for that area. He stated there are a variety of options, .and moving the park is one that seems most obvious. .Jason Wadell, Director of Land Development, stated there are a lot of emphasis being put on the smaller lots. He indicated that even if they were to look at standard lot size for single-family lots for that area it would only result in a decrease of one 10t. Chairperson Nixt stated the point is well taken. He indicated there is the lot.size, and then the density buffer transition, and they need some flexibility on both issues. He added that .he is also not deaf to the local residents. He stated he would like to find a compromise your objectives to markc't the sight and their objective to maintain a peaceful and quiet neighborhood. Mr. Wadell stated that when it goes to the Park Board he would like to hear their objectives on what they would like on the site. ' Coramissioner Johnson indicated that from his point of view he is less concerned with the lot size. He stated he thinks it works in this area, but it is the density transition that is the concern. Chairperson Nixt stated that he feels strongly that he would like to see compliance in that area considering the lot sizes but it may not be possible. He indicated he wanted to talk about how Ihey will tie this development into future developments, because he thinks that is missing: Commissioner Brauer stated that if this is supposed to be new urban that goes against what you would think it could be. He indicated if you connected the commercial with the residential you could achieve a whole neighborhood. Mis. Goodroad indicated that they can still achieve that through connections and parkways without having the road go right through the center. Mr. Wadell stated that he thinks the street Planning Commission/October 6, 2005 Page 23 of 30 P23